Press Releases
Jun
How to Go Island Hopping Around Cebu (and Where to Go)
The island of Cebu is surrounded by aquamarine sea water. Little to everyone’s knowledge, there are many different islands to visit while you’re in Cebu. All of these many islands can be reached by a motorized boat from a port in the city of Mactan, just 45 minutes from the city and about 20 from the airport. Prepare Your Food and Drinks You will be out in the sea for the whole day, so it’s only right for you to be prepared with lunch, drinks (boozy and non-boozy), and snacks. Be sure to shop beforehand and take these with you before driving out to the port. Don’t forget to bring plates and utensils. There are no strict rules in what you can and can’t bring, but try to be as ‘green’ as possible. Avoid plastics and practice clean-as-you-go. Cooking-wise, most boats have a grill; just bring what’s necessary to run one. Grilled food is a favorite aboard a boat while in the middle of the sea, so it’s a no-brainer to bring meat and vegetable skewers to cook. Get on a Boat There are various ports to take off from when you’re out to go on an island hopping tour around Cebu. One of the more famous and most convenient ports is Hilton Port. From the city, it is about a 45-minute drive (19KM) on a good day. From the airport, it’s a 20-minute ride through the national highway. Once you’re here, you can arrange your boat for the day. On average, expect to pay Php3,000-3,500 for a whole day of tour around nearby islands. This depends on the size of your boat and the number of people you will be going with. You can select up to three islands to visit. For islands that are further out of Mactan, expect to pay extra for petrol. Choose Your Islands There are a lot of nearby islands in Mactan to choose from – and each of the islands have their own pros and cons. Among the most visited ones are Olango Group of Islands and Caohagan Island. Other choices are Pandanon, Nalusuan, and Gilutungan. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from each of these islands: 1. Caohagan Island Caohagan is one of the most famous islands to visit from Cebu. It boasts a stop that is perfect for both just chilling at the beach or for a seafood lunch stop. On a good day, expect to see a sandbar that sits just right out on the island where your boat is docked. A restaurant is available on the island and serves the freshest seafood. However, being an island tourist destination, expect that food is more expensive than usual. In the end, aside from freshness you are also paying for the experience of dining on an island under the shade of lush palm trees. Souvenirs are also widely available here, albeit a bit overpriced. Whether you want to support the local community or keep a budget, the souvenirs look great and are all handmade. Given its popularity, do not expect to be alone here. This island is literally one of the most famous stops from Cebu, so almost all of the boats swing by here. 2. Olango Group of Islands Also known as just Olango Island, this stop is famous for its marine life and inland activities. Aside from just being a snorkelling and swimming stop, it also has an island eco tourism park with picnic huts and floating cottages. For the nature tripper, the island also has…
Jun
5 Colorful Festivals In Cebu You Shouldn’t Miss
Get into party mode for five of Cebu’s world-famous festivals! Festivals are an iconic part of many Philippine cultures, and Cebu can boast of holding some of the loudest, most colorful, and most spectacular ones in the country. As one of the largest provinces in the Philippines, it is no surprise that there is a wide, year-long spectrum of festivals all over the different cities, municipalities, and islands of Cebu. Each of these places have their own way of celebrating the customs, artifacts, and folklore that their tradition gives importance to. Whether you’re hoping to learn more about a place firsthand or just looking for a good time full of technicolor music and dance, attending any of Cebu’s festivals would no doubt bring you an unforgettable experience. The themes of many Cebuano festivals are often religious, historical, and/or cultural in nature. What these fiesta-loving people dedicate their parades and ceremonies to ranges from saints to battles to desserts (yup, those sweet stuff!). The most important thing to remember is that these festivals are organized and celebrated as a community. The people work together to keep the stories of their town alive for everyone to enjoy. While many of these traditions are centuries old, there is nothing boring about them. At a festival, everything is bigger, brighter, and bolder. Together, the locals and their guests can revel in a vibrant sea of delicious food and great company. 1. Sinulog Festival, Cebu City 3rd Sunday of January, Cebu City Viva Pit Señor! The grand and colorful Sinulog Festival is one of the most popular events in the Philippines, attracting thousands of people from all over the world each year. It has earned the title ‘Mother of All Festivals.’ While the main festivities are held in Cebu City, other parts of the province also host smaller versions of the festival. Sinulog is a culturally important celebration of Cebuano faith in the Santo Niño. The name ‘Sinulog,’ from the Cebuano word sulog meaning ‘like a water current,’ describes the festival’s prayer-dance ritual honoring the Child Jesus. The activities traditionally last nine days, featuring pageantry, historical exhibits, musical acts, and cultural shows. On the eighth day, a water parade called the Fluvial Procession carries the Santo Niño on a flower-ornamented pump boat from the Mandaue City wharf to the Cebu City wharf. The procession stops at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, finishing with a re-enactment of the Christianizing of Cebu. The festival ends on the ninth day with its two most important events: the Hubo Ritual Mass, and the Grand Parade. By 4 am the Pilgrim Center of the Basilica is packed with devotees there to witness the ritual changing of the vestments of the Santo Niño. At the Grand Festival, giant floats and brightly-costumed participants dance through the streets to the sound of drums, trumpets, and native gongs. Future attendees should note that festival organizers and the local government have recently begun implementing safety precautions such as a backpack ban, a weekend-long liquor and street party ban, and temporary signal shutoffs in certain areas. 