CEBU: Queen City of the South

We arrived in Mactan-Cebu International Airport at 1:30 pm after a delay of more than an hour in Manila. Cebu is another beautiful place that we’ve not seen in more than 20 years. The city continues to grow and evolve into a tourist Mecca due to the rich culture, historical places around the islands and the colorful and vibrant festivals all year round.

Dr. Ting Patriarca, my niece, had a driver pick us up at the airport and took us to meet her and my older brother Nap Pebenito and my sister-in-law, Mary at their condo in Mandaue City (a city close to Cebu). We checked in at the Bai Hotel (courtesy of my generous niece). A modern hotel with awesome amenities and spectacular harbor and bay views!

The rooms were not ready and we were famished as it was already way past lunch time, so Ting took us to a place where you can watch the cooks grill all sorts of sea food – tuna, marlin, squids, etc. The healthy fare was delicious, especially, the grilled squid which was cooked to perfection – not tough but a little chewy!

After the late lunch, we checked into our hotel. Our room was on the 12th floor with a sweeping view of the city! They have breakfast buffet that came with the room and the entire second floor was occupied for dining. There were so many options to choose from: Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, American, etc. Separate stations wrapped around the kitchen! The place is always crowded and the servers so busy that sometimes they forget to bring the coffee or beverage you ordered. Of course, you can get it yourself but the first thing they ask once they seat you is, “would you like some coffee?”, you say yes and off they go never to be seen again!

We rested a little bit and Ting told us they would pick us up again at 5:00 pm for an early dinner. That night we dined at a restaurant famous for their lechon (roast pig)! We chose a dish without the fatty crispy skin (as if that would make it healthier). Atty. Marc Patriarca, Ting’s husband, was there although he had to leave early to catch a flight for Manila. Marc works at the Bureau of Customs in the Port of Cebu City and would go home on weekends for family visits.

The following morning after we filled our bellies with the assorted dishes at the breakfast buffet, Ting picked us up and took us to a place I never thought existed in the Philippines!

TEMPLE OF LEAH – also called Little Taj Mahal as it was built by a very rich tycoon named Teodorico Adarna in memory of his late wife Leah. But unlike the domed Taj, this mausoleum is built in Greco-Roma style architecture.

The road to the Temple of Leah was winding since it was located about 350 feet above sea level. Like other provincial towns and cities you can see political candidates’ faces plastered all over the side of the roads. You know Election Day is just around the corner.

By the time, we were finished admiring this stunning creation it was almost time for lunch! Our driver, Toto (a native Cebuano), took us further to a higher elevation to a restaurant nestled on the hilltop called La Parisienne Sky! The terrace had an amazing view of cities of Mandaue and Cebu! Upon arrival we were greeted by a “French” staff complete with beret who greeted us “Bon Jour“! I asked her, “Parle vous Français” (do you speak French?) and she replied “bon jour”! At the table after ordering our drinks and when they were delivered I thanked the server “merci beaucoup” (thank you very much) and she replied, “bon jour”! It cracked me – the only words they know in French is bon jour!

From La Parisienne, Ting directed the driver to take us to the Cross of Magellan which is located near the entrance of the famous shrine of the Santo Niño.

Unfortunately, I was not allowed to go into the church where the shrine is located since I was wearing shorts! I waited for them and people-watched!

Next was where Lapu Lapu killed Ferdinand Magellan in Mactan on April 27, 1521. Around that time the temperature was already much cooler due to the ocean breeze. There were few tourists, however, the place was used by students to practice their dance numbers. Magellan was a Portuguese navigator and was the first to successfully circumnavigate the world!

There was a guy who volunteered to take our photos (with our cell phones of course). He knew how to take great pictures and even did a few tricks with the phones like “drones” (video mode and moving it at certain angles to make it look like a drone took the photos!

That evening, we stopped by the Sheraton Hotel situated along the beach. As we made our way to the bar terrace we passed the infinity pools overlooking the ocean where the tourist were spending the last hour of daylight. We were lucky to find an empty comfortable patio set just steps away from the white beach (the sand transported from another location). We had a half hour to spare before the”happy hour” ended so we ordered from a very limited list of “buy one, get one” cocktails and beers. Trini also ordered a couple of appetizers – fried calamari, grilled sausages, pork and chicken which really filled us up to the point we did not eat dinner anymore. It was a very relaxing evening – a not-so-loud music playing in the background, well-behaved guests (still early?), good appetizers, great ambiance!

Today was allotted for the pasalubong day (buying stuff to bring home to friends and families)! We went to a marketplace called Tabuan where stalls are located selling different kinds of dried fish and other bottled and preserved fruits and meats. As soon as we got out of the van the smell of the dried fish overwhelmed us! Ting was right when she told us not to shower before going to the market because the aroma will stick into your clothes and body. How right she was!

Lunch was at Choobi Choobi just across from our hotel. The food was good but the air conditioning system was not cool enough and I started to sweat while eating!

Tomorrow we will be flying back to Manila for a ten-day rest in the condominium we rented in Greenbelt. We plan on just relaxing, pamper ourselves with massages, facials, and just walk around the enclosed malls. And maybe contact a couple of friends who we promised to see when we get to Metro-Manila.

Our sincere appreciation to our niece Ting and her husband Marc for making our trip a very memorable and enjoyable one. This would not have happened without their generosity. I also had a wonderful time bonding again with my brother Nap and his wife, Mary. Nap is already 83 years old but looks younger than me and still very healthy and fit.

Until we meet again!