Tucked in the bustling area of Kasambagan, Cebu City, you’ll find a charming, lively, and eclectic neighborhood. Villa Aurora is an emerging hotspot that’s known for its unique blend of dining, entertainment, relaxation, and shopping options. With a mix of local culture, modern convenience, and specialty stores, Villa Aurora offers a special experience for residents and visitors.
Abaseria Deli & Cafe
Stepping into Abaseria Deli & Cafe indulges the senses with the loveliest local selections, from artisanal pieces to unique handmade souvenirs, even photographs and memorabilia of old Cebu. Patrons are greeted not only by the aroma of simmering dishes but also by a cozy ambiance that feels like an extension of home.
The menu, carefully designed by Lalay herself, reflects her tastes and a deep-rooted appreciation for Filipino flavors. From comforting classics to treasured family cuisine, every dish tells a story of local ingredients and heirloom recipes passed down with love.
READ MORE: Always A Taste of Home at Abaseria Deli & Cafe by Steph Galeos
Tony’s Pizza
For the love of all things New York and pizza, the couple draws most of its inspiration from the vibrant energy of the city’s streets and the diverse flavors in every corner pizzeria, saying it was “a marriage of two things that we have always loved since we were young”.
And true to their words, the pizza parlor’s interiors are surrounded by just that. Adding to its charm are little bits and pieces of elements subtly nodding to pizza and New York culture.
READ MORE: What Real New York Pizza Tastes Like, And Where You Can Get It by Bianca Lim
Prutasan ni Adan
Fruits like strawberries and avocados are refreshing additions to smoothies, toast, or any meal especially if you’re aspiring for a healthier lifestyle. However, it can be difficult to source them at an affordable price or peak freshness. Prutasan ni Adan makes fresh premium fruits more accessible to the average Cebuano.
READ MORE: Prutasan ni Adan Makes Healthy Eating a Breeze for Cebuanos by Rya de Guzman
Badfish Dive Gear
Badfish Dive Gear founders Bang Gumalo and Artie Enriquez found that it was difficult and expensive to find freediving gear in Cebu. As one of the pioneers of freediving in the city, they decided to open a local shop that provides quality gear at affordable prices. When thinking of a name for the shop, Badfish by Sublime started to play, and it fit. “It seemed perfect since we were considered the rebels of dive gear retail before as we were offering better quality products at cheaper rates than the market,” Bang Gumalo shares.
READ MORE: Dive Deeper: Your Ultimate Guide to Diving Gear Essentials by Kyrra Kho
The Fab Lab Lifestyle
Part of what makes Fab Lab such a success is the quality of the services they offer. Not only do the lashes look natural, but they also feel lightweight and last longer with the right care. In fact, one of the reasons they can’t expand too quickly is Jane’s strict standards when it comes to training the staff. “I want to make sure that we always have the best people,” she says.
Their services, of course, are not just limited to lashes. Their French Fade Gel Manicure is one of my staples because the slow ombre means they last longer than your average polish. Now that I’m pregnant, though, I prefer the Regular Manicure—though they’re definitely still luxe. Fab Lab only uses Chanel Nail Polish to make sure even the most basic services get a little something extra.
READ MORE: The Best Mother’s Day Stops in Cebu, from a First-time Mom-to-be by Shari Quimbo-Ybañez
Tightrope Coffee
As it is their essence, as much thought and consideration went into their lineup of coffees as with atmospherics. Featuring a curated selection from the Danish brand, La Cabra, they have choices for both the connoisseur and the casual coffee drinker. The Pinoy palate leans towards the sweet, and their Spanish Latte makes the bestseller of their lot. In it, a shot of espresso is added to whole milk and sweetened with condensed milk for a drink that is a tad bit sweeter than a regular latte but not as much as one with flavored syrup.
Their take on the ubiquitous White (Cold) Brew follows with milk from the local Verdant Hills brand of Balaban, Cebu sweetening that deal. A personal choice is the Summer Fizz—essentially an espresso-tonic with the titular twist coming in the bitter-tartness of grapefruit reduction and a dehydrated orange slice. For the caffeine-sensitive, there’s the bright yet mellow and ultimately refreshing Hibiscus Cold Brew. These are among many other classics and signatures to enjoy.
READ MORE: How Does Tightrope Coffee Elevate Cebu’s Coffee Scene? By Michael Karlo Lim
