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Cebu City and Its International Sister Cities: An Informative List

Everyone probably has a sister or a brother, metaphorically and literally speaking. They are the people you bond with, the people you grow up with. You see them develop from start to now, and they also see you do the same. Yet as it turns out, people are not the only ones who have sisters. In fact, cities can have sisters as well!

Above: Seattle as seen from above Queen Anne Hill; Below: Yokohama view from Baybridge

Cebu City has its own sister cities, both local and international. Not many people know this, so here is a list of them to fill you in. It is time to appreciate what they have done for us and also help them out when the time comes. But first…

What are sister cities?

Photo from commons.wikimedia.org; Los Angeles’ famous sister cities sign

As people can have siblings to watch and help themselves grow up, so too can cities have sisters who can do the same duty. A sister city relationship constitutes of a legal or social agreement between two cities to promote cultural and economic growth. Some sister city relationships have deep historical ties between the two while some have formed new friendships over newly found ideologies.

This concept became pretty popular after the events of World War II. The world has been starting to heal from the damages and grow from the rubble. To speed this process up and heal relationships between former enemies or strengthen bonds between newly-found allies, cities began entering pacts to foster friendships and promote cultural and commercial ties.

A list of Cebu City’s international sister cities

Above: The Anshunlang bridge of Chengdu; Below: Broel Towers along the river Lys in Kortrijk

  • Chengdu, China
  • Chula Vista CA, United States
  • Guadalajara, Mexico
  • Honolulu City HI, United States
  • Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands
  • Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  • Kortrijk, Belgium
  • Parramatta City, Australia
  • Sabrosa, Portugal
  • Salinas CA, United States
  • Seattle WA, United States
  • St Petersburg, Russia
  • Vladimir, Russia
  • Xiamen, China
  • Yokohama, Japan
  • Yeosu, South Korea
Photo from commons.wikimedia.org

Above: The Winter Palace, the official residence of Russian emperors until 1917; Below: Sabrosa, Portugal, the town where Ferdinand Magellan was born

Hilltop Horizon: An unlikely destination for peace and relaxation

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Argao is a simple and quiet town located at the south of Cebu and although it isn’t really well-known as a tourist destination, this peaceful town in the south has a different kind of charm that attracts people to the municipality. Due to the town not being well-known to tourists, it makes it the perfect escape from the stresses of the city.

Hilltop Horizon is a classic chill tambayan by the hillside and offers more than just peace and quiet to its customers. Nestled at the peak of a hill in Argao, Hilltop Horizon combines native elements with the rustic atmosphere to create a hangout spot where friends can gather.

Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page
Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page
Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page
Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page
Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page
Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page

Hilltop Horizon is made up entirely of wood, bamboo and nipa hut roofs that perfectly fit the theme of the distant town and gives customers a change of scenery that’s far from traffic and noises of the metro. Wooden chairs and tables fill the space on top of the hill and nipa roofs provide customers with shelter. Front and center are a small stage where bands perform and fill the still atmosphere with various tunes.

There’s nothing else to do in Hilltop Horizon but to grab some food, take a seat, and let the lovely scenery do its thing. As different bands play their songs on stage and set the mood, the air of the hilltop with the earthy scent of charcoal combined with the appetizing aroma of barbecue sauces.

Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page
Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page
Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page
Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page
Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page
Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page

Customers will enjoy eating smoked meat especially when paired with a glass of cold beer or a choice from a selection of fruit shakes and drinks. Worries will drift away together with the gentle breeze that blows the hill and the only thing that will fill the mind is peace and relaxation.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Menu:

Photo from Hilltop Horizon Facebook Page

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Cancainap, Tulic, Argao, Southern Cebu – 150 meters away from the National Road

BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Ride any bus that’s bound for Argao and ask the driver to drop you off at the turn going to Panorama de Argao Resort. Hilltop Horizon is just 150 meters away from where you alighted, just ask around for directions.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Panorama de Argao Resort” in Argao. Hilltop Horizon is just close; ask for directions.

