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8 Historical Books About Cebu You Should Consider Reading

If you could travel through time and go somewhere else and go to any year, where would you go?

We totally understand that it would be so hard for you to funnel your options and just think of one certain location and time, but allow us to give you something that’s close to our hearts – Cebu. Whether it be the Revolutionary war, the Renaissance, the colonization of the Spaniards and Americans, or even the World War II, we have stories enlisted to take you back in time.

Enlisted below are books curated to let you time travel around our beloved Cebu.

1. Santo Niño de Cebu (1565–2015) (P440)

– by Fr. Pedro G. Galende, OSA

Photo from Vibal Foundation

Written by Fr. Pedro G. Galende, this book is definitely for the Sto. Niño devotees. This book is a must-read because it will take you back to almost half a millenum – from the story of devotion and the founding of Santo Niño, it is all covered. While we still cannot celebrate like the usual our Sinulog, allow this book to take you back in time and yell Viva Pit Señor!

2. Tabunan: The Untold Exploits of the Famed Cebu Guerillas in World War II (P745)

– by Col. Manuel L. Segura

Photo from Casa Gorordo Museum Shop Facebook Page

This book is filled with “rich documentary detail and stirring narrative” during the Japanese occupation in 1942. This was until the Liberation of Cebu Province in 1945. It walks about the Battles in Babag, Malubog, and Guila-Guila, which were considered to be among the fiercest battles by the Filipino guerillas.

3. The Vicente Rama Reader: An Introduction to Modern Readers (P395)

– translated from the original Visayan by Fr. Rudy Villanueva

Photo from The RJ Page Facebook Page

Brilliantly translated by Fr. Rudy Villanueva, this book showcases Vicente Rama’s uncollected fiction, essays, and memoirs. It will allow you to time travel into Cebu during the 1900s while getting acquainted with the historical Cebuano figure.

4. War Against the Americans: Resistance and Collaboration in Cebu, 1989–1906 (P420)

– by Resil Mojares

If you want to time travel to the 20th century of Cebu when the Americans were in the Province of Cebu, this book is for you. This book narrates that war in Cebu. The firefights and guerilla skirmished in Sudlon and the Southern mountains, the politics and betrayals, all these while readin gthe names of your local heroes.

5. House of Memory (P495)

– by Resil Mojares

Photo by Eilyn Nidea

Collated to be a book of personal essays, Dr. Resil Mojares aimed to introduce us all to time traveling Cebu like we were visiting an old house. The essays cover many interest topics about precolonial tattoos, sexual practices, origin myths, and even beliefs of afterlife.

6. Sugilanong Sugbuanon Cebuano Fiction Vol. 1 (until 1940) and Vol. 2 (1941 to 2005) (P385 and P425 respectively)

Photo by Reina Mariz Baguio

A book that covers the hundred years of Cebuano fiction. It features the earliest work of fiction from 1852 and the latest piece from 2005. Different eras written, but they all represent their own stories.

7. Mass for the Death of the Enemy (P550/hardbound, P420/softbound)

– by Renato Madrid

Dubbed to the one of the great Philippine novels written in English, this book’s setting is in a village in Carcard named Valladolid. This novel follows the lives of several charactes around Valladolid’s barrio captain and Carcar’s municipal president.

8. Lapu-Lapu: The Conqueror of Mactan (a novel) (P875)

– by Vicente Gullas (translated by Dr. Erlinda K. Alburo)

Though the novel was first published in 1938, this was republished in 2007. This novel revolves around the story of Lapu-Lapu’s strange fictional bibliography – how he has growm to be a man.

Udlom Falls: The majestic cave waterfall in Pinamungajan

Udlom Falls is a breathtaking reward awaiting those who brave the challenge of trekking through nature.

Located 11 kilometers from Lamac town proper, Udlom Falls is a natural wonder tucked away in the forests and hills of Pinamungajan. The access to the majestic waterfalls is a trail that has to be traversed by foot through hills, shrubs, and paths carved through the vegetation.

Photo by Reginald de Guia
Photo by Paul Soberano
Photo by Loniemhar Caraballe
Photo by Loniemhar Caraballe

The waterfall is one of the tallest in the island of Cebu and while reaching it is no easy feat, those who dare to trek are treated with a unique and mesmerizing view of Udlom Falls.

The falls is a surreal mixture of cave and waterfall. Its source is hidden in a cave, giving it a touch of mystery that yearns to be discovered. The water drops down a slightly winding path that is different from most waterfalls. It’s even more mesmerizing to watch the water trickle down and alter its path before settling in the pool below. Altogether, Udlom Falls has character and an almost mystical quality that sets it apart from the rest.

