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10 Must-Visit Natural Springs in Cebu

In a time where stress is just almost everywhere, we need to find a way to detoxify ourselves and cleanse our body and soul. Dipping into natural springs is a great way to regenerate.

Time to boost up that zeal and recharge your energy as we take you to the ten natural springs we can find in Cebu.

1. Esoy Hot Spring

Location: Brgy. Duyan, Catmon, Northern Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from the city

Photo by Neriza Paz Caballero

Being the only hot spring in the Northern part of Cebu, Esoy hot spring is a sought after spring with water temperature that ranges from 40-60 C. Aside from its therapeutic hot spring pool, you can also enjoy river trekking, viewing of rock formations such as stalagmites and stalactites, fish feeding and crossing of the hanging bridge. Just a reminder though, since this is a private property, one must need to reserve a booking first prior to visiting the place.

  • Entrance Fee: P350 (adult), P175 (kid)
  • Contact Information: 0921-813-3296 / 0923-553-7427

How to get there?

Ride any bus heading to Catmon. Fare is around P85 per person (one way). Let the driver know that you are alighting at Brgy Duyan. Ride a motorbike /habal-habal going to Esoy Hot Spring. This will cost you P30 fare.If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just navigate with Waze and search for “Esoy Hot Spring” in Catmon. Parking space is available.

2. Kansanto Spring

Location: Brgy. Banhigan, Badian, southern Cebu

kansanto-cold-spring-badian
Photo by Marc Jonell Garcia

Kansanto Spring is the basin of water on the topmost part of the famous Kawasan Falls in Badian.  Most people just prefer to enjoy the cool waters in Stations 1 and 2 of the said falls but if you are adventurous at heart, you can trek your way up to the Kabukalan Spring and swim in its equally cool waters.

Fees:

  • Operating hours: 7AM to 5PM daily
  • Entrance fee: ₱40 per head (adults or children)
  • Cottage: Starts at ₱300 per day
  • Overnight cottage: ₱1,500 per night

How to get there?

From the South Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Badian (Bato via Barili). Fare is ~₱125 per head. Inform the driver to drop you off at Badian Public Market or Merkado. From there, ride a motorbike (habal-habal) going to Kansanto Spring. Fare is ₱50 per person.

3. Mainit Hot Spring

Location: Mainit, Brgy. Montañeza, Malabuyoc, southern Cebu

Photo by John Juntar

The Mainit Hot Spring is one of the natural wonders that the town of Malabuyoc can be proud of. It is composed of four different pools, each with a corresponding signage of the water temperature level. You can suit yourself and choose which pool you would like to dip into. The temperature of the hottest pool is a little over 42 degrees Celsius while the least warm has a temperature of nearly 36 degrees Celsius.

Entrance fee: P20 per head

How to get there?

Take a bus bound for Santander via Barili. Let the driver/bus conductor know that you’re alighting in Malabuyoc Town. From there, take a tricycle or habal-habal up the hill to Mainit Hot Spring for around P50 fare.

4. Binaliw Spring

Location: Bagatayam Barangay Road, Sogod, southern Cebu

Photo by Jayson Cernado Melecio

Binaliw spring has become one of the attractions in Sogod since rumors say that the water in the spring is said to have ‘healing powers’. Though, it has never been proven true yet, the cold water that feeds the Bagatayam Falls is already enough reason for us not to miss this place when you’re in Sogod, not to mention the fresh air and the relax and innocent rural life you’ll experience.

Entrance Fee: None

How to get there?

From Cebu North Bus Terminal, get on a bus bound for Sogod. Ask the driver to drop you off at Bagatayam Bridge. From the drop off point, you can already see the waterfalls. You easily manage to track the road going to the top of the waterfalls. From Bagatayam Falls, you can either ride a habal-habal going to the source of the water or take the 10 – 15 minute hike to Binaliw Spring.

