Sunday, February 11, 2024

Cebu Basak Pardo Casino, Shopping Mall

Aloha Everyone,

We requested for a Lyft from our hotel concierge. Due to a long holiday weekend, he suggested a taxi would be easier to find. We asked for a clean taxi, with working AC and seatbelts. After verifying these stipulations, we were on our way to Cebu Basak Pardo.  




Targeting to lure Chinese gamblers from Mainland China, the complex is a very ambitious project of casino, convention center, hotels and shopping mall. Three years ago, COVID hit China and spread across many parts of the world. Work halted and today the shopping malls is mostly empty. It’s an eerie feeling. Few of the restaurants were open for business.  








J.J. and I saw tourists staying at our hotel. Cafe Laguna, specializing in Filipino cuisine, was very popular. Others had few customers.




On our return trip, the taxi driver was outgoing and friendly. When he found out that we plan to do some local touring, he was ready to offer his expertise. The problem is that his taxi wasn’t air conditioned, no seat belts and old. At least he tried. Learning that we will be going to Moalboal with a hired car and a driver, he wished us a safe trip.

Aloha -- Cathi