Re-energize your body and reconnect with your soul in the Sermon on the Mount Retreat Resort in Gaas, Balamban.
This retreat in Cebu encourages its visitors to meditate on the mountainous backdrops and cool climate of Balamban with friends or family. The tranquil atmosphere and verdant backgrounds of the place will surely put the body in a trance.
Although it is just an hour’s drive away from the Metro, the surrounding mountains seclude the resort and remove any trace of the city. The rustic interiors and cliffside views create a peaceful ambiance for intimate moments between friends and family either while sharing a coffee on their cliff-hanging tables or watching the sunrise while soaking in the pools.
The canopies created by the trees are perfect for morning walks and basking in the beauty of the forest. For a more relaxing indoor experience, there are saunas in the resort that the adults will surely love.
Sermon on the Mount Retreat Resort is literally a home away from home. It comes complete with cozy shared rooms and a kitchen that is complete with cooking utensils. The rooms of the resort are exclusive to one group at a time only which allows everybody to spend moments together uninterrupted.
Groups may bring their own food and store it in the refrigerator and grill some meat on the barbeque come dinner time.
After sundown, everybody can spend time appreciating the view of Mt. Manunggal on their wide, wooden deck or patio. Rooms don’t even need fans because the natural air conditioning provided by the surroundings is enough for a good night’s sleep.
Check out more beautiful photos of Sermon on the Mount Retreat Resort in Balamban, Cebu:
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Day use rates:
Adults: ₱500 per head, minimum of 7-10 guests;
Children: ₱250 per head
Inclusions:
Use of Swimming Pool, Sauna, Viewing Deck, Trekking, Kitchen
Exclusive use from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, weekdays only
Overnight Use
Rate: ₱12,500 per night, good for 10-12 persons
Inclusions:
4 queen-sized beds and 4 bunk beds
Hot and cold shower
Electric Fans
One Safety Deposit Box
Complete cooking and kitchen utensils
AMENITIES
Swimming Pool
Sauna
Karaoke
Trekking within the vicinity
Forest Bathing at the wooden viewing deck
KITCHEN
Cooking and kitchen utensils
BBQ Grill
Refrigerator
Electric Water Pot
RESORT RULES
No pets allowed
No wild parties allowed
No music after 10PM
NOTE: The resort does not accept walk-in reservations and only allows online booking as a safety precaution and to avoid crowding the resort.
Exact location: Transcentral Highway, Gaas, Balamban – just an hour’s drive away from Cebu City
BY SHUTTLE (most recommended): The guests can arrange pick-up and drop-off to and from the airport to Sermon on the Mount for a full package service. Contact them in their Facebook page for more details.
BY JEEPNEY: Take a jeepney bound for Balamban in the Ayala Bus Terminal. Inform the driver to drop you off at the Sermon on the Mount Retreat Resort
BY HABAL-HABAL: Hire a habal-habal driver just around JY Square Mall in Lahug. They already know where the place is. The fare to the resort is about P150 only.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Sermon on the Mount Retreat Resort” in Balamban. Parking space is available upon arrival.
Effective on October 17, 2020, there will be no more strict border controls for the Island of Bantayan.
To those who are not yet aware, Bantayan Island is composed of three municipalities: Sta. Fe, Bantayan and Madridejos. They each had different restrictions and controls which caused confusion to its residents’ movement within towns and residents who are coming into the island.
This issue has finally been addressed when Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia sat down with the three mayors and settled the conflicts on implementation of border controls last October 16, Friday.
This action will encourage residents to visit local and neighboring tourist spots. It is also just in time for November, where people who wish to come home or plan to spend a vacation in Bantayan can have a hassle-free travel.
“As far as meeting gahapon, among nasabutan nga wala na’y mga restriction, dili na i-hamper ang movement sa tawo within MGCQ area lang,”
– Ithamar Espinosa, Sta. Fe Mayor
There will be no more quarantine pass in the movement within the island along with the pillion rides. Official Executive Order will be drafted and released by the mayors of each municipality.
