CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — 18 July 2025 — After years of anticipation, Puso Village has opened its doors beside the historic Carbon Market, officially launching its soft opening this July 17–18 under the theme “Ang Pagdiwata sa Puso Village.” The event celebrated Cebu’s beloved “puso,” the iconic hanging rice pouches that symbolize both culinary delight and cultural heritage
A Culinary and Cultural Revival
Conceived as part of Megawide Construction Corp’s ambitious Carbon Market Modernization Project, Puso Village is a cultural and culinary hub operated by Cebu2World Development Inc. (C2W), a Megawide subsidiary. The site is strategically located beside the historic Compañía Marítima, across from Senior Citizens’ Park, and adjacent to Cebu City Hall
At the opening, Jynx Chanjueco, C2W’s Marketing Head, described the village not just as a food court, but as the new tourism heartbeat of the district—where “culture, community and cuisine converge
Overcoming Hurdles
The soft opening came after a three‑year delay triggered by a legal dispute with the Cebu Port Authority over the ownership of the Compania Maritima lot. Legal clearance was finally obtained in mid‑July when C2W secured its occupancy permit on July 16, 2025
Facility Highlights
Puso Village blends capacity, convenience, culture, and commerce:
- 700-seating capacity, 486-vehicle parking
- Initial 40–50 stalls, with plans to expand to over 170
- Tourist-support services like port ticketing and local tour partnerships
Food stalls are thoughtfully themed: “Dalan Sinugba” offers grilled favorites, Eskina Inasal or Lechon Avenue features the best lechons in Cebu from Carcar, Talisay and etc., Paugnat sa Tangkugo, highlights classics like Balbacua, Ginabot, Lansiao, and Gikan sa Lawod focuses on seafood. A mezzanine overlooks the Mactan Channel, blending scenic charm with local flavors
Cultural Significance: “Puso” and Heritage
The name and concept are deeply rooted in Cebuano culture. Traditionally, puso serves as more than a meal staple—it’s a ritual symbol. As journals from Cebu demonstrate, puso weaving dates back before the 13th century and features in various agrarian rites, embodying cultural identity and connection with nature
Sustainability & Urban Redevelopment
Sustainability is integrated into Puso Village with a “clean-as-you-go” ethos, reusable utensils, reduced single-use plastics, and future plans for 50 Banaba tree plantings inspired by Japan’s sakura-season ambiance This launch is just one chapter in the broader P8-billion Carbon Market redevelopment, which includes a new public market (set for 2026), a mechanical parking facility, a transport terminal, the restoration of Freedom Park and the Santo Niño Chapel, and adaptive reuse of the Warwick Barracks area
Local Reception & The Way Forward
Councilor Joel Garganera praised Puso Village as the “missing link” in downtown Cebu’s heritage district—vital for bringing evening energy and enriching the tourist experience. Meanwhile, some officials, including Mayor Nestor Archival and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, have called for a review of the joint venture and transparency in vendor fees
Puso Village is now open to the public following its soft launch, with a grand inauguration expected in September 2025
📍 What This Means for Cebu
Puso Village offers a vibrant fusion of heritage, gastronomy, and community—anchoring Cebu’s Carbon District as a modern yet culturally rich destination. With its integration into a larger redevelopment plan, it sets the stage for a rejuvenated urban core that connects the dots between public spaces, history, and tourism.
As Cebu positions itself on both local and global stages, Puso Village stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation—a tasty reminder that culture, like rice in a woven pouch, holds the community together.
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