Now that the Digital Nomad Visa is approved in our country, we’re expecting more remote workers to come and take on job opportunities…especially in Cebu.
Cebu, not just for tourists and lechon lovers, but also fast becoming a hotspot for digital nomads. With the balance of city convenience and island chill, more and more remote workers are packing their laptops and choosing to live the dream right here in our very own Queen City of the South.
But, as Sugboanons, most don’t know why? Why is Cebu attracting this growing community of work-from-anywhere warriors? Well, here are a few reasons:
Work-Life Balance Done Right
You can be deep in Zoom meetings in the morning and catching sunsets in Moalboal by the afternoon. That’s the kind of balance digital nomads are after. Cebu makes it easy to blend productivity and play; grab coffee at IT Park in the AM, beach hop on the weekend, rinse, repeat.
Reliable Internet in the Right Spots
Sure, rural areas still have their signal hiccups. But in key areas like Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu, the internet’s strong enough to handle video calls, uploads, and even those annoying surprise “screen sharing” requests. Coworking spaces are lifesavers too, with stable Wi-Fi, coffee, and a creative vibe that keeps motivation up such as at The Company Cebu, at Workplace Cafe, Workbook Coworking Space, Nomad’s Hub, Surf Office, and many more.
Affordable Lifestyle for Nomads
Compared to other Southeast Asian hubs like Bali or Chiang Mai, Cebu offers a more affordable lifestyle without compromising comfort for foreign nomads. They get to afford living well in the city, in a decent condo, avail free gym membership, and still enjoy great food; all without breaking the bank. Plus, local eats like puso + barbecue or sutukil by the sea? Definitely more options for foodies.
Monthly Fitness Events, a.k.a Neverending Marathons
Honestly, Sugboanons love fitness so much to the point that we have monthly running events and marathons for whatever reason. Looking for a 1km run? We have that! A full marathon? We have that, too! So, there’s always an opportunity to be the fitter and healthier you in Cebu.
Welcoming Community
Sugboanons are chill and friendly, and the local expat + remote worker crowd is growing by the day. You’ll find Facebook groups, meetups, coworking events, and even salsa nights where you can link up with fellow nomads. It’s easy to build a support system, or even make a few barkada along the way.
Cebu’s Just Easy to Love
Clean-ish city, good traffic (compared to Manila), chill beach towns, great food, and “basta naa kay signal, go lang sa trabaho.” Cebu lets you get stuff done without burning out that much.
Whether you’re freelancing, running a startup, or just done with office life, Cebu might just be the tropical work base you didn’t know you needed.