Different Protocols from locals
Tourists: Booking receipts to show proof that they are only visiting the island-destination
Locally Stranded Individuals (LSI): Acceptance letters from their LGUs
Authorized Person Outside of Residence (APORs) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
The pandemic did not stop thousands of graduating students across the country to receive their much-awaited diplomas. Following health protocols, many universities and colleges in the country have resorted to virtual commencement exercises.
Sayaw Beach Resort in Brgy. Sayaw, Barili offers you a great spot for a fun family celebrations, barkada getaways, or even simple vacations.
This beach is adorned with white sand and crystal-clear waters where you can swim to your heart’s content. Cottages are available for rent and while there’s a small store in the area, it’s always advisable that you bring your own food especially if you plan to stay for the whole day.
For those who want to take a little dose of thrill and adventure, you can explore some small caves near the beach. You’ll just have to rent a small boat. The owner of the boat will still accompany you so you won’t get lost. It’ll be a fun experience for the family.
If you want to spend the rest of the night by the beach, there’s also an overnight accommodation available. A night at the beach with the people closest to your heart is something we will cherish forever. Don’t worry about the price since the accommodation rates are budget-friendly and are fully-airconditioned.
Curious about the name of the beach? Sayaw Beach is derived from birds called “Sayaw” (“dance” in Filipino). The place was called as such because there are flocks of “Sayaw” birds nesting in the place.
One thing that makes this place the go-to destination for family gatherings is because of its accessibility. It is close to the highway of Barili Town, hence, getting there is easy.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: P25 (adult); P10 (children)
Opening hours: 9AM to 5PM for Day Use
COTTAGE FEES:
Day Use: P400
Overnight Use: P600
ROOM RATES:
Standard Room
double bed
fully air-conditioned
with cable tv, toilet and refreshing shower
Rate: P1,500 per night
Deluxe Room
Good for 4 persons
2 double beds
fully air-conditioned, with cable tv, toilet and refreshing shower
Rate: P1,800 per night
Family Room
Good for 4 persons
double bed and a bunk bed
fully air-conditioned, with cable tv, toilet and refreshing shower
Rate: P2,200 per night
Bedroom House:
2 bedrooms
kitchen
fully air-conditioned
with cable tv, toilet, refreshing shower and a shady backyard
Exact location: Brgy. Sayaw, Barili, Southern Cebu — approx. 2.5 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: You can reach Sayaw Beach by getting on a bus headed to Barili at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Travel time is around 2 hours. It is advisable to take the 7:00 AM bus so you’ll have a long day at the beach. You may stop at Shamrock for breakfast. From Shamrock, you can ride on a motorcycle for hire to Sayaw Beach.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Sayaw Beach Resort” in Barili. Parking space is available.
A newly opened restaurant in Asturias will make your tummy and soul happy.
Buswang Lake House Restobar in Brgy. Old Bago, Asturias, Cebu is stepping into the limelight with its cozy restaurant by the lake concept. They had their soft opening last September 18.
The pandemic might have taken a toll in every one of us, but it surely isn’t the reason we stop at doing things we love especially those that create good memories with our friends and family. With Buswang Lake House Restobar, a delightful meal with a relaxing view of the Asturias’ very own Buswang lake is waiting for us.
Buswang Lake House Restobar offers affordable combo meals that are just right for our budget. They also highlight Filipino dishes as their specialty, and these are all must-tries – from Tinolang Manok Bisaya to Pochero and Balbacua. All of these plus a wide array of other delicious food options that suit your taste and style.
Up for some weekend barkada chill over cold drinks? This place is the perfect place for those craving for a good laugh with their closest friends. Catching up with them after months of lockdown has never been this refreshing and intimate with their live acoustic band filling the air with your favorite songs every Friday and Saturday nights.
You can’t always get a good meal with a good view anywhere, but you can have them both here at Buswang Lake Restobar.
