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| Magellan's Cross |
Finally after two years I got myself a decent holiday. The destination: Cebu and Bohol. I have fallen in love with Cebu since flying there twice for work in 2010 and 2011. So I thought the Queen City of the South would be the place to go for my well-deserved holiday. Then my friend Zap came back tanned and happy from her holiday in Bohol. That's when I knew that it should be included in the trip.
But first, I must visit Cebu. Being the oldest city in the country, it boasts a lot of history evident of the Spanish influence you can see around you. Another thing I love about the city is how affordable almost everything is. The trip to Cebu was not just about the sites but glorious food as well! Two of my favorite restaurants are Casa Verde and Mooon Cafe (note the 3 "o"s). I remembered on my first trip there, my friend Neil took me to Mooon Cafe to experience my first baby back ribs. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish it by myself but I had a lot of help from Neil. From then on, I took it upon myself to start a tradition of having some ribs on my first day (or night) in Cebu every time I fly in. And don't get me started with the humongous hamburger at Casa Verde! When you're in Cebu, prepare for a gastronomic treat. But of course, if you're in Cebu do not forget their mouth-watering Lechon de Cebu. CNT Lechon is the most popular. However, you will find other brands just as good.
Compared to the horrendous traffic in Manila, Cebu is definitely better. The cab drivers are friendlier and they return your change even if it's 1 peso. The Cebuanos are also very religious, owing to their devotion to the Sto. Nino. One cab driver told us that they rarely suffer from natural calamities because of their faith and devotion. Also, here in Manila, the Tagalogs find the accent from the Visayan region funny. However, when I stayed there for a month or two it's music to my ears and I love their easy-going ways. When I flew back to Manila I sometimes speak Tagalog with a Visayan lilt.
Cebu is getting more modern each time I visit. You will see high-rise buildings, call center buildings and the like. But amidst the changes, it still retains its charm. It truly deserves its title as Queen of the South. Stay tuned on my next post about Bohol.
Here are some photos from my last trip, courtesy of my wonderful boyfriend (who I might add was a real trooper given the warm weather). J
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| Yummy Mexican Ribs from Mooon Cafe |
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| It's amazing how a 9-inch burger is only worth Php 350.00! |
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| During a stroll along Asiatown IT Park |
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| BF got so amused by the jeepney |
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| Still at IT Park, surrounded by call center hubs. |
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| Mooon Cafe and Casa Verde at Asiatown IT Park |
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| One might think this is somewhere in Europe. Freedom Park on the way to the Basilica Minore of Sto. Nino. |
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| A visit to Cebu won't be complete without dropping by the Basilica Minore de Sto. Nino. |
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| Statues of the 4 evangelists in the square (also in the basilica premises). |
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| Garden inside the Basilica premises. |
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| Inside the Basilica Minore de Sto. Nino. |
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| Before flying back home treat yourself to Casa Verde's Big Bang Burger measuring 9-inches. |
