CEBU, PHILIPPINES 2012

TOTAL EXPENSES per PERSON: P2,888 ($68.76)

(3 days & 2 nights getaway in Cebu City)

Savings: P5492

Two-way Promo Airfare: P508 (regular two-way fare is roughly P6,000)

Accommodation Rate: P480 for two days

Food (lunch, dinner, snacks): P500

Transportation: P200 (tricycle, jeepney, and taxi in Manila and Cebu)

Activities: P100 (admission fee for museums) 

Souvenirs (food, and other items): P700

Tax (terminal fee): P400 (Manila to Cebu and vise versa)

Note: Exchange Rate: $1 = P42

Itinerary

Flight: 

We booked our flight in Tigerairways last July 23, 2012 using their promo fare for local destinations. Then we took a flight via SEAir aircraft at around 5:30 in the morning on Sep 8, 2012. It just took 1 hour and 15 minutes when the plane touched donw Mactan Int'l Airport. 

Courtesy of Innovata Map

Ticket Price: P254 / head (US$ 6.04)

Terminal Fee: P200 / head (US$ 4.76)

Mandaue-Mactan Bridge

It was built in 1972 connecting the islands of Mactan and Cebu. This 864-meter bridge is worth P65 million.

Accommodation: 

Robe’s Pension House

It is located in one of the busiest residential areas in Cebu. Even though, the place is quite hard to find, this can be reached by PUVs such as jeepney and tricycle or taxi. 
The rooms here are spacious, well-lit, well-ventilated, and clean. It can accommodate 4 persons to a maximum of six. You just have to pay for the additional person per night. 
I was actually satisfied with their service and facilities. The staffs were very hospitable and helpful all throughout our stay there. They even responded fast to our needs. Although the whole 4-story building has wifi access, the fastest connection is at the lobby.

Room rate: P960 (US$22.85) for 4 pax (P240/head) a night

Contact Information:

Address: 41R Landon St., Cebu City Philippines

(Corner Don Pedro Cui Street)

Tel: +6332-412-5609 (Globe)
Tel: +6332-253-0104 (PLDT)
Mobile: +63932-420-0598 (Sun)

Email: reservations@robespensionhouse.com

Website: http://www.robespensionhouse.com/

The hotel never serves breakfast so you can buy it at the nearby eatery which has its own authentic taste of Filipino cuisine in affordable price.  During my stay in Robes, I got to try some meals in the eatery including the flavorful crabmeat, spicy fried chicken, savory inadobong pusit (squid), and more. The price ranges from 25 to 45 pesos per one serving excluding rice and drinks. You can also request for a hot soup free of charge.

Attractions:

1. Lapu-lapu Shrine
To jump start our trip to Cebu, we headed for Lapu-lapu Shrine straight from the airport. Then we took a jeepney located right outside the arrival area of Mactan Int'l Airport. 

According to the history, this monument was created as a sign of Filipino bravery. This site marks the place where a momentous battle occurred between the tribe’s chief, Lapu-lapu from Mactan Island and the Spanish invader, Ferdiand Magellan on April 27, 1521. From this monument, you can see Lapu-lapu holding a bolo in one hand and a pestle on the other. These weapons were used during his hostile encounter with Magellan.

Location: Punta Engano, Lapulapu City
Tip: It might be hotter in the early afternoon so you should bring an umbrella.
Admission: Free of charge

2. Basilica Minor del Santo Nino

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta built this church in 1500s and this is where the image of Santo Nino was found. It was destroyed by fire on Nov 1, 1568, but was rebuilt in 1602 by Juan Albaran, then rehabilitated in 1740. Cardinal Antoinette Papal Legate started to call the church as Basilica Minor del Santo Nino during the 400^th celebration of christianism in Cebu on May 1965.

When I figured out my next destination in this city, this basilica was on top of my list. Although I am not a catholic, visiting a historical site such this is an admirable experience. A flock of excited tourists from various parts of the world felt the same way as I did. The energy and the enthusiasm were unexplainably remarkable when I was inside the church. In fact, the site turned to be a major attraction rather than just a religious place. It was common to see tourists taking photos in every corner of the place.

An air-conditioned store is just right beside the church that sells some memento, crucifix, rosary, and more.

Location: Osmena Blvd, Cebu City
Tip: Make sure to know the schedule of the mass to avoid congested crowd.

Admission: Free of charge


3. Basilica Minor del Santo Nino Museum

Location: The musuem is at the ride side of the church, a few meters away from Magellan's Cross.