Photo by Board Member Atty. Jimbo Borgonia
Photo by Board Member Atty. Jimbo Borgonia
Buswang Lake
For those not familiar with the lake where this new restobar sits, Buswang Lake is said to be the biggest body of freshwater in Cebu and its water comes from natural springs in the area. The term “buswang” is a Cebuano word which means “to flow out or explode from a trapped body of water”. In this case, the term is used to refer to the water flowing out from the mountainside to the lake that fundamentally forms it.
Buswang Lake is one of the main natural attractions in Asturias. Visitors can jump on a boat and explore the lake. The lake is also the venue of some special events such as banca racing. Asturias might be a silent town in the northern parts of Cebu but the development of the lake and the emergence of establishments around the area like the Buswang Restobar is expected to bring in more tourists into the town.
Exact location: Buswang Lake, Brgy. Old Bago, Asturias, Cebu
BY V-HIRE: You can get on a van for hire headed for Asturias at the van terminal in Ayala Center Cebu. The van will pass through the transcentral highway, which makes the journey short. Travel time is around one hour or so depending on the traffic. From the town proper, you can ride a habal-habal that will take you to Buswang Lake Restobar.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Buswang Lake” in Brgy. Old Bago, Asturias. Parking space is available.
Liloan wasn’t named such just for nothing. It may not be as famous as its nearby cities like Mandaue, Lapulapu and Cebu City but guess what, Liloan is silently turning ripples to whirlpools of beautiful locations showcasing scenic man-made wonders, beaches, mountain resorts, and rich historic and cultural sites.
Here are six (6) must-visit attraction sites in Liloan, Cebu that you and your friends can visit.
1. Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon
You and your friends can enjoy various fishing activities. You also have to try their exciting water sports activities such as wakeboarding, kayaking, as well as zipline, jungle obstacle, and wall climbing.
Sweat your stress out as they also offer horseback riding and all-terrain vehicle riding. When done, feast on their luscious meals in their restaurant. Experience all these thrills while having a scenic view overlooking the nearby beach dressed with an ambience of tranquility and serenity.
Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon (July 2017)
Entrance Fee: P100/person (consumable: P50 Food and Beverage, P50 any facility except Fishing and Wakeboarding)
Rates per activity:
Horseback Riding – ₱75 per head
Zipline – ₱200 per head
Wall Climbing – ₱100 per head
Hanging Bridge – ₱50 per head
Jungle Obstacle – ₱150 per head
Fishing Rod – ₱100 per head
Swimming pool – ₱100 per head
Wakeboarding – ₱400 per head (Weekdays) / ₱500 per head (Weekends)
Exact Location: Papa Kit’s Marina and Lagoon, Poblacion Liloan, Cebu — 1.5-2 hours away from the city
BY JEEPNEY: Ride any 25 or 27 jeepneys going to Liloan from the SM City Cebu Terminal.
BY V-HIRE: Ride a v-hire going to Liloan from the SM City Cebu Terminal/Ayala Center Cebu Terminal. The fare is only P50.
BY CAR/TAXI/GRAB: Spacious parking lot is available. To navigate, just search for “Papa Kit’s Marina” on Waze or Google Maps. Estimated fare for taxi or Grab is P300.
2. Bagacay Lighthouse
For those who love to visit historic sites, this one’s for you. Bagacay Lighthouse is also known as “Parola sa Liloan”. The reason why Liloan is called “The Light of the North”. It provides guiding light to mariners, navigators and fishermen from coastal towns in northern Cebu.
Built during the American period, the lighthouse is one of the most important heritage site and symbolic structure of Liloan until today. Its impressive architectural design and its old-world feel can give you a sneak peek into the past.
Photo by Ed Lim
Entrance Fee: None
How to get there?