Photo by Jesus Tuquib
Photo by Sahara Diamante
Photo by Jesus Tuquib
Photo from We Wander Facebook Page

The majestic sight of the waterfall is one to behold. If you want to bask in its wonder and magic some more, you can take a dip into the cold waters at the base of the cliff. The water will cool you down and wash away the sprains and muscle aches from the long hike.

Speaking of the hike, the trail will take you down a scenic route passing through thickets of bushes, rocky paths and passing over views of countryside Cebu and its rolling hills. The travel becomes worth it as you reach Udlom Falls and the water comes into view.

Photo from We Wander Facebook Page
Photo from We Wander Facebook Page

The waterfall truly looks impressive in pictures, but it’s even grander in person!

OTHER INFORMATION

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Lamac, Pinamungajan, Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from the city.

BY COMMUTE: Starting from Cebu South Bus Terminal, take a bus bound to Toledo and ask the conductor to drop you off at “Lutupan Ladingan”. Travel time is 40 to 60 minutes. After getting off the bus, hire a habal-habal to take you to Hidden Valley. Fare is around ₱60 person and the trip takes about 30 minutes. Once at Hidden Valley, ask the locals for directions to the falls. If a local resident offers to guide you, be sure to leave a tip!

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Hidden Valley” in Pinamungajan, Cebu. The rest of the trip has to be taken on foot.

Cebu logs 241 new cases on July 8

On Thursday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of July 8, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 241 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 57 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 57,425, while the active cases increased to 2,295 (from 2,127).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 26,226 (+93 new)
– Total recoveries: 24,359 (+54 new)
– Total deaths: 885 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 982

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 7,090 (+38 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,585 (+3 new)
– Total deaths: 171 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 334

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 7,093 (+16 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,569 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 234 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 290

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 17,016 (+94 new)
– Total recoveries: 15,565 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 762 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 689

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 2,295 (from 2,127)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 57,425 (+241 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 53,078 (+57 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,052 (+1 new*)

A total of 3,973 laboratory results were released for today.

NOTES from DOH-7:

  • *As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
  • Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.

DOH-7 Full Report (Central Visayas):

LOOK: Buy 1, Take 1 Ramen Promo in Cebu City

Because ramen is forever, especially in this rainy weather.

Comforting, fulfilling and tasty. This Tonkatsu Ramen is perfect for those noodle-and-soup cravings, it’s meant for two, but you could have both bowls to yourself too. Bai Hotel Cebu offers Buy 1, Take 1 Ramen for a limited time only, starting today.

The two bowls of Tonkatsu Ramen are available for only Php 550 nett at the Lobby Lounge, Ume Restaurant, Bai Hotel. You can enjoy it with a friend, or have it all for yourself.

And since Japanese food is mostly everyone’s comfort food, other authentic Japanese cusiins, such as shrimp tempura, California roll, chicken karaage, and a crowd-favorite gyoza are also available at the Ume Restaurant.

Ume Restaurant at Bai Hotel is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. For inquiries, you can message Bai Hotel Cebu or contact them at (032) 342-8888 or (032) 355-8888.

French Villa: The local ‘Castle On A Hill’ in Talisay City

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Escape the stress of everyday living with a staycation in a luxury sanctuary!

The French Villa Talisay is a homey haven made to ensure that you along with your friends and family get to unwind away from the busy city. The villa is an impressive two-story house in a gated compound, providing you with maximum comfort and privacy.

The Villa Premises

Photo by Teza G
Photo by Teza G
Photo by Teza G
Photo by Teza G

The property is roomy and has lots of space – 2,000 square meters of it! This space is occupied by a private pool, a manicured garden, and of course, the stunning villa itself. The whole compound rests on top of a hill, giving guests a view of the city below.

One highlight of the villa is the amazing pool. With an area of 60 square meters and its deepest at 2.7 meters (9 feet), the swimming pool is a great spot to cool down or lounge beside with your company. The pool also features a small waterfall installation for relaxing ambiance. Speaking of ambiance, you’ll be swimming beside a characteristic rock wall and the charming villa, with a view of the garden.

The villa also has a place for solace in its very own garden. At around 280 square meters, you’ll have plenty of room to walk, lie down, and meditate among the trees and the grass. The garden even has a little pond to add character to it!

The last, yet most impressive, is the villa itself. Inspired by French castle architecture, it’s a combination of contemporary and characteristic! As the centerpiece of the property, you can admire the grooves and curves of the intricate design from any area in the premises.

The Interior

Photo by Teza G
Photo by John Calma

The French Villa has two stories with a spacious 255 square meters of floor area. In total, they have 8 air-conditioned bedrooms and at least 3 bathrooms. The bedrooms are furnished and decorated simply, yet beautifully. Their use of solid colors makes the rooms easy on the eyes and royally relaxing – fitting for sleeping in a castle on a hill!

