In the center of one of the busiest areas in Cebu lies Barangay Guadalupe’s peaceful haven hidden from view.
In contrast to the bustling city outside, Ayo Ayo, a cafe, hostel, sauna, and wellness studio all in one, provides a zen retreat. The restaurant takes its name from the Cebuano word ‘Ayo-ayo’, said co-owner Tomohiko Terada.
Ayo Ayo was originally a backpackers’ inn and cafe. From the beginning, it was an accommodation for travelers from all over the world, as well as a place where you could eat home-cooked Japanese food.
“Back then, there were no Japanese dining restaurants in Cebu serving daily meals you can eat at home,” shared Tomohiko.
“Ayo Ayo reflects the meaning of greeting, caring, and goodwill. The meaning of Ayo Ayo matched my view of the world after receiving advice from a friend in the Visayas,” he explained.
Be Ayo Ayo
Ayo Ayo features a sauna facility designed to be a serene haven away from the craziness of the outside world. Among the facility’s amenities are gender-specific locker rooms, a steam room, and a cold-dip pool.
“Let’s affirm that saunas will improve your lifestyle if you make them a habit. In Finland, there is a saying that goes, ‘Women are most beautiful an hour after leaving the sauna.’ As a first step, sweating in the sauna releases body toxins that promote skin product removal and keeps the skin healthy,” said Alieth, co-owner of Ayo Ayo.
“The sauna will make you feel better and stabilize your mental health. It reduces stress and enhances positive emotions,” she added.
In addition, Ayo Ayo offers yoga classes, Muay Thai classes, and dance lessons in its wellness studio. It is open for activities that promote health and wellness.
Described as open to everyone from all walks of life, Tomohiko and Alieth stated that Ayo Ayo is a venue for attracting all people. It refers to anyone who is willing to abide by these four mantras: Be Ayo Ayo, do more Ayo Ayo, don’t bring negativity, and Kaizen, a Japanese terminology that refers to daily improvement.
“In the process of building the Ayo Ayo community, we gained patrons (people who connect with AyoAyo) who became quite close to us,” said Alieth.
“Our journey with Ayo Ayo included working with different artists and creatives, making beautiful stories, becoming a part of their story, and they becoming part of ours. Despite the cultural differences between Japan and the Philippines, we are able to fuse gracefully due to Ayo Ayo’s beauty and support,” she added.
Kaizen
“Always create continuous improvement based on the idea that small, ongoing positive changes can reap significant improvements. Keep believing in yourself, don’t give up, and embrace the support of others. You also have to remember that your body and mind are shaped by what you eat and put your well-being first and always strive to be as healthy as possible,” Tomohiko shared.
Ayo Ayo Cafe is located at 44 Emilio Osmeña Street, Guadalupe, Cebu City.
Photography Miguel Belen
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