Want to experience a serene nature trip that will give your soul a breather? Believe it or not, there is still a tranquil and green spot within the Cebu city that can offer you all of these.
Sandra’s Garden is located in Sitio Gabi, Sudlon 2, and it is very popular for its vast land that is teeming with tall pine trees, arranged in an aesthetic manner. On top of that, the cold weather will give you that Baguio and Tagaytay-feels.
The place is also home to many birds and the sounds they make along with the trees moving to the wind, is an experience you will surely appreciate.
The landscape and architecture within Sandra’s Garden is impressive. The cozy cabin is surrounded by gardens in full bloom, green grass, and tall trees.
At night, the view is just romantic and magical when the lights are turned on, making the gardens and trees glow.
Sandra’s Garden is the perfect location for rustic or bohemian-themed parties and events or just some quiet weekend getaway with your family.
The whole place can also be reserved for a whole night to ensure privacy of guests (see details below).
Sandra’s Garden is also an in-demand location for photoshoots (pre-nup and debuts) and garden weddings. Check out these beautiful wedding photos taken at Sandra’s Garden:
Currently, they are also constructing a pool and rooms for overnight stay. The details will be provided to the public soon.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: Due to the current pandemic, the admin only accepts reservations for photoshoots for now: ₱2,500 for 7 persons and ₱250 for each additional guest.
ROOM RATES:
Whole night and private use: ₱12,000/night (All of the amenities, including the cabin with 2 bedrooms).
These services are not yet available as of the moment due to the current pandemic.
A small resort located in Barangay Tungkil, Minglanilla, Circa La Playa is another attraction in the said town if ever you are looking for a place where you can swim and chill out with family or friends.
Circa La Playa is quite small compared to other resorts, so you get to experience privacy. The main attraction here is their swimming pool (8 ft but they also have a kiddie pool) that is surrounded by a well-maintained garden.
Overarching the pool are concrete bridges where swimmers usually swim through. The colorful garden in Circa La Playa is also one of the resort’s main features and serves as a perfect background for some photos. The beach is also nearby, so you can go there if you want to go for a quick walk or dip.
Other amenities in the resort include bamboo and nipa cottages, a grilling station if you want some barbecues, tents, videokes for rent, and a badminton court. The whole resort can also be booked for exclusive use to ensure privacy of their guests.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Day use:
Entrance fee: ₱100 (adults), ₱60 (children)
Cottage A: ₱250 (good for 3-5 persons)
Cottage B: ₱500 (good for 15 persons)
Other information:
No corkage fee.
Contact numbers: (032) 260-6776 / 0922-559-8889
Facebook Page: N/A
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Barangay Tungkil, Minglanilla
BY JEEPNEY: Ride a jeep at SM City Cebu (10H) going to Bulacao or Pardo. From there, you can ride another jeep bound for Naga or Minglanilla (43 or 44). Once in Minglanilla, you can ride a tricycle to Circa La Playa (it is located near Urban Deca).
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Circa La Playa”. Parking space is available.
The mountain views of Busay, Cebu is a known haven for relaxation and needed breaks from the overwhelming stress of the city.
Cabanas, a casual tambayan (hangout) among the many restaurants and establishments that line the slope of the mountain barangay, offers not only a breath of fresh air but also breathing room for wallets and pockets with its affordable meals and drinks.
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
‘Cabana’ is a word that means shelter and sure enough, locals frequent the place to take shelter from Cebu’s busy and noisy streets.
The cozy and homey ambiance of Cabanas sets up the mood for deep and cathartic conversations over some tasty silog dishes and drinks in hand. Everything inside the Cabanas – from the design to the menu – were created and put together with the comfort of Cebuanos in mind.
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Aside from food, drinks, and a hangout spot, Cabanas even has a few amenities that can be enjoyed alone or with the barkada such as swing sets for ruminating in peace or dinner tables with a marvelous view of Cebu City.
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Friends can also enjoy a casual game of billiards over some drinks. They even have a gym for those who want to experience working out with a fresh atmosphere.
The place truly provides respite to the Cebuanos taking a break from work or life in general. For anyone who needs to hit the pause button, Cabanas is the place to go.
