Cebu Chronicles

Cebu is a fusion of city life, a lively night with bars and clubs of all classes, engulfed by mall-culture, yet, a quick cross over the bridge transforms its image and introduces you to its rich and historic culture and religion, embodied by one of the biggest Philippine religious celebration – Fiesta of Sto. Niño.  The province also brings you to life’s greatest adventures through its well preserved hidden gems characterizes by its finest and world-class beaches. 

Been there, done that:

Cebu City

Known as the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu City can easily be reached through a 1 hour plane ride by various airlines available in the Philippines.  The airport in Mactan is now an International airport.

Basilica del Sto. Niño

Hailed as the one of the oldest Catholic Church in the Philippines as it was founded in 1565.

Magellan’s Cross

A few yards outside the Basilica, the Magellan’s Cross is one of the most important structure in Cebu City.  It was planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 when he baptized the first Christian Filipinos – Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana.

The paintings on the ceilings inside the marker depicts the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in the Philippines in 1521.  Ferdinand is a Protuguese explorer who brought the Spanish expedition to the Philippines, he also brought Christianity, which easily gained popularity and embraced by hundreds of Filipino except for Lapu-Lapu.

Cebu Taoist Temple

Nestled in an upscale area of Beverly Hills Subdivision, an old and quiet Taoist Temple sits above 300 meters sea level.  The temple adorned by the replica of the Great wall of China and the majestic sculptures of dragon around the area.  The place is open to the public from 8:00-5:00pm.

Skywalk at Crown Regency Hotel

If you are into height adventure, try the 126.55 meters above the street skywalk extreme at the 38th floor of Crown Regency Cebu or a more exciting ride at the edge coaster  that goes around the building.  Indulge in a panoramic view of the city while nursing those butterflies in your stomach. 

Click here for current rates and schedules: http://www.skyexperienceadventure.com/page/rates-and-schedules

Malapascua, Daanbantayan, Cebu: June 1-13, 2015

This tiny isolated island is located at the Northern tip of Cebu.  There’s not much action in the area but it is one of the preferable dive spots among foreign divers as it is known home to Thresher sharks, which often showed up before sunrise.  From Cebu City North Terminal, take a van or Ceres bus for a 4 hour drive to Maya Port, Daanbantayan ,then take a 30 minute local boat ride to the island.  

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 Bantayan Island: December 4, 2015

The whole island is dotted by white pristine sand, which from my personal opinion, is way better than Boracay.  The water characterizes all shades of blue that makes you want to bask on it despite the burning heat from the sun.  Biking around the island will give you a glimpse of an island life, from fish market, old church, restaurants to simple yet hommy resorts and inns.  Getting there is a bit physically demanding, from Cebu North Terminal take a 3 hours bus ride via Ceres bus to Hagnaya Port in San Remegio, fare is Php160.00, trip schedule is from 4:00AM to 5:00PM.  At Hagnaya Port (which is surprisingly a nice port), catch a ferry that will take you to Sta. Fe for approximately 1 hour ride for P170.00.  

If you are traveling in group, it is advisable to rent a van from Cebu City to Hagnaya port and return for 6,000.00, and you can also make an arrangement for a pick-up from the port of Sta. Fe if your chosen resort offers the service, Beach Placid Resort picked-up our group for free.

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Oslob: December 3, 2015

Oslob for many of us is tantamount to "whaleshark" or locally known as "Butanding."  Butanding is a nature's gift to Brgy. Tan-awan, as tourists flocks in the area whole year round, this put them at the height of tourism business.  Despite being amazed by the kind nature of this gentle giant swimming in-front, above  or just beside you,  and knowing that this has been my heart desire ever since I saw someone's magnificent photo swam confidently in front of Butanding, I am also saddened by the whole process just for the photo op. I will not give details of the whole experience but keep in mind, that it was still amazingly beautiful.   Oslob is just 3 hour ride from Cebu South Terminal for P155.00.  Tell the bus driver that you will get off at Brgy. Tan-awan, there's a long stretch of resorts that offer services to either watch only (P300.00 for local tourist) or swim with the Butanding (500.00 for local tourist), they also offer unlimited under water photo with the Butanding for 250.00.  Swimming with the whaleshark is until 12nn only, so you have to leave Cebu as early as possible, and you also have to undergo a short orientation at the tourism office. 

Our group opted to do side trip to Tumalog Falls for a quick dip on cold pool of water from the falls.  

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Where did I stay?