Cebu City (CNN Philippines, December 1) —The famous Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) or Cebu’s third bridge, will add a “cruise ship” to its attractions.
It will not be a real cruise ship though, but a building that will look like a three-deck cruise ship that will become a “dining destination” and not just an ordinary toll service facility stop.
Compared with all other toll expressways, this stop will be able to sell liquor for those who will not be driving. The permits are being secured by both the Cebu City government and the municipal government of Cordova.
The first “Drive and Dine” in the Visayas will be a 5,580 square-meter vacant lot along the CCLEX with a combined scenic view of the mangrove, the city, and the ocean.
The facility is estimated to cost around P300 million.
According to Renie Ticzon, MPT Mobility Division Head for Motorway Commercial Facilities, the concept for this attraction will be different from the Drive and Dine at North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), which is a stop for motorists.
Ticzon said the Drive and Dine at CCLEX will be a world-class “Dining Destination,” which will not only attract motorists but also tourists who want to dine and enjoy a good view of Cebu and the Mactan Channel.
“The Queen City of the South takes her food seriously and food can be such an excellent representation of the culture it stems from,” Ticzon said.
The ground floor of the cruise ship-looking facility will have fast food favorites while its second floor will have a deck for formal dining for couples and lovers.
Meanwhile, the third floor will have favorite Cebuano dishes and barbecue meals perfect for groups.
MPTC officials said the facility will have a seating capacity of 1,000 people and a parking space for 280 cars.
After its groundbreaking, the new facility will be opened after six to eight months of construction or before 2024 ends.
The CCLEX has a motor vehicle traffic of 20,000 per day, according to CCLEX President and General Manager Allan Alfon.
