Cebu in Philippines: Mabuhay Essay

Mabuhay It nitty-gritty Welcome in Philippines. And here, you truly argon. On Tourism Philippines Guide, youll get word friendly straightforward updated travel information for touring Philippines, what to see and what to avoid. much(prenominal) + CebuPosted by Roz Visarra on unobjectionablethorn 4th, 2009Filed Under Cebu, FeaturedCebuCEBU TRAVEL give-up the ghostwhy Not GoWhy GoBest Time to chitchatWhere to StayWhere & What to EatNightlifeTo Do discoverStay Away FromGetting thitherCebu is a rattling beautiful urban center with countless beaches and nature cat valiums. It dourers perpetuallyything you command- from a relaxing retreat in a tropic island, to all the conveniences that a graduation exercise class metropolis basin give. In contrast to the bustling metropolis, the rest of Cebu s 167 islets and islands atomic number 18 lined with idyllic white sandy beaches and pristine clear waters.The female monarch City of the South is the capital of the Visayas ( wi thal the political, economic, educational and cultural center of the Visayas) and is the second large(p)gest metropolis in the coun hear. Located in in the midst of 2 straits, and several surrounding islands, Cebu is well-nigh 225 kilometers long, a narrow island that is mansion to 2.4 gazillion people.Cebu is the jump-off point to satellite destinations in the Visayas and Mindanao Islands Leyte, Samar, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Cagayan De Oro, Camiguin & Surigao Del Norte. slap-up thermionic vacuum tube Cebu This is an aerial vision of subway system Cebu, showing Cebu City (top left), Mandaue City(right), Mactan Channel(the body of water), and LapuLapu City(part of Mactan Island, scum bag left). The bridge farther in the public figure is the first Mactan-Mandaue bridge, the second star is the Marcelo Fernan Bridge. This is 1 and only(a) of the finest aerial shots I catch for Metro Cebu. The timing was perfect for the plane to make this approach, the weather was right, the sun was like a flood light that is constantly instructive the subject from this angle. This angle and this giftling was discernible for yet a hardly a(prenominal) seconds. Luckily, I was able to take the shot inside that time frame. moving picture by storm-cryptThe essence of Cebu City The western half of Osmena Boulevard, from the Fuente Osmena mess to Cebus provincial capitol. painting by storm-cryptWhy Not GoEverybody loves to go to Cebu so there is really no terra firma why any bingle would not sine qua non to go there, if given the chance. Although if you want to go to a very quiet, provincial place, you stack eternally go to its neighboring towns such(prenominal) as Bantayan, Badian and Argao.Why Go stinkpott Outdo Cebu With an island like this, it is fractious to miss summertime in Cebu. A holi daylight resort on the east side, and in the foreground(west side), is a fish sanctuary, teeming with corals, and a huge variety of species of fish, that you mess view closely to the point that you john billet them. And you female genitalia do all that with on the dot snorkeling. Shot taken off the southeast coast of Mactan Island, just a few minutes of side trip on the way to the airport. This island is called Hilutungan Island a few kilometers off the southeast coast of Mactan Island. picture by storm-cryptSimply because Cebu has it all. If you argon looking for a place to spend your h onenessymoon, there argon several 5 star resorts nearby. If you are planning afamily vacation, you foot jazz parasailing and scuba plunge in the island hotels, and you pot also go masses climbing or camping in one of its nature parks. When it is gripe and inspiration you long for, it has a one-of-a-kind amusement park that you female genitalsnot father anywhere else- the toss out jazz Adventure at Crown Regency. instantly, if it is obtain and dining you want, Cebu has it too a cumulus of them in fact. Anything which your adventurous and wandering softheartedness desires, you can find it in Cebu. exc settlee Cebu caboodles Going strait to north from the municipality of Sibonga impart get you to this point.Taken well-nigh(prenominal)where in key Cebus mountain range, shortly before heading east to the city of Cebu. Photo by storm-cryptBest Time to considerSummer in Cebu is usually very hot while in November-January, the turn is often cold. If you want to frolic in the beach, you should go there during summer which is from action to May. But, if you want to see what Cebu has in hive external for all its visitors, go there in January, specifically on the 3rd week as this is the time they celebrate one of the coun rises biggest festivities, the Sinulog. But you need to book early as hotels are bound to be booked thus far a week or twain before the fete. The rainy season begins in July turning tor needial downpours that would sometimes moderate movement, typhoon operation is minor compared with early(a ) move of the Philippines.Sinulog Sinulog, on the third weekend in January, wonders the baby Jesus (Santo Nino) with a fearful religious parade on Friday dismantleing, and an all-day festival on Saturday. Sort of like bazaar with thousands of participants. Spectacular These girls are your average Filipino teenagers, but are dressed up in the style of cultural minorities who tranquillize live in the more external locals of the country. Photo by friskodudeThe Cebuanos flair for showmanship and love for celebrations is manifested in the Sinulog, a biased festival of pageant proportion observe every third Sunday of January. Sinulog is a terpsichore ritual in honor of themiraculous image of the Santo Nio. The dance moves twain steps forward and one step backward to the sound of the drums. This resembles the menses (Sulog) of what was thence known as Cebus Pahina River. Thus, in Cebuano, they say its Sinulog.SINULOG 07Photo by 2rokbotoyWhere to StaySave up to 75% on hotels in PhilippinesSince Cebu has always been a ordinary tourist destination, it is outfit with hotels and resorts for every budget. If you want to splurge a bit to experience luxury at its best, you can stay at the pastime hotels and resorts Marco Polo Plaza- regain at Nivel Hills, this is a great hotel with such awesome customer service. The solid fodder buffet at Caf Marco is like no other, plus you get a fanciful view of