07/07/2025
Lost Books Cebu : A Rabbit Hole in Pages
The day before we decided to stroll around the uptown part of old Cebu, I have been losing interest in everything..everything. That feeling of being stuck in all aspects of life. Itโs true!
On a semi-overcast weather, my partner decided to bring me to this random bookshop slash reading cafe, and was hoping that this visit would spark energy and creativity.
Little did I know that this unassuming reading nook, previously an Automatic Teller Machine corner for a long time, in the heart of uptown, old Cebu, would be the most magical experience I have been waiting for.
The storefront is reminiscent of an artisanal trinkets shop in Edinburgh. Opening the door, the age-old looking carpets carefully lined up towards front desk, that's giving a Moroccan market vibe. Its walls are skillfully covered with murals, that exhibits Cebu's local flora and fauna, which matches the dark-oak varnished wooden chairs, reserved for in-house readers.
The ceiling treatment was no less attractive, with all the handmade post cards, tear sheet paintings, and other creative expressions left by its newly found patrons.
When youโre in luck, you can find your favorite cup of coffee, in their array of beverages and some pastries to pair it with, for a fair price. I might say the beverages are not bad, boasting its support for local coffee produce from Sultan Kudarat, and contrasting it is the culinary Macha powder directly from Korea which I ordered, and a hot cocoa for my partner.
But the most exciting part is actually the books, in the green painted shelves together with all curated art pieces, from paintings, playing cards, antique candle holders to scented candles and Victorian style figurines.
This reading nook offers a wide selection of books, from hard bound books from the 1820โs (I hope I got this right..hehe), internationally acclaimed authors, limited and collectorโs edition, preloved, to supporting locally published books (Shout out to Niรฑo Augustine Loyola, for recently publishing a book, as a collaborator for โLibulan: Binisayang Antolohiya sa Katitikang Queerโ ).
The experience would not be complete and a bookshop would not be called one, without the magical step ladder ;) hehe
We spoke to owner which is no less than interesting, with his advocacy to support local artist, craftsmen and products, has also a professional background in the publishing industry.
His next goal is to get into the local publishing industry and uplift the local publishing scene by connecting the Lumad authors to cost efficient printing and distribution opportunities.
There is much to say about this NEWLY opened, soon to be a Gem in Cebu, but I would like you guys to immerse and experience everything yourselves. Trust me when I say, this place is filled with so much passion, and positive energy that time will be forgotten.
We went home with an inspired heart, a happy tummy, and an additional 2 books for our own reading corner at home ;) Yes, they sell books and you can read books for FREE!
As the owner reiterated โEverything here is very intentional!โ.
SALAMAT Sir D!
SALAMAT KAAYO Lost Books Cebu!