Cebu logs 60 new cases on May 23

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 May 23, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 60 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 48 new recoveries, and 3 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 52,479, while the active cases increased to 1,301 (from 1,292).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 24,134 (+30 new)
– Total recoveries: 22,806 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 863 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 465

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 6,413 (+9 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,083 (+23 new)
– Total deaths: 169 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 161

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 6,564 (+8 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,157 (+2 new)
– Total deaths: 223 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 184

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 15,368 (+13 new)
– Total recoveries: 14,168 (+23 new)
– Total deaths: 709 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 491

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,301
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 52,479 (+60 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 49,214 (+48 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,964 (+3 new*)

A total of 2,182 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):

The Last Rajah of Cebu

The Battle of Mactan which occurred in April 27, 1521 concluded with the victory of the Cebuano natives. They successfully drove away the Spanish armada, defining the independence of the Philippines from Spain – at least for several years. In 1565, 44 years after they left defeated, they came back with a much stronger presence.

Miguel López de Legazpi enters the scene

Photo from en.wikipedia.org

Miguel López de Legazpi, a Spanish navigator representing King Philip II of Spain, crosses the pacific and enters Cebu. He brought with him at least 500 soldiers because he knew what happened to Magellan after all. This man would later on became the first Governor-General of the Spanish East Indies, but focusing on his arrival to Cebu, he met with the last Rajah of Cebu, Rajah Tupas.

Rajah Tupas, the last Rajah of Cebu

Photo by Keneth L Edillon

There are relatively few details known about Rajah Tupas. He was the Rajah then in 1565 and was the cousin of Rajah Humabon, the Rajah that sent Magellan to Lapulapu. Upon hearing the news that the Spanish are back at it again with the white supremacy, he supposedly sent all the civilians to the hills and fought against the opposition.

However, in the end, they lost the battle, and that was when, arguably, Cebu lost as a whole to Spain. The Spanish even told the Cebuano natives that they had long submitted to Spanish suzerainty. After the ordeal, Rajah Tupas and Miguel López de Legazpi enters a deal.

Photo by Stan Cabigas; a statue of Rajah Humabon, cousin of Rajah Tupas

The Treaty of Cebu (1565)

The Treaty of Cebu in 1565 was signed on June 4 between de Legazpi and Rajah Tupas. This treaty effectively made Spain the suzerain of Cebu, and thus began 333 years of Spanish rule over the Philippines. Historians characterized the treaty less of an agreement but more of an unconditional surrender.

According to historian William Henry Scott, the treaty was the “kind of prototype of the unequal treaties which western nations were to fasten on Oriental peoples for the next three centuries.”

Cebu logs 130 new cases on May 22

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 May 22, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 130 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 44 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 52,420, while the active cases increased to 1,292 (from 1,207).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 24,105 (+62 new)
– Total recoveries: 22,807 (+25 new)
– Total deaths: 863 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 435

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 6,404 (+15 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,060 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 168 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 176

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 6,555 (+12 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,155 (+10 new)
– Total deaths: 222 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 178

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 15,356 (+41 new)
– Total recoveries: 14,145 (+9 new)
– Total deaths: 708 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 503

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,292
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 52,420 (+130 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 49,167 (+44 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,961 (+2 new*)

A total of 3,830 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):

Dive in at Club Serena Beach Resort in Moalboal, Cebu

Cast under a spell of an elven forest. That is what the beauty of Club Serena Resort does as soon as you step into the resort.

Located in Basdaku, Moalboal, this thousand square meters nature haven have suites, caverns and treehouses feel like it’s all part of the woods. All the buildings and structures don’t take away from nature but have found its way to coexist with the trees. Their treehouses are so elegant, it makes you want to climb to bed often and literally.

Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page
Photo from clubserenaresort
Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page
Photo by Marvin Cabreros
Photo by Kévin Labbé
Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page

It comes with the idyllic sea of White beach in Moalboal too with its sparkling sand, amazing dive sites, and awesome sunsets. It’s a complete package of relaxation in just a few steps.