The villa has many common areas around the house, including a kitchen and dining room. All of the common areas are fan-ventilated, letting in that fresh air from the garden. They have a game room with a billiards table and dart board for some indoor recreation away from the sun. The villa has no Wi-Fi, but accommodates unlimited karaoke as long as barangay rules for noise are followed.

If you’re planning to cook or bring your own meals, the villa does not impose corkage on any food brought in from the outside. You’re very much invited to cook with their fully equipped kitchen with BBQ area. After all, what staycation is complete without quality time in the kitchen and a homemade feast?

When you stay at the French Villa, you’ll be guaranteed maximum comfort and satisfaction. While you enjoy your royal staycation, you can rest easy thanks to their 4 stay-in property caretakers and CCTV protection.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • ₱300 per person, use of swimming pool and towel.
    • Day use is good up to 9PM, any later will incur overnight charges.
    • Day use applies only to visitors of registered guests.

RATES:

The villa is hosted on AirBnB under a superhost.

  • Entire villa: ₱7,800 per night, good for up to 30 persons.
    • The listed rate does not include cleaning and service fees.

OTHER INFORMATION:

  • Book now! Click this link first: https://www.airbnb.com/c/ramm357 and sign up. After signing up, head on to this link.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Children below 11 stay for free, but towels and beds will not be provided.
  • Smoking is not allowed outside the permitted areas, and will be penalized for $200 per instance.
  • Contact number: (032) 462-3728  

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location on Google maps: Maghaway Road, Talisay, Cebu – 25 minutes from the center of Cebu City.

BY SERVICE: The French Villa offers a chauffeur service from Mactan Cebu International Airport to the house. Prior arrangements should be made.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “The French Villa – Talisay” in Talisay, Cebu. Parking is available for up to 10 cars.

Taste the Pride of ‘Ginabot sa Bayot’ in Mactan

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Your travel story is not complete when you only get to see the tourist spots in Cebu. The real experience happens when you get to taste—literally—the culture and tradition that has been lived on from one generation to the next. Ginabot sa Bayot (GSB) in Tiangue Road, Lapu-Lapu City serves you not just flavorful crispy pig intestines but also a good heart and great humor to those who seek to satisfy one’s craving.

Pride of Change

Stepping out from the comfort zone to take the risk of doing something new made Carl Dave Black, owner of Ginabot sa Bayot and a proud member of the LGBTQ Community, bravely resigned from his work. The plan of putting up a food business was just an idea three years ago. It was only April this year when he finally decided to quit his job and focus his energy on running a business. In just a short period, Ginabot sa Bayot created a huge buzz not only in their neighboring barangays in Mactan but also in Cebu City.

Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page
Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page
Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page
Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page

Pride of Beginning

Unlike other businesses that invested in constructing structures for a fancy restaurant, Ginabot sa Bayot humbly started small. Five tables were arranged outside the garden of Carl’s home along Tiangue Road, inviting neighbors to try their tasty version of ginabot. His mother became the cashier while he did the cooking. Services and table cleaning are being managed by their adopted children. It was a business with a touch of a home filled with family love. Nothing too loud to start with. Just a pure intention of serving only the best quality of food—and that became the game-changer.

Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page
Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page
Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page
Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page

Pride of Progress

Soon after the business opened, people in neighboring barangays are spreading the good news. More tables were added. When Carl was asked what were his ingredients on why Ginabot sa Bayot is making its name to list of famous food destination in Cebu, he cited multiple factors. A good atmosphere captures the attention of customers. He invested in his garden, a great setting for photos. However, the heart of food industry is—yes, you guessed it—the food itself. 

“People will come to the place but the food will make the people come back and word of mouth can spread like wildfire,” Carl said over an online conversation. 

Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page
Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page
Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page
Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page
Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page

Pride of Humor

It is safe to assume that there is no dull moment when you are surrounded by the wit and humor of gay friends. The hugot posts on their official business page garnered more likes and interaction since it’s relatable to start with. Carl calls it binayot. His business became an avenue to express his natural funny side. Even the menu is full of living proof of gay language including gay-nabot, lumpia sa bayot (it has egg filling), daks (big), and juts (small). Carl shared that the supposed name of GSB was “Lafang” (gay language for eat) but his friend advised him to stick with Ginabot sa Bayot. 

Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page

There is a tough competition in the food industry especially in Cebu where food trip has become the epitome of travelers. It was a challenge to make a name from a humble beginning but Carl believed in perseverance and continuous growth within the business. The quest to finding a new, creative, and unique taste of the menu will come a long way—and indeed it did.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

  • Best sellers:
    • Gay-nabot juts
    • Lumpia sa Bayot

Menu:

Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location:  Tiangue Road, Across Villa Rufina, Babag, Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines — approx. 20 minutes away from Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

BY TRICYCLE (COMMUTERS):  From Opon Merkado in Lapu-Lapu City, ride tricycle/habal-habal going to Cordova and tell the driver that you are going to Ginabot sa Bayot fronting 7/11 in Kalawisan.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Ginabot sa Bayot” in Lapu-Lapu City.