5. Mabugnao/Mainit Hot Spring

Location: Barangay Guadalupe in Carcar, southern Cebu

Photo by Gemilo Angco Balorio

The Mabugnao Mainit Hot Spring and National Park is a protected park that shelters watershed mountain reserve situated in the Mantalongon mountain range. The water in Mabugnao Mainit Hot Spring comes from an underground spring that is used as one of the sources of water for Carcar City. What’s good about visiting this spring is that, you don’t just get to relax in the waters but also get the chance to marvel at statues of saints such as Sto. Niño, and trek to the trails leading to different caves in the area.

Fees: P10 (Adult), P5 (Student), P100 (Foreigner)

How to get there?

Take a bus from Cebu City South Terminal and head to Carcar City for a P50-P70 fare. Once you reach the city, you can hire a motorcycle to bring you to Mabugnao Mainit Hot Spring for P15-P30 fare.

6. Guiwanon Spring

Location: Brgy. Maslog, Tabogon, Northwestern Cebu

Photo by Wardah Ann

Guiwanon Spring is a very relaxing place in Tabogon. The water shifts color from green to bluish green. One noticeable feature in this place is the huge Balete tree that gives shades to the travelers from the heat of the sun. The spring pool is divided into two: the shallow and the deeper one (around 6 feet deep). The deeper one is near the balete tree.

Entrance Fee: P100 per adult; P50 per kid

Operating Hours: 6AM to 6PM, Saturdays & Sundays only (Open on weekends only

Contact Information: 09224087736

How to get there: You can take a bus bound to Tabogon via Borbon. Fare is P80-P90. Inform the driver to drop you off at Guiwanon. You can find the cold spring along the main road heading to Tabogon proper.

7. Gakub Spring

Location: Barangay Banhigan, Dalaguete, southern Cebu

Photo from Dalaguete Cebu Philippines 6022

Dalaguete, aside from being the home of the famous Osmeña Peak, is also a home of natural springs. One of them is the Gakub Cold Spring.  It is one of the top destinations of the people in Dalaguete during the weekends. The water is clear and the pool is situated within a mangrove area.  

  • Entrance Fee: P10 per head
  • Cottage Rental: P100 per day

How to get there?

Take a bus in Cebu South Terminal heading to Dalaguete. Fare is P100-P140. Once you’re in Dalaguete, ride a tricycle and ask the driver to take you to Gakub Spring.

8. Liki Cold Spring

Location: Brgy. Taloot, Argao, southern Cebu

Liki Cold Spring Argao Cebu (1)
Bryan Ace Papas Eleccion

Liki Cold Spring is considered as one of the oldest cold springs in Cebu. In fact, it is declared as one of the tourist destinations in the Municipality of Argao. The spring is called Liki mainly because the water comes from a crack in the rock, where the word “liki” roughly translates to “crack” in English.

  • Entrance Fee: None
  • Corkage: None, but STRICTLY Clean As You Go

How to get there?

BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to Argao. Disembark at the town proper. Bus fare is around ₱100 per head (one-way). From there, ride a habal-habal or a tricycle going to Brgy. Taloot where the Liki Spring is. Fare is ₱40 per head (one-way).

BY CAR: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and search for “Liki Argao”. Park at the Brgy. Taloot gym, the nearest registered place in the spring and upon arrival. You can ask around to the locals for further directions.

9. Molobolo Cold Spring

Location: Apalan, Tuburan, northwestern Cebu — 2 hours away from Cebu City.

@joshgowander

Molobolo Cold Spring can take your stress away as it offers cold spring water that is directly pooled into pools. There are then pipes underneath these two swimming pools that go to the sea to keep the water flowing out, maintaining fresh and clean waters inside the pools. There’s also an open karaoke machine where you can sing your hearts out. They have souvenir shops in the area, too.

How to get there:

There are three routes to get there – via Toledo, via Tabulean, and via Transcentral Highway (via Busay/Balamban). The last is the recommended route. Take a V-hire from the Ayala terminal going to Tuburan. Fare is P140/head (one-way). Then ride a tricycle from the Tuburan town proper to Molobolo Cold Spring for P10/head.

10. Cambuhawe Spring

Location: Cambuhawe Spring Swimming Pool, Balamban, northwestern Cebu

Cambuhawe Spring boasts an Olympic-size swimming pool filled with cold and clean waters straight from the mountain spring. You can dive all day and relax all you want. It is just one of the places where locals and travelers visit to unwind over the weekends.

