An ‘Elegant’ experience

Cebu is known for its pristine white beaches, famous tourist spots, the warm hospitality of its people and splashes of local color on the streets of the urbanized metropolis that is Cebu City.

There are also hidden treasures all over the province, from Larsian, the best place to get great barbecues and isaw, beside Fuente Osmeña, to Tops, a romantic spot to gaze at the city’s bright night lights, in Busay.

My two companions and I though had two very different experiences in Cebu during one rainy weekend in July.

On a cloudy Friday afternoon, right after arriving in Mactan, we drove for a good two-and-a-half hours to reach the Elegant Beach Resort in Anapog, San Remegio.

San Remegio, one of the best places to soak under the sun in summertime and escape for a little quiet time away from it all, is one of the seaside treasures Cebu is extremely proud of.

Surrounded by green grass and coconut trees, Elegant Beach Resort fits the description of coming home to a summerhouse in the province. The main building, with 14 fully airconditioned rooms, each with a private bath, is a two-story wooden structure with sliding glass doors and nipa thatch roof.

Across a circular driveway, down a stretch of cement block steps, is a small nipa thatch roof structure which serves as a picturesque picnic spot.

Facing the shore, on low tide that late Friday afternoon, the sound of the waves and crickets made a soothing background to a hearty dinner of steamed lapu-lapu, kimki, a Chinese chicken dish, and red rice.

The bright sunlight awoke me the next morning. I took a long walk on the endless stretch of the sandy beach until I reached the outjutting rocks at the end of the shore. I headed back after taking a picture of moss-covered rocks and brown seaweeds.

The next afternoon, we arrived at the Elegant Circle Inn beside Fuente Osmeña in the heart of uptown Cebu City. Dr. Felipe Cinco, an optometrist and general manager of both the Elegant Circle Inn and Beach Resort, greeted us at the lobby.

"We extend our services beyond those provided by the hotel. We see to it that we satisfy all of our guests’ needs," he said, adding that the Elegant Circle Inn turns 10 years old this year.

Going around the city in the afternoon, we found our way to the Tabo-an public market to buy fresh danggit, dried mangoes and otap, and then to the Basilica Sto. Niño to offer prayers. At night, we ventured into the city’s entertainment spots. From the quiet evening by the beach in San Remegio to the cool acoustic beat of strumming guitars in a music bar on our second night, I knew Cebu would leave a taste and feel that would linger on when I return to the noise and chaos of Manila. But, for tonight, I settled down with a cold glass of beer and laughter with my companions, while outside, the rain poured as the evening went by.