Half Day in Cebu

After our pleasurable tour in Bohol, we allotted our remaining time to roam around the busy streets of Cebu just before we head back home. We arrived in Cebu at around 9am. Cebu was just like Manila, but only lesser traffic. But more or less it is the Manila of Visayas. On my first time, we just hired a taxi waiting outside Cebu port to tour us around Cebu. I think we paid him 1.2K- 1.5K which includes our airport transfer. But on my second time, I made sure to contact Mang Danny, who also offers the same service with the cab we rented. I just wanted to make sure that all goes well during the trip. Our first stop was in Fort San Pedro, which is just a walking distance from the port. I think they have entrance fee of P15 per person. There is a museum here, but unfortunately it was closed during our visit. There are also souvenir shops here. I bought my souvenirs here. I think we stayed here for almost 30 mins because we enjoyed ourselves picture taking..

Then we went to Sto. Nino Basilica. We were not able to go inside because they are strict on dress codes. They don't let in those wearing sleeveless and shorts, which by the way was what I was wearing. So I made it a point to dress accordingly on my second visit.

Just beside the Sto. Nino Basilica church is the trademark of Cebu, the Magellan's Cross. I was expecting that this famous spot would be placed somewhere secluded, or rather much of a tourist spot I had in mind. But still it is different seeing it only on postcards with seeing it face to face. Can't even imagine that I'm actually in front of it.=)

Next stop was in Taoist Temple. It is a 15-20 minute ride from the town proper. What I remember here are the stairs, lots and lots of stairs!!From the main entrance, you have to climb up to reach the main hall, then from the main hall, climb some more stairs to reach other spots. The topmost area of the temple offers a scenic view overlooking downtown Cebu. I think we stayed here for almost an hour because we had to stop and rest once in a while after every stairs we climb..

We didn't even noticed the time as we enjoyed roaming around Cebu, but our stomachs reminded us that it is time to eat. So we asked our taxi driver to bring us to the best Cebu lechon vendor he knows. He led us to CnT Lechon. For only P50, you can buy 1/4 kilo of their famous Cebu lechon. Their lechon is very crispy, and the meat is very tasty, you don't even need sauce to accompany the meal. By the way, their sauce here is soy and vinegar with sliced onions. They also have this crab meat stuffed in crab shell for only P25 per piece. I really liked this meal. After our satisfying meall at Cnt Lechon, we stopped by the market to buy some danggits for pasalubong. I hate going to these markets because the smell really clings on your clothes an dit really stinks. After the visit in the market, the danggit smell is all over you..But I like eating danggit and dried pusit! I think i bought the danggit for P80 for 1/4 kilo, dried pusit P120 for 1/4 kilo. I also bought dried mangoes, those that doesn't have brand, for P150 for a 1 kilo pack. The dried mangoes didn't even reach Luzon, because we already ate them at the airport while waiting for our flight.

Before 2pm, we already checked-in in Mactan Airport. I was even able to take a nap while waiting for our flight. For approximately 5hours, we were able to experience what Cebu has to offer without the rush. It was tiring indeed, but the experience was a blast. I just hope that next time I'll get the chance to visit their pristine beaches..Next time..



Expenses:

One Night accommodation @ El Jardin -- P 1,100
( 1 AC room for 3pax)
City Tour -- P 1,200
Oceanjet rountrip fare -- P 820/pax

Contact:

Mang Danny - 09193753071
El jardin - (032) 255-3698
Oceanjet - (038) 255-7560