2. Kadaugan sa Mactan Festival, Cebu April 22-27, Lapu-Lapu City Mactan Island is famous for being the site of Ferdinand Magellan’s defeat at the hands of Chief Lapu-Lapu and his warriors. The legendary Battle of Mactan is annually re-enacted on its anniversary, April 27, at the Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City. The performance includes a river procession of Magellan’s three ships (re-imagined as bangka, the Philippines’ traditional fishing boat) to the beach, followed by…
Jun
Best Budget Restaurants in Cebu: A Local Food Guide
It is no secret that the Philippines is home to food that are without a doubt a gastronomic experience in itself. A visit is never complete until you’ve had some of the well-loved Filipino dishes – adobo, sinigang, lechon, inasal, and the ever-famous balut. While there are consistent debates as to which region in the country has the best cuisine, Cebu City’s rich, savoury, and mouthwatering eats is for sure going to take you on an unexpected ride to food heaven. We’ve curated a thorough list of restaurants that will guide you to must-try food items during your visit in Cebu. We’ve got all budgets and taste profiles covered, so read along (or bookmark for later use!) and prepare your belly for feast. Note that some of these restaurants have multiple locations, so we’ve gone ahead and identified the ones that are most accessible. 1. Jollibee Okay, this is a little bit of an exception. While Jollibee is not unique to Cebu, it is a must-try fast food restaurant in the Philippines. Forget McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s – Jollibee is a homegrown and purely Filipino fast food chain that is well worth the meal. You will most likely notice that Jollibee pairs their chicken with either rice or spaghetti (or both). As odd as that sounds, it is actually an explosive combination. A must try is Jollibee’s Chickenjoy paired with their Jolly Spaghetti. The crispy and juicy golden fried chicken complements the sweet Filipino-style sauce of their spaghetti; it’s like no other. Other menu items worth trying are palabok, peach mango pie, and tuna pie (seasonal). If you’re up for something unique and enjoy pineapples in your meals, get an Amazing Aloha. Most meals start at US$1.30. Location: Gorordo cor General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines – VIEW MAP Contact: +63 32 232 4342 | Instagram Hours: Open 24 hours 2. Muvanz Pocherohan and Seafoods What started as a family recipe on Bantayan Island in 2011 has become one of Cebu City’s most favourite pork stewpot. Muvanz Pocherohan and Seafoods has been serving pochero, a timeless viand and household favourite, for over 8 years now. Located in a quiet neighbourhood in the heart of the city, you won’t exactly think highly of Muvanz based on its location and overall restaurant feel. However, its being basic is what brings joy, on top of food quality. The outdoor and homey ambiance adds value to their food, making it an ideal budget restaurant to dine at. Muvanz has a wide array of menu items suitable for even the most picky eater. Remember to get a side order of scallops to pair with your pochero, and maybe some sticks of pork barbecue to complete your meal. Meals start at US$1.30, with solo meals giving you an option to get a glass of iced tea or an unlimited order of cups of rice. An order of pochero starts at US$2.80 while the sizzling version is US$3.20. Location: Century Plaza Complex, Juana Osmeña St., Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines – VIEW MAP Contact: +63 32 266 0607 | Website Hours: Open 24 Hours 3. Jonie’s Sizzlers and Roast Sizzling plate lovers will rejoice at Jonie’s Sizzlers and Roast. With its budget friendly and always-sizzling promise, they are a go-to Cebu restaurant for quick local food. With 9 locations in major malls and business centres, Jonie’s is a budget restaurant you can’t miss. Enjoy their sizzling house steak, spicy chorizo, and chicken or pork sisig over an ice cold beer. If you’re coming with friends, their flaming belly buster…
May
English to Cebuano: Useful Cebuano Phrases
As travellers, we know how much locals appreciate tourists attempting to speak their language. It’s an endearing way to appreciate the country’s culture through smiles from the locals. While it is a known fact that almost everyone in the Philippines speaks English, the country has Filipino (casually referred to as Tagalog, but they’re not meant to be confused from one another) as its national language. However, the Philippines has over 185 dialects spoken in the different regions and provinces the country. With its geographical setup and rich culture, you will expect to hear different tones and phonetics as you travel around. Try to notice how locals talk as you go along – it varies. Although you will be able to converse with Cebuanos in English, we’ve translated some of the most useful phrases from English to Cebuano for you to use soon as you land in Cebu. Remember that this is only applicable in Cebu. As soon as you step foot on Siargao Island, Boracay, or Nacpan Beach, it’s a different dialect altogether. Read along (or bookmark for later!) so