Outdoor Shower & Bath

One of the highlights of our stay is their “Outdoor Rain Shower and Bathtub” which you don’t actually see very often in resorts. Bathing under the always changing sky where you can be greeted with beautiful clouds, a starry night sky or a natural rain shower all for yourself.

Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page
Photo by Roi Fegi
Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page

Sound of trees, birds and waves

It has a very “exclusive” atmosphere that makes the breathtaking scenery more special and personal. Relaxing while being surrounded by the sound of trees, birds and waves gives you that sense of peace.  

Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page
Photo from clubserenaresort
Photo by Marvin Cabreros
Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Club Serena Resort Facebook Page

Room Type

One of the many spectacles in club serena is the unique set of rooms/accommodations they have. Each one a different style, ambiance and perks.

  • Governor’s Suite – on the first level of the suites building. It’s a large spacious room that faces a large lap pool, exclusive to suite guests.
Photo from clubserenaresort
  • Merman’s Cavern – on the second level of the suites building with a balcony overlooking the sea. The rear view is facing the 2nd pool of the resort and beautiful mountains. Bed Size: 2 Double
Photo from clubserenaresort
  • Beach Front House – located beside the bar and restaurant, with the best view of the sea. A garden surrounds this cottage. The bedroom is separated from the living room. This room has Cable TV, Hot and Cold Shower, Mini Bar and Intercom.
Photo from clubserenaresort
  • Tree House 1 and 2 – a favorite of guests. These Tree Houses are built on posts elevating it. It also has a wraparound terrace. Bed Size: 1 Queen
Photo from clubserenaresort
Photo from clubserenaresort
  • Rajah Cottage – located near the bar and restaurant, pool and beach front of the resort. Its design is rustic and cozy. Bed Size: 1 Queen
Photo from clubserenaresort
  • Cottages 1 and 2 – located side by side, close to the bar and restaurant of the resort. They have a native/rustic design and a view of the sea. Bed Size: 1 Queen
Photo from clubserenaresort
Photo from clubserenaresort
  • Coral Room – located beside the suites of Club Serena Resort, close to our second pool. Bed Size: 1 Queen
Photo from clubserenaresort

 Step into the waters and let the sand and sea take all your worries away at Club Serena resort.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • Entrance fee:
    • P1200 per adult (P500 consumable)
    •  P600 per child,7-12yrs old (P250 consumable)
  • Opening hours: 8AM to 5PM (Daily)

ROOM RATES:

  • Coral Room: P3,400 per night, good for 2 pax
  • Cottages: P3,960 per night, good for 2 pax
  • Rajah Cottage: P4,630 per night, good for 2 pax
  • Beachfront House: P4,955, good for 2 pax
  • Mermaid’s/Merman’s cavern: P6,445, good for 2 pax
  • Governor & Chairman Suite: P6,930, good for 2 pax
  • Tree Houses: P9,060/ good for 4 pax

Note: All rooms are inclusive with two (2) plated breakfast

Additional rates:

  • *Extra bed: P300
  • *Extra person w/ bed and breakfast: P700

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Club Serena resort, White Beach, Basdaku, Moalboal, Southern Cebu – approx. 3-4 hours away from the city.

BY BUS: Go to Cebu City South Bus Terminal and ride on a bus bound for Moalboal. Estimated travel time is 3-4 hours. Ask the driver to drop you off at the bus stop in the town center. Register first in the Tourism office in Moalboal as they require this to all tourist that comes for the crowd/tourist control and tracing. After registration, you can ride a multicab (fare: P500/person) or a tricycle (fare: P150/person).

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Club Serena Resort” in Moalboal. Parking space is available.

Floating Island at JCAD Resort in Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island renowned for its white sand beaches, laidback island life relaxation and soul-searching vibes have added another attraction to its belt.