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Walk-in Guest Fee: P150 / head
MENU:
Pork Sisig: P150
Pork Barbeque: P25 per stick
Chicken Sandwich: P60
Tempura: P70
Hotdog on a stick: P25
Cheeseburger: P60
Chicken Pork Adobo: P150
Batchoy: P60
Lomi: P80
‘Silog’ meals: P50
*Prices are subject to change without prior notice
OTHER INFORMATION:
Opening hours: 24/7
Contact numbers: 0927-150-4286 / 0917-174-6694
Facebook Page: N/A
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: 1711 Tops rd, Busay, Cebu City — located beside Balay sa Busay, along the road on the way to the popular Tops Lookout (20-30 minutes drive from JY Square Mall in Lahug, Cebu City)
BY JEEPNEY/HABAL-HABAL: Find your way to JY Square in Brgy. Lahug. Once there, ride any jeep bound for Balamban and tell the driver to drop you off at Cabanas or near Balay sa Busay. You can also ride a habal-habal from JY Square to Cabanas – the drivers know the place. The only downside to this travel option is that it is hard to catch a ride back down. (Note: This option is not be possible under community quarantine.)
BY CAR (most recommended): Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cabanas” in Busay.
BY TAXI: Hiring a taxi cab is possible but that can be hefty. Most of them won’t give you a metered reading system – hence, they’ll be offering you an estimated fare in going there.
On October 1, you can start applying for your building permits online. This is part of the project by the City Government as they move to streamline permit processing.
The Office of the Building Official (OBO) has created the OBO Information System, headed by Architect Florante Catalan. This was made to make things easier for our developers, engineers, and architects to secure permits from the OBO.
With the pandemic at hand, the best thing for us to do is stay in the comforts of our homes while not forgetting about your responsibility. As we transition into the practices of social distancing, the City Government has slowly been adapting to this change, too.
Hence, the City Government of Cebu urges applicants to visit the OBO’s official website www.mics.cebucity.gov.ph/obo for further details.
This venture is actually a good development in our thrust to further improve the ease of doing business in the City of Cebu. This also allows the City Government to lessen human-to-human contact and visits during this pandemic.
Learning new and interesting ways for one to eat is an experience worth taking an adventure over, because eating in itself is an experience worth investing.
You are what you eat, and where you eat can also be a part of it. If you feel like exploring somewhere breath-taking to eat, or a fan of Dimsum dishes, or both, then take an adventure towards Happy Buddha – Dimsum Ride.
Located in Cantipla, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Busay, this restaurant offers refreshing Dimsum dishes as you dine over the outlook of the mountains of Busay. While you dine, you can adore and gaze at the wonderful sight to behold while feeling the mountain breeze.
The sight and location are not the only good thing about the restaurant, however. Indeed, their dishes are said to be amazingly delicious, captivating the essence of Dimsum dishes. Their 60-peso steamed fried rice and spare ribs are mouth-watering just by looking at it.
Note: The restaurant offers delivery within 5 kilometers or you can pickup your order at Mabolo 2566 Tres Borces Padres St. Cebu City, right beside MorTing’s BBQ while making payments through BDO, GCash, or Cash on delivery.
Exact location: Cantipla, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Busay, Cebu City — approx. 1 hour away from the main road.
BY VAN: From the PUV terminal at Ayala Center Cebu, take a VHire to Balamban. Tell the driver to drop you off at Happy Buddha in Cantipla (near the Strawberry Farm Cantipla). Van fare is ₱120 per head.
BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Unplug” in Transcentral Highway. Hailing a cab or Grab is not possible, unless you rent a car.
On Monday night, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced during President Duterte’s weekly address to the nation the new community quarantine classifications for the month of October.
Malacanang still placed the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Province of Cebu — under the relaxed Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).
Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur will be under the stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) while the general community quarantine (GCQ) status will retain over Metro Manila and several other areas in the country.
The entire Cebu has been placed under MGCQ since September 1, 2020. Since then, more businesses and tourist attractions have gradually re-opened.
MGCQ Guidelines
Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella has yet to issue the new Executive Order for the MGCQ extension until October. (We will update this page once issued.)
