Kaon na ta! Celebrating the Cebuano spirit of food and community

by Nina Tambal / September 28, 2020

Ask any Cebuano what Sugbo Mercado is and they will tell you that it is one of Cebu’s sources of pride, as it showcases the best of the best food players in the region and also budding new players in the food industry.

Launched in September 2015, Sugbo Mercado had the goal of being the first and biggest year-round weekly food night market in the metro. As it was the first highly-curated collective of its kind, it became an overnight sensation. Cebuanos embraced the idea of a food night market that highlighted over 50 local food stalls from some of Cebu’s underground, home-based, and local restaurants. And all can be found in the renowned Cebu I.T. Park.

Sugbo Mercado easily transformed to a four-day weekend operation every Thursday to Sunday. In just a little over a year, the food night market grew from its 750-square meter space with about 15 vendors to a sprawling 2,500 square meter expanse with 60 vendors at its most packed.

Even with the usual challenges such as weather and logistics, Sugbo Mercado still managed to gain notable success. They have been awarded SunStar’s “Best of Cebu – Best Food Market” for 2018 and 2019 as well as recognized and endorsed by the Department of Tourism as the “First Weekend Food Market in Cebu”. They have also expanded to open the first container van food park in Mandaue City, “The Market by Sugbo”, a spin off concept, “Street Food by Sugbo” at Cebu Business Park, and a branch in Mactan Island, “Sugbo Mercado Lapu-Lapu”.

Then, the pandemic hit. Just like other companies and organizations in their industry, Sugbo Mercado had to shut down all their operations before the lockdowns were mandated. The closure announcement was fortunately efficient and met with relief as everyone was also anxious about the staff and customer safety. From that point on, they made it their duty to keep close contact with stakeholders and hold weekly update meetings in the virtual space. In order to help their vendors, they have encouraged them to utilize food delivery apps.

When Cebu was placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), Sugbo Mercado reopened in September. In terms of on-site safety measures, enhanced sanitation and security protocols are being implemented in Sugbo Mercado for the safety of not only their guests, but also their vendors. They have a strict “No mask, no face shield, no entry” rule. A contactless registry via QR code is also required for contact tracing as well as a quick-scan temperature screening and hand disinfection. Safety barriers are in place on top of standard social distancing measures.

Although they have accommodated on-site dining, it is limited to 50% of former seating capacity with two people a table in safely spaced arrangements. Take-out and pick-up options are also available to bolster vendor sales and cater to customers who’d rather enjoy the scrumptious food of the market at home. This particular initiative further strengthened their partnerships with food delivery apps and helped them gain a steady stream of delivery drivers and take-out patrons.

As they say, “There’s no way but up.” Though it’s too soon to make any other plans for expansions and developments, the reopening of Sugbo Mercado’s Mactan location next month is an optimistic possibility. Their recovery may be gradual, like any other establishment healing simultaneously with the nation, but the vibrant Cebuano food night market will continue crushing cravings and satisfying appetites in the metro. With all safety and security measures in place, Sugbo Mercado will certainly “see you at #YourFoodMarkets”, well, onsite, and online!