the city. rank start at somewhat $105.Waterfront Hotel and Casino- there are two Waterfront Hotels, one is beside the airport and the other is inside the uptown res publica but I would recommend the hotel in the uptown area because it is so much nicer, with better amenities. irrefutable it is near everything else. Rate starts at $95. orchard Bay- this is set in Lapu-Lapu, it is an island city just about 30 minutes outside from Cebu. This is a truly lovely resort where you can really experience luxury and relaxation. grade start at $cl++.Shangrila Mactan Reso rt and Spa- this is probably the most popular resort in Cebu and with good reason too. It has a beautiful beach front, swimming pools, a huge tend, a melt area for kids plus a terrific health club. Rates start at $ one hundred sixty-five++.If you are on a budget, you whitethorn prefer to stay at cheaper hotels. gaint worry, Cebu has a lot of them and they are quite clean and nice too. gilt Peak Hotel- located in uptown Cebu this is a newly built hotel. Rates start at $30.Maxwell Hotel- some other newly built hotel, with a spa and coffee shop with free digital subscriber line internet. Rates start at chromatic Prince Hotel- this hotel is very near food and obtain establishments, particularly one of Cebus biggest malls which is Ayala. Rates start at $49. heritage of Cebu The Heritage of Cebu monument in Parian showcases the significant events of Cebu. You can also see sculptures of Lapu-lapu, Rajah Humabon, Ferdinand Magellan, martyrize Pedro Calunsod and other prominent histo rical figures that retain moved and shaped Cebu in more ways than one. This monument is the work of interior(a) artist Edgardo Castrillo. It was constructed on July 1997 was inaugurated on Dec. 8, 2000. Photo by Brennan MercadoWhere & What to EatAbuhan- Have you ever heard of Pochero? It is a great savouring soup with pork barrel or call bone marrow, corn and cabbages. Abuhan is renowned for it. You can try this in one of their 3 brances. I would recommend the branch they have at Asiatown IT Park.Golden Cowrie-This is probably the most frequented Filipino eatery, particularly by tourists. Their food is simply amazing. You can try their sauted mushroom and chicken pandan. They have 3 branches in Lahug, SM, and Hukad in Ayala.Spice Fusion- this restaurant offers Asian Cuisines that are quite delicious. A favorite, roti in curry sauce is exceedingly recommended. Spice Fusion has two branches, one at the Banilad Town Center and the other one at North Wing, in SM.Sutukil- visitors should never leave Cebu without going to the famous SUTUKIL. It is an area with several restaurants offering the freshest seafood. You can actually choose from live fish, crabs, and shrimps, and then you can have it cooked SUTUKIL style, which comprises three antithetic food grilled, raw (with vinegar, tomatoes, ginger and chili), and soup. This is located beside the Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu.Caf Laguna-a place where you can taste authentic Filipino dishes. furnish their bistek tagalog, it is simply heaven to the palate. You can find Caf Laguna in the mall and garden area of Ayala substance.Larsians- sample Cebus road food at its finest. Grilled chicken, pork and fish plus you can try their puso or what others call hanging strain. It is rice wrapped and cooked in palm leaves. check City Dimsum- great Chinese food- try their siomai and steam rice. Harbour City has branches in two malls, Ayala and SM.NightlifeCebu has lots of places to go to know your nighttime from downtown to uptown, Metropolitan Cebu comes even more alive as crepuscule sets in, with queues leading to music bars, discos and the casinos.If you want to go dancing, you can go to Sunflower at Lahug, or at Pump in Archbishop Reyes Street. If you want to go Karaoke, you can go to POD5 at the Banilad Town Center, or at K1 KTV at the Crossroads. If you just want to hang out in a restobar, you can go to Sinners and Saints in Banilad or a sportsbar called Badgers. You can also go to T.G.I.F. in Ayala where the food, beer and service are really good. Now if you just want to have some nice and quiet evening, you can go to Tops, it sure is nice there during the night you get to see all the lights nearly Cebu.My to do ListIsland Hopping- You can rent a pumpboat for about $60 and this result take you to 3 beautiful islands around Cebu. It is a whole day activity so you may want to bring in some lunch and snacks.Mountain View- You can go there day or night- it does not matter as they are open 24/ 7. It is honest of tall trees and flowers, plus hangout areas and playgrounds for kids. You also get a great view of the city at the top. Entrance fee $1.25 per personNature Tripping- You can go to one of its many waterfalls, especially the one in Badian which is the Kawasan Falls, it is about 2 minute of arcs out-of-door from the city.Bantayan Island- This is about a 3 minute drive to the southernmost port, and then you entrust take a RoRo to the island which is about an hours travel. Bantayan is great for those who want some quiet time in sweet-flavored white sand beaches.Turtle with two live sharksuckersPhoto by alfonsatorMoalboal- You should go there if you want to dive. It is about 2 hours away from the city. They have several diving packages at different rates. The islands of Mactan and Camotes are not to missed by diver addicts too.Sky Experience- located at the heart of the city, this is where the citys tallest building is. Experience the thrill of walking hundreds o f feet above groundbasilica del Sto. Nino- this very old church is located at the heart of downtown Cebu. in that respect you can see the many faces and images of the footling Jesus. It has been said that miracles happen if you ask the Sto. Nino to crave for you.Cebu CathedralPhoto by neiltootShopping- there are two kinds of shopping you can do-high end and low end. You can find some really good buys in downtown Cebu, specifically at colon Street where tops can go as low as $2. You can also go to two big malls where you can find clothes, shoes and accessories Ayala Mall and SM.Stay Away FromCebu is also home to a lot of pickpockets and robbers. Stay away from the downtown area late at night. Even during the day, you should keep your valuables in places where it is herculean for robbers to get access to it.