Exact Location: Parola, Liloan
Ride a Liloan bound jeepney along National Highway in Mandaue City fronting San Miguel Brewery or across SM City Cebu crossing near Sun Gold and disembark at 7 Eleven, immediately before reaching San Fernando Rey Parish Church. Walk your way towards a corner near the church until you see motorcycles for hire or habal-habal. Fare from the church to the bridge is 10 pesos. Hire another habal habal (motorbike) and tell the driver to bring you to Parola or Bagacay Lighthouse. Fare is 30 pesos (one way). You can also hire a taxi or Grab to take you to Bagacay Lighthouse.
3. Purok Dragon Fruit Farm
During the community quarantine, a new go-to stopover in Liloan emerged — the Purok Dragon Farm.
For only 20 Pesos as an entrance fee, you get an all-day access to the vast farm full of dragon fruits. And if you’re in luck, you can also witness the farmers harvesting this healthy fruit.
Exact location: Purok Dragon Fruit, Barangay Cabadiangan, Liloan, Cebu — approx. 1 hour away from the city and 15 minutes away from the Liloan Public Market.
BY BUS: From Cebu City, ride a bus or any PUV going to Liloan Public Market. Drop off near Mercury Drug where you can get a habal-habal ride. Fare is ₱20 per head.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Purok Dragon Fruit Farm” in Liloan. Parking space is available.
4. Pangeas Beach Resort
This is a good pick for family outing, barkada getaways and office team-building. It has a great ambience and a good value for your money. For those who can’t decide which is which (pool or beach) worry not, the place is conveniently located by the beach and has a clean swimming pool.
It has cottages that have swings, lights hanging from the trees, outdoor lounge chairs everywhere, palm trees galore and well-designed lamps.
Photo by Michael Sagonoy
Photo by Michael Sagonoy
Photo by Michael Sagonoy
Standard Room
Day Use:
Entrance Fee: P150
Operating Hours (Day Use): 8AM to 5PM
Room Rates:
2 persons – P2500
3 persons – P 3000
4 persons – P4000
5 persons – P5000
12 persons – P10000
Function Room – P10000/4 hrs
Cottage Rates:
30 pax – P2500
20 pax – P1000
10 pax – P500
8 pax – P400
6 pax – P300
5 pax – P250
Corkage Fee:
1 Whole Roasted Pig – P200
All Types of Drinks – P20/bottle (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
BY COMMUTE: Ride any 25 or 27 jeepney going to Liloan from the SM City Cebu Terminal — fare is ₱15 per way. Or, ride a v-hire going to Liloan from the SM City Cebu Terminal — fare is ₱50 per way. Drop off at the church in Tayud Liloan. Ride a tricycle to Pangeas — fare is usually ₱15-20 per person.
BY CAR: If you’re driving your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Pangeas Beach Resort”. Parking space is available.
5. Ibabaw Mountain Resort
Dreaming of sitting in the lap of nature? Ibabaw Mountain Resort has the seat for you. Strategically positioned in one of the topmost elevations in Liloan, the resort offers a place for a relaxing rest from the stressful city life.
While in the resort, fill your soul with the cold breeze and comforting lustrous green scenery, get cloaked with the serene and peaceful atmosphere, and just be one with nature.
Cottage Rates (Day Use):
Open Cottages – P500
Open Big Part Cabana – P1000
Open Mini Cabana – P400
Room Rates (check in: 12pm check out: 10am):
Mini Bahay Kubo (Non-Aircon) – P1800 good for 2 pax with complimentary breakfast, coffee and bottle of water
The Family House (Non-Aircon) – P3500 good for 6 pax with complimentary breakfast, coffee and bottle of water
The Bahay Kubo (Non-Aircon) – P2500 good for 4 pax with complimentary breakfast, coffee and bottle of water
Ocean View Rooms (Aircon) – P1500 good for 2 pax with complimentary breakfast, coffee and bottle of water
Excess Person per Head: P100 (10 y/o above), P50 (3-9 y/o), free 92 y/o below) – without breakfast, complementary coffee and water
Exact Location: Purok Ka Canog, Sta. Cruz, Liloan, Cebu 6002
You can start from Eskina Yati Liloan, then drive up to San Vicente and further towards Barangay Sta Cruz. And just opposite to Sta Cruz Barangay Hall, turn left. You will then arrive at the resort after 50 meters. You can follow the resort’s tarps posted along the road.
