For those visiting Cebu, I have a tip: Go to ‘Tops’ in Busay Hills, Lahug to cool off from the heat and humidity while enjoying the beautiful views of Cebu City 2,000 feet above sea level. Afterwards, for a real evening treat, dine at La Tegola Cucina Italian restaurant nearby.
You would need a good car though to climb up to Tops, especially on the last leg of the journey before reaching Tops, the road can get really steep, like a 45-degree incline. My brother has a 4-wheel drive car so that was not a problem. It is about half an hour drive from the city.
Now ‘Tops’ is like a mini garden round park, seated on top of the mountains 2,000 feet above sea level. It commands grand views down to the city of Cebu. It is quite lovely up there during sunset, that is why many lovers spend their time here to savour the romantic ambience while cuddling each other. The views are of course magnificent, the surroundings very green, however, it can get a bit chilly in the evenings and sometimes during rainy days. I love the little park’s ground, it is shaped and designed like a football in hexagon tile squares outlined with grass.
Strangely, Tops reminds me of my younger years—well I have been here when I was younger, but during my elementary and high school days, I went to a private Catholic girl’s school and we always have this yearly retreat seminar in the mountains. The visit last October brought some kind of deja vu’s of these retreat seminars. I guess getting old gets me the deja vu’s.
Just below Tops is the Italian restaurant, La Tegola Cucina Italian that offers real Italian cuisine and beautiful mountain views as well. The restaurant is owned by a real Italian from Italy, says the girl who waited on us (service was nothing to rave about but I come from Europe where service is almost nonexistent so I am not complaining) and I can indeed tell, at least with their antipasti, that they are serving real Italian stuff. Well, my pasta vongole was lovely! My brother and sister in law had a different type of saucy-creamy pasta (I am not really into these) and they were not that enthusiastic about it. The Dutchman could not care less about his pizza — the Dutchman eats to survive haha.
At any rate, the food I had was excellent, it was an enjoyable experience, I shall give a rating of 4.5 out of 5! Molto buona =)
Check out more fotos below:
Tops in Busay Hills, Lahug. It was bad weather when we were there. My camera ran out of battery so I am using my Nokia Mini’s camera here. Entrance Fee: Php 100 per person and I believe it is open 24-hours. There is ample parking outside.
La Tegola Restaurant serving genuine Italian fare in Busay Hills, Lahug, Cebu, and that is my cute, smart and spoiled little and only nephew from my family’s side.
Travel Period: October 2010