Every Sunday morning at Cebu Business Park, something special unfolds. The hum of conversation mixes with the strum of lively music, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifts through the air, and a sense of togetherness fills the space. This is the Cebu Sunday Market, a weekly gathering that has quickly become a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike.
The idea began with NotJustFriends, a Cebu-based health and wellness startup led by co-founder Macauly Lofgren, who envisioned a community space where people could slow down, connect, and celebrate mindful living. “We wanted to create something that brings people together over good food, fresh produce, and shared experiences,” Mac says. “It’s really about supporting local businesses and appreciating the city we live in.”
The Cebu Sunday Market was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to make Sundays meaningful. Mac and his team wanted to bring people together, not just to shop or eat but to experience connection. “We wanted the market to become a Sunday tradition,” he explains. “A place where people could gather, relax, and enjoy everything Cebu has to offer.”
The Perfect Home for a Sunday Tradition
Choosing Cebu Business Park wasn’t accidental. With its open spaces, accessibility, and recent push for car-free Sundays, it perfectly captures the market’s goal of merging urban energy with a laid-back vibe. “It’s right in the heart of the city but still feels like an escape,” Mac shares. “We wanted a place that’s easy for everyone to visit and where families, friends, and even tourists could gather comfortably.”
In just a few weeks (well, Sundays), the Cebu Sunday Market has already grown both in size and spirit. From a small circle of vendors, it’s turned into a weekend scene—farmers, artisans, food makers, and curious crowds all finding their rhythm at the market. “We’ve seen a shift not just in the number of people coming but in the kind of energy they bring,” Mac reflects. “It’s heartwarming to see regulars who’ve made this part of their routine and new faces who stumble upon us and fall in love with the experience.”
Keeping It Fresh
The market is known for its carefully curated vendors, from fresh farm produce to homemade pastries, handcrafted goods, and wellness workshops. Each stall tells a story of passion and purpose. “We try to make sure there’s something for everyone,” Mac says. “You can grab your weekly groceries, discover new local brands, or just hang out and enjoy good food with friends.”
Part of what makes the Cebu Sunday Market special is its constant evolution. Each week brings something new—different workshops, live performances, and collaborations that keep the atmosphere exciting. “We want it to feel new every time,” Mac explains. “Whether it’s a yoga session under the trees, live music, or a salsa dance by the park, there’s always something happening.”
Stories that Stay, Challenges Behind the Scenes
One of the most heartwarming sights at the market is seeing families and friends gathered around tables, sharing food and stories as the day unfolds. Parents sipping coffee while their kids run around, friends catching up over brunch, couples strolling hand in hand through the stalls. It’s these simple, unhurried moments that capture what the Cebu Sunday Market is truly about. “It’s a space for connection,” Mac says with a smile. “A reminder that Sundays are meant for slowing down, being present, and enjoying the little things.”
Of course, running a weekly pop-up market isn’t always easy. From unpredictable weather to the logistics of setting up and keeping everything consistent, the challenges can be plenty. Yet for the team behind Cebu Sunday Market, every effort is worth it. Each Sunday brings a renewed sense of purpose as they see people show up rain or shine, filling the space with warmth, laughter, and that familiar Sunday ease the market has come to be known for.
Supporting Local, Building Cebu
At its heart, Cebu Sunday Market is about uplifting the local community. It’s a place where small business owners can share their passions, where farmers and homegrown brands meet the people they serve. Every purchase here goes beyond just a transaction. It supports a dream, a livelihood, and a family. By choosing local, the market reminds Cebuanos that we all have a hand in helping each other grow.
As for what’s next, the team behind Cebu Sunday Market is dreaming even bigger. “We’d love to see this whole stretch of Mindanao Avenue filled with more vendors, more farmers, and more experiences,” Mac says. “If one day this becomes a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists, that would be the dream.”
For now, the dream continues to grow one Sunday at a time. So if you’re looking for something new to do this weekend, drop by Cebu Sunday Market from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mindanao Avenue, Cebu Business Park.
Come for the food. Stay for the community. And experience what it means to truly slow down and live in the moment.
Follow @cebusundaymarket on Instagram and Facebook for updates and events.
Photography Kyrra Kho