4. Magellan’s Cross

Magellan’s Cross is planted by Ferdianand Magellan on April 21, 1521. It is the spot where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderama including Rajah Humabon, Queen Juan and other 400 followers. For over 200 years, people believed that the cross had miraculous power, so they started to take some parts from the cross. The Augustinian priests decided to protect the cross with a small pavilion made up of concrete from continuous destruction. In fact, the original cross is enclosed by another hallow cross made of Tinadalo wood for additional protection

Location: This site is located right at the back of Basilica Minor del Santo Nino, a few meters away from the chruch.
Tip: Ready your camera for this must-see attraction in Cebu

Admission: Free of charge 

5. Taoist Temple

Taoist temple is situated inside Beverly Hills Subdivision, overlooking the city of Cebu. 

This religious place keeps the principles of Lao-Tse, a well-known Chinese philosopher in 600 BC.

If you plan to visit this must-see attraction, you have a couple of options: one is on foot and other one is to transport through an exciting motorbike ride. At first, I chose to walk because I was a bit frightened of riding on a motorbike and thought that the fare was pricy. The 10-min stroll turned out to be nice though, and I was able to exercise and devour the breeze of nature.

The entry way of the place is decorated with the authentic Chinese contours and shapes. Then people must climb 81 steps which represent 81 chapters of Taoism scriptures. On the top, there is the main hall where you can light joss sticks (incense) for free, request for your fortune, and ask questions. These questions are only answerable by yes or no. Taking photos in this hall is highly-prohibited. Facing left, there is a replica of a towering pagoda, a fraction of ‘Great of China,’ and ‘Temple of Heaven’ in Beijing. 

Tip: Don’t bring anything you don’t need if you will go up to the hill on foot. Put sunscreen and bring an umbrella if you don’t want to get toasted under the scorching heat of the sun. Also, you can bring some fluids to quench your thirst and replenish you once you reach the temple.
Admission: Free of charge or you can give some donations

After about an hour, we headed for our next destination, but this time, putting aside my fear, I decided to go down the hill through this thrilling motorbike ride. To my surprise, it only cost 10 pesos.

6. San Pedro Port

Fort San Pedro is the smallest fort in the country. It covers an area of 2,025 sq meters. Its walls are 6.09 meters high with 2.43 meters thickness while its tower is 9.14 meters high from the ground. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi started to build this structure as the base camp of Spanish settlers in the Philippines on May 8, 1565. Commodore George Dewey surrendered the fort to the locals after the battle of Manila Bay. Then it became the barracks of American soldiers during the American Regime. After a few years, it was converted into a school of Cebuanos for several decades. Cebu Garden Club took charge of renovating the lot inside into a small garden after 1950. The fort had become the offices of Department of Tourism and the Philippines Tourism Authority until August 15, 1993. These days, the fort is protected as the National Museum exhibiting some diggings, paintings, and San Diego shipwreck under PTA administration.

Admission: around P40
Location: 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City

7. Casa Gorordo

Juan Gorordo was the first Filipino bishop of Cebu who stayed in this ancient house from 1862 until 1934. This two-story house showcases the antique household items well preserved until at present. The first floor has a few partitions made of concrete exhibiting family memorabilia, paintings, and more. On the second floor, you will see the family’s huge living room, dining area, kitchen, and a wide-open veranda overlooking the whole neighborhood. 

Food & Pasalubong

Pasalubong (gifts back home) in Cebu is too many to choose from: souvenir items and local delicacies.

These souvenir products such as ref magnets, key chains, shirts, accessories and more can be found in various shops or kiosks in the city.

1. Some vendors right beside Magellan’s Cross

2. Some merchants are also selling these outside Basilica Del Santo Nino

3. A branch of Island Store is located near the church, a few steps from Magellan’s Cross.

4. A long strip of stolls nearby Lapu-lapu Shrine selling home décors as well, which are made of sea shells and capiz (the bivalve shell of a mollusk). The price ranges from P200 – P450 depending on the size and the intricacy of designs.

5. A few stores located in the airport but it’s not advisable to purchase souvenirs here. The price is twice expensive compared to stores mentioned above.

1. CNT Lechon
This is a must-eat delicacy, one of the best in Cebu. Truly succulent that you can never resist. One unique thing about the restaurant is its staffs. I never saw men cutting and serving the food.
Because a lot of patrons keep on coming back to taste this specialty of the city, we waited for more than 30 minutes for our order.

Contact Information:

Address: 1377 Rama Ave, Guadalupe, Cebu City Philippines

Tel: 6332) 254-4249, (6332) 254-6641

2. 7D Factory
Your tour will never be complete without any 'pasalubong', trinket or anything valuable from a place you visited. 7D products should be on you list when you visit Cebu including dried mango, mangorind, puree, mango juice, and many more. Majority of the products are 10 to 20 peso cheaper than in any stores in the country. You won't regret of a short stay in the said store because you will definitely get more discount when you buy by bulk, but you have to consider the number of your order or else you will end up with excess baggage.
How to get there
To reach the factory, you have to find Centre Mall first. Then take a tricyle, where the terminal is located  beside the mall. Just ask the driver to bring you to the small store of 7D, right next to the plant. 

