From store openings to food trips: Exploring Cebu with Love, Bonito
There’s something empowering about putting on an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself. That belief has been at the heart of Love, Bonito for the past 16 years.
It's been four years since the Singaporean fashion brand made its way to the Philippines with its pop-up store on wheels, and two years since it opened its first-ever store at Greenbelt 3, which has since spawned two more branches in Power Plant Mall and TriNoma.
Now, it brings its classic staples closer to its community in Cebu City, marking its first store opening in the city and the launch of its 16th anniversary collection.
Keeping Asian women at the heart of its designs, Love, Bonito rolled out tailored pieces that make getting dressed effortlessly chic, whether you’re dressing for casual plans or more formal affairs.
PhilSTAR L!fe got to explore the rest of the anniversary collection during the opening of Love, Bonito’s first regional store in the Visayas on Sept. 11 at SM Seaside City Cebu, where co-founder Rachel Lim and CEO Dione Song were on hand to mark the brand’s latest milestone.
The latest collection has a good mix of versatile pieces, from easy-to-layer staples to multi-way styles that are fun to play around with. They’re the kind of pieces you can wear for different occasions and keep coming back to.
Daniel Moises, the brand’s Philippines retail manager, showcased several fashion items during the mini trunk show on opening day, demonstrating how customers can wear and restyle them.
Other than the clothes, you definitely shouldn’t skip the accessories and bags at the store—they’re the perfect finishing touches to complement your outfits.
Melanie Uson / PhilSTAR L!fe
There’s the cute vegan suede mini bucket bag, perfect for quick errands and formal events, and the mesh boho bag with adjustable straps, which you can wear as either a shoulder bag or a sling bag during beach trips. It also comes with a zippered pouch so you can keep your valuables safe.
For your activewear essentials, pieces from its sister brand, cheak, are also available in-store. The collection features bra tops, shorts, outerwear, and more, bringing together easy, versatile styles that work just as well for workout days as they do for everyday movement.
A weekend with Love, Bonito in Cebu
The three-day getaway allowed a slow, refreshing escape centered around Cebu’s charm. Love, Bonito executives Lim and Song joined the group throughout the stay, making the experience feel more easygoing and laid-back.
Food was a big part of the experience. The first night unfolded with relaxed beachside cocktails before transitioning to Spiaggia at The Reef Island Resort Mactan for dinner. While the food is a absolute must-try, the panoramic backdrop—a rare view sweeping across Cebu’s mountains, sea, and skyline—stole the show.
After the store opening, the itinerary featured a special café takeover at Dosage Coffee, showcasing an exclusive Love, Bonito x Dosage x Oatside collaboration. The drink lineup—available through Sept. 23—featured a signature creation, a spiced horchata, a strawberry oat latte, and a classic matcha made with oat milk.
Dosage’s food menu was equally impressive, highlighted by a vibrant salmon salad tossed in fresh vinaigrette, savory-sweet braised pork belly, and truffle fries.
The trip also highlighted some of Cebu’s local crafts and finds, including women-led businesses and makers. During an afternoon break, Dosage’s Fojee Nacua gave us a quick look at their pour-over process, walking us through how they prepare their coffee. Meanwhile, Yza Durano of Strange Matcha led an interactive matcha-whisking session.
As a little keepsake from Cebu, guests received bag tags featuring the work of Cebuano weavers in collaboration with ANTHILL Fabric Gallery.
Dinner brought the group to LASA, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurant known for putting a modern spin on familiar local flavors. The standout? The restaurant's signature chicken skin nachos, which gave the classic bar snack a distinctly Filipino twist.
The trip wrapped up on a mindful note: an grounding yoga session led by activewear brand cheak and Sepfry Grace Rivera of Dawata Wellness. Designed to welcome all movement levels, the guided flow offered a soothing, refreshed finish to the Cebu itinerary.
Disclaimer: The trip was sponsored by Love, Bonito.