For the commuters, take a habal-habal from the Yati intersection – just a few meters from the entrance of Yati Elementary School. Ask the driver to take you to Ibabaw Mountain Resort. Fare is only P40 good for 2pax – if you’re alone, you still need to pay P40.
6. Little Santorini Mountain Resort
If you’re still thinking of where to spend your post-quarantine getaway, we got you covered!
As long as you are healthy enough to travel and are following the health and safety protocols set by local authorities, you are in for a treat! Experience the lush green and absolute serenity at Little Santorini Mountain Resort in Liloan, northern Cebu. It’s the newest resort-attraction in town!
Exact location: Brgy. San Roque, Liloan, Cebu — 1 hour away from Cebu City, 15 minutes away from the main road (going uphill).
BY COMMUTE: From SM City Cebu or Ayala Center Cebu, ride any jeepney, bus or v-hire going to Liloan. Drop off at Yati intersection, near Yati Elementary School. From there, ride a habal-habal (motorbike) going to Little Santorini Mountain Resort. Fare is only P50 good for 2pax – if you’re alone, you still need to pay P50.
BY CAR: It’s best to navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Little Santorini Mountain Resort, Liloan, Cebu”. Parking space is available.
Where to eat in Liloan?
Liloan is famous for their seafood restaurants and signature local delicacy, masi. Check out these articles to learn more:
The Baluarte Park in Aloguinsan is home of the remnants of a Spanish era watchtower or baluarte that was built to warn residents of the presence of pirates in the area.
Just opposite the baluarte is a small fort where watchers or soldiers would most probably sleep, eat or take a nap during their duty. This fort is also built with coral stones and only visible of what remains of it.
While the place is rich in history, a stroll in the park is also relaxing as it is covered with trees and green lawns spreading everywhere. Gazebos are also built at strategic areas within the park that serve as viewing decks for those who wish to take a view of the magnificent blue sea surrounding the island.
Photo by Loki Lape Laagan
Photo by Loki Lape Laagan
Photo by Loki Lape Laagan
Photo by Loki Lape Laagan
Photo by Loki Lape Laagan
Rates & Other Information
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: ₱10 per head
Aloguinsan Tour
If you wish to experience more of the attractions in Aloguinsan, the local government has initiated a local tour program called the Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour. Here are the packages you can avail:
₱400 per person – Walk-in rate for Bojo River Cruise (excluding meal)
₱650 per person – Inclusive of tour, lunch, snacks at the Farmhouse, and complementary goodies. Based on advance booking (at least 2 days), minimum of 5pax.
STUDENT PACKAGE: ₱850 per head for a minimum of five persons. This includes a welcome lei, welcome drinks, lunch at The Farmhouse, snacks along the Bojo River, handicraft demo, river cruise, swimming, and a tour of heritage sites such as the baluarte (heritage park), old stone church, and parola.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Aloguinsan, southwest of Cebu — 2-3 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: Head for the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Aloguinsan Public Market. You can walk from the market to the Park which is located just behind Aloguinsan Municipal Hall.
BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just navigate with Waze and search for “Baluarte Park” in Aloguinsan. There’s a parking space available in the area.
Japan-based designer brand Miniso is one of those few stores we pass by inside the mall, take a second look and ‘peek’ inside, and then end up leaving the store with cute stuff. Well — with this good news, you will surely end up buying more!
Known for their affordable yet reliable pieces, Miniso offers Marvel items with huge discounts, now for as low as P99!
Check out some of the items we found at Miniso – SM City Cebu branch:
Miniso at SM City Cebu is open from Mondays to Sundays, 10AM to 8PM, at the 2nd Level, Main Mall.
