We have always been fascinated by Cebu. No matter that we have visited it countless times. Its enterprising and endearing people, its history, the sights, the cuisine, the developments, always make a visitor excited. And because we have a sibling who has settled in Cebu city for decades, any forthcoming trip is reason to rejoice and something to look forward to. Thus the ‘surprise’ of getting family together in Cebu was a memorable experience once again.
We were ‘tourists’ in Cebu this time and to our delight, we had a weekend discovery and renewal of acquaintances.
The flight from Manila to Cebu was pleasant, but was made quite uncomfortable by the ‘out of order’ lifts and escalators at both airports. Our ‘home’ in Cebu has always been the Marco Polo hotel, where its genial GM Hans Hauri has steered his staff to gracious hospitality. Our tour included a run through the SRP (South Road Projects) which spans the city through its southern corridor. There is massive development there, dominated by the on-going construction of the huge SM Seaside City. Here we found the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod, a native of Cebu, his actual place of birth contested by neighboring Bohol.
The people of Cebu seem to be forever eating, something that has brought about the emergence of restaurants offering varied cuisines. The ever-expanding chain, Laguna Café of Lita Urbina, has so crept into the palate of the Cebuanos that she runs a full house in her outlets all the time. Lita, having come from Laguna, has successfully introduced Tagalog cuisine to Cebuanos.
Over in another area, a Laguna chef-consultant, Edith, is currently the guest chef at Pino, a restaurant in a Spanish-style building, where she tweaked the Caesar Salad to have tinapa and queso de bola. We had the perfect beef salpicao at the renovated Country Club of Cebu. The popular Cebu lechon is everywhere – in restaurants, in sidewalk stalls, even at the airport.
In two days the visitor can find time to motor to Mactan, where an emerging tourist industry is fast gaining approval from foreign tourists, mainly from Korea. Stay at the all-white and green Be Hotel, where the furniture designed by its own native and internationally acknowledged designer Kenneth Cobonpue provides it with a modern innovative ambiance. Relax in the pool area, where egg-shell shaped lounging sofas are unique. Dare to go down to the beach. Visit the shrine site, where the statue of Lapu-Lapu reigns. Here again are arguments as to whether he did actually kill Magellan.
There is a tiangge-type complex by the shrine where the usual outfits, trinkets, shoes and home décor are sold. Your P1,000 budget for souvenirs will go a long way here. Bring home Kwong Bee chorizo Macao and Villagonga chicharon. Or the Zubuchon available frozen at the airport. Be prepared to pay P20 for the box.
The flight back was delayed, now the airline no longer boasts of on-time departures. Arriving at the Ninoy Aquino airport was again parusa (punishment) for those with weak knees. Upon deplaning one negotiates three flights of steel steps, then on to a long walk, without escalators and lifts, to the baggage claim.
But don’t be discouraged, Cebu is worth all the effort. Be a domestic tourist. It will be fun and exciting.