Press Releases
Feb
These are the Most Amazing and Radical Places to Visit in 2020
There is so much out there to explore in the world, so deciding which sights to see can be tricky. Have you ever thought about going off the beaten path and uncovering some unusual sights that most travelers don’t get the chance to see? Although with modern technology and faster flights, trains, and boats the world is getting a lot smaller, there is still much to explore and many unknown places for the average tourist to take it and learn about. So, if you are looking for something a little more extraordinary for your next holiday we’ve put together a list of 10 of the most radical and weirdest places on earth you need to explore so you can tick them off your bucket list.
Feb
Best restaurants in Cebu City: a delicious vegan and vegetarian guide to the city
The cuisine in the Philippines is known for having some pretty meat-heavy mains. With Lechon (roasted suckling pig) joints around every corner in the city of Cebu, it can be an intimidating place to navigate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for vegetarians and vegans. Fret not, however, as there are a handful of restaurants serving up delicious meat-free options around the city. From budget eats to healthy venues to onsite hostel restaurants and more, here are the best restaurants in Cebu City for vegan and vegetarian diners!
Jul
The Best Things to Do in Moalboal, the Philippines
When we were planning our trip around the Philippines, Moalboal was a place that we had loosely considered spending a couple of days in so we could visit Kawasan Falls. We really didn’t expect much from it. After a couple of days in Moalboal, however, we soon realized we had grossly underestimated the place and booked ourselves in for the rest of the week. There are so many incredible things to do in Moalboal, and we already can’t wait to go back and discover more. Read on to discover just why this area in Southern Cebu is so amazing!
Jul
10 Cebu Treats and Souvenirs to Bring Home
So your Cebu vacation is almost done. And just like any good time, you don’t want it to end. Why not extend the fun and bring a little piece of Cebu back home? To help you out, we’ve created this list for you. (You’re welcome.) Here are popular bring-home treats and souvenirs from Cebu – or what locals fondly call as ‘pasalubong.’ There are delicacies, sweet treats, and unique souvenirs to choose from. Make sure your bags have space! 1. Dried Mangoes On top of our list is the world-famous dried mangoes. Chewy in texture and sweet in taste, these export-quality treats are perfect as bite-sized snacks for your mid-afternoon munch. Try the dried ripe or green variety – or for the sweet tooth, dried mangoes dipped in chocolate coating. And if you’re a real mango addict, stock on mango juice concentrate, spicy peanuts with dried mango bits, and tamarind mango candy, too! Buy your stash at the local grocery or if you’re game for more local flavor, head on to the Taboan Public Market where you can haggle with local vendors. Or if you’re a certified mango geek, why not travel to Profood Gallery in Maguikay, Mandaue City? More than a dried mango shop, the Gallery is a legit mango museum that offers a factory tour. Here, you can learn more about the history of Cebu’s dried mangoes industry. Mango cravings: status satisfied. 2. Rosquillos It’s like a donut but it’s flat. It’s a cookie but it’s shaped like a flower. One thing is for sure, it’s a delicious butter delight. These sweet favorites trace its origins from the Municipality of Liloan in Cebu where Margarita ‘Titay’ Frasco started baking the pastry back in 1907. She made the then-nameless treat using flour, eggs, sugar, baking powder, and shortening. Then, as history claims it, President Sergio Osmeña Sr visited Titay’s home and, when served with the delicious cookies, named it rosquillos after the Spanish word for ringlet, rosca. Today, Titay’s is famous for its rosquillos and other home-baked goodies. Try their famous torta, ensaimada, penato, and other pastries. Its main outlet is located in Poblacion, Liloan, but their products are heavily distributed in leading supermarkets around Metro Cebu. 3. Peanut Browas Who would have thought that this Cebu delicacy was born out of a crisis? The year is 1984. Cebu was under a flour shortage. It was then that Danny Gonzales of Argao received a tall order from his father: create a new product that used little flour. The inventive