you’re ready for your visit! English to Cebuano: A Few Tips The official language of the Philippines is Filipino. However, there are over 185 dialects in the country and each province / region will be speaking something different. Regardless of dialect however, reading anything that’s written in Filipino (or any dialect) is straightforward – read just as how it is spelt, with every syllable pronounced. For example, a greeting that is on the wall saying, “maayong adlaw,” meaning “good day,” is read as ma-a-yong ad-lao. The country was once colonised by Spain, too, so do not be surprised if you come across some words that sound like Spanish. An interesting thing to note is that “hi” and “hello” don’t exactly have a translation in Cebuano and Filipino. Instead, locals ask you how you are, or otherwise just greet you based on the time of day. A more formal welcome greeting would be, “Mabuhay!” which indirectly translates to “long live!” English to Cebuano: The Basics Good day Maayong adlaw (the last syllable in adlaw is read as if you want to say “loud”) Good morning Maayong buntag (long ‘u’ as in the word “put”) Good noon Maayong udto (long ‘u’ as in the word “put”) Good evening Maayong gabii (short ‘a,’ all syllables are pronounced in gabii with the last syllable read as the letter ‘e’ – gabi-e) How are you? Kumusta ka? (same as in Filipino / Tagalog; see the Spanish resemblance?) I’m fine Maayo ra ko Goodbye Paalam Yes Oo (say two O’s) No Dili Thank you Salamat Thank you very much Daghang salamat Please Palihug (‘u’ is long, like an O) Sorry / Excuse me Pasayloa ko I don’t understand Wa ko kasabot I don’t know Ambot / ambot lang Do you speak English? Kahibaw ka mu English? Bathroom Banyo How much is this? Tagpila ni? Expensive Mahal What’s your name? Unsa ang imong ngalan? My name is _____ Akong ngalan ay _____ What time is it? Unsa na orasa karon? English to Cebuano: Restaurant Phrases Restaurant Kan-anan Delicious Lami Spicy Halang / hang I am hungry Gigutom na ko I am a vegetarian Di ko puwede mukaon ug karne (literally, I’m not able to eat meat) One water, please Usa ka tubig, palihug One beer, please Usa ka beer, palihug The check, please Akong bill, palihug English to Cebuano: Giving Directions Where is…? .Asa ang ___ ? I want to go to… Ganahan ko moadto sa .. Go straight Diretso ra…
May
10 Best Cafes in Cebu: Where to Get Your Caffeine Kick
Whether your reason for grabbing a cup of joe is a toss-up between wanting to relax on a slow morning or rushing to have a quick espresso fix, Cebu City has got you covered with its many choices of cafes to get your caffeine fix. Here’s a rundown of the best cafes in Cebu (in no particular order) and where to get your caffeine kick for the day: Abaca Baking Company Abaca Baking Company, or more commonly known as Abaca, is a homegrown brand of restaurant and café. They serve not only the best local coffee in the city, but a wide variety of sumptuous sandwiches, meals, and desserts as well. A visit at their TGU Tower, IT Park branch wouldn’t be perfect without ordering an ABC sandwich, paired with a flat white. Don’t forget to add avocados and cheese in your sandwich as these are good compliments to your sandwich. If you’re just up for something small, sweet, and quick, their oatmeal cookie hits the right spot and is best enjoyed with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee. If you’re after a complete meal, their branch at Crossroads offers a wider menu perfect for brunch and dinner. Get healthy with their selection of salads or go for something savoury with their burgers and main course meals. An order of smoked salmon bakery benedict, which is your classic eggs benedict, usually takes the stress away, while their fluffy pancakes easily remind you of what it’s like to be a kid again. Location: TGU Tower, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines – VIEW MAP Contact: +63 32 231 5826 | Website Hours: Daily from 6AM to 4AM Purveyor Coffee A recent player in the coffee industry, Purveyor boasts a minimalist white and wood interior with big windows making it a perfect location to comfortably relax under the relaxing daylight. This brand new café does not only sell cups of coffee per se; they have various brewing and steeping methods available, as well as a variety of single origin coffee beans that are grounded only upon ordering. Every cup of coffee is expected to be fresh and well-curated. Although a small selection, they also sell freshly baked cookies and brownies for the sweet tooth. Don’t forget to ask your barista for what pastry is best to pair with your coffee – they know best. Location: Unit G-10 Ground Floor 4J Bldg (Sampaguita Suites, General Maxilom Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines – VIEW MAP Contact: +63 917 166 1340 | Instagram Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8AM to 6PM (Closed Sundays) Mango Six Coffee & Dessert Being a full on metropolitan city, global coffee chains have made their way to Cebu and Mango Six Coffee & Dessert is just one of them. Originally from Korea, Mango Six now has presence in at least 9 countries including the Philippines. Mango lovers will rejoice as almost all of their drinks and desserts have the fruit incorporated in them. Think mango cakes and mango cream smoothies crafted with real Cebu mangoes; a perfect treat in the midday heat. For non-mango fans, Mango Six Coffee & Dessert has other food and drink options from their menu that will surely captivate your soul. From waffles with sweet and savory toppings to pretzels, sandwiches, and plated meals, the foodie in you is surely going to be satisfied with or without mangoes. Location: Salinas Drive cor La Guardia St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines – VIEW MAP Contact: +63 32 517 7275 | Website Hours: Daily, 24 Hours …