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From Fuel to Future: The Rise of Eugene Erik Lim and His Cebu Empire

At the heart of Cebu’s ongoing transformation stands a man who is not only expanding horizons but also redefining what it means to be a modern Cebuano industrialist, Eugene Erik C. Lim, Chairman, President, and CEO of Topline Business Development Corporation.

Born into the third generation of a respected entrepreneurial family in Cebu, Eugene inherited more than just a name, he inherited a legacy. But instead of merely maintaining the family business, he envisioned something far bigger: an interconnected business ecosystem powered by fuel, ports, real estate, and retail, strategically designed to meet the demands of a rapidly modernizing region.

Fueling Ambition: The Topline Expansion

When Lim took over Topline in the early 2010s, it was primarily a fuel trading firm. Under his leadership, it grew into a vertically integrated energy company with its own fuel depots, a growing fleet of tankers, mobile refueling services, and more than 50 retail stations under the Light Fuels brand.

In mid-2025, Topline made a bold and strategic acquisition: a key Phoenix Petroleum station in Cebu, further expanding Light Fuels’ reach and fueling its regional dominance. This deal is part of an aggressive expansion program aimed at increasing the company’s market share in Central Visayas and beyond.

Topline’s revenue surged from ₱2.1 billion in 2022 to ₱2.8 billion in 2023, and in April 2025, it marked a historic milestone: a successful initial public offering (IPO) on the Philippine Stock Exchange. This move not only signaled Topline’s maturity as a business—it placed Eugene Erik Lim squarely among the country’s most dynamic CEOs.

From Ports to Progress: Pier 88

But Lim’s vision extended far beyond fuel. One of his most innovative achievements is Pier 88, a “smart port” in Liloan, Northern Cebu. Opened in partnership with the local government and other private investors, Pier 88 is a gateway to Cebu from Camotes, Leyte, and Ormoc—offering ferry services, commercial docking, and logistics solutions in a clean, modernized setting.

The port is more than just a transit hub, it’s part of a larger ecosystem.

And just a few minutes away, rising along the coastline, is its complementary project: Bay Mall.

Bay Mall: Commerce Meets Community

In June 2025, through its real estate arm Vikingland Corp., the Topline Group inaugurated Bay Mall—a three-level commercial complex set to become the new lifestyle destination in Northern Cebu. Developed under a public-private partnership with the Liloan LGU, the mall offers:

A Robinsons Supermarket anchor tenant

Food courts, fashion, wellness, and financial service shops

A 1,000-seat BPO facility on the third floor

Free shuttle access from Pier 88, creating a seamless experience for travelers and local shoppers alike

Bay Mall isn’t just a commercial venture. it is a symbol of integrated urban development, providing jobs, creating foot traffic, and drawing investment to an area that used to be considered a sleepy town.

Franchising, Tech, and Green Energy

Lim is also expanding in other strategic directions:

Light Fuels Express, a micro-gas station model designed for motorcycle users and inner-city streets, is now being franchised—empowering small investors.

His investments in fuel tech and logistics startups indicate a push toward digital modernization.

And by 2026, Topline is planning to pilot solar-powered stations and expand its biodiesel blending capabilities, signaling a transition toward green energy. –

Philosophy and Legacy

Those who work closely with Eugene Erik Lim describe him as pragmatic, data-driven, and quietly visionary. He avoids the limelight, preferring spreadsheets and long-term strategies to grand speeches and press tours. But his actions speak volumes.

“Cebu has always punched above its weight,” he once said. “We don’t need to be Manila to think big.”

With Pier 88 and Bay Mall anchoring Northern Cebu, and Topline emerging as a national energy player, Lim’s business blueprint is becoming a model of regional development: grounded in local partnerships, yet ambitious enough to compete on a national—and soon, perhaps international—scale.

From Cebu, to the Nation, to the Future

Eugene Erik Lim isn’t just building businesses. He’s building infrastructure, ecosystems, and most importantly—momentum. With fuel, ports, malls, and mobility all under his belt, he may be quietly scripting the next chapter in Cebu’s rise as the most dynamic economic hub outside of Metro Manila. And at the center of it all is a leader who believes that smart growth is rooted in integration, innovation, and homegrown vision.

Pacquiao vs. Barrios

Is Manny still worth the Money?

There was a time when the Philippines stood still. Every Manny Pacquiao fight used to stop the nation. Jeepneys vanished. Basketball courts emptied. Even the streets went silent. Rich or poor, in Cebu or Cotabato, people gathered around TVs, radios, or livestreams to watch the Pambansang Kamao fight with fire and faith. But that was then. Now, three days before he steps back into the ring to face Mario Barrios, the buzz isn’t quite the same. The crowd, divided. Manny Pacquiao is back, yes. But so are the questions.

The Aging Champ vs. a Divided Nation At 46 years old, Pacquiao enters what may be his final bout, no longer the overwhelming favorite, but the aging underdog. He hasn’t fought professionally since August 2021, when he lost via unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas. Since then, he’s tried twice to return—once to the ring, once to Malacañang—and fell short both times. For some Filipinos, he remains a hero. For others, a reminder of ambition turned political misfire. So yes, he’s back—but no, the nation isn’t united like it once was. —

Remembering the Glory Days From humble beginnings in General Santos City to global stardom in Las Vegas, Pacquiao didn’t just fight in the ring—he fought for a country’s pride. He made us believe we could rise too. People still talk about: The Hatton knockout in 2009 The De La Hoya domination The wars with Márquez and Morales The roar of victory in the streets after each win He gave us something rare: national pride in real time.