ENTRANCE FEE:

  • DAY USE: 8AM to 5PM daily
  • NIGHT USE: 5PM to 10PM daily
  • MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY
    • Children below 7 years old and Senior Citizen: FREE
    • Children below 12 years old: ₱10 per head
    • Adult: ₱30 per head
  • SATURDAY & SUNDAY
    • Children below 7 years old and Senior Citizen: ₱10 per head
    • Children below 12 years old: ₱20 per head
    • Adult: ₱50 per head
  • CLOSED on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
  • Contact Information: (032) 254-2172 / (032) 254-8220 local 260

How To Get There?

Ride on a V-hire from Ayala Center Terminal heading to Balamban via the Transcentral Highway Route. This will cost you P120 fare. Alight at Gaisano Balamban. You can then take a tricycle to reach Cambuhawe Spring. You can also go to the spring using your private vehicles. Just search for “Cambuhawe Spring” in Balamban via Waze or Google Maps. Parking spaces are available.

Newly discovered Cambanog Falls in Dumanjug, Cebu

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There are always undiscovered beauties just awaiting for us to be adventurous enough to go after them.

Yes, I am talking about those natural magnificent waterfalls that our country is famous for.

Located in Dumanjug, southern Cebu (at the boundary of Dumanjug-Ronda), is the hidden gem that is Cambanog Falls. It is also called ‘Kawasan’ or ‘Lusno Falls’ by the locals.

Edzel Ogue

Hidden as this falls is remotely located adding to its local charm and relaxed atmosphere. The cool waters at the bottom of the falls is quite deep so prepare your swimming skills if you want a dip.

It doesn’t even have its established trail or cement path. So, you’ll have that much needed peace with the therapeutic sound of the tranquil falls.

https://www.facebook.com/vismintv/videos/233953701361499

NOTE: On September 8, 2020, the Dumanjug Tourism Office closed the falls to the public as swimming in the waterfalls is still not allowed under MGCQ guidelines set by the Cebu Provincial Government. They also added that they might impose an entrance fee to control the crowd and maintain the natural attraction.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Dumanjug, southern Cebu (2.5 hours away from Cebu City)

BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal. Look for the one heading to Ronda/Dumanjug. Disembark at Dumanjug town proper and find a Habal-Habal driver. It’s best to ask for a local guide, since this is still a newly discovered falls.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cambanog falls” in Ronda. From the parking spot, you simply walk down the path for 5-minutes until you reach Lusno Falls.

Anjo World Theme Park in Minglanilla reopens

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Anjo World Theme Park, owned and operated by Belmont One, is reopening its doors and is ready to welcome guests as it adapts the new-normal measures for the amusement tourism. 

Cebu’s premier amusement park, located at the Belmont One Commercial Complex in Barangay Calajoan in Minglanilla town, is officially resuming operations on Friday, September 11, after months of closure due to the community quarantine amid the Covid-19 crisis. 

“As we slowly reopen the economy back, we at Anjo will continue to deliver a fantastic place for everyone minding the new health protocols for the safety of all our guests,”

– Belmont One President Chester Lim

Anjo World is implementing several health and safety measures such as capacity management (50 percent capacity), frequent hand washing and sanitizing, physical distancing, temperature checking, health declaration for contact tracing, wearing of face mask, non-contact access of entry and exit points, contact less ordering of food and frequent disinfection of facilities and rides.

Anjo World is also boosting its adoption to technology by encouraging cashless payment option for both tickets and food to lessen contact at its facilities.

New Normal Guidelines:

Apart from the existing 12 thrilling rides at the park, Anjo World has also added more mid-way games called FUNtastic Arena, wherein guests can play “can smash” or throw some hoops and win larger than life stuffed toys.

Snow World Cebu, the first winter theme park in Cebu, has also re-opened with more exciting that both the adults and the kids will surely enjoy.

