Catmon is home to cheap beach destinations that are perfect for budget get-togethers with friends, family and other relatives. One of these beaches is casually located on the side of the road of Catmon and can easily be spotted. Albeit not a white sand destination, it is equally relaxing as other famous beaches and can still provide an enjoyable getaway with friends and relatives.
The most prominent feature of the resort is the sheer number of coconut trees dotting the area that contributes greatly to the atmosphere of the resort and makes the experience truly tropical. Taking shade under the canopies of the trees are neatly arranged nipa cottages that can accommodate a decent amount of people.
There is no corkage so groups can bring any food that appeals to them. It has enough space to set up Filipino and Cebuano delectables that will surely enhance the tropical beach experience. At the beachfront is an unobstructed view of the ocean and a silhouette of the Camotes Islands just sitting at the distance.
Photo by ExequelJames PlaridelDelpilar Pateres
During high tides, the beachfront can rise up to the waist level or even more so visitors wouldn’t need to go too far for a proper saltwater soak. Or if others would prefer just soaking their feet, then just beside the main resort are shallow waters. Ocean View Beach Resort provides enough comfort for groups of friends and families to have fun under the sun without worrying about spending too much just to have a good time.
Exact location: Bacjao, Catmondaan, Catmon, Northern Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: Ride any north-bound bus in Cebu North Bus Terminal going to Sogod or Catmon. The bus drivers may be familiar with the place so don’t forget to remind your driver to drop you off at the entrance. The entrance of the resort can easily be spotted by the side of the Bacjao-Catmondaan road.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Catmondaan” in Catmon. Parking space is available upon arrival. The Consolacion-bound route is the most recommended road to take.
“We are now seeing that it would be to the advantage of our provincial constituents that we develop a government center in one of our municipalities,” – Gwen Garcia, Cebu Province Governor
In line with her administration’s goal to establish Enhanced Countryside Development in the Province, this soon to rise Provincial Government Center in the municipality of Balamban will be the center of all Cebu province government activities and will replace the Provincial Capitol located in Cebu City, an independent chartered city not under provincial jurisdiction.
This project has been thought of for quite a while including the previous governors and can now finally come to fruition.
The proposed budget for the site acquisition and development of P550-million was included in the proposed P15 billion annual budget submitted by the governor to the Provincial Board last week.
Balamban’s strategic location of being the center of Cebu and its accessibility by both the northern and southern towns makes it ideal to bring development to the countryside. The Capitol also eyes at the economic activities that will be created with the entry of more schools and other businesses in the western Cebu.
Provincial Capitol in Cebu City
The Provincial Capitol currently located at the heart of Cebu City, which is already a national historical landmark built in 1937 to 1938, will be preserved and kept as a museum.
Glorious sunrise, rich history, and natural wonders – these are the holy trinity of the town of Boljoon which can all be captured in the Eli Rock View Deck.
Photo by ED Mar
This view deck is a scenic limestone cliff that greets tourists and visitors upon their arrival to Boljoon, Cebu. It shows a panoramic view of some of the city’s heritage sites, the vast blue ocean near its shores and the different islands surrounding the town.
Photo by Jimmy Villahermosa
If people have the determination to wake up and travel really early, they can be rewarded with an unobstructed view of a beautiful sunrise along with the silhouettes of Bohol and Siquijor.
Aside from picturesque views, this two-tiered majesty of a limestone also has a rappelling board on its first level for those looking for a little rush.
Fun Fact
In the past, the Eli Rock View Deck faced controversies from the locals and concerned netizens. Originally, the view deck was a DPWH-led project to reduce the chances of a landslide which might be caused by the cracks from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the town in 2013. At the start of the carving of the limestone, locals were furious for the destruction of the “City of the Engkanto (Fairies)”.
They warned how this would cause calamities to befall them but, ironically, it ended up making the road safer for crossing motorists. Others also bashed DPWH for destroying such a beautiful scenery but became one of the most-visited places in Boljoon.
Photo by Kurt Janssen Sapilan
Now, this view deck stands at the center of Boljoon and attracts visitors to the best place to see the entire town. Although it requires a little bit of effort with its 136 steps, it won’t be enough to stop people from seeing Boljoon in all its glory.
Photo by ED Mar
Photo by ED Mar
Photo by ED Mar
Photo by ED Mar
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Entrance fee: None as of the moment
NOTE:
Eli View is closed from 6PM to 5AM (the next day).
