Ayala Malls Central Bloc and Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Cebu IT Park’s Lifestyle Hub

When most people think of Cebu, their minds go straight to crystal-clear beaches, island-hopping adventures, and Spanish-era churches. But beneath the surface of this tropical paradise lies a different kind of energy — one that’s modern, youthful, and distinctly urban.

Welcome to Cebu IT Park, the city’s most dynamic and walkable district. It’s a place where BPO professionals, ESL students, tourists, and locals converge daily — not to swim or surf, but to study, dine, relax, and connect. And at the center of this vibrant ecosystem is Ayala Malls Central Bloc.

Far more than just a mall, Central Bloc is a lifestyle anchor for thousands of people living, learning, and working in Cebu. It’s where you can run errands, study at a café, grab a bite with friends, and even catch a movie — all without leaving the block. For many foreign students, it becomes their second home: part campus, part cafeteria, part comfort zone.

But the experience doesn’t end within its walls.

Just a few steps outside, you’ll find Garden Bloc, a rare green pocket in the middle of the city. With its open-air spaces, fairy-lit walkways, and picnic-friendly lawns, it’s the perfect contrast to the polished interiors of the mall. Whether you’re attending a live music event, having a picnic, or simply getting some fresh air after class, Garden Bloc is where IT Park breathes.

And when the weekend rolls around, the whole district comes alive with the arrival of Sugbo Mercado, Cebu’s largest and most loved night food market. It’s where locals and visitors alike come to eat, socialize, and soak in the Cebuano street culture — all on a student budget.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything that makes Ayala Central Bloc and its surroundings such an essential part of life in Cebu — especially for students, travelers, and young professionals. Whether you’re here for a semester or just a few days, this is the side of Cebu you don’t want to miss.

️ Ayala Malls Central Bloc: The Beating Heart of IT Park

Located right in the center of Cebu IT Park, Ayala Malls Central Bloc isn’t just a shopping destination — it’s the lifestyle core of the entire district. Since its opening in late 2019, the mall has quickly become the go-to place for thousands of young professionals, ESL students, and tourists who want to experience the convenience and comfort of modern Cebu living.

Unlike larger malls scattered across the city, Central Bloc is perfectly tailored to the needs of the IT Park community. It’s compact but complete, stylish but accessible, and always within walking distance of everything you need.

Essentials, Fashion, and Convenience — All Under One Roof

From the basement supermarket to the top-floor cinemas, Ayala Central Bloc is laid out to make life easier for people on the go. You’ll find:

• Metro Supermarket for daily groceries, snacks, and personal care items

• Watsons for pharmacy needs and beauty products

• Miniso for affordable gadgets, organizers, and lifestyle goods

• Banks, ATMs, money changers, and payment kiosks throughout the mall

For fashion lovers, you’ll find both Filipino brands like Bench, Penshoppe, and Regatta, as well as pop-up boutiques and athletic shops. It’s not a high-end fashion mall — it’s a “practical but stylish” mall, just like the people who use it.

️ Food Choices for Every Taste and Budget

One of the strongest reasons people flock to Central Bloc is the food — and there’s something for everyone, no matter the craving or budget.

✨ Dine-in Restaurants

• Chikaan sa Cebu: Local Filipino comfort food with generous portions

• Samgyopurasama: Korean BBQ with unlimited meat sets and all the side dishes

• Okinawa Heat: Japanese street food favorites like karaage and rice bowls

• Sachi Best Ramen: Authentic ramen, okonomiyaki, and donburi with air-conditioned seating

• Pizza Republic: Build-your-own pizza, ideal for sharing with classmates

Quick Meals & Fast Food

• Tokyo Tokyo, Chowking, Jollibee, McDonald’s — perfect for grab-and-go or quick lunch breaks between classes

☕ Cafés for Studying or Meeting

• Starbucks, Bo’s Coffee, and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf are all present in the mall, with strong Wi-Fi, plenty of plugs, and comfortable seating. Many students turn these into their “study hubs,” especially in the late afternoon.

Whether you’re celebrating after an exam or just looking for a quiet space to read, Ayala Central Bloc has a spot for you.

Entertainment & Productivity Spaces

Need a break from studying or work?

• Head to the Central Bloc Cinemas for the latest local and international releases. Theaters here are clean, modern, and often less crowded than larger malls.

• Recharge in the lounge areas near the atrium, where you can sit, stretch, and connect to Wi-Fi.

• Keep an eye out for pop-up events like art displays, wellness booths, or school recruitment fairs — there’s always something new happening.

‍ Why ESL Students Love It

For many international students — especially those studying at 3D ACADEMY or other nearby ESL schools — Central Bloc becomes a daily part of their Cebu routine.

Why?

• It’s only a 5-minute walk from most schools and dorms.

• It’s safe, clean, and well-patrolled by security 24/7.

• Prices are student-friendly, and everything is written in English.