PARK SCHEDULES& RATES

No Age Limit

On October 22, 2020, Anjo World Theme Park happily announced there’s no more age limit and no travel documents (or quarantine passes) needed to enter the park.

Park Schedule:

Anjo World is now open daily from 10AM to 8PM.

Rates:

anjo-world-ticket-prices-2020
  • Adults:
    • P600 per head for Day Adventure Pass (unlimited rides, does not include Snow World)
    • P800 per head for DAP with Snow World (unlimited rides and unlimited Snow World)
    • P250 per head for SUPER TRES (three rides of your choice, one-time use only)
    • P350 per head Snow World only (unlimited access to Snow World)
  • Kids:
    • P600 per head for Day Adventure Pass (unlimited rides, does not include Snow World)
    • P680 per head for DAP with Snow World (unlimited rides and unlimited Snow World)
    • P250 per head for SUPER TRES (three rides of your choice, one-time use only)

For ticket purchases, customers may avail via walk-in or online at www.anjoworld.com.

How to get there?

Exact location: Anjo World Theme Park is located within Belmont One in Cebu South Road, Upper Calajoan, Minglanilla, Southern Cebu — only 1-1.5 hours away from Cebu City and 15-30 minutes from Starmall near SRP.

BY JEEPNEY:
– From CIT University or Punta Princesa or Bulacao/Pardo, ride any jeepney (usually 43/44) going to Minglanilla / Naga.
– From SM City Cebu, ride any jeepney (usually 10H) bound for Bulacao or Pardo. From there, ride another jeepney (43/44) going to Minglanilla / Naga.
– Or from Ayala Center Cebu, ride a 12L jeepney going to Punta Princesa.
then inform the driver to drop you off at Anjo World Theme Park or at Petron Gas Station in Calajoan.

BY BUS: You can also ride any bus or mini bus going south from the South Bus Terminal. Make sure to inform the driver or konduktor ahead that you’re dropping off at Petron Gas Station in Calajoan, Minglanilla.

BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps, and set your destination to “Belmont One” in Minglanilla.

Also read:

Globe to build 900 more cell sites across the country

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Riding on the momentum of receiving clearance from various local government units (LGUs) to build cell sites across the country, Globe continues to make significant headway in its tower builds through partnerships with several tower companies (towercos).

Globe Chief Finance Officer and Chief Risk Officer Rizza Maniego-Eala says that the company’s partnerships with Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), ISOC-edotco, Transcend Towers Infrastructure (Philippines), CREI Philippines (CREI) and Frontier Towers & Associates (FTA) have advanced to active acquisition and build phases.

“The partnerships with towercos will greatly complement the company’s target in expanding its capacity and coverage throughout the country. These projects will be a catalyst for change in the industry as telcos are empowered to deploy beyond their individual capabilities in a cost efficient manner,” Maniego-Eala explains.

Globe finalized a pole lease agreement with AIC, a subsidiary of the Aboitiz Group, and is seen to increase its footprint by about 200 sites in more parts of Cebu, Davao, and Subic.

In addition, 300 macro sites will be completed for deployment in North Luzon and South Luzon while 400 more sites will be assigned within the year to cover Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The count is projected to increase expansively once the pilot sites of these projects are launched.

First to deliver a tower for activation is ISOC-edotco, a collaboration between ISOC Infrastructure and edotco, a Malaysian based Tower Company (TowerCo), with more currently underway and are expected to be completed shortly. 

Globe has committed to be the anchor tenant in a build-to-suit agreement with Transcend Towers Infrastructure (Philippines), a subsidiary of American Tower Corporation, as well as in tower lease agreements with ISOC-edotco, CREI and FTA. 

“These infrastructure partnerships demonstrate Globe’s commitment to improve the network quality experience of our customers.  It is, likewise, highly supportive of the government’s initiative to increase ICT infrastructure in the country,” Maniego-Eala adds.

Globe continues to increase its network capacity to support the data services needs of customers and stakeholders in light of accelerated digitalization efforts across various sectors including e-payments, e-government, telehealth and distance learning.

Beanleaf Coffee and Tea opens new branch at Cebu IT Park

Coffee. Tea. Connect.