For the sunrise-catchers traveling from Cebu, the bus ride to Boljoon takes about 2-3 hours. It would be a good idea to travel really early to avoid missing this spectacle.
There are no trees or any form of shade on the view deck. Either bring an umbrella or visit early.
Don’t forget to pack snacks and water. There are no immediate stores near the area.
Be careful when taking photos near the cliff area.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Boljoon, Cebu — 3 hours from Cebu City.
BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu South Bus Terminal (currently stationed at Lantaw, SRP). Take a bus bound for Boljoon and ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Eli Rock View Deck. This is located at the right side of the road if you’re coming from Cebu. The fare is P146.00 for a one-way trip.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Eli Rock View Deck” in Boljoon. Parking space is available upon arrival.
Family gatherings have become one of the most treasured moments most especially during the pandemic which is its relevance today has become apparent to many.
Aya Beach Resort is one of many resorts that prioritize fun-filled gatherings with family and relatives and offer their facilities at family-friendly prices.
Aya Beach Resort is a small family-oriented resort situated in Catmon, Cebu with a very straightforward setting. Upon entry to the resort, the entire area is already visible and guests would already have an idea of most of the things that they can do inside.
The immediate view that greets the guests are rows of small and large nipa hut cottages which are perfect for a short and quick day gathering. There are also function halls that can accommodate up to 75 guests – a great venue for big reunions with relatives.
On both ends of the resort are barbecue grills that are available upon request. Moreover, the resort has a videoke station that can be used by anyone with only a cheap fee of P5 per song.
The swimming pool area is the forefront of the resort with an area that covers almost half of the entire place. It is situated just between the gate to the shore and the nipa huts which makes it very difficult to resist taking a dip.
When the tides are high, the sea water outside creates a waist-deep swimming area just outside in the front for those who prefer to have a sea swim and a sun-tanned skin.
They allow walk-ins but cottages and other facilities can be reserved beforehand so that they may be prepared upon arrival. Reservations for exclusive use of the resort is also allowed so families may enjoy their private time together in peace.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: P60 (w/ pool) or P30 (w/o pool) per head
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday – Thursday
BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu North Bus Terminal and board a bus bound for Catmon, Cebu. Ask the driver to drop you off the nearest stop to the Aya Beach Resort.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Aya Beach Resort” in Catmon, Cebu. Private vehicles may park by the roadside near the entrance.
I’m sure you’ve heard it as it has made waves on social media, specifically in Cebu. “Cebu wants Subway” has trended because of sharing its plans to open their first store in Cebu City.
Subway is the largest fast-food chain in the United States and in the world and this haven is planning to open its doors in the Queen City of the South. On their Facebook post published on November 8, 2020, Subway shared that they are awaiting for the response of Axis Entertainment and SM Seaside City Cebu so they can already share to the public the final deets.
Hence, if you are planning not to succumb to hunger, do it with a stuffed sandwich on hand. Whether you are up for a roasted chicken, ham, meatball marinara, even steak and cheese on your sandwiches, you name it, they’ll sure have a sandwich for that!
I guess they are not dubbed to be the largest sandwich hub for nothing, yes? Let’s just hope they’ll get to open one branch soon so we could all try this much-talked subs.
The need to boost a local economy through tourism must always be balanced with the protection of our natural ecosystems. There are several declared marine sanctuaries all throughout the province of Cebu.
These are teeming with colorful corals and fishes, hence, attracting tourists both local and foreign. In this article, we will run down some of the most popular marine sanctuaries in the province of Cebu.
1. NALUSUAN ISLAND MARINE SANCTUARY
About 17 kilometers away from Mactan, Cebu, Nalusuan Island is a marine sanctuary that is frequently visited by divers, both beginners and experts. This island boasts of amazing coral formations as well as reef fishes.
It also has white sand beaches but are not really suitable for swimming and snorkelling because of the shallow water levels. Soft and hard colorful corals can be seen at a depth of 25-40 meters.
– Make sure to book at least 1 week in advance. They accept walk-ins, but the resort is fully booked at times. – Electricity (Genset) starts at 6:00 pm and ends at 8:00 am. – Bringing of foods and beverages are not allowed.
Exact location: Olango Reef, Cordova, Cebu
2. HILUTUNGAN ISLAND
Considered as the oldest protected marine life in Cebu, Hilutungan island is perfect for diving, snorkelling and fish feeding. A lot of fishes will swarm around you if you start feeding them with bread.
