Isn't it an ecstatic feeling to be on top of the world?
Although this thrilling sensation can be applied to different scenarios such as success, triumph, or probably winning the lottery, I’m literally referring to breathtaking environments that actually ignite the human spark. And this couldn't be more relevant to what I'm about to share here.
Cebu City, the Philippine’s oldest metropolis, is also a rapidly emerging urban center. And with her continuous progress and development comes the infrastructural advantage of hosting soaring buildings, evergreen parks, and other modern perks of an advancing society.
I had the awesome privilege of personally witnessing her economic rise after all these years, most importantly her architectural and environmental grandeur from one of Cebu City’s elevated points. Our featured skyscraper for today is known as the Grand Residences, one of the city’s tallest landmarks. Apart from a massive pool at the ground floor and other impeccable public amenities, this twin-tower complex consisted of high-rise condominiums that doubled as hotel rooms (condotels), basically combining residential and hospitality business functions under one roof. Despite the tragic fire that almost incinerated the left tower during the later part of 2023, it fortunately survived and managed to remain standing regardless of all the odds. Thank goodness!
My unforgettable experience happened at the roof deck of the right tower. Its topmost level incorporated a posh restaurant and a spacious open-air lounge where guests could experience spectacular vistas of the metropolitan surroundings. And oh boy was I extremely thrilled to be there!
Look at those priceless views! Don’t they take your breath away? If you’re not terrified of staggering heights, this elevated platform was the perfect spot to shout “I’m on top of the world”! I tried yelling to the clouds, assured that no one was watching me, haha. I guess everyone was really busy with their hectic lives, right?
Moreover, I was simply delighted that I didn't forget to bring my digital camera, smartphone, and handy monocular to take advantage of the location’s stunning panoramas. You wouldn't want to miss the opportunity of capturing the locality’s historic skyline, would you?
From an ancient habitat with modest roots into the super metropolis we know today, it was clearly obvious that Cebu City has eventually evolved into a thriving world-class destination, rivaling other international places with her outstanding accomplishment.
But wait, there’s more…
Unexpectedly, I also had the wonderful privilege of returning to this elevated haven at night. And wow, was I in for a delicious treat! Stepping on the outdoor lounge, I immediately welcomed the romantic atmosphere that engulfed my being, inviting me to linger there for the rest of the evening. Would you feel the same way?
Pause, take a deep breath, immerse in the ambiance, and just feast your eyes on those magnificent night shots! Aren’t they truly astonishing? I stood at the safe edge of the roof deck as I gazed further into the infinite vastness of the city’s dark horizon and the dramatic metropolis it embraced. It was certainly an enchanting activity worthy of my time and effort traveling there. Aren’t you impressed yet?
Cebu City’s evening skyline had a different vibe as opposed to the daytime spectacle. And although both experiences were incredibly marvelous in their respective ways, the tremendous chance to be physically present there - to deeply savor this visual extravaganza - mattered the most. At least for me, it did.
Which bird’s-eye view of a metropolitan skyline would you prefer: day or night? What other elevated platforms of Cebu City would you suggest exploring? Are you fond of adventurous experiences like this one?
I look forward to your interesting remarks.
Meet the Author
Architect | Environmentalist | Adventurer
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Wow! What a spectacular view, being at the heights allows a better view of the surroundings, I love the night view, the lights and the color of the sky create a beautiful spectacle. 😊🤗
Greetings and blessings @storiesoferne!
Indeed, I definitely agree with you @belkyscabrera. Bird's-eye perspectives of scenic environments offer the best visual experiences. Personally, both daytime and nighttime vistas have their own advantages. I'd choose day views when the appreciation of crispier and clearer details are concerned, and night views when romantic dates are preferred, lol. 😂 It just depends on one's mood, right?
Thanks for engaging and have an enjoyable time! ☺️
Ha, ha it is true from the heights you can better appreciate the landscape and many details, even those that we do not imagine exist, ah yes when it comes to romantic dates, the night view is perfect, the starry sky and the moon create a perfect atmosphere and romantic 😂.
Alright no problem - the night views are the sure winners for now, haha. Their romantic experiences are simply irresistible. 😂
Hiya, @lauramica here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Travel Digest #2441.
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Much appreciated @lauramica @worldmappin. All the best! ☺️
You are very welcome @storiesoferne! it was well deserved. ☀️
Keep up the great work 💪
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