suntanned and loving it!: One Cebu Weekend

The Cebu Icon: Magellan's Cross

I live in Cebu and am mighty proud of it. So, when anybody asks me if I can show them around Cebu, I am most welcome to the idea. So, I headed out with a few people from the office last February 19-21 to enjoy a weekend in Cebu.

Activities

Day 1: Island Hopping

Any sunny weekend is as good as any weekend to go to the beach, but not island hopping. The last time I went island hopping, the waters were calmer, but apparently not during February. However, the islands were still as gorgeous and my companions probably were just enjoying the sun and surf, which is so uncommon in Manila. We visited the waters around Olango island for some snorkeling and docked at the nearest island, Sulpa.

The boatmen cooking our lunch

Puso, also known as hanging rice

Boatmen/ cooks

Yum, lunch!

Hungry? Why wait?

Ready for lunch!

I wish my lunch was like this everyday!

Take the plunge!

Enjoying the clear blue waters

Caught in mid-air!

Heading out to Sulpa Island

Dreaming of the beach while at the beach...

Sulpa Island

The white sand beaches of Sulpa

Tip: Talk to the boatmen about where exactly you want to go so they can plan ahead (and charge accordingly). I initially wanted to go snorkeling around Gilutungan and dock at Pandanon, but then I just allowed to let them decide where to go. I think I would have enjoyed it better if I actually got to where I wanted.

Beach bums!

Day 2: Ziplining

We headed out to the K33 Green Adventure zipline in Balamban. The name comes from the fact that the ride is located 33km west of the transcentral hi-way , which is an hour’s drive away from the city. This is my first time to go to Balamban and the drive offered picturesque views of Cebu. The 300.33 meter zipline with a 220 meter return is Cebu’s longest & fastest zipline and “provides the adrenaline-driven enthusiasts the ride of a lifetime”. Despite looking like we were plunging into the valley below, we were assured that the ride was completely safe due to the ride’s adherence to the highest standards so far as cable working load limits, top of the line equipment and tools of the trade.

The K33 slide

Geared up and ready to go

Scared for your life, eh?

Zipping, Superman style

Ready to take the plunge?

Go to the other side and then go back again!

The K33 valley

Personally, it wasn’t much of a thrill for me, however, the same can’t be said for the people who shed a tear of two during the ride (fear of heights!) or looked like they were about to die (first timers). http://k33agreenadventure.com/

Take the plunge!

Day 2: Edge coaster

The edge coaster is perched atop the highest building outside of Manila, the 38 story Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. It is described as “the world’s very first and only amusement ride of its kind”, the ride goes around the edge of the building while riders are locked onto a rail seat tilted at 55 degrees”. We enjoyed a rather unique view of the entire Cebu landscape 130.84 meters above ground.

It's not scary, as you can clearly see (someone enjoyed herself...)

They give you a "Certificate of Completion" as well

It was a fun ride and not exaclty scary, and I have to say I would love to ride it again if I didn’t find it a tad bit expensive. I would gladly recommend the ride, as well as the other activities at the hotel’s Sky Expereince Adventure, to anyone willing to do something unsual in Cebu. http://www.skyexperienceadventure.com/

It's really clearly fun

Day 3: Culture-trip

Due to insistent demand, we made a pit stop to Magellan’s Cross and the nearby Basilica del Sto. Ninyo. If for some reason you can only just visit ONE tourist place in Cebu, this would be the place to head out to. This is pretty much the birthplace of the Catholicism of the Philippines, when Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross on the shores of Cebu in 1521 and left an image of the Sto. Ninyo with the Cebuano natives.

Magellan's Cross

The Cross of Magellan

Singing a prayer

Inside the Basilica Minore del Sto. Ninyo

The Sto. Ninyo Church

Basilica del Sto. Ninyo

Basilica Minore del Sto. Ninyo

We made a quick tour around the Church as I gave a brief history lesson on the origins of the Sto. Ninyo de Cebu and offered a prayer made by one of the ladies who dance the Sinulog outside the Church.

Basilica Minore del Sto. Ninyo

Good Eats

Mr. A’s
Many people go to Mr. A’s to enjoy good food and a wonderful view of the City. I usually recommend this place to anyone visiting Cebu.

Get a view of Cebu from up here

Mr. A’s Barbecue, Nivel Hills, Cebu

Casa Verde
I was introduced to this place back in college and I have to admit, the food was way better then than it is now. However, that doesn’t stop me from heading out there to enjoy good food at great value. Must-try: the famous baby-back ribs.

Casa Verde

The infamous baby-back ribs

That good, huh?

Casa Verde, 69 Lim Tian Teng St, Cebu. They also have a branch at the Ayala Terraces.

Bellini
A good place for a romantic dinner or to chill-out with friends. We actually came across this place by accident because I was looking for the old Café Orchidia. The food isn’t exceptionally good. However, I would like to come back here to chill out enjoy a few drinks with my friends.