On Monday 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 26, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 454 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 258 new recoveries, and 16 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 63,969, while the active cases increased to 5,810 (from 5,640).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 28,781 (+161 new) – Total recoveries: 25,700 (+69 new) – Total deaths: 907 (+4 new) – Active cases: 2,174
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 8,114 (+74 new) – Total recoveries: 6,961 (+79 new) – Total deaths: 181 (+2 new) – Active cases: 972
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 7,813 (+72 new) – Total recoveries: 6,840 (+25 new) – Total deaths: 240 (+2 new) – Active cases: 733
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 19,261 (+147 new) – Total recoveries: 16,497 (+85 new) – Total deaths: 833 (+8 new) – Active cases: 1,931
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,810 (from 5,640)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 63,969 (+454 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 55,998 (+258 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,161 (+16 new*)
A total of 2,283 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.
Tacloban City is known as “The Gateway to Eastern Visayas”, and as a gateway for many beautiful showcases of nature, there are also places that Tacloban City has to offer. The city is full and rich of history, so if you are planning to visit there, make sure to indulge yourself with a little bit of culture.
How to go from Cebu to Tacloban City
There are mainly two ways to go to Tacloban City: through a direct flight or riding a ferry to Ormoc City, then riding a minivan or bus heading to the city. If you want to go there by air, you can look for airline services such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and more that offer a direct flight.
If by ferry, look on the internet for ferry services and their time schedule. OceanJet has everyday trips back and forth. Cebu City departure time is 6:00 AM & 1:30 PM. While the other way around is 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
According to the PNA, Tacloban City had reopened to tourists. The requirements for entry include valid ID, local QR code, and health assessment upon arrival. However, recent news had made its way that Tacloban has restricted entry for travelers, so expect stricter implementation. As always, when travelling in Tacloban, wear your face shields and face masks.
Best Destinations in Tacloban City
San Juanico Bridge
It is the longest bridge in the Philippines measuring 7,100 ft. in total length. It connects the islands of Leyte and Samar together, so it is a spectacle of an infrastructure. However, be careful as there could be strict restrictions regarding the travel from Tacloban City to Samar.
Photo from The Island Nomad Facebook Page
Photo from The Island Nomad Facebook Page
Photo from The Island Nomad Facebook Page
Photo from The Island Nomad Facebook Page
MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park
This war memorial marks the historic landing of General Douglas MacArthur in the Leyte Gulf, which signaled in the campaign to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese. If you are a history buff, mark this on your to-go list. It is in Palo, which is a short distance away from Tacloban City.
Also known as the Tacloban Church, it is the most important religious site in Leyte. It has played a significant role during the early ages of the Philippines, and it houses the miraculous image of St. Nino, their patron saint.
33 years after World War II ended, Japan decided to give a gift to Tacloban to honor the friendship between Filipinos and Japanese. It was a statue of a female version of the Indian Buddha, which became known as the Madonna of Japan. To this day, it still stands.
If there’s one thing Cebu has an abundance of, it’s beach destinations! With dozens of beaches in bustling resorts and quiet towns, you’ll never run out of options.
For your next trip down south, here’s our select 6 beautiful public beaches in Southern Cebu!
1. Lambug Beach
Lambug White Beach is undeniably one of Cebu’s hottest go-to beach. Getting there is pocket-friendly, and the pristine white sands actually earned it the title of Little Bora of Southern Cebu! With just a quick trip down south, you’ll be enthralled by the crystal-clear water, the great blue skies, and the refreshing scenery.
Photo by Aligato John Ray of The Island Nomad
Photo by Michael Audrey Jacobe Sagonoy
Photo by Jerllan Randell Labora
Photo by Zen Englatera
Photo by Jerllan Randell Labora
Other information
Entrance fee: ₱45 per head
Tent charge: ₱50 per head on weekdays, ₱150 /head on weekends (bring your own tent)
Exact location: Brgy. Lambug, Badian, Southern Cebu – 3 hours away from the city.
From the South Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Badian or Oslob. Fare is P140. Tell the bus driver to drop you off at the town center or “lungsod” of Lambug Badian. Travel time is approximately 3 hours.
From the town proper, ride a tricycle going to Lambug Beach. Fare is P30 per person. Travel time is 20-30 minutes.
You can park your car or motorcycles for a very minimal fee.
2. Panagsama Beach
Panagsama, unlike the aforementioned, doesn’t have a white sand beach. Instead, it has corals lining its shores, making for a unique beach scenery. The charm of Panagsama Beach lies not in having powdery white sand, but in its underwater attractions. The sunken plane, turtle watching, and the famed sardine run all make Panagsama Beach the prime location for diving in Moalboal.
