Have you ever tried a claw machine?
Imagine one big enough to fill a warehouse.
That’s what Cebu City is working on.
What’s Happening?
Cebu City is building a giant claw machine.
It may become the biggest in the world.
The machine will be fully functional.
Players can use a joystick.
Prizes will be real.
The project hopes to break records—and get noticed.
Why Build a Claw Machine?
Ask yourself:
What makes people stop and look?
What’s shareable online?
What brings tourists in?
A claw machine checks all the boxes.
It’s interactive.
It’s visual.
It’s easy to understand.
It also brings media coverage.
Where Will It Be?
The machine will be set up in a public area in Cebu.
Local officials are choosing a spacious location.
It must be:
Accessible
Safe for crowds
Camera-friendly
They want both locals and tourists to visit.
What’s the Goal?
Cebu wants to:
Break a world record
Get global media attention
Boost tourism and foot traffic
Put the city on the map for creativity
This is more than a game.
It’s a marketing move.
How Big Is It?
Exact measurements haven’t been shared yet.
But city officials say it will beat all existing records.
It must be:
Tall enough for the crane to move visibly
Wide enough to hold large-scale prizes
Strong enough for repeated use
This is no carnival toy.
It’s an engineered structure.
What Will Be Inside?
The claw will grab:
Giant plush toys
Cebu-made goods
Gift boxes
Branded items
The prizes may change each week.
This keeps people coming back.
Would you line up to try it?
Who’s Involved?
The city is partnering with:
Private companies
Tourism offices
Event engineers
Safety regulators
They’re also reaching out to Guinness World Records.
Certification is key.
Without it, the effort won’t count.
Why Now?
Cebu is recovering from recent tourism declines.
This project:
Draws attention
Sparks social media shares
Gives people a reason to visit
It may also inspire similar efforts in other cities.
Can You Try It?
Yes. The plan includes public access.
You’ll likely:
Register on-site
Get a token or pass
Wait in line to play
City staff will manage crowd flow.
Safety is a top priority.
What Makes It Work?
Projects like this work when they:
Surprise people
Offer something new
Create a “You had to be there” moment
Would you take a selfie next to a claw machine bigger than a truck?
Most would.
What’s the Cost?
The city hasn’t disclosed the full budget.
But they say:
Private sponsors will help
No major tax hikes will fund it
The ROI comes from tourism
If it works, the machine pays for itself in exposure.
Will It Last?
Officials hope to keep it up for several months.
If successful, it may become a permanent fixture.
That means more long-term benefits:
Repeat visits
School tours
Event tie-ins
The goal is sustainability.
Could It Backfire?
Like any big project, risks exist.
It may break down.
It might not go viral.
People may call it a waste.
But city leaders are betting that the impact will outweigh the risks.
Do you think it’s worth it?
Final Word
Cebu is doing something bold.
A giant claw machine might sound unusual.
But that’s the point.
It grabs attention.
It creates conversation.
It makes people curious.
Sometimes, thinking big means going playful.
Would you visit just to see it?
You’re not alone.