Cebu logs 161 new cases on July 7

On Wednesday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of July 7, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 161 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 135 new recoveries, and 8 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 57,184, while the active cases increased to 2,127 (from 2,106).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 26,133 (+87 new)
– Total recoveries: 24,306 (+65 new)
– Total deaths: 885 (+4 new)
– Active cases: 942

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 7,052 (+19 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,582 (+25 new)
– Total deaths: 171 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 299

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 7,077 (+11 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,553 (+16 new)
– Total deaths: 234 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 290

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 16,922 (+44 new)
– Total recoveries: 15,565 (+29 new)
– Total deaths: 761 (+4 new)
– Active cases: 596

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 2,127 (from 2,106)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 57,184 (+161 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 53,006 (+135 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,051 (+8 new*)

A total of 3,537 laboratory results were released for today.

NOTES from DOH-7:

  • *As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
  • Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.

DOH-7 Full Report (Central Visayas):

Soon to rise: Capitancillo Resort and Residences in Bogo City

Capitancillo Resort and Residences is an up-and-coming tourist destination in Northern Cebu.

Capitancillo shows promise to deliver both relaxation and excitement as the first resort condominium development at Bogo City. The resort endeavors to become both home and destination by the sea.

Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences

Bogo City is already accessible thanks to the multiple transportation options, including public buses and vans. Bogo is also well-known for its stunning beaches and rich culture. Capitancillo will surely become a welcome addition to Bogo’s already beautiful attractions.

The property is envisioned to be a paradise on the coast overlooking the sea. It will feature restaurants, large pavilion and gazebo event spaces, a lighthouse observation deck, an infinity swimming pool with bar, and dedicated lounge areas with a cabana by the beach.

Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences

Aligned with its mission to have guests discover Bogo, they will also offer Capitancillo Islet tour packages and watersports activities.

Capitancillo Resort and Residences will be built with architecture inspired from Filipino, Spanish, and Mediterranean designs. The fusion of which will create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere worthy of calling it a home by the sea.

Photo from Capitancillo Resort & Residences Facebook Page

Capitancillo Resort and Residences is still in its construction stage and phase. Locals, tourists, and visitors can expect more to come from Capitancillo as they continually update their page with updates and announcements.

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location on Google maps: Dela Viña St., Loverslane, Barangay Nailon, Bogo, Philippines – 3 hours from Cebu City

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Capitancillo Resort and Residences” in Bogo City, Cebu.

Cebu logs 133 new cases on July 6

On Tuesday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of July 6, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 133 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 124 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 57,019, while the active cases increased to 2,106 (from 2,101).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 26,046 (+75 new)
– Total recoveries: 24,241 (+46 new)
– Total deaths: 881 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 924

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 7,033 (+10 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,557 (+2 new)
– Total deaths: 171 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 305

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 7,066 (+11 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,537 (+16 new)
– Total deaths: 234 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 295

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 16,874 (+37 new)
– Total recoveries: 15,536 (+60 new)
– Total deaths: 756 (+2 new)
– Active cases: 582

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 2,106 (from 2,101)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 57,019 (+133 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 52,871 (+124 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,042 (+2 new*)

A total of 2,802 laboratory results were released for today.

NOTES from DOH-7:

  • *As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
  • Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.

DOH-7 Full Report (Central Visayas):

Low-Consuming Households Get Waived Water Bill in Cebu City

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) Board passed a resolution about the Water Subsidy Program. This is for the households in Cebu City with only 10 cubic meters or less water consumption will no longer be paying their monthly bill in 2022.

This is in partnership with the Cebu City government. Hence, the city government will be covering the cose for these households. An estimated yearly payment of P200-million to MCWD will be covered by the city government.

Photo by Caryl Vanessa

“This will be used so the city government can cover basic water expenses and we can make the water consumption of about 35,000 water consumers for free,” Mayor Edgardo Labella said in a press briefing following his meeting with MCWD Chairperson Joey Daluz.

With the challenges brought about by the pandemic, Mayor Labella said that this is a very good development to help the low-income households.

Nevertheless, MCWD will be spending the subsidy for the surface water development in the city. An inspection was recently conducted in the barangays of Budlaan and Tagbao. These barangays are possible sources of surface water in the city.

At least 35,000 households will be benefiting from this subsidy program. The 10 cubic meters of water costs P152.50, but due to other charges, it reaches P180.

On the other hand, those who are consuming more than 10 cubic meters but less than 30 cubic meter, they will only be paying the basic water charges.

MCWD said that all charges for the low-consuming households will be waived. This includes the basic water charge.