• It offers both independence and comfort — a sense of routine in a foreign land.

Even without knowing much about Cebu, a student can arrive in IT Park and quickly feel at home thanks to Central Bloc.

Garden Bloc: Where City Meets Nature

In the middle of one of the most modern districts in Cebu lies something unexpected: an open green space where you can take a breath, stretch out, and escape the concrete — even if just for a little while. Garden Bloc, located within IT Park, is not your typical city park. It’s a beautifully landscaped, open-air public zone that plays multiple roles: it’s a hangout spot, a dining hub, a study area, and even a weekend event venue.

It’s where the city meets nature — and it’s exactly what makes IT Park feel livable, breathable, and uniquely Cebuano.

A Rare Urban Green Space

Cebu City is known more for its urban sprawl and traffic than for its green areas. That’s why Garden Bloc stands out. With wide lawns, shaded walking paths, and tree-lined picnic zones, it gives locals, expats, and students a much-needed breath of fresh air.

Unlike a traditional park, Garden Bloc isn’t walled off from the city. It’s integrated into the IT Park lifestyle — surrounded by office buildings, cafés, dormitories, and the iconic digital clock tower. You can walk out of Ayala Central Bloc and be on the grass within a minute.

Outdoor Dining at Its Best

Garden Bloc is also home to some of the most popular open-air restaurants and eateries in the city. The atmosphere here is casual, youthful, and often buzzing with energy — especially at night.

Notable Spots:

• The Pyramid: An eye-catching, glass-structured wine-and-dine spot. Try their truffle pasta or Wagyu burger and enjoy the Instagrammable ambiance.

• Chixboy: A go-to place for grilled Filipino favorites like chicken inasal and sizzling sisig — perfect for students on a budget.

• Sushi Boy: Affordable Japanese meals including bento sets and sushi rolls, with al fresco seating that’s perfect for a breezy evening.

• Burrow Lounge: Famous for their unlimited chicken wings — a favorite among groups of friends and dorm mates.

You can sit under the stars, eat lechon belly with bare hands, and hear three languages spoken at the table next to you — it’s that kind of place.

Study, Stroll, or Simply Chill

Many ESL students choose to bring their laptops or notebooks to Garden Bloc and study in the fresh air. Free Wi-Fi is available from nearby cafés, and the environment is relaxed enough to focus — especially during early mornings or late afternoons.

Some popular activities here:

• Spreading out a picnic blanket with friends after class

• Taking an evening walk while listening to music or podcasts

• Reviewing vocabulary flashcards while sipping milk tea

• Journaling or blogging with Cebu’s skyline as your backdrop

You’ll see digital nomads working remotely, couples on casual dates, and groups of students relaxing before dinner.

Events and Weekend Life

Garden Bloc also serves as a community venue. On select evenings, especially weekends, the space comes alive with:

• Live acoustic performances on pop-up stages

• Outdoor film screenings hosted by local groups

• Fitness sessions like Zumba or yoga in the park

• Cultural booths during festivals or holidays

• And of course, the entry point to Sugbo Mercado, which takes over the space every Thursday to Sunday night

There’s always something happening — even if it’s just people watching and enjoying the vibe.

A Place to Unplug and Reconnect

In a world where malls, phones, and screens dominate our time, Garden Bloc is a reminder that sometimes the best way to spend your time is to do nothing at all — outdoors.

You don’t need an itinerary. Just show up, grab a drink, sit down on the grass, and let the rhythm of IT Park life unfold around you. That’s what makes Garden Bloc so special — it doesn’t ask anything of you. It just gives you a place to be.

Sugbo Mercado: The Weekend Food Mecca of Cebu

When the sun goes down on Thursday evening, something magical happens at the heart of Cebu IT Park. The open lawns of Garden Bloc begin to fill with the smell of grilled meats, the sizzle of frying pans, and the chatter of hungry crowds. Lights flicker on, acoustic guitars strum to life, and rows of colorful tents spring up from nowhere. This is Sugbo Mercado — Cebu’s most iconic weekend night market.

More than just a place to eat, Sugbo Mercado is a social gathering, cultural event, and foodie adventure all rolled into one.

When and Where

• Open Thursday to Sunday

• From 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM

• Located at Garden Bloc, IT Park, Cebu City

There’s no entrance fee, no reservations, and no pressure. Just come as you are — hungry, curious, and ready to explore.

A Feast for Every Palate

Sugbo Mercado features 50+ food stalls, ranging from classic Cebuano dishes to trendy international bites. Whether you’re craving something hearty, spicy, sweet, or experimental, this market delivers.

