Radisson Red: Creativity, Community, and a New Side of Cebu | by: Joanna G.

For years, Mandaue City was known primarily as a center of industry and infrastructure. Warehouses, manufacturing hubs, and commercial developments shaped much of its identity, serving as one of Metro Cebu's economic engines. Today, however, another story is taking shape.

A new generation of spaces is redefining how people experience the city. Creative communities are finding permanent homes, independent businesses are preserving local stories, and lifestyle destinations are emerging alongside the skyline. At the center of this shift stands Radisson RED Cebu Mandaue, the country's first Radisson RED property and a hotel that feels less like a traditional accommodation and more like an extension of the city's creative pulse.

The transformation begins the moment the lobby doors open.

Instead of a conventional hotel entrance, guests are welcomed by a life-sized jeepney installation created by renowned Cebuano designer Vito Selma. More than a decorative centerpiece, the artwork immediately establishes a sense of place. Visitors can step inside, sit down, and appreciate a contemporary interpretation of one of the Philippines' most recognizable cultural icons.

life-sized jeepney installation by Cebuano Artists, Vito Selma

life-sized jeepney installation created by renowned Cebuano designer Vito Selma

The hotel's personality continues throughout its interiors. Bold colors, playful design elements, and locally inspired details reflect the energy that defines the RED brand.

"The name RED represents energy, passion, creativity and bold self-expression," explains General Manager Prakash Ganesan. "More than just a color, RED is an attitude."

That attitude is evident in every corner of the property.

Radisson Red Cebu Superior Room

Guest rooms strike a balance between comfort and character. Spacious and thoughtfully designed, they offer the kind of environment that invites guests to linger rather than simply rest between appointments or sightseeing schedules. Creative touches are integrated throughout the space, including an exclusive rotary-style telephone that has become one of the hotel's most charming conversation pieces. While nostalgic in appearance, it reflects the hotel's ability to blend personality with functionality.

The hotel primarily appeals to travelers who value experiences over convention. While often associated with Gen Z and younger travelers, the brand's audience extends beyond age groups. Its appeal lies in a mindset—people who appreciate design, creativity, social interaction, and authentic local experiences.

That connection to local culture becomes even more meaningful outside the hotel.

A short distance away is ATÚA Midtown, a property that tells a story of reinvention. Long before it became one of Cebu's most talked-about creative spaces, the building operated as Eddie's Hotel. Today, the former hotel has found new life as a hub for artists, entrepreneurs, makers, and independent brands.

Atua Midtown

Many of the boutique shops occupying the property today were once hotel rooms. Rather than erase the building's past, the adaptive reuse preserves its original structure while introducing a new purpose.

According to community manager Kaye Batiquin, the concept emerged from a desire to create a shared space for Cebu's creative community.

"Cebuanos have always known that creativity thrives here, but often only within our own circles. We wanted to create a place where that creativity could be seen, shared, and experienced. Someone once told us, 'I want to bring my friends somewhere that represents our community—but where do I take them?' That question helped inspire what ATÚA would become."

The result is a living community where local brands, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs coexist under one roof. Visitors can browse independent boutiques, discover handcrafted products, and experience a side of Cebu often overlooked by traditional tourism itineraries.

Lost Books in CAO Mercado Building, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City

The same spirit of storytelling appears in another unexpected stop: Lost Books.

What was once a small ATM kiosk has been transformed into one of Cebu's most charming independent bookstore and café. Compact in size but rich in purpose, the space champions Filipino literature and local authors.

For founder Donnald Villamero, the mission is straightforward.

"The goal is to promote and read our own stories."

Within its modest walls, books become cultural ambassadors. Readers encounter narratives written by Filipinos, for Filipinos, reinforcing the importance of preserving and celebrating local voices.

Together, these spaces reveal a different side of Cebu—one that values creativity not as an accessory but as an essential part of community life.

This is precisely why Cebu was chosen as the home of the first Radisson RED in the Philippines.

"Cebu was a natural choice," says Ganesan. "It has a strong mix of business, leisure, culture, and creativity—all of which align perfectly with the spirit of the brand."

The city continues to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and travelers, but its creative sector has become equally influential in shaping its identity. Independent concepts such as ATÚA and Lost Books demonstrate how local culture can flourish alongside urban development, while Radisson RED provides a hospitality experience that reflects this same energy on an international stage.

More than a hotel, Radisson RED Cebu serves as a gateway into a city embracing reinvention.

A former hotel becomes a creative community. An ATM becomes a bookstore. A city known for industry embraces a more lifestyle-driven future.

In a region constantly moving forward, perhaps the most exciting development is not a new building or a new hotel, but a growing confidence in Cebu's own creative identity—one that is becoming impossible to ignore.

Against this backdrop, Radisson RED Cebu feels perfectly at home—not simply because it stands in the city, but because it embodies the same spirit of transformation.