Photo by Olesya Kovalenko
Turtle Point | Ksenia Chu
Other information
Entrance Fee: Panagsama Beach is FREE, but if you wish to have a private package tour, it would cost you roughly ₱1,500 to ₱2,000 for 4 to 6 people.
How to get there?
Exact Location: Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, Southern Cebu – 2 to 3 hours away from Cebu City.
From Gaisano Grand Mall or Moalboal Municipal Hall, take a tricycle and ask the driver to drop you off at Panagsama Beach. Fares vary depending on your agreement with the driver.
3. Basdaku Beach
Can’t get enough of the amazing beaches in Moalboal? Here’s another! Basdaku Beach boasts a wide shoreline, crystal clear waters, and pure white sand. A little trivia, the term ‘Basdaku’ is derived from two Cebuano words “bas” and “daku” which mean ‘sand’ and ‘big’, respectively. The name literally describes the kilometer-long coastline of the beach – and it’s all waiting to welcome you!
Photo by Jubert Valmores
Photo by Jubert Valmores
Photo by Ram Mancelita
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro
Other information
Entrance fee: ₱10-20 per head only
Tent charge: ₱100 per tent (bring your own tent)
Tent rental: ₱500 to 2,000 (depending on the size)
Cottage fee: ₱300 to 2,500 (rates vary from one resort to another)
How to get there?
Exact location: Basdaku Beach, Moalboal, Southern Cebu – about 3 hours from the city.
From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Moalboal via Barili or Badian. Then ask to be dropped off at Gaisano Grand Mall Moalboal or Moalboal town proper. Another option would be by van, which is also available at One Citilink Terminal. Fare is ₱150 to ₱180 and travel time is 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Once you’ve reached the town of Moalboal, you can hire a tricycle to take you to Basdaku or White Beach.
4. Tingko Beach
Next up, we’re heading to another lengthy beach on the east. This stretch of tropical cliché in Alcoy, Cebu is a famous spot frequented and adored by locals and tourists alike. The sandy coastline is so long that it’s divided into four beaches: Tingko Beach 1 & 2, Voda Krasna Resort, and a public beach. The powdery white sands and azure waters that hem the coastline extends into a shallow drop filled with corals and aquatic flora that is perfect for snorkeling and diving.
BY BUS: Find your way to Cebu South Bus Terminal (near E-Mall). Ride any bus bound to Oslob. Ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Tingko Beach, Alcoy. Remember that Tingko Beach has multiple entrances. From Cebu City, Tingko 1 will appear first. The public resort is the easiest to spot.
BY VAN: Starting at the Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a v-hire bound for Oslob. Ask the driver to drop you off at Tingko Beach, Alcoy. The trip costs around ₱90 to ₱150.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Tingko Beach” in Alcoy.
5. Dalaguete Beach Park
Not many people know that Dalaguete is not only popular for its scenic mountain peaks like Osmena Peak, Kandungaw Peak and Casino Peak (a.k.a. the Little Chocolate Hills of Cebu), but it’s also tagged as the “Summer Capital of Cebu”. Visit Dalaguete Beach Park and find out why for yourself!
Photo by Edfer Villahermosa
Photo by Clark Jifford Legaspi
Photo by Jay-r de la Calzada
Photo by Jay-r de la Calzada
Photo by Kezia Novell
Other information
Camping is not allowed.
Operating hours: 7AM to 5PM only
Contact number: (032) 253-3532
Entrance fee: ₱50 per adult; ₱25 per child
Parking fee: ₱20
Rentals:
Table: ₱250 for day use
Cottage: ₱350 (small), ₱1,500 (big)
How to get there?
Exact location: Brgy. Casay, Dalaguete, Southern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from the city.
From the South Bus Terminal, ride any bus bound for Dalaguete. Inform the driver or conductor to drop you off at Dalaguete Beach Park (or public beach of Dalaguete). Bus fare is ~₱120 (one-way). The beach is a 10-to-15-minute walk away from the main road. You can also opt to ride a tricycle for ₱50 (good for 3pax).
6. Mahayahay Beach
Mahayahay Beach is a peaceful and extremely affordable beach in Argao perfect for those who are looking for a comfortable spot to spend their vacation. Mahayahay means “relaxing” in vernacular, and there is truly no better word that can describe the beach! This beach is a wide and long stretch of pristine and gorgeous sandy shore. The immediate shallow waters are spotless and have little to zero sharp rocks, making swimming much more fun and safer for everyone!
Photo by Richard Roles of Magik Moments Photography
Photo by Richard Roles of Magik Moments Photography
Other information
Entrance fee: none
Cottage rental: ₱200 per cottage
Skimboard rental: ₱100 for day use
Camping is free (bring your own tent)
How to get there?