When going out, make sure to observe the following:
Quarantine pass or Certificate of Employment (COE) is required to enter the mall.
Must wear a face mask and face shield at all times.
Observe physical distancing.
Also don’t forget to wash your hands frequently and disinfect thoroughly as soon as you get home.
Editor’s Note: As of February 2021, there’s still no age restriction when it comes to local traveling around the Cebu Province.
Everyone can pack their bags, travel and enjoy Cebu, and I mean every single one of us regardless of age.
As the province is already under a Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia announced last Friday, October 16, that there are no age restrictions for tourists who wish to visit Cebu’s tourist spots.
This statement was also backed by Director Shalimar Tamano of the Department of Tourism – Central Visayas (DOT-7) who expressed that most families enjoy traveling together.
The no age limit announcement addresses the increasing concern regarding the many documentary travel requirements which was such a hassle that it discourages being a tourist itself.
This announcement would surely encourage people to “Laag” and in return, boost tourism.
Bantayan Reopening
They also announced Bantayan Island’s tourism reopening. The island is a true “Paradise of the North”, being the home of the white sands and rich marine life.
What to do:
Check shipping companies scheduled trips at the tourism portal www.discover.cebu.gov.ph for available trips.
Wear standard face mask and face shield for all travelers and adhere to other health and safety protocols
Purchase of the two-way boat ticket in going to the island
Present confirmed booking at hotels and resorts upon embarking at the ports. (requirement for the 2-way ticket as well)
Note: Tourists are encouraged to wear personal air purifiers upon entry in resorts and accommodation establishments. If you don’t have one, the establishments will have to provide by renting it out to the guests.
“I don’t think anyone can accuse me now that I am making light of Covid-19. Because I have suffered through Covid-19 and I continue to suffer because I have lost two brothers. And I continue to suffer as governor when I see the suffering of the Cebuanos precisely because of these restrictions that have been imposed for Covid-19,”
As tourism has been greatly affected during the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that started in China, Lapu-Lapu City has initiated a virtual online sale to jumpstart the tourism sector in the island and recover the livelihood of many Cebuanos relying in tourism.
Called as ‘Balik Tourismo Travel Fair‘, the program of the Lapu-Lapu City Government, led by Mayor Junard ‘Ahong’ Chan, offers up to 50% discount on travel flights, island hopping tours, and room accommodations in Mactan’s premiere and famous hotels and resorts.
Though a physical event was held earlier today at Hoops Dome, the sale will still continue online where you can use the promo code ‘LLCBALIKTURISMO‘ to avail the discounts.
Here are some of the great deals you can avail at Lapu-Lapu City’s BALIK TURISMO Online Sale:
Good news! After long years of operating in Mandaue, the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) has transferred to a new location at SM City Cebu and has resumed its operations since October 14, 2020.
This new North Bus Terminal is now managed by the Cebu Provincial Government and is located right at the center of Metro Cebu, at the bus parking area of SM City Cebu near the MyBus station.
Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia said the relocation of the new bus terminal is a victory of the public-private partnership between the Capitol and SM Prime Holdings.
“This partnership is made more significant in that it signals the joint efforts of government and private sector to provide free use of the property which will allow convenient travel to and from the northern and central parts of the island,”
– Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia
Governor Garcia also expressed her gratitude to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes for hosting CNBT for two decades. CNBT was previously located in a lot owned by the Mandaue City Government in Barangay Subangdako and managed by the Cebu City Government through a bus operators’ cooperative.
Garcia also thanked Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella for the provisional authority for the CNBT to operate in the city.
Including Ceres buses by Vallacar Transit, CNBT will cater around 90 buses and is expected to serve around 300 trips daily.
Because the constituents of the Province of Cebu is taking a chunk of the volume of the CNBT users, Capitol has taken over this responsibility and honor to provide a facility in collaboration with SM Prime Holdings, Inc.