Small fishes can already be reached at just 5 meters depth and larger fishes can be encountered already at 10-15 meters (unlike in Nalusuan where you have to go way deeper). The western and northern parts of the island have white sand and is perfect for swimming.
Entrance fee:
Snorkelling: P100
Scuba diving: P300
Exact location: Olango Reef, Cordova, Cebu
3. CAOHAGAN ISLAND
Unlike other marine sanctuaries that are teeming with divers and tourists, Caohagan Island is a less popular destination because it does not have a port. Make sure to visit only on high tides so you can approach the island easily (water level is very shallow on low tides). The eastern part of the island is perfect for snorkeling.
John Ray Aligato / The Island Nomad
Dawn Suzzaine Macapaz
Entrance fee: ₱200 per head (inclusive of environmental fee)
Exact location: Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu — near Nalusuan Island in Olango.
You can hire a boat from any tourism providers, especially those located on Maribago, Mactan Island. Or, you can also rent a ‘pumpboat’ that can drop you off the island.
Pumpboats are available at Angasil port, beside Mactan New Town. Boat fee starts at ₱100 per head, but make sure to agree first on the fare before proceeding.
4. TALIMA MARINE SANCTUARY
Very popular to both scuba and free divers, Talima has a coral slope that is inhabited by various colorful corals and fishes. The most famous spot here is a wreck of a wooden boat which is now home to several colorful marine life. This is one of the sanctuaries that are heavily monitored by authorities to assure that it is indeed protected and preserved. The place is also popular due to the bird sanctuaries and mangrove jungles around the island.
Reef fee: P100 per head
Diving operators: See at the end of the article
How to get there?
Exact location: Brgy. Talima, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu — 1-2 hours away from the city.
Olango Island is only about 20 min boat ride from Mactan Island. There are 2 piers to catch boats, one is located in Angasil Port (beside Mövenpick Resort in Punta Engano) and the other is in Portofino resort. Boat fare is only ₱15 /head (one-way).
– From SM City, ride a 01K jeep (across APM Mall or near Sun Gold) going to Parkmall. Or ride 01K jeep from Emall. – From Parkmall, ride a jeep heading to Punta Engaño and drop off at Angasil port beside Movenpick Resort. Boat fare is ₱20 per person (one-way). – Once you have arrived at the port, look for the boat going to Olango Island. – From there, ride a motorcycle and inform the driver to drop you off at Talima Beach Villas and Resort. Motorcycle fare is ₱30 per person (one-way). Or you may opt for a tricycle — fare is ₱150 good for 4-6 persons.
5. CAPITANCILLO MARINE SANCTUARY
This islet is not only popular for its lighthouse and crystal clear waters, it is also a top destination for divers. It has 3 dive sites: Ormoc Shoal, Nunez Shoal, and the southwestern part of the islet. This is a perfect side-trip if you are exploring around Bogo City, which is only a 20-minute boat ride away.
• Tricycle: Bogo Proper to Brgy. Siocon Bantay Dagat outpost= ₱25 per head • Other fees: ₱300 docking area (per group); ₱200 cottage (per group) • Pumpboat: Brgy. Siocon Bantay Dagat outpost to Capitancillo Islet (via boat) – Option 1: ₱3,000 good for 12 pax (roundtrip) with FREE cottage for day use – Option 2: ₱5,000 good for 15 pax (roundtrip) with FREE cottage for day use
How to book?
For booking and more information, you may contact the Bogo Tourism Department as you dial (211) 260-5183 or 260-5310.
How to get there?
Capitancillo Islet is located at the northeastern coast of Cebu province just about 116 kilometers from Cebu City.
You may just ride a bus or vhire going to Bogo City at the North Bus Terminal that would last for approximately 3hrs. and be sure to drop-off at Bogo Proper. Upon reaching the place, you have to ride a pedicab going to Brgy. Siocon Bantay Dagat outpost for less than 30mins. Then, from this drop-off point, your journey to Capitancillo starts and will last for more or less 45 mins. by boat.
Diving Operators in Cebu
These spots are commonly visited by divers, both advanced and beginners. We recommend that for easier transactions and processing of fees and transportation, you coordinate with your chosen diving agencies. Here are some which offers diving experience and tours in the aforementioned sites:
One very important factor that can make or break a traveler’s itinerary is the place to stay at. Given that Cebu houses so many beautiful tourist attractions, some are just a stone throw away from one another, it is imperative to stay at resorts that offer the accessibility to these places without compromising a sound sleep at night.