A floating island at JCAD resort have recently been opened. These are inflatable islands that levels up your water activities to another level of fun. They have inflatable slides, towers, bridges, swings, and just about any obstacle in inflated island water sports.

Photo from JCAD Hotel Resort Bantayan Facebook Page
Photo from JCAD Hotel Resort Bantayan Facebook Page
Photo by Lotskie’s Yaug Ataz
Photo by Lotskie’s Yaug Ataz
Photo by Lotskie’s Yaug Ataz
Photo by Lotskie’s Yaug Ataz
Photo by Sweetpalang Camela Alojacin
Photo by Sweetpalang Camela Alojacin
Photo by Ette Nylla
Photo by Ette Nylla

The shores of Bantayan Island surely captivate us every time but there should be no reason to let the fun stop there. Engaging in the floating island water activities will keep our hearts racing in excitement and challenge and will be a great bonding time for children and the whole family.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • Entrance fee: P250 per hour
  • Opening hours: depending on the tide

OTHER INFORMATION:

  • Corkage fee: N/A
  • Contact numbers: 0955-852-4238
  • Email address: [email protected]
  • Facebook Page: 

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Sitio Tingtingon, Marikaban, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu — approx. 4-5 hours away from Cebu City.

BY BUS: Go to Cebu City North Bus Terminal and ride on a bus bound for Hagnaya. Estimated travel time is 3.5-4 hours. Once in Hagnaya Port, you will ride on a barge bound for Santa Fe port (travel time is approximately 1 hr). The Tourism Office in Santa Fe port will collect P30/person for all incoming guests to the Island as per ordinance approved by local and provincial councilors as Environmental or Ecological Fee. 

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “JCAD Hotel Resort” in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island.

Cebu logs 78 new cases on May 21

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 May 21, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 78 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 155 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 52,291, while the active cases decreased to 1,207 (from 1,287).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 24,044 (+32 new)
– Total recoveries: 22,784 (+20 new)
– Total deaths: 862 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 398

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 6,389 (+12 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,060 (+53 new)
– Total deaths: 168 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 161

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 6,543 (+5 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,145 (+42 new)
– Total deaths: 221 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 177

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 15,315 (+29 new)
– Total recoveries: 14,136 (+40 new)
– Total deaths: 708 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 471

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,207
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 52,291 (+78 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 49,125 (+155 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,959 (+1 new*)

A total of 3,545 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):

Ultimate Guide: 14 Best Buffet Restaurants in Cebu

The only downside about having a lot of restaurants opening in the city is the difficulty to actually choose where to dine that’s worth every peso. Apparently, Cebuanos in general naturally love to eat and at times, all we want is unlimited food with a variety of it. No wonder, the city is almost filled with buffets (and several more to open next year). With that, it’s our job at Sugbo.ph to spoil you with a list of the best buffet restaurants that you should try one at a time.

Cafe Bai (Bai Hotel)

cafe-bai-hotel-cebu-buffet
  • Cuisine: Asian, American, Indian, Italian
  • Known For: New luxury hotel in the metro
  • Standard price (Breakfast & Lunch): PHP 788 per head
  • Standard price (Dinner): PHP 888 per head (Mon-Thurs); PHP 888+ per head (Fri-Sun & Holiday Dinner)
  • Operating hours: 10AM to 2PM (Lunch); 6PM to 10PM (Dinner) – Mondays to Sundays
  • Contact numbers: +6332 8882500 / 09171415888 / 09988428888
  • Location: 2/F Bai Hotel, Ouano Avenue Corner Seno Boulevard, Tipolo, Mandaue City

Sugbufe

sugbufe-buffet-restaurant-cebu
  • Cuisine: All Filipino
  • Known For: True Filipino comfort eats in a buffet style of dining
  • Standard price (Lunch): PHP 348 per head (All days)
  • Standard price (Dinner): PHP 448 per head (All days)
  • Operating hours: 11AM to 2PM (Lunch); 6PM to 10PM (Dinner) – Mondays to Saturdays
  • Contact numbers: (032) 354-8253 / 0917-712-2833
  • Location: M. Logarta St. Subangdaku, 6014 Mandaue City (a few meters away from Northbus Terminal)