mind gathered his chosen ingredients – grounded fine peanuts, eggs, sugar, and yeast. Then, he borrowed his Lola’s Pureza’s much-kept baking methods, a family secret passed down to generations. The finished product is the now famous Peanut Browas. Known as Cebu’s version of Lady Fingers, the Browas is a crunchy, bite-sized delicacy beloved by the many taste buds that swore to its rich peanut flavor. Get ‘a taste of Old Cebu’ by indulging in a box of Browas, retailing between Php 50 to Php 140 (around USD 1 to USD 3) depending on the size. 4. Otap A local favorite, the crunchy Otap is an oval-shaped puff pastry that’s likened to the French palmier cookies. This famous delicacy is usually made from flour, shortening, coconut, and sugar. Usually six inches long, Otap is thin-layered, flaky, and saccharine-coated – so prepare to hear crisp after crisp when you bite into its yummy goodness. Really soothing to the ears! To add, the sprinkled sugar on…
Jul
6 Must-See Historical Landmarks in Cebu
Call it Sugbu. Or Sebu. Even Sibuy. Cebu’s original name is derived from ‘Sibu,’ which means ‘to trade.’ The island was a flourishing center of commerce during the country’s pre-colonial era. During this time, locals traded with Chinese, Malay, Japanese, and other visitors for bartered herbs, spices, precious gems, and ceramics. And when the Spaniards came, Cebu’s thriving culture flourished even more. With the introduction of Christianity and many Spanish traditions, the Cebuano way of living became more vibrant. As such, Cebu’s rich history extends through centuries. And thankfully, much of this heritage is still breathing through the landmarks and sites of the famed Queen City of the South. Here’s a rundown of must-see historical landmarks in Cebu. You might want to bookmark this page and treat it as your own guide when you visit these historical places! 1. Magellan’s Cross “On March 16, 1521, when [the] Philippines was discovered by Magellan…” goes the opening line of a local folk song. Then on April 21st, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan – the first person to circumnavigate the Earth – landed in the shores of Cebu together with his fleet of five vessels. The crew was on their way back to Spain after a successful expedition to the Maluku ‘Spice’ Islands, under the instructions of King Charles I of Spain. To mark his arrival, Magellan planted a cross in the name of his Motherland. He became friends with the chieftain Rajah Humabon and his wife and, on the same site, the rulers were baptized as Carlos and Juana, in honor of the Spanish king and his mother respectively. Soon after, four hundred of Humabon’s followers were introduced into Christianity. As such, Magellan’s Cross marked the beginning of two things: Spain’s colonization and Christianity in the country. Today, the historical marker is housed in the center of a small chapel and is encased inside a tingalo wood. The Cross is located conveniently next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country. It is home to the image of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu, Magellan’s gift to the couple during their christening. 2. Fort San Pedro Prided as the country’s oldest and smallest fort, Fuerte de San Pedro or more popularly known as Fort San Pedro, is another well-known tourist attraction in Cebu. It was built as a military defense structure under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first governor-general in the Philippines. Its long and rich history is a true delight for tourists. Among other things, the Fort was once an army garrison, prison camp, school, hospital, and even a zoo! Today, Fort San Pedro is a historical park under the supervision of the local government. To add, part of the Fort was converted into a museum that has Spanish artifacts, paintings, old photographs, and historical documents in it. After visiting the museum, you can wander around the fort’s triangular shape, where two sides are facing the sea and the other facing the city. While you’re at it, take a snapshot with a real cannon or simply enjoy the magnificent view the roof deck has to offer. The Fort is a few walks away from Magellan’s Cross. Entrance fee is Php 30 (around USD 0.60) for adults and Php 20 (USD .40) for students. 3. Cebu Heritage Monument Walking distance from Fort San Pedro is Cebu Heritage Monument. It is an extravagant bronze tableau masterpiece by local artist Eduardo Castrillo and was constructed from July 1997 to…