Comments on: Cebu

By: Ann Kathryn

Ann Kathryn — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:14:19 +0000

I was in Cebu just last week. If one wants to get away from the city, then Cebu is not the ideal place to visit. The narrow streets reminded me of the old streets of Manila, like Binondo and Divisoria. Some of the places like Orjello reminded me of Nepal, even.

Since I’m not a beach-person, I stayed in the city. The interior of the Basilica of the Santo Niño was breathtaking. I would have explored Colon, the oldest street in the Philippines, but was told not to because of pickpockets. If not for the two cameras I had hanging round my neck, I still would have, though.

Places of interest for me were the following:

1. Museo Parian sa Sugbu – also known as the Jesuit House. It is a house built in 1730 and is now hidden inside a warehouse. I even got to meet the owner, a very friendly gentleman, who said that he opened the house to the public simply because a lot of people asked him to. Flash-photography is allowed, and yes, you can even touch the furniture.

2. Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House – recognized as one of two of the oldest Chinese houses outside China, this is said to have been built in the 1600s. The furniture and life-size religious images were a bit spooky, it really was like stepping back in time. The frames with mother-of-pearl adornments were very beautiful. Outside the house, where the wishing well is, I noticed an old boat turned into a hanging plant box below the window. You can touch and take pictures of everything, just make sure you do not break any.

3. Museo Sugbu – is the former Provincial Jail, where the dancing inmates were from. There are 12 (or 13) galleries showcasing a very rich history.

Entrance fees were minimal and well worth it.

As for the food, Larsian was just a small stall, and looked dirty. They also have the ‘puso’ or the ‘hanging rice’, best eaten with your hands. The chorizo is also very tasty. And what trip to Cebu is complete without sampling the lechon? CNT’s lechon was the best I tasted. Casa Verde is known for the steaks and the baby back ribs. Prices are OK, considering the big servings. Best veggie salad, by the way.

By: JOHNFOX

JOHNFOX — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:48:20 +0000

the center of Cebu City.
1) one who is critical of this city have never been at manila i’m sure
2) I am a true french, I invite you to take a ride in Algeria, or
in Italy at Milan and many other countries around the world, you always find
something to say.
3) If you want luxury, stay locked in your hotel it’s the best for you .
I can advise you if you are afraid of children 6 years wishing you the pockets ….
NO COMMENT.
have you heard this would be the only country to have thieves, you make me laugh. PARIS or a
Marseille city of south of France is account regulations with a kalaschnikoff a shot every day
So do not speaking me not about security.
As against it sure on the tranquility you want, come to Tokyo. I live for over 7 years
it’s on. the only flight that occur it’s just a the thief of umbrellas or bicycle.
you see?? there is many cameras here
To summarize, there are thieves everywhere, probably more in countries where they lack any money But do not be fooled. Cebu city is changing, and I’m very happy bcos
i go to leave Japan ,in 7 months for come live on the island of Mactan because my wife is phillipines.
Sorry for my french -english translation, i hope you understand me ??
cordialy !

By: Russel Pinili

Russel Pinili — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:53:27 +0000

We went there in Cebu during our Hospitality Management Field Trip….

Cebu city is very nice place to visit… but for me, I don’t want to stay longer ….The place is very hot (even at night) …. Good for us ,we were just traveling in an air conditioned bus! And I shouted ” InnnnIIIItttt!!!!! ” when we went to the Taoist temple…. That’s why, I considered Cebu City as ” the Burning City of the South”.

There are lot of hotels to visit… Sarrossa International was the best hotel ever…

We ate Dried Mangoes, Otap ,and Ampaw… that is the best nam-nam in Cebu!

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:30:28 +0000

Hi Robert,

Thanks for suggestions. Yes, infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges for Philippine tourism. Like you, we sincerely hope that things will get better. I hope somebody from Cebu Tourism Office will see your post and respond accordingly. :)

I hope you come back and explore other parts of the Philippines!

Regards!