Seafood Paradise

seafoodparadise-busffetcebu-15
  • Cuisine: All Filipino
  • Known For: True Filipino comfort eats in a buffet style of dining
  • Standard price (Lunch): PHP 399 per head (All days)
  • Standard price (Dinner): PHP 399 per head (All days)
  • Operating hours: 11AM to 2PM (Lunch); 6PM to 10PM (Dinner) – Mondays to Sundays
  • Contact numbers: (032) 256-0954 / 0917-302-9596
  • Location: 2/F Seaview Wing, SM Seaside City Cebu

Yakimix

yakimix
Photos taken from Zomato
  • Cuisine: Japanese, Chinese, Korean, American, Dim Sum
  • Known For: Do-it-yourself smokeless grilled cooking
  • Standard price (Lunch): PHP 499 per head (Weekdays); PHP 599 per head (Weekends) – PHP 299 for kids for all days
  • Standard price (Dinner): PHP 599 per head (Weekdays/Weekends) – PHP 299 for kids for all days
  • Operating hours: 11:30AM to 3PM (Lunch); 5:30PM to 11PM (Dinner) – Mondays to Sundays
  • Contact numbers: (032) 254-7499 / 254-7501
  • Location:
    • G/F NIC 2 Building, Capitol Central, N. Escario Street, Capitol Site, Cebu City
    • Upper G/F Mountain Wing, SM Seaside City Cebu, SRP (South Road Properties)

Pusô Bistro and Bar (Quest Hotel)

puso-bistro-cebu
Photos taken from Zomato
  • Cuisine: American, Asian, Bakery
  • Known For: Wide selections of eats
  • Standard price (Lunch): PHP 700 per head
  • Standard price (Dinner): PHP 980 per head daily except Fridays (PHP1,200 net per person – Every Friday)
  • Operating hours: 6AM to 10PM – Mondays to Sundays
  • Contact numbers: (032) 402-5999
  • Location: G/F Quest Hotel, Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Kamputhaw, Cebu City

Feria (Radisson Blu)

feria-radisson-cebu
Photos taken from frannywanny.com
  • Cuisine: Asian, American
  • Known For: Their buffet with different stations for different cuisines
  • Standard price (Lunch): PHP 880 per head (Mon-Sat); PHP 1,450 per head (Sun)
  • Standard price (Dinner): PHP 880 per head (Tues, Thurs, Sat); PHP 1,450 per head (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun);
  • Operating hours: 6AM to 10:30AM (Breakfast); 11:30AM to 2PM (Lunch); 5:30PM to 10PM (Dinner) – Mondays to Sundays
  • Contact numbers: (032) 402-9900
  • Location: Radisson Blu Cebu, Juan Luna Avenue Corner Osmena Boulevard, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City

H Cafe (Harolds Hotel)

H Cafe Buffet Harolds Hotel
H Cafe Buffet Harolds Hotel 2
  • Cuisine: Themed dinner buffet
    – Monday: The Chow Dynasty (Asian food)
    – Tuesday: The International Savvy (Fusion cuisine)
    – Wednesday: The Asian Palace (Asian food)
    – Thursday: The Chow Dynasty (Asian food)
    – Friday: Empire Steak of Mind (Steak night)
    – Saturday: Empire Steak of Mind (Steak night)
  • Known For: Themed dinner buffet and friendly staff
  • Standard price (Breakfast): PHP 450 per head (Mon-Sun)
  • Standard price (Lunch): PHP 488 per head (Mon-Sun)
  • Standard price (Dinner): PHP 598 per head (Mon-Thu); PHP 628 per head (Fri-Sat); PHP 488 per head (Sun)
  • Operating hours: 6:00AM to 10:00AM (Breakfast); 11:30AM to 2:00PM (Lunch); 6:00PM to 9:00PM (Dinner) – Mondays to Sundays
  • Contact numbers: (032) 505-7777; (+63) 917 711 8828
  • Location: Harolds Hotel, Gorordo Avenue Corner Rosal Street, Lahug, Cebu City