Brace yourselves for Beanleaf Coffee and Tea is serving these three and more at their newly opened branch in Avida Building, Tower 2, Cebu IT Park, Cebu City.

As we adjust to the new normal and slowly get back to our routines, Beanleaf has offered us a place to work and destress at the same time.

Our favorite Beanleaf signature milk tea blends, our daily coffee fix, those drooling milk cheese froth, and of course their healthy and tasty fruit teas, are now one step closer to our happy hearts.

Beanleaf Coffee and Tea at Cebu IT Park has wooden designs and earth tones that are not just eye-friendly but also creates a cozy ambiance, perfect for relaxation and concentration. It is also spacious enough for comfort and social distancing.

Something to Eat

Beanleaf IT Park is more than just a cafe for they also offer delicious food. They serve breakfast meals, treats and our usual cravings like Itlalian breads, cakes, fries, chicken, pasta, and many more.

Promo Alert

  • Pre-opening: September 11, 2020 5pm-10pm
  • Grand Opening: September 12, 2020 1pm-10pm
  • Buy One Get One Promo: September 12-13, 2020  

Food delivery

Stuck at home? Worry not, because they now accept delivery on GrabFood and foodpanda.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best-sellers:

  • Beanleaf Milk Tea
  • Choco Hokkaido
  • Okinawa/ Wintermelon Milk Tea
  • Nutella Overload
  • Japanese Matcha
  • Citrus w/ Malunggay Fruit Tea

Menu:

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Ground floor, Avida Tower 2, IT Park, Cebu City

BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your location to “Avida Towers” at Cebu IT Park.

BY JEEPNEY: From Ayala Center Cebu or SM City Cebu, ride any modern or traditional jeepney heading to Cebu IT Park. Drop off at Avida Tower 2.

Topnotch Skin Care at ‘Skin Doctors Cebu’

Legit doctors. World-class laser machines. Real results.

These are the words that Skin Doctors Dermatologic and Aesthetic Medicine lives by.

Being a “Premier Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center” in Cebu, Skin Doctors Cebu is not classified as a beauty boutique that you can see elsewhere nowadays. They provide the industry’s best skin care treatment with experienced doctors whose expertise is to cater to all your skin care needs.

Skin Doctors Cebu – Lobby Area

Skin Doctors Cebu also believes that “healthy skin is the best skin,” which is why aside form being dermatology treatment specialists, they also offer medical consultations for different diseases of the skin, hair and nails.

Skin Doctors Cebu – Consultation Room

Equipped with the latest and most effective lasers, technologies and science, Skin Doctors Cebu promises quick and long-lasting results with an assurance that can only come from the experts.

Our skin is our armor and metaphorically our confidence. Glow and conquer. Your journey to a healthier skin begins here at Skin Doctors Cebu.

Topnotch doctors

When it comes to our body, only the best of the best will suffice. And they have a roster of them. Consultancy and treatment are done by the resident doctors themselves so you will really feel at ease and safe.

  • Dr. Michael Vince D. Busa: Expert in Cosmetics, Anti-aging and Surgical Dermatology and Lasers
  • Dr. Karl Anthony D. Busa: Trained in Laser and Aesthetic Medicine in Israel and Korea and also Cosmetic Surgery
  • Dr. Mary Kathryn Durano Aliviado: BSMedtech, Doctor in Medicine, Cosmetic Surgery trained at Pan Pacific Aesthetic Institute

State-of-the-art Facilities

All the magic happens of course in the labs. Whether it’s slim, tattoo or skin lab, all those amazing transformations can only be possible with top-of-the-line laser machines that are mostly found only in a SkinDoctors’ clinic.

Slimming Lab

ONDA: Approaches weight loss and body shaping through special microwave energy called COOLWAVES that targets fats, cellulite and skin laxity.

