The Cebu City Sports Complex is a popular go-to place among joggers and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Workouts are essential for many people. As they say, health is wealth.
Some can’t afford a high-end fitness center with all the necessary gear to bulk up or slim down, however. Fortunately, there are a couple of budget friendly options for thrifty fitness gurus in the Queen City of the South.
The Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), also known as the Cebu City Sports Complex or Abellana Sports Complex, is a perfect spot for an intense or relaxing workout. Its affordable price and familiar location are the best reasons to go to this sports center, and it has also hosted many events in the past.
Aside from hosting many Filipino sports events, the CCSC is ideal for a good workout.
FAMOUS EVENTS
One of the biggest festivals in the Philippines, the famous Sinulog, takes place here. As you can expect, it can get really busy and crowded since this is where the Grand Showdown of the festival occurs.
The street dancing competition is very cutthroat. The breathtaking performances of this iconic festival dance in the Philippines are on full display during the finale. You won’t miss a thing, either, since every one of the floats, giants, performers, and celebrities will be sure to drop by at the CCSC.
Many Filipino sports events also use the center as their venue. The Milo Olympics, Cebu City Olympics, and CESAFI tournaments are held in the complex annually. The Philippine National Football Team has even played against the Singapore National team in the huge football field.
ACTIVITIES AT THE FITNESS CENTER
A fitness center wouldn’t be complete without an open space for one to jog in.
Among its facilities, the oval is a jogger’s haven. This 8 lane 400 meter racetrack is a popular go-to spot. The inner lanes are shorter and meant for casual joggers and senior citizens, while the outer lanes are for sprinters and experienced athletes.
Only a few have perfected swimming, but this is a skill you can learn inside the center as well. The two swimming pools available at the center are made for both beginners and veterans. One is shallow and pretty fun for the kids, while the other is a massive Olympic style pool where you can work on your speed.
You can even learn to defend yourself since they teach martial arts, like Taekwondo, Karate, Jiu Jitsu, and the Philippines national sport, Arnis. You can practice your jabs, crosses, and hooks at their boxing gym, complete with gear such as gloves and punching bags.
Working out can be a lonely hobby, though. You can bring a friend and practice some sports together or a few basic exercise routines. Among the sports you can practice at the center are badminton, volleyball, and basketball. They even have a dance studio for those who prefer dancing as their form of workout.
Entrance Fee:
₱15
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 5AM to 8PM
- Sunday – 5AM to 12NN
Note: As of May 2021, only the oval is open to the public. Other areas will slowly open in the upcoming months.
HOW TO GET THERE:
The CCSC is located at Osmeña Boulevard, one of the busiest areas in the city. It’s only a few minutes away from Colon Street, and it’s close to another famous jogging venue, the Fuente Osmeña Circle.
Your first landmark will be Abellana National High School or the City Central Elementary School. Stroll along the sidewalk until you reach Police Station 2. Turn left and walk straight until you reach the end.
For public utility jeepneys, make sure to check if Jones Avenue is on the signage. The safest drop-off point is the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, but you will have to cross the street using the skywalk.
This is a very familiar spot for most taxi drivers, and you can simply say you would like to go to Abellana. It isn’t that far, so depending on where you are in the city, you won’t have to pay much for your fare. In fact, you might pay less than ₱100 if you stay in a hotel in Fuente, depending on the traffic.
Who really needs a gym subscription when you can always go to a cheap fitness center like Abellana?
Not only is it one of the most famous Cebu event venues, but it’s also the perfect place to break a sweat. Accessibility and popularity definitely help, but it’s the very affordable entrance fee that makes it a go-to spot for joggers and health enthusiasts alike. If you are a fitness guru living in Cebu, visiting this iconic sports center is a must.