Exact Location: Mahayahay Beach, Argao, Southern Cebu — 2 hours from Cebu City
BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu South Bus Terminal then ride a bus bound for Argao. Ask the driver to drop you off at the corner going to Mahayahay Beach. From there you can ride a pedicab (tricycle) going to the beach.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Mahayahay Beach Argao” in Sogod. Parking space is available.
On Sunday 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 25, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 460 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 153 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 63,515, while the active cases increased to 5,640 (from 5,334).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 28,620 (+196 new) – Total recoveries: 25,633 (+121 new) – Total deaths: 902 (+0 new) – Active cases: 2,085
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 8,040 (+64 new) – Total recoveries: 6,882 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 179 (+0 new) – Active cases: 979
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 7,741 (+47 new) – Total recoveries: 6,815 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 238 (+0 new) – Active cases: 688
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 19,114 (+153 new) – Total recoveries: 16,413 (+32 new) – Total deaths: 813 (+2 new) – Active cases: 1,888
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,640 (from 5,334)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 63,515 (+460 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 55,743 (+153 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,132 (+2 new*)
A total of 3,220 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.
Like a hidden gem in Lapu-Lapu, Olango Island is a treat waiting to be discovered and appreciated by more people. There are even city dwellers that do not know of this hidden paradise. Now that Lapu-Lapu City is slowly revitalizing their tourism, it is time to once again visit this island albeit in a new normal way.
How to go from Cebu City to Olango Island
If you are going by public transportation, the first thing you need to do is to travel to Parkmall. The jeepney and bus terminal heading for Lapu-Lapu can be found here.
There are two main ports that can reach the island: The Hilton Port and the Angasil Port. The most popular method is through the Hilton Port, which is the sea port beside the Movenpick Resort. To get there, you can ride a jeepney plying for the Punta Engano route, or you can ask the drivers in the terminal on which bus or jeepney can take you there. The same is true for Angasil Port.
Remember to always wear your face shields and face masks when travelling to Olango Island as these are necessary if you want to cross the sea to get there. For sanitary reasons, avoid touching unfamiliar objects and your face, and carry with you alcohol to wash your hands with.
Best destinations in Olango Island
San Vicente Marine Sanctuary
If you are up for some diving fun, the San Vicente Marine Sanctuary is the place to be. It is best visited during the high tides, so make sure to check through the internet the tides during the dates of your stay. The board walk goes through a mangrove forest leading to blue waters with plenty of colorful fish in the middle of the sea.
Photo by John Dyeve Cortes
Photo by Brett Barr
Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Olango Island is home to many beautiful animals, and as such Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary exists to give us the opportunity to gawk at various colorful birds flocked together. Accordingly, there are 97 species of birds in Olango, 48 of which are migratory birds seeking refuge from the winter climate, while the rest are resident birds of the island.
Staying here in their bamboo huts will make you stay relaxed as the ocean breeze caresses you to comfort. You can also rent a tent if you want to have a good camping experience. There are even tables and chairs available if you need to have them.
Photo by Juleta Remulta Soon
Photo by Juleta Remulta Soon
Photo by Juleta Remulta Soon
Shalala Beach Resort
A white sandy beach and blue tranquil waters greet you at Shalala Beach Resort. There are many activities that you can do here, including kayaking. There is an entrance fee of P20, and of course it is best to always practice social distancing under the new normal.
Olango Island is perfect for bicycling around the town and there are plenty of bicycle rental shops available that lets you do just that. Their prices range from P30 to P50 pesos an hour so do your scouting diligently if you want to save money.
On Saturday 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 24, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 673 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 132 new recoveries, and 4 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 63,056, while the active cases increased to 5,334 (from 4,795).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 28,424 (+308 new) – Total recoveries: 25,512 (+68 new) – Total deaths: 903 (+0 new) – Active cases: 2,009
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 7,976 (+85 new) – Total recoveries: 6,882 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 179 (+1 new) – Active cases: 915
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 7,694 (+73 new) – Total recoveries: 6,815 (+20 new) – Total deaths: 238 (+0 new) – Active cases: 641
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 18,962 (+207 new) – Total recoveries: 16,382 (+44 new) – Total deaths: 811 (+3 new) – Active cases: 1,769
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,334 (from 4,795)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 63,056 (+673 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 55,591 (+132 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,131 (+4 new*)
A total of 4,576 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.