Buffet 101

buffet-101-cebu
Photos taken from Zomato
  • Cuisine: Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Dim Sum
  • Known For: Classy buffet ambiance, offers wide array of cuisines
  • Standard price (Lunch): PHP 599 per head (Weekdays); PHP 799 per head (Weekends) – PHP 399 for kids for all days
  • Standard price (Dinner): PHP 799 per head (Weekdays/Weekends) – PHP 399 for kids for all days
  • Operating hours: 11:30AM to 2:30PM (Lunch); 5:30PM to 10:30PM (Dinner) – Mondays to Sundays
  • Contact numbers: (032) 517-2222 / 564-9999
  • Location: City Time Square, Mantawe Avenue, Tipolo, Mandaue City (across Parkmall)

Vikings

vikingscebu
Photos taken from Zomato
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Known For: Buffet restaurant featuring a wide variety of dishes from different countries
  • Standard price (Lunch): PHP 688 per head (Weekdays); PHP 888 per head (Weekends) – less 300 for kids
  • Standard price (Dinner): PHP 888 per head (Weekdays/Weekends) – less 300 for kids
  • Operating hours: 11:30AM to 2:30PM (Lunch); 5:30PM to 10PM (Dinner) – Mondays to Sundays
  • Contact numbers: (032) 255-3888 / 255-4888
  • Location: 2/F North Wing, SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City

Halo Restaurant (St. Mark Hotel)

st mark halo buffet restaurant
  • Cuisine: Filipino, American, Italian, Thai, Japanese
  • Known For: All-time Pinoy favorites including Rico’s Lechon, Dumajug’s grilled chicken, and their own Roast Beef
  • Contact number: (032) 505-5555
  • Location: 2/F St. Mark Hotel, Queen’s Road, Redemptorist Plaza, Kamputhaw, Cebu City
  • Buffet rates and schedule:
halo buffet schedule

Cabalen

cabalen-cebu-srp
Photos taken from Zomato
  • Cuisine: All Filipino
  • Known For: Buffet that serves Kapampangan and other Filipino dishes
  • Standard price (Lunch/Dinner): PHP 298 per head (Weekdays/Weekends)
  • Operating hours: 10AM to 9PM – Mondays to Sundays
  • Contact numbers: (032) 254-9097
  • Location: Lower Ground Floor, Mountain Wing, SM Seaside City Cebu, SRP (South Road Properties), Cebu City

Port Seafood Restaurant

port-cebu
Photos taken from Habhab CEBU of Zomato
  • Cuisine: Seafood, Filipino
  • Known For: Leading buffet restaurant by Sunstar’s Best of Cebu’s Buffet
  • Standard price (Lunch): PHP 349 per head (Weekdays/Weekends)
  • Standard price (Dinner): PHP 449 per head (Mon-Sat)
  • Operating hours: 11AM to 3PM (Lunch); 6PM to 10:00PM (Dinner)
  • Contact numbers: (032) 231-7441 / 516-6018
  • Location: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City

K-Pub BBQ

kpubcebu-1
  • Cuisine: Korean
  • Known For: Their meat-all-you-can offerings as well as their K-Pop inspired interiors
  • Standard price (Lunch/Dinner): PHP 499 per head (1 hour refillable); PHP 899 per head (No Time Limit)
  • Operating hours: 11AM to 3PM (Lunch); 5PM to 12MN (Dinner) – Mondays to Sundays
  • Contact numbers: (032) 410-7590
  • Location: 2/F The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City

