This is a dream come true for me, taking my family in an out-of-town trip to enjoy the beauty of the Queen City of the South. To celebrate my dad's birthday which happens to be this year's Father's Day too, I decided to bring my family in Cebu to have a short but great time. I realized that it was my first time to treat my family on a vacation because of financial concerns. Fortunately, Cebu Pacific Air always have seatsale every month and I got the ticket for only P1,200 (roundtrip) per person last February 2015.
Our Day 1 (June 19) was arranged by Safe Car Rentals in Cebu. The itinerary includes twin City tour (Mactan - Mandaue) for 8 hours and it only costs us P3,500 per van inclusive with fuel and driver's fee. Though it was a gloomy day in Cebu then, the weather did not stop us from enjoying the places we've been.
Magellan's Cross is a Christian cross planted by Portuguese, and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Cebu in the Philippines on March 15 , 1521.
(source: wikipedia)
(source: wikipedia)
Fort San Pedro, Cebu. This was built for military defense of the Spaniards in Cebu. It was named to honor the ship of the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi – “San Pedro”. Later on, it became a National Shrine where tourists and locals alike visit the place to know and learn its history.
Ships used by the Spaniards when they first land in Cebu.
Portraits depicting the founding of Cebu.
Paintings of the famous people battled in Cebu. Lapu-lapu, Magellan and the Sultan & his wife (which I forgot the name. sorry.)
Fort San Pedro Entrance Fee:
Regular – P30
Senior – P 24
Students & Children – P20
Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod. I can say that this is one of the most beautiful 'modern' chapels I've ever seen. The architecture is very different from other chapels/churches, and the white interior makes the whole place feels more solemn.
FACT: The chapel was designed by A US-based architect Carlos Arnaiz and can be found in front of the SM Seaside Complex. (source: philstar)
Chinese Taoist Temple
Where to Eat:
On our Day 1, we had our lunch at CNT... my verdict? I did not enjoyed the food because of several reasons. First, they don't have lechon sauce. Though Cebu is known for the best lechon, I want my lechon partnered with 'Mang Tomas'. However, the only available sauce for lechon that they had was vinegar. Second, the menu was very limited. I was looking for veggies and some chicken or seafood so that we can have choices on our table but we ended up ordering lechon, lechon paksiw and pork adobo and the taste were very salty. and lastly, the ambiance was not so good, it was hot inside and it looks more of a big carinderia rather than a restaurant. As for the price, it is cheaper than Zubuchon, Lechon cost P480 per kilo.
We had dinner at AA's barbeque house in downtown Cebu (near Osmena Circle). I'll give a two thumbs up for this one because not that they only serve the best inihaw, pancit and sinigang but also the prices were very affordable. We only spent P800 for 9 persons. Oha! ^_^
Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu - Day 2-3
Movenpick is one of the best resort hotels in Mactan. It is located near the airport (beside Shangri-La Mactan Resort).
View from our room
Me with dad and bro.
This Deluxe Twin Bedroom is good for 2-3 persons at P9,000 per night. They added a bed in between the two beds in this picture to accommodate 3 people.
I am in loved with their bathroom.
Ibiza @ Night
I hope you had a good glimpse on what Cebu has to offer with you. I can say that Cebu is a good place to visit, with their rich history and culture up to the best resorts you can choose from, Cebu is definitely should be included on your bucket list. Next time, we are planning to visit Malapascua island because of the best beach resorts there or Oslob to see the whale shark, both are also in Cebu but far from Mactan. We also plan to have a side trip in Bohol when time permits us.
