After several delays over the years, Puso Village is set to open soon.
The long-awaited Puso Village is finally opening in 2025!
Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia announced that the city government is planning on opening the proposed food park before the start of the Sinulog Festival next year.
Inspired by the diamond-shaped rice that originated from Cebu, Puso Village gathers dozens of food stalls serving different cuisines showcasing the city’s vast food industry.
It is a joint project between the Cebu City government and the Megawide Construction Corporation in line with the ongoing improvements to the Carbon Market.
The main goal of Puso Village is to expand the public market to higher income customers and international tourists.
The developers clarified that this will not compete with the public market, which offers more of a local vibe for visitors looking to buy dry and wet goods.
It is located right next to the Compañía Maritima building, with a view of the Mactan Channel and the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). It is also accessible through Senior Citizens Park.
Initially slated to open in late 2022, it was delayed because of feuds between the city government and the owners of the Compañía Maritima, the Cebu Port Authority (CPA).
Fortunately, the CPA, Megawide, and the new administration under Garcia reached a compromise agreement, allowing the structure’s completion, but with a few key additions.
The agreement added that Megawide must improve the vicinity of the Compañía Maritima, adding ribbon lighting and more parking spaces.
Aside from this, the agreement will convert the food park into a night market and establish al fresco cafes and restaurants inside the Compañía Maritima.
These improvements will hopefully aid in Cebu City’s tourism sector and economic growth.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT PUSO VILLAGE
According to an article about its supposed opening in 2022, Puso Village will have an astounding 334 tenants, with around 138 reserved for food and drink. (2022)
These will be divided into seven different stations, which include beverages, sutukil, desserts, and more.
For retail outlets, the market will have several ready-to-wear (RTW) vendors, home decorations, toys and gifts, exported goods, and a local artists’ alley.
The venue will be completely open air, with a mezzanine for guests to enjoy the view of the Mactan Channel.
Among the stalls confirmed, Dubby’s Ultimate Burgers has mentioned in the past that a kiosk will be present at the venue. This local burger joint is known for their delectable smashburgers prepared and served by persons-with-disabilities (PWDs).
Renowned Cebuano fashion designer Cary Santiago, who has designed clothes for celebrities and beauty queens, has also agreed to set up shop inside Puso Village.
The night market previewed a few of its stalls in December 2022, showcasing some of the park’s possible tenants. These include Filipino concessionnaire staples such as Potato Corner, Zagu, and Leylam Shawarma.
They also had a kiosk for Tsoko, a local beverage bar serving specialty chocolate drinks. The local brand grew an audience through social media, even setting up a shop at The Barracks.
Starting December 14th, 2024, a night market will be held in front of the structure every weekend from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM. This will be fully operational for the entirety of January 11th to 19th to coincide with the Sinulog Festival.
OTHER PROJECTS OF THE CARBON MODERNIZATION
The Carbon Tourism Zone that Puso Village is part of consists of notable Cebuano landmarks that have been elevated and improved with better structures and services.
The main project is the modernized Carbon Market, providing a better infrastructure for its vendors. The project also includes the Sunday Market–a weekly food park located behind the proposed interim building.
Other projects include improvements to the Senior Citizens Park, which now has a chapel with a large Sto. Niño Statue.
Freedom Park has also been improved by bringing back its old look, featuring the obelisk in the center. The Barracks has seen some improvements as well so it’s a more modern food park.
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The Carbon Market modernization is one of the most anticipated projects to look forward to in Cebu City. Of all its other projects, Puso Village may have had the rockiest journey to completion.
After several delays, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Will this new public market live up to the hype? We’re going to have to wait for the main structure to finally open to find out!