Cafe Marco (Marco Polo)

cafe-marco-cebu
Photos taken from Zomato
  • Cuisine: Asian, Japanese, American, Italian, Desserts
  • Known For: Being among the Top 5 Best Restaurants by the prestigious Miele Guide 2013
  • Standard price (Breakfast): PHP 757 per head (Mon-Sat)
  • Standard price (Lunch): PHP 1,099 per head (Mon-Sat); PHP 1,395 per head (Sun)
  • Standard price (Dinner): PHP 1,395 per head (Mon-Sun)
  • Operating hours: 6AM to 10:30AM (Breakfast); 12NN to 2:30PM (Lunch); 6:30PM to 10PM (Dinner) – Mondays to Sundays
  • Contact numbers: (032) 253-1111
  • Location: Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City

 
Did we miss something? Feel free to comment your favorite buffet restaurant in Cebu below.

7 Must-Try Pasalubongs from Cebu

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A pasalubong is a “bring-home gift” so your loved ones get to experience a piece of your travel even if they were not with you. It is a common tradition among Filipinos.

The province of Cebu, being one of the top travel destinations in the country, has its fair share of pasalubong options which will surely make your family and friends happy to see you again.

1. Cebu Lechon

Declared by the world-famous chef Anthony Bourdain as the “best pig ever”, Cebu lechon should be on top of your pasalubong list. Let’s admit it: It’s quite a challenge to bring home bags of lechon, but it is worth it. Cebu’s succulent and crispy roasted pigs are very popular that you see them practically at any mall or market in Cebu. Just make sure to instruct the seller that you’re bringing it as a pasalubong so it can be tightly wrapped.

2. Dried Mangoes

Cebu is known as the source of world-class and export-quality dried mangoes. These chewy and sweet, bite-size treats can be seen at most grocery stores in Cebu City (you’ll sometimes even see Koreans with carts full of these goodies). Dried mangoes are well-packed and easy to carry, therefore, it’s not that difficult to bring when travelling.

Photo from Cebu Best Mango Chocolate Facebook Page

3. Otap

Otherwise known as “puff pastry”, Otap is also one of the most popular pasalubong from Cebu. These are made of flour, sugar, shortening, and coconut. Even the sugary crumbs of otap are so good we assure you it’s worth it down to its last crumb. Just like dried mangoes, these do not run out in Cebu grocery stores.

4. Rosquillos

Originating from the town of Liloan, Cebu, Rosquillos are ring-like biscuits that are mainly made of flour, eggs, and sugar.  It is so popular that there’s a festival dedicated to it (Rosquillos Festival) in the said town and is celebrated every month of May. It goes perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or chocolate drink and can be easily found in most grocery stores within the province.

Photo by Lhea Corro

5. Danggit

Danggit is perfect for breakfast especially if paired with fried eggs and garlic fried rice. Danggit is dried rabbitfish that has a distinct taste and smell to it. There are vacuum-sealed danggit which you can buy from most grocery stores, but if you’re planning to buy more, the best place to go to is at the Tabo-an Market in Cebu city. Tabo-an is the original and biggest source of danggit in Cebu and you can still ask for a discount from the sellers.

6. Chicharon

Chicharon (pork rind) is made of boiled pork rinds that are air-dried, then deep fried. These are crunchy and tasty snacks that goes well if dipped in spicy vinegar. The best ones can be bought in Carcar City (southern part of Cebu province) but you can also find these in most grocery stores around Cebu City.

7. T-Shirts

If you go to any mall or drive around the city, you will almost always find a souvenir shop selling t-shirts with various “I love Cebu” designs. You can also have personalized t-shirts or try those with the Sinulog Festival designs and prints. You can try Islands Souvenirs stores located in SM City Cebu, Ayala Center, or in P. Burgos street near the Magellan’s Cross.

Photo by Guido Vo

These are just some of the many pasalubong options, but whatever your choice of pasalubong may be, your Cebu experience will still be made more memorable with any token to give to your family and friends.