Pescadores Seaview Suites in Moalboal might just be the place we are looking for. It guarantees a comfortable and restful stay and at the same time, a first-hand experience of what Moalboal has to offer including accessibility to tourist attractions near the town.
This beachfront hotel offers a wide array of choices for rooms, villa, and suites that come with AC units, hot and cold shower, WiFi access, refrigerator, TV and a safe box. The fun and fresh appeal of the place makes leisure and relaxation handy. Game room with billiards and Massage Spa is available during your stay.
The hotel is a perfect hideaway for you to explore nearby waterfalls, dive sites, restaurants, and other few minute-drive south bound tourist spots. You can also go snorkeling in front of the beach as it is know to be a marine sanctuary for turtles using equipment free of charge or ride on a transparent kayak by the sunset or dip into its infinity pool with a view of the Pescador Island.
You may want to try these nearby tourist attractions:
Oslob Whale Shark Watching
Osmeña Peak Tour
Island Hopping (Pescador Island, Sardine Run, Turtles)
Kawasan Falls Tour
Aside from the endless water activities that you can do in the beach, you can also have fun without having to dip in the seawater. The place has a massage spa, wellness and activity area, billiards and game room – all at your own disposal.
Cap the day with a hefty dinner in their pool bar restaurant offering a variety of dishes that you can choose from.
Pescadores Seaview Suites continues to stay true to its promise. As a matter of fact, it has been awarded several times by several online booking companies like Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Agoda for the high ratings that the place received from its guests who were highly satisfied by the service.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ROOM RATES:
Promo rates:
Regular rates:
Superior Room: P2,750/night
Maximum Occupancy: 3
Extra bed capability
Deluxe Room: P2,550/night
Maximum Occupancy: 3
Coffee table with seating for 2
Garden Standard: P1,950/night
Garden View
Maximum Occupancy: 4
Garden Villa: P2,550/night
Garden View
Kitchen & Dining area
Maximum Occupancy: Villa 1&4 (4), Villa 2&3 (3)
Executive Standard: P1,950/night
Maximum Occupancy: 3
Extra bed capability
Executive Deluxe: P3,650/night
Private Balcony
Maximum Occupancy: 5
Extra bed capability
VIP Suite: P6,550/night
Living Room
Private Balcony
Garden View
Maximum Occupancy: 5
Extra bed capability
Note: All rooms are complete with AC units, hot and cold shower, WiFi access, refrigerator, TV and a safe box. Rooms are non-smoking; there are designated smoking areas in the resort.
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus heading to “Bato via Barili”. Inform the driver ahead to drop you off at Gaisano Grand Mall or the Moalboal Municipal Hall. Bus fare is ~P120 per head (one-way) and travel time is around 3 hours. From either Gaisano Grand Mall Moalboal or the Municipal Hall, ride a tricycle to Pescadores Seaview Suites.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Pescadores Seaview Suites” in Moalboal. Parking space is available.
I guess we now have to revive the famous “Saan aabot ang 30 pesos mo?” for this breathtaking tourist attraction.
Nelmon’s Banwa, the newest tourist destination in the Northern part of Cebu allows you to unwind and re-unite with nature for only thirty pesos. Situated in Borbon, Cebu, you can surely get your own feels of Bali without hurting your pockets.
30 Pesos for a moment with your loved ones in beautiful photographs, a breath of fresh air, a time to unwind in their Banwa nests, and a time with some wildlife? You can definitely never go wrong.
However, please be guided that this new attraction is still undergoing its beautification hence, it’s betterment is still underway. They say an infinity pool and a hanging bridge is to be expected soon? Hopefully.
NOTE: Please bring your own food and leave no trace.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Bili, Borbon, Northern Cebu — approx 2.5 hours away from the city.
BY JEEPNEY: There is no direct public vehicle from Cebu City to Borbon. Hence you can take a PUJ to Danao. From Danao, you will then need to take another PUV to head to Borbon. From the Borbon Public Market, ask a motorbike driver to bring you to Nelmon’s Banwa/Farm.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Nelson’s Banwa” in Borbon. Parking space is available.
In case you missed it, the Pasil Fish Market officially reopened to marketgoers at midnight on August 29, 2020 after three months of closure due to the outbreak of COVID-19 disease in the nearby settlements and for the edifice’s renovation.