Tattoo Lab

DISCOVERY PICO PLUS “Ferrari of Lasers”: The most powerful tattoo removal laser that targets all tattoo colors. Also treats Melasma & hyperpigmentation along with Intensive rejuvenation & acne scar.

https://www.facebook.com/Skindoctorscebu/videos/808512526278025

Skin Lab

Aquasure: Uses Hydrogen water and vitamin infusion giving the skin an instant glow while it heals, cleanses, controls oiliness and rejuvenates the skin

https://www.facebook.com/374244716713662/videos/1426221904206045/

ULTRAcel: Targets all layers of the skin for intense rejuvenation and acne scars treatment. An intensive nonsurgical facelifting and  collagen synthesis and tightening all in one.

Quadrostar Pro 577 Laser (Gold Laser): For facial redness and veins, stubborn pigmentation such as melasma, spider veins, acne vulgaris, and acne rosacea.

https://www.facebook.com/Skindoctorscebu/videos/201756557848193

SMAXEL ( Smart Fractional C02): Takes care of Fine lines or wrinkles throughout the face such as around the eyes, mouth or forehead. Also treats acne scars, skin resurfacing, syringoma, sun damage, aging skin, liver spots, warts and enlarged oil glands.

Full List of Services:

  • Consultation for Diseases of the Skin, Hair and Nails
  • Fractional Co2 Resurfacing Laser for skin Rejuvenation and acne scars
  • Whitening Lasers
  • Vascular Lesion Removal Laser
  • Pigmentation Removal Laser
  • Tattoo Removal
  • Diode Painless Permanent Hair Removal
  • Non – surgical facelift
  • Facials with Diamond Peel
  • Chemical Peeling
  • LED Photodynamic Therapy
  • Scar Treatment
  • Electrocautery (Warts Removal)
  • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
  • Ultrasound and RF Face & Body Contouring
  • Mesolipo & Cryolipolysis
  • Botox and Fillers for Facial Rejuvenation

OTHER INFORMATION:

Branches in Cebu:

  • Banilad (main) branch:
    • Verve Point, Banilad-Talamban Road, Cebu City (near USC Talamban Campus, above Wingers Unlimited Talamban)
    • (032) 272-7521 / 0932-520-3490
  • Mactan 1 branch:
    • Mactan Town Center (MTC), Basak-Marigondon Road, Basak, Lapu-lapu City
    • (032) 410-4130 / 0932-504-7503
  • Mactan 2 branch:
    • FFG Arcade, A. Tumulak St., Gun-ob, Lapu-lapu City
    • (032) 495-1150 / 0943-256-1656

Make sure to call the branch first to book an appointment.

Note: Health protocols are in place upon entry in the skin clinic. Clients are required to wear a face mask. They also have several air purifiers inside the clinic.

AirAsia offers Buy 1 Take 1 for 2021 flights

To celebrate impressive commercial flights sales in August and a return in confidence in air travel, AirAsia in the Philippines is offering an exclusive buy 1 take 1 promo on all domestic and international flights for a limited time. 

AirAsia Philippines closed the month of August with a 140% increase in seats sold, compared to the previous week’s 42%. A third of bookings registered were for 2021 reflecting a demand for future travel. 

BIG members can enjoy all-in one-way fares from as low as P1,022 for two tickets. This special promo is available for booking on airasia.com or the AirAsia mobile app from today to 13 September 2020 for travel from 1 January to 31 October 2021. Promo seats are limited and subject to availability.

  • Booking Period: September 7 – 13, 2020
  • Travel Period: January 1 – October 31, 2021

Meanwhile, AirAsia also provides enhanced flexibility for guests travelling up to 31 December 2020. Guests may change their flight dates conveniently at any time with no flight-change fee. 

Guests can expect enhanced safety measures throughout the entire journey, including pre-flight, in-flight, and arrival processes. These include the mandatory wearing of face masks to be permitted to travel, amongst others. Guests are also advised to check and comply with measures implemented by local airport authorities for a smooth travel experience.

To book, just go to their official website at www.airasia.com.

Sirao Peak: Every Beginner’s Favorite Trekking Spot

It’s true that a lot of people residing in Cebu do trekking and mountain climbing with the hopes of completing that trekking bucket list in Cebu.

Every committed trekker has started somewhere, and admittedly, Sirao Peak is every beginner’s first stepping stone.