This Time Feels Different There’s no barangay-wide viewing parties. No nationwide campaign to “Stop the World for Manny.” Instead, there’s debate. Is he too old? Is this about legacy or ego? Can he still win against younger, taller, hungrier opponents like Barrios? Online, some cheer. Others yawn. Many just scroll past. But even in doubt, there’s still intrigue. Because for all his flaws and failed campaigns, Pacquiao remains one of the few who ever made the entire country believe.

One Last Round? Whether you’re watching out of nostalgia, loyalty, or disbelief—one thing’s for sure: Manny Pacquiao still draws us in. He says he wants to prove he still belongs. And maybe that’s why this fight matters—not just for the result, but for what it represents:

A battle not just inside the ring, but in the hearts of a divided nation.

#PacquiaoBarrios #MannyPacquiao #PacmanReturns #PhilippinesBoxing #BoxingLegend #PinoyPride #PacquiaoFightNight #OneLastRound #PambansangKamao #PacquiaoLegacy Pacquiao comeback 2025 Pacquiao fight Philippines Pacquiao Barrios

Where to Invest in Cebu Real Estate?

Cebu has long been a top destination for real estate investment in the Philippines. With a robust economy, a growing population, improved infrastructure, and rising demand for specialized properties, it continues to attract both local and international investors. But where exactly should you invest today? Here are the three most promising sectors in Cebu real estate:

1. Invest in Leisure-Oriented Developments

Leisure-oriented real estate is currently the number one product in the Philippine property market, and Cebu is no exception. These developments include condo-hotels, beach resorts, mountain view subdivisions, retirement villages, wellness estates, and eco-tourism enclaves.

What makes them so attractive? The shift in lifestyle preferences after the pandemic has fueled demand for spaces that blend relaxation, wellness, and work-from-anywhere setups. Cebu’s world-class beaches, cool highlands, and strong tourism brand make it the perfect location for this kind of development.

🟢 Why invest here? Cebu is becoming a prime destination for domestic and foreign tourists, retirees, and digital nomads. Leisure properties promise strong returns via rental income, capital appreciation, and even joint ventures with hospitality operators.

📌 Read more: Why Leisure-Oriented Developments Are the New Gold in Philippine Real Estate (https://www.google.com/…/dissecting-the…/%3famp)

Cebu is still top tourist destination in the country.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/…/cebu-welcomed-over…

2. Invest in Commercial Real Estate in Growth Towns

The next big opportunity lies in commercial properties for lease, especially in emerging towns outside Metro Cebu. We’re talking about areas like Bogo City, Oslob, Balamban, Moalboal, and Daanbantayan, towns with growing populations and rising consumer demand.

Think commercial strips, lots for banks, drive-thru fast food outlets, warehousing, and rental spaces for small enterprises. With the continued widening of highways and the proposed new infrastructure projects, these towns are now closer than ever to the city center, but come at a fraction of the cost.

🟢 Why invest here? Commercial real estate in provincial growth centers generates steady monthly income and benefits from Cebu’s decentralization — where people live, work, and spend outside the metro.

3. Invest in Columbariums and Memorial Real Estate

Yes, columbariums are a legitimate and increasingly necessary form of real estate investment, especially in Cebu City, where there’s a growing cemetery space crisis. With the high cost and scarcity of traditional burial plots, more families are turning to cremation, and this trend is pushing demand for urban memorial parks, columbarium vaults, and chapel complexes.

Take for example True Vine Garden Columbary in Cebu City, which offers a peaceful and dignified space for remembering loved ones, while also providing a high-value investment opportunity for developers and landowners.

🟢 Why invest here? It’s a niche but growing market. Unlike most forms of real estate, columbarium spaces are non-cyclical, there’s always demand, and they require minimal upkeep while offering recurring income through vault sales and maintenance fees.

Cebu’s real estate landscape is evolving. It’s no longer just about condos in the city or residential subdivisions. Investors who are willing to look at leisure properties, commercial hubs in rising towns, and memorial real estate stand to benefit from new demand trends.

Whether you’re a developer, a broker, or a small investor, the key is to invest where the growth is going, not where it has already peaked.

#realestate#Cebu#cebucity#infoCebu#properties#realestatebroker#realestateagent#ForSaleProperties#houseforsale#lotforsale#condominium#condoforsale#condoforrent

CEBU, MEET YOUR CEBU GREATS!

A new era has begun in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and Cebu is ready to rise. After a 5-year hiatus, Cebu returns to the league (MPBL) with a brand-new name and renewed fire.

Leading the charge is Head Coach Junthy Valenzuela, bringing experience, strategy, and heart to the court. Under his leadership, the Cebu Greats are set to make waves in the league.

There are 20 teams competing in the 2025 Season but only two are from the Visayas, The Greats and the Tubo Slashers of Bacolod City. Yes, the old nemesis back in the MBA era.

So, lets rally once more for Cebu’s pride.

Tatak Sugbo. Tatak Greats.

#CebuGreats #MPBL #JunthyValenzuela #MaharlikaBasketball #QueenCityPride #TatakSugbo #SupportLocalAthletes #LabanCebu

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Dayon bai!