The City government spent around P4.9 million to improve the Pasil Fish Market. It facilitated the replacement of the market’s old roof, made improvements on all of its fish stalls and cleaned some of the surrounding areas.
Market Administrator Ervin Cabales assured that all areas of the market are now well lit after the mayor ordered the lighting of Pasil Fish Market to ensure the safety of both vendors and marketgoers.
In May, the said market was closed to the public after the outbreak of Covid-19 in barangays Suba and Pasil.
Phase 2: Modern Boardwalk
By the looks of its construction, the new Pasil-Suba Fish Market is almost complete. The seawall in the area will be enhanced by adding a boardwalk.
Once completed, the new and modern Pasil-Suba Fish Market is eyed to attract more local and foreign tourists not just for seafood buys but also for the beautiful boardwalk with seafood restaurants and possibly souvenir shops.
The 2nd phase is expected to completed by first quarter of 2021.
The public is advised to behave and observe proper health protocols when going to the Pasil Fish Market. Stalls are arranged with at least three meters distance each to ensure compliance with social distancing requirements.
According to Cabales, face masks will be required inside the market as well as quarantine passes.
He also assured that there are handwashing areas for regular disinfection, monitoring for social distancing, and other anti-COVID-19 measures.
He further added that a “one-entrance-one-exit” policy will be implemented to ensure the smooth movement of people in the area.
In a report from Cebu Daily News, the fish market is open from Mondays to Saturdays. It will be closed for disinfection on Sundays.
PASIL FISH MARKET HISTORY
Pasil Fish Market was established in 1921 and deals primary in fresh fish sourced from the Visayan Sea, Samar Sea, Camotes Sea and Bohol Strait.
Originally, fish traders from Cebu, Bohol, and other Cebu municipalities were the main suppliers of fish in Pasil, aside from the fish caught by local fishers in the coastal barangays of Cebu City. With limited stocks, the market expanded to accommodate bigger fish traders from Mindanao and other parts of the Visayas who brought in tons of fish and other marine products via cargo trucks.
Since then, it has become the central hub for fish trading and the primary drop-off point for fish catch within Cebu and the neighboring islands. Many local traders from various municipal markets procure fish and other marine products in bulk in this market.
No wonder why it is said to be the largest marketplace for seafood in the Visayas region.
The market was originally part of Barangay Pasil, thus its name. After the city ordinance dividing the barangay into two was approved, it was determined that the market was situated within the boundaries of Barangay Suba. It was later renovated in the 80’s by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña who also negotiated with the Belgian government for the construction of a nearby fish port.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Belgium St., Brgy. Suba, Cebu City
BY COMMUTE: Jeeps with routes 17D, 06G and 12G will pass by Pasil Fish Market. Just let the driver know you’re dropping off at Pasil Fish Market.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Pasil Fish Market” in Pasil, Cebu.
The Philippine National Police – Maritime Group (PNP MARIG) further upgraded its ability to respond to crimes with its recent acquisition of 22 units of High Speed Tactical Watercrafts (HSTW).
World-class, modern and durable, these watercrafts are proudly Pinoy-made with its Cebu-based manufacturer.
These HSTWs are made by Dynamic Power & Marine Industrial Hardware, Inc. (Dynacast Shipbuilding), a company located in Barangay Suba, Danao City, Cebu province. These acquisitions by the PNP is a proof that our local boat building industry is indeed capable of producing world-class products that can compete with other international providers.
Features of HSTW
Each HSTW consists of three engines (750 horsepower each), making it reliably stable even at speeds of around 87 kilometres per hour or 47 knots. Each watercraft also has a built-in 7.62 mm machine gun as well as automatic grenade launchers. Brig. Gen. Albert Ferro, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director said that of these 22 HSTWs, 2 will be handed over to PRO 7.
Photo from PRO-7
Ferro mentioned that these HSTWs will be of great help in patrolling the waters around the province, highlighting the incursion of several Abu Sayyaf members in Bohol in the year 2017. That’s why Ferro emphasized that they are planning to work with local government units in order to purchase more HSTWs.
He also mentioned that the rest of the units will be distributed by PNP to other regions in the country, taking pride in the fact that these HSTWs that are up for national distribution are Cebu-made, specifically, from Danao City.
Indeed, these recent products from Cebu are a proof that the province can compete with foreign providers of such watercrafts, and therefore, must be supported to boost the business and income of local providers and workers.