Local Favorites:

• Lechon belly: Crispy skin, juicy pork — a Cebu must-try

• Puso (hanging rice): Perfect with BBQ skewers

• Sisig, chorizo, and silog meals for rice lovers

Global Flavors:

• Japanese: Takoyaki, sushi rolls, ramen bowls

• Korean: Tteokbokki, kimbap, Korean fried chicken

• Thai & Vietnamese: Pad Thai, spring rolls, pho

• Mexican: Tacos, burritos, nachos

• Vegan & healthy options: Buddha bowls, tofu wraps, fruit shakes

For Dessert:

• Halo-halo, mango floats, ube cheesecakes

• Milk tea, matcha lattes, frappes

• Artisanal ice cream, brownies, and more

And most meals fall between ₱100–₱250 — ideal for students on a budget.

Music, Culture & Community

What makes Sugbo Mercado different from a regular food court is its atmosphere. It’s lively but not chaotic. It’s busy, but welcoming. It feels like a neighborhood party, every weekend.

Features often include:

• Live acoustic music

• Local craft vendors selling handmade jewelry, soaps, and art

• Photo booths and lighted backdrops

• Occasional raffles, games, and themed nights

You can come alone and leave with new friends — or bring a whole group and make it your weekly ritual.

A Weekend Tradition for Students

For ESL students living near IT Park, Sugbo Mercado becomes more than just a place to eat — it’s a cultural immersion experience.

• Practice English while ordering from international vendors

• Try food you’ve never tasted before

• Share a table with locals and swap stories

• Capture Instagram-worthy shots for your study abroad blog

• Decompress after a long week of grammar drills and vocabulary lists

Some even use it as a reward system: “If I finish my writing assignment today, I get wings and a mango float tonight.”

Clean, Safe, and Foreign-Friendly

The market maintains high cleanliness standards with:

• Waste segregation bins throughout the area

• Security personnel and well-lit walkways

• Clean toilets and hand-washing stations

• QR code and cashless payment options

You don’t need to worry about hygiene or safety — just focus on enjoying the experience.

Pro Tips for Your Visit

• Come early (around 5:30 PM) to beat the dinner rush and secure seating

• Bring eco-friendly utensils or containers if you plan to take food home

• Wear light clothing — it gets warm with the crowds

• Explore all stalls before deciding — the variety is overwhelming!

Sugbo Mercado isn’t just a market — it’s a celebration of Cebu’s food culture, community spirit, and urban creativity. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, your Cebu experience isn’t complete until you’ve spent a night under the stars here.

Sugbo Mercado IT Park – The Best Night Market for Food Lovers in Cebu (2025 Edition)

Final Thoughts: Why This Lifestyle Triangle Defines the IT Park Experience

Cebu IT Park may have started as a business and tech hub, but over time, it has evolved into something much deeper — a place where people come not just to work or study, but to live, to grow, and to connect. At the center of this transformation lies what we call the IT Park Lifestyle Triangle: Ayala Malls Central Bloc, Garden Bloc, and Sugbo Mercado.

Together, these three spaces form a self-contained world. They reflect the pulse of modern Cebu — efficient, diverse, youthful, and deeply human. If you’re a newcomer to the city, especially as a student or young professional, it’s here that you’ll find your rhythm.

️ Central Bloc: Your Everyday Convenience

Need groceries? A haircut? A study spot with strong Wi-Fi? A restaurant that’s both affordable and legit? Central Bloc has you covered. It’s the practical heart of IT Park, offering comfort, routine, and a bit of fun — all within a few minutes’ walk from your dorm or school. Over time, it starts to feel less like a mall and more like an extension of your own living space.

Garden Bloc: Your Space to Breathe

When the academic pressure builds or the city noise becomes too much, Garden Bloc reminds you to slow down. Whether you’re sharing wings with classmates under fairy lights or doing yoga on the grass at sunrise, it offers the kind of open-air freedom that’s rare in urban Asia. It’s also a social equalizer — CEOs, tourists, students, and street artists all coexist here on equal footing.

Sugbo Mercado: Your Weekend Reward

And then there’s Sugbo Mercado — the soul of the weekend. The smells, the lights, the music, the laughter. It’s a place that reminds you why you came to Cebu in the first place: for new experiences, for flavors you’ve never tasted, for stories you’ll be telling long after you leave. For many, it’s not just a food market. It’s a memory machine.

More Than Just a District

What makes this lifestyle triangle truly special isn’t just the individual destinations — it’s how they seamlessly blend into one another. You could spend an entire day within this area and go from productivity to relaxation to celebration without ever needing a ride.

• Study at Starbucks in the morning

• Grab lunch at Samgyopurasama

• Take a walk and chill at Garden Bloc

• Meet friends at Sugbo Mercado for dinner and live music

• End the night with dessert and movies upstairs at the Central Bloc cinema

That’s a full Cebu day — and you never left IT Park.

So whether you’re here for a week, a semester, or the long haul, know this: Ayala Central Bloc, Garden Bloc, and Sugbo Mercado aren’t just places on a map — they’re stages for the stories you’ll live while you’re in Cebu. All you have to do is show up.

Top 5 Attractions in IT Park, Cebu (2025 Guide)