Contact Information:

Address: Sacris Road, A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu, Philippines
Tel: (63-32) 346-122; (63-32) 346-1769

Fax: (63-32) 346-0082

Website: http://www.7dfoods.com/

3. Shamrock Bakery

Contact Information:

Address: Honoria Paras Bldg., Fuente Osmena Park

Cebu City 6014 Philippines

E-mail: info@shamrockota.com

Phone: 248-5464

Website: http://shamrockotap.com/

4. Starbucks 

Branches:
Ayala Center - Cebu

Stall FS201, level 2 Ayala Center, Cebu Garden

Development , Cebu Business Park, Cebu City

(032) 2318456, (032) 2318460

Sun - Th (7:00am - 12:00mn)

F - Sat  (7:00am - 12:30am)

Ayala Center - Cebu Annex Level 1

Ayala Center Cebu, Annex Cebu Business park

Cebu City

(032) 4151911

M - Sun (10:00am - 9:00pm)

Crown Regency - Cebu

G/f Crown Regency, Hotel & Towers

Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City

(032) 2386851

Sun - Th  (7:00am - 11:00pm)

F - Sat (7:00am - 12:30am)

eBloc 2 - Cebu

eBloc 2 Asiatown IT Park Level 1

G/F, Cebu City, Cebu 6000

(032) 4129123

M - Th  (7:00am - 12:00am)

F - Sat (7:00am - 1:00am)

Sun (8:00am - 11:00pm)

i2 Point Bldg. - Cebu

G/F i2 Point Building, Asia Town

I.T. Park, Cebu City

(032) 4129123

M (8:00am - 3:00am)

T - Sat (7:00am - 3:00am)

Sun (9:00am - 1:00am)

SM Cebu  - Level 1

Shoe Mart Mall - G/F Fiesta Strip, Cebu City

(032) 2316455

M - Sun (9:30am - 9:00pm)

SM Cebu Northwing - Level 1

Upper G/F SM City Cebu, North

Reclamation Area San Jose dela,

Montaña cor. MJ Cuenco Avenue

Cebu City

(032) 2363161

M - Sun (8:30am - 10:30pm)

Website: http://philippines.starbucks.com/en-US/_Our+Stores/

5. Pasalubong Store (near Basilica Minor del Santo Nino)

Shopping Malls and Stores:

Ayala Center Cebu

One quaint style of Ayala real estates developer is its nature-inspired landscape in and out of their structures, and Ayala Center in Cebu has never disappointed me with this. Although I was not able to view the mall in daylight, I am much more impressed how it glistened at night, from its sheer façade at the entrance to the panoramic view of the entire mall circling around the luscious trees inhabited by some endemic birds. It has several stores to choose from both from local and international brands.

When I heard that there were only 4 Starbucks stores in Cebu which can be found in this mall, I made it a point that it would be included on my list. 

Tip: If you’re looking for cheap souvenirs or trinkets, Ayala Center is not the right place; however, the ref magnet should be bought in I Love Cebu store. They have the most intricate designs made up of rubber, but it’s quite expensive compared to wooden ones being sold somewhere in the city.

SM City

Another huge shopping mall in Cebu is SM City. SM malls are rather known for its simplicity and space. Generally speaking, their designs vividly depict a rectangular structure, which are evident among SM malls from different parts of the country. This simplicity entices people to stroll around the mall with ease and find what they are looking for. In the contrary, if you are a watchful consumer, the prices of their products are noticeably more costly compared to other malls in the area.

Tip: If boredom strikes you, perhaps, this mall is one of the choices to stroll around.

Taboan Public Market

Tabaon Market has become recognized due to its high-selling products like danggit (dried fish) and dried pusit (squid). Most sellers put these products in an air-tight package once you buy one.
You can haggle the price. The more danggit you buy, the more discounts and freebies you can get!

Location: San Nicolas District, Cebu City

Souvenirs:
1. Ref magnet
Price: around P120

2. Starbucks demitasse set
Price: P325 (US$ 7.7) per set

3. Souvenir shirt
Price: from P200 to P400

Contact Information
Island Souvenirs, Inc.
Address: Aldeguer Group of Companies Compound Nasipit, Talamban
Cebu City 6000, Philippines
Telefax: +6332-236-5062
E-mail: info@theislandsgroup.com
Website: http://www.theislandsgroup.com/

We flew back to Manila thru Manila Domestic Airport using the same airline company.
We arrived at exactly 8:30 on Sep. 10, 2013. Thank God, there was no delay on our flight.

Ticket Price: P254/head (US$ 6.04)
Terminal Fee: P200/head (US$ 4.76)

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Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.