On Friday 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 23, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 531 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 212 new recoveries, and 8 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 62,383, while the active cases increased to 4,795 (from 4,479).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 28,116 (+146 new) – Total recoveries: 25,444 (+124 new) – Total deaths: 903 (+4 new) – Active cases: 1,769
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 7,891 (+86 new) – Total recoveries: 6,882 (+19 new) – Total deaths: 178 (+0 new) – Active cases: 831
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 7,621 (+44 new) – Total recoveries: 6,796 (+17 new) – Total deaths: 238 (+0 new) – Active cases: 587
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 18,755 (+255 new) – Total recoveries: 16,339 (+52 new) – Total deaths: 808 (+4 new) – Active cases: 1,608
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 4,795 (from 4,479)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 62,383 (+531 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 55,461 (+212 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,127 (+8 new*)
A total of 4,082 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.
Who said beach trips had to be expensive? For a meager entrance fee, you get to enjoy the soft sand, the warm sun, and an enthralling view of the endless sea!
Hapa-Hapa Beach is a popular destination in Daanbantayan. The beach features light brown sand that’s soft and powdery. At some areas the sand is a bright white color, making the beach a pretty destination that is in no means expensive or inaccessible.
Photo by Baguio Ancajas John Christopher
Photo by LAAGANG ALOM
Photo by Jes Sie Hans
The beach lays in front of a line of different tropical and palm trees, giving you relaxing shade while you admire the views. Smooth sea pebbles and coral bits also get washed onto the shore, an enticing feature for seashell and sea debris collectors!
The beachfront faces open ocean that runs unobscured into the horizon. Even though the beach isn’t the widest or the longest, the endless expanse of water makes the place feel much bigger.
The beach may seem bound to the Tapilon shore to the right and the coast of Agujo to the left, but the wide boundless sea in front invites a certain feeling of freedom and adventure!
Photo by Baguio Ancajas John Christopher
Photo by Hideaki Okamoto
Photo by Jes Sie Hans
Photo by Clydelle June Mayol
Photo by Randy
Photo by Russel Apas Cabahug
The location of the beach also makes it a prime spot for both sunrise and sunset viewing. You can witness the sun rise over the island in the east, and watch the sun set into the sea in the west.
In the evenings the beach becomes quiet, the silence broken only by the unending chatter of the waves and the occasional conversations in the households around. If you choose to settle in for the night, there are affordable and accommodating beach resorts around where you can get cozy and rest overnight.
Photo by James Lyle
Photo by Jyl Esmeralda
Photo by Russel Apas Cabahug
Photo by James Lyle
If you’re planning on beach-hopping or touring up north, Hapa-Hapa Beach deserves to be on the list!
OTHER INFORMATION
Entrance Fee: ₱5 per person.
Tent pitching is allowed.
Caution is advised as there is no lifeguard on duty.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Agujo, Daanbantayan, Northern Cebu – 3.5 to 4 hours from Cebu City
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Air Beach Resort” or “Skip’s Beach Resort” in Daanbantayan, Cebu.
Always a staple in a party, BBQ always go with lumpiang shanghai and pancit.
Barbecue is associated with meat, it’s either chicken or pork. The meat is skewered onto a stick and it’s all around the metro. From Colon to the farthest that you can think, you can definitely score mouthwatering bbq in all places in Cebu.
Cebu’s BBQ is nothing short of delicious. It offers a variety of rich flavours that would make you end up smacking your lips. Let us not forget to mention “LAMI!” after taste test. I know you have probably heard of a lot of BBQ places in Cebu hence, we made sure to conduct a poll just for you!
I must say ‘Yakski’ is by far, my most favorite. However, after reading the comments section, I hate to admit, I can’t wait to taste the other delectable bbqs. The photos look so enticing that munching just a stick wouldn’t really suffice.
Litangs, Lolo Pinoy, Matias, and Chixboy are just some of those that you will see a lot in the comments section. Ned Nanays, Sandro’s, and Barbix were also listed.
Photo from Lolo Pinoy Facebook Page
These are the top 7 recommendations based on the comments (in no particular order):
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 22, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 432 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 276 new recoveries, and 11 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 61,852, while the active cases increased to 4,479 (from 4,338).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 27,970 (+211 new) – Total recoveries: 25,321 (+147 new) – Total deaths: 901 (+2 new) – Active cases: 1,748
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 7,805 (+44 new) – Total recoveries: 6,864 (+33 new) – Total deaths: 177 (+0 new) – Active cases: 764
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 7,577 (+66 new) – Total recoveries: 6,779 (+21 new) – Total deaths: 238 (+1 new) – Active cases: 560
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 18,500 (+111 new) – Total recoveries: 16,288 (+75 new) – Total deaths: 805 (+8 new) – Active cases: 1,407
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 4,479 (from 4,338)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 61,852 (+432 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 55,252 (+276 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,121 (+11 new*)
A total of 3,299 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.
