True Vine Garden Columbary Redefines Memorial Spaces in Cebu City

A new concept in memorial spaces is taking root in the heart of Cebu as True Vine Garden Columbary continues to gain strong market traction, offering families a serene garden setting to honor and remember their departed loved ones.

Since breaking ground in November 2023, True Vine Garden Columbary has been steadily transforming the traditional image of columbariums by introducing a beautifully landscaped garden sanctuary within the city — a place designed not only for remembrance but also for reflection and celebration of life.

The response from the market has been remarkable.

The project’s first garden, Hardin Betanya, is now considered sold out, while the second garden, Hardin Nazareth, is already fast depleting due to strong demand from families and investors alike.

Sales are now ongoing for the third garden, Hardin Bethlehem, which continues to attract buyers seeking to secure a place in the landmark memorial development.

At the same time, Hardin Kana, Cebu’s first dedicated pet columbary, is also seeing brisk sales, reflecting the growing desire among pet owners to give their beloved companions a dignified resting place.

True Vine Garden Columbary has drawn interest not only from end-users, but also from wholesale investors and overseas buyers, recognizing both the emotional value and long-term investment potential of memorial spaces located within the city.

According to Allan Ballesteros, Business Development Director of True Vine Garden Columbary, the project responds to the growing challenges faced by highly urbanized cities like Cebu.

“Cebu City is rapidly urbanizing, and the reality is that available space for traditional burials is becoming increasingly scarce. At the same time, cremation rates are steadily rising,” Ballesteros said. “True Vine Garden Columbary offers families a dignified and accessible alternative — a peaceful garden space where they can continue to visit, remember, and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.”

Ballesteros noted that the strong sales momentum since the project’s launch reflects how the concept resonates with modern families.

“Since we broke ground in November 2023, the market response has been overwhelming. We are seeing strong demand not only from families in Cebu, but also from investors and buyers abroad who recognize the long-term value of memorial spaces in prime urban locations.”

For Joseph So Jr., Managing Director of True Vine Garden Columbary, the project represents a shift in how memorial spaces are designed and experienced.

“Traditionally, memorial spaces can feel cold or somber. Our vision for True Vine was different,” So said. “We wanted to create a place filled with greenery, light, and thoughtful design — a place that feels peaceful, comforting, and alive.”

He added that the development is meant to redefine how families remember their loved ones.

“Remembrance should not only be about grief. It should also be about gratitude, reflection, and honoring the legacy of those who came before us.”

Because of the strong success and growing demand for True Vine Garden Columbary in Cebu City, the company is now preparing for expansion.

Plans are underway for the development of a resort-style columbary in Lapu-Lapu City, which aims to create a memorial destination where families can gather and spend meaningful time together in a tranquil, resort-like environment.

At the same time, the company is studying expansion opportunities in other urban centers across the region.

“Encouraged by the response in Cebu, we are also exploring opportunities to bring the True Vine concept to major cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, where the demand for modern memorial spaces is also growing,” So added.