Ryan

By: childs of malaysia

childs of malaysia — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:14:32 +0000

im malaysian and always heard about the beauty of cebu city by my friends,…i saw the pictures and its just attract me to go there,…i hope one day when i have enough money, this city is one of my goals to fullfil my vacation,…i heard that cebu has become the city of cultures right?? congratzzz or tahniah…

By: Robert Haighton

Robert Haighton — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:57:09 +0000

I visited Cebu City September 2010. I stayed on Cebu island for 20 days. During that spell I also visited a few other places, like Kawasan Falls, Argao and of course Lapu-Lapu. It was my very first visit ever to the Philippines not knowing what to expect. Pls allow me to share some of my experiences.

- I could not get used to the blowing of the horns of the cars.
- no taxi was able to put my suit case in the back of the trunk. It was put in the seat next to the driver.
- On more than one occassion I was a passenger on a Ceres bus going from Cebu Provincial South Bus Terminal to the southern part of Cebu. On most occassions the bus was full with people even sitting in the aisle.
- the weather was perfect despite a few heavy terrential rains during night time.
- The cost of living was also very nice for me. This included cost of hotel, food, beverages and most other expenses.
- I had to get my shots against hepatitis A & B before leaving my country. Although not compulsory but better safe than sorry.
- What I did miss in Cebu City was a city park to stroll through, like Central Park, like Hyde Park. I liked the Mactan Shrine area though.
- Although I enjoyed taking jeepneys, maybe the city government can consider starting city bus lines or maybe even a metro/sub-way system. Especially when going deep down to the province a rail way system might surely be considered by the city or provincial government.
- I did like the small Mactan-Cebu airport. Although I was shocked to learn no other people than those with a plane ticket were allowed in the airport arrival/departure building.

In short: I visited Cebu to relax and not being in a hurry. If the provincial and/or city government wants to take tourism seriously then for sure they should consider to improve public transportation. Especially for those visitors/tourists who are (much) taller than the average pinay & pinoy. I am 6″3′ (or 190cms).

By: bruce

bruce — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 05:56:48 +0000

I took a long time needed trip back to the phils – ouch it was 7 years – I have always loved everthing about the phils – amazing people and just a really amazing country – I spent most time in eastwood in quezon – love it – I also spent some time in cebu – there is alot of history and I did the normal tourist side – all good – I will say though it is difficult to have small children running around you trying to put their hands in your pocket – I felt very odd about having 7 kids no more than 6 trying to steal from me – every country is different and you must adjust to the ways- never take the well travelled path since you dont see everything – cebu at nite is beautiful and the mall is nice – I will just say for me – give me eastwood and timog, makati and a few other places in manila and I will be happy – again though the people are just so amazing and miss the philippines very much

By: Satsuki

Satsuki — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 06:06:34 +0000

wow i went here to cebu its a beautiful place but lots of mosquitos O.O
I like cebu i stayed there for 3 days and 4 nights i think that its one of the most historical places on philippines. Cebu was originally known as Sugbo and now i have to make a project and there were different places to pick but i still got Cebu so i was looking for more information that i still dont know… this website really helped me :D i like the informations i also heard of that you shouldnt go to the downtown area cause there are a lot of robbers ESPECIALLY at night :|

im not trying to scare you but there was this prank call in our hotel room BUT! it wasnt really a prank its more like a threat to us he wanted money right now Cebu is trying to catch that person i went to that historical place where the japan war was i could see canons and other cool stuff XD

but i think going there is a good thing cause its also where PARADISE is…
its an awesome place but its also a scary place its the best and the worst place to stay but if i were you ill go to cebu :D

By: M

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:06:56 +0000

I am from Cebu.
Cebu has its claims to being a great city as well as the negative aspects of being a city.
Cebu is a great place in general. Stay away from the main city if your nerves are already frayed. The beaches are wonderful. Head to the north or south of the city if you prefer quiet sanctuaries.
Cebuanos in general are fun loving easy going people.
As I said with commercialization so goes most of the peace and quiet. But still, you can have anything fun to do as long as you know which one in Cebu. It is a tourist, induztrialized but still can be a significant beautiful place to be in.

By: khris

khris — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:37:58 +0000

not all part of the place is nice of course. i think every city even the big ones has its dark side.