Beyond the beaches and lechon, here's everything to experience in Cebu as a first-time visitor
From its vibrant culture to rich cuisine, Cebu City stays true to its reputation as the Queen City of the South.
Being the oldest city in the Philippines, dating back to 1521 when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan first stepped foot on Mactan island and eventually introduced Christianity to the locals, it has come a long way in preserving its history and heritage.
I first visited Cebu when I was a toddler, so whatever we did that time was a blur. Last weekend, I was able to visit again just in time for their famous Sinulog festival, and it was a delight to expose myself to the local scene again for the first time in two decades.
Over the years, the city has continuously thrived as the country’s second-largest metropolitan area. In 2019, it was hailed as the Creative City of Design by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
I was able to experience first-hand the vibrant culture of Cebu in different ways, first was through their gastronomy with Taste Cebu.
Hosted by NUSTAR Resort Cebu, the event made its comeback last Jan. 17 this time in an immersive exhibit. We went on a nice culinary journey and tasted the rich cuisine of the province from its traditional tastes—such as empanadas, pochero, pintos, and danggit—made by its artisan kitchen and local cooks, to its new offerings made by the rising chefs from different top culinary schools and the chefs of NUSTAR Resorts who showcased innovation with its bold takes on traditional cuisine.
Some of these fusions we tried were the Bam-i Vietnamese Spring roll, which consists of sotanghon and egg noodles, filled with carrots and wrapped with rice paper; Dinuguan Tortas or a classic blood stew, which we used as stuff for their traditional puto; and Balut Chawanmushi, a traditional balut with kombu-infused custard with seaweed umami bomb. There’s also the takyong—snails endemic to Borbon, Cebu which was cooked as sisig.
The menu featured modern twists on classic sweets, such as mango and sikwate. We also had the opportunity to sample various Tubâ (coconut wine) infusions, including flavors like kinutil, bahalina, and ginger.
After a satisfying gastronomic journey, I was also able to witness Cebu’s culture and faith shine at its brightest during the Grand Parade at the recent Sinulog Festival. The streets were filled with intricate costumes, lively street dancing, souvenirs that scream “I love Cebu,” and locals honoring their faith in Señor Santo Niño.
As a first-time attendee, it was truly inspiring to witness families and friends come together to celebrate their cultural and religious heritage, despite the intense heat. Talking with some of the locals during the event helped me realize that more than the extravagant floats and show-stopping performances, attending Sinulog roots from their stories of devotion and passion.
Where to go
If you are planning to visit Cebu for the first time, there are numerous places you can add to your itinerary.
Topping the list are the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu and the historical landmark of Magellan’s Cross. According to the church’s website, the site commemorates the foundation of Christianity in the province. The gazebo, which houses the decades-old cross (not the original ones planted by Magellan in 1521), was built in 1834. Its ceiling has a mural depicting the baptism of Rajah Humabon and his household by Fr. Pedro Valderrama, as well as the planting of the wooden cross by Magellan.
Another famous tourist spot to visit is the Temple of Leah at Brgy. Busay that has an architecture inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. Dubbed the “Cebu’s Taj Mahal,” the tourist site was built by Teodorico Soriano Adarna due to his “undying love” for his late wife, Leah Albino-Adarna, both are grandparents of Ellen Adarna. The shrine houses Leah’s precious belongings, such as figurines, books, and furniture, and the 9-foot bronze statue of Leah.
The entrance fee is P120 on weekdays and P150 on weekends.
For a quick nature fix, go to Buwakan ni Alejandra at Brgy. Balamban and take Instagram-worthy photos in a variety of colorful flower landscapes and fields, including spider flowers and hydrangea. The entrance fee is only P100.
If a trip to Japan isn't part of the plan this year, head to Sachiko Little Kyoto at Brgy. Babag. It has its version of the famous Torii gates, a temizuya, and some Japanese architecture. There’s also a restaurant there that serves Japanese cuisine you can try after a day of wandering around the park. The entrance fee is P100.
For a chill night, you can also have a taste of Paris at La Vie Parisienne in Lahug. The place offers wine, pastries, gelato, and deli. Its al fresco dining also gives a nice overlooking view of the metro. The entrance fee is P200 per head, consumable upon purchase.
You can wrap up your Cebu trip by visiting Llula, a speakeasy bar that you can only access through a password. Their offerings include booze and savory delights inspired by Spanish cuisine. To help you find the place, it’s located in Brgy. Apas behind Country Mall, just find the dragonfly.
Where to stay
For travelers exploring Cebu City, Mezzo Hotel, located on Mabolo Avenue, provides a convenient base. Many popular destinations are within easy reach, typically within a 15-60 minute travel time.
These spacious rooms have everything you need: a king-size bed, TV, free Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, a desk to work at, a comfy sofa, and a bathtub to soak in. Plus, it's super convenient with restaurants and stores nearby. For your convenience, they also offer airport pick-up and drop-off services for a fee. To book, visit here.