SHOT by alfa_almz

Towering at 700 MASL (meters above sea level), Sirao Peak is one of the famous destinations to trekkers. Sun chasing or seeing the sunset from the top is more than enough as a reward upon reaching the peak, as well as having a wide view of how the clouds and the sun beautifully merge.

SHOT by alfa_almz

What makes Sirao Peak perfect for beginners is that it’s accessible via various trails, with the option of river trekking, where adventurers get to witness the area’s scenic riverbanks as well as its waterfalls. Also, compared with other peaks in Cebu, the trail is relatively easy.

Trekkers get to set their tents at the peak as Sirao provides a large campsite. Spending the night atop with your friends, stargazing or simply bonding together is definitely an experience.

SHOT by alfa_almz

How to Get There?

Exact location: Mount Sibugay or Sirao Peak, Brgy. Sibugay, Cebu City

The most convenient way of getting there is riding a habal-habal or motorcycle taxis from JY Square Lahug. You can tell the driver that you are bound to Sirao Peak. Estimated fare is P100.00.

Do you think Sirao Peak is the perfect peak for beginners? If not, comment down below other peaks that are worth to try too!

Masi: Liloan’s signature and frontline delicacy

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Cebu streets are undeniably the best places for food enthusiasts. It’s blessed with a variety of food options that would satiate everyone’s cravings. We have street foods like tempura and fishball paired with the ever iconic puso. One would also find Lamaw and Tuslob-buwa being sold at almost every corner in the province.

But when your appetite yearns for something chewy and sweet, where else in Cebu will it take you?

Liloan’s Masi is the answer. Masi is a delicacy made of glutinous rice with a filling of sweetened peanut paste. Surely, masi’s are being sold everywhere in Cebu but there is something in the masi of Liloan that makes us crave for more.

Photo by Fila Clare Cui-Bensi

Masi has been made popular in the town of Liloan in Cebu where you can find significant amount of small-time vendors peddling their home-made masi’s. Usually, these vendors can be seen selling around the town’s plaza and along the highway.  

Accordingly, there are two ways on how to make this chewy and sticky sweet treat. One way is to add coconut milk in the recipe which means that the product should be eaten within the day because the coconut causes a shorter masi shelf life. The second way does not involve coconut milk but one must steam it for around 45 minutes.

You won’t have a hard time looking for Masi in Liloan as these are one of the most common delicacies in town. But if you want to bring these as pasalubongs to your friends, you might want to buy those that come in securely sealed packages.

There are a couple of stalls along the highway of Brgy. Yati, Liloan that are selling masi in different packages. Just be sure to get there early in the morning so you can buy the freshly-made delicacies.

One store is Inday Eddies Homemade Masi in Liloan, Cebu. To order, you can reach them on Facebook or call them at (032) 564-3086.

Regular Masi Price: ₱3-6 per piece

How to get to Liloan?

Exact location: Liloan, northern Cebu — 1-1.5 hour away from the city.

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 Brgy. Yati.

BY CAR: If you’re driving your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Yati Liloan”.

Cebuano artisan baker sells artsy bread online

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly struck everyone. Others have already lost their businesses while some lost their jobs.

After failing to go abroad, Marlo Lidot, a baker from Malabuyoc, Cebu, decided to start his online store. Because of his inability to go overseas, he gave birth to this Artisan Bread Basket Online Store.

He has decided to sell bread online to earn extra income. However, his breads weren’t the ordinary. His bread were his masterpiece. Because of their unique artistry in bread-making, it quickly trended online.

“This is my best way to survive this pandemic crisis and I hope to inspire all of our Cebuanos, especially to my fellow bakers so that they will keep motivated and be positive. Great things take time, we don’t give up.”

Artisan Baker Lidot currently accepts customized bread designs for your orders.

Check out some of his works below:

May his story serve as a lesson to everyone; to never give up on any adversity instead, use it as a stepping stone to build a better and brighter future.

Owned by Marlo Lidot, Artisan Bread Basket offers different kinds of local and international breads. For orders and inquiries, you can contact him on his Facebook Page.