Island in the Pacific

Manila, Philippines - Some years ago, when the Philippines’ image was not so good, the trailblazers in Cebu dubbed their province “An Island in the Pacific.” The slogan caught fire, so to speak, and tourists started coming. The spirited Cebuanos went on with their campaign, developing human as well as other physical resources, with great success. Business and government entered into a viable partnership and made Cebu a premiere destination.

Whether one approves – or not – of that slogan which gave the impression that Cebu was not part of the Philippines, it cannot be denied that it worked. Today, Cebu is bustling and yes, it has returned to the fold. Now it calls itself “The Philippines’ Top Island Destination.”

We revisited Cebu (mostly the city) a fortnight ago and retraced the steps we made during our many trips in the past, in the course noting developments (in infrastructure, etc.) and meeting old friends who are engaged in making it a pleasurable place for a brief R&R. 

The Cebu sunset is as majestic as that on Manila Bay.

We landed safely as the alternative airline made its way to the terminal, there meeting our sister Mila and niece Triccia with a ready itinerary for the next five days.

Perhaps the biggest development in Cebu is the SRP, South Reclamation Project (a long stretch) initiated by then Mayor Tomas Osmeña, of a concrete highway to the South, hitting various municipalities. Halfway through is an enclave of stone walls, a good site where photographs can be taken. Within the walls is Sugbu House, where snacks and meals are served as one takes in the view and the calm of the sea.

History is well documented in the Heritage Park in Fort San Pedro. There is an impressive, huge bronze sculpture depicting different eras, from the arrival of Magellan to the era of President Osmeña, a native son of Cebu. There’s more, including the 18th century Yap-Santiago residence and the Gorordo Museum.

Radisson Blu’s Feria.

Comfortable accommodations need not be a problem. The choices range from small pensions to five-star hotels. New hotels have come up, but we consider the pioneer hotel, the Marco Polo, on Nivel Hill, Apas, our second home in Cebu. Its very genial general manager, Hans Hauri, has a very good memory and always a warm welcome for “homecoming” guests. On the hotel’s 23rd floor is The Continental Club, which has a dedicated lift and an exclusive lounge where meals are served to loyal guests.  

New in the sense that it has just been taken over by new owners and management is the Swiss-based Movenpick Resort & Spa, on a private beach in Mactan. Its general manager Klaus Graesslin told us moven means “seagull” and its founder, while watching them on the beach in his native Switzerland, observed they were picking the best food from the shore. Thus they aim to give their guests the best, which they did for us. A great experience is a food and wine pairing dinner at Manny O’s Wine and Tapas restaurant. He opines our hospitality industry has come a long way, but we need to do more to keep pace with our aggressive neighbors. We agree!

“In My Basket“ cookies welcomed the author at Movenpick.

Radisson Blu hotel on Osmeña Blvd., a few minutes from the airport, belongs to the SM group. Its lobby, very modern, leads to the Feria Coffee Shop, overlooking a garden with a Japanese bridge, offering a massive lunch buffet.    

Dining in Cebu is always a pleasure. Chains in Metro Manila are well represented, joined by local establishments that hold their own. Restaurants, big and small, dot various areas. There’s the IT Park, Salinas Drive, where a string of eateries are doing brisk business. One of them is Moon Café, with an Aztec “moon” ceiling, offering Mexican food, from quesadillas to steaks. There is La Tegola, Cucina Italiana, where we had succulent fish while the others had delicious pasta. Of course, there is the ever reliable Café Laguna, on the Terrace, Ayala Center, where cravings for authentic Tagalog food are very much satiated.

Like in Manila, malls are dotted with small food stalls. Comparatively big is that of Tablea in the Robinsons Cybergate Mall on Llorente Street. It is a chocolate house, serving drinks, cakes and other snack food. It has tables and chairs for comfortable dining.

The long Special Reclamation Project road leading from the city to the south.

Last but not least is the shopping. Export thrives here, but some items are available in stores and malls, such as shirts, accessories, pasalubong packs (rosquillos are now vari-flavored), plus the authentic tiny Cebu longganiza, and many more.

Visit Cebu and have fun!