Meanwhile, here’s the previously issued Executive Order No. 89 specifying the MGCQ guidelines:
Now allowed under MGCQ:
Tourist destinations (e.g. water parks, beaches, resorts)
Gyms, fitness studios, sports facilities for non-contact sports
Spas (full body massage)
Tattoo and body piercing
Internet and computer shops, educational support establishments, libraries, archives, and museums (allowed at 50 percent capacity)
Pet grooming services, travel agencies, tour operators, and other personal care services
Live events (subject to DOT guidelines on meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions, and business events)
Dine-ins, barbershops, and salons are now allowed at 75% capacity
Shopping malls are now allowed to operate until 10PM
All other activities included under GCQ
Things to note:
Quarantine Passes are still required for non-workers and QR coding is still in effect.
QPasses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) can go out on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (5AM-1PM).
QPasses ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 5, 8) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays (1PM-9PM).
Employees must present Company ID or Certificate of Employment (COE).
Wearing of face masks is mandatory.
Religious mass gatherings and other gatherings such as sporting events and work conferences can now accommodate up to 50% capacity.
Persons under 21 years old and above 60 years old, people with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women are still mandated to stay-at-home.
Cebu Province
Executive Order No. 20 and 20A for MGCQ status in Cebu Province:
Mandaue City
Executive Order No. 83 for MGCQ status in Mandaue City:
Lapu-Lapu City
Executive Order no. 48-N for MGCQ status in Lapu-Lapu City:
This page will be updated regularly. Make sure to bookmark this page for updates.
Shopping has never been this fun and safe under the new normal!
Marutaka Auction Trading, a Japanese surplus auction store with branches in Consolacion and Minglanilla, has finally re-opened. Its non-traditional retail of bidding has sold more than 1,000 high quality yet affordable items a day.
You can bid for useful and superb items for as low as ₱100!
If that isn’t enough to convince you. We’ve prepared you a list of all the great finds in Marutaka.
1. Kitchen set
If you are planning to have your dinnerware completely transformed then they have it all here for you. Sets of plates, casseroles and even a tea set if you are a tea person.
2. Musical instruments
They can have electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and many more if you’re lucky enough.
3. Figurines and House designs
They have items of luck and small and intricate figurines that speaks elegance. There are even life sized sculptures.
4. Furnitures
They have cabinets, chairs, sofas, sala sets, beds, dinner tables and vanity tables that are just classy and even comes in various designs for you to choose from.
5. Jewelries
If you are more interested in those small sparkly objects then you are in for a treat because they’ve got quite the collection of amazing pieces. They have accessories, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, cuffs, pins and even rings. These vintage and valuable items awaits you.
6. Toys
They might have toys that will make a collector cry, vintage and original. Only a true collector can tell.
The items sold here look amazing that their incredibly low range of prices is hard to believe.
STEPS ON HOW TO BID
Assess and look for items that you’d want to bid on. Previewing of items starts at 8AM.
Register before 1pm and get your bidder number. Bidding starts at 9AM, until 6PM.
Be alert on the items that you like for the bidding is fast.
Raise your number if you want the item at the announced price.
Price will get higher as long as someone is willing to buy that item.
All items are sold on that day so you better grab them for you won’t have a second chance. (a whole new set of items every week)
Claiming of items is on Monday-Wednesday.
Additional storage charge of ₱100 per excess day.
Note: Taking pictures and videos is strictly prohibited during auction.
NEW NORMAL GUIDELINES:
NO FACEMASK – NO ENTRY
NO FACE SHEILDS – NO ENTRY
1 REGISTRATION IS GOOD FOR 1 PERSON ONLY
BRANCHES:
1. CONSOLACION, Cebu (along the highway) — Few meters away from SM Consolacion.Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Marutaka Trading” in Consolacion. Parking space is available.
Opening hours: Sundays 8:00 AM PRE VIEWING / 9:00 AM AUCTION START
Auction age admission: 20 years old & above only
2. PAKIGNE, MINGLANILLA, CEBU – Before Pakigne Barangay Hall. You may search for “Pakigne Barangay Hall” on Waze or Google Maps.
Opening hours: Thursdays 8:00 AM PRE VIEWING / 9:00 AM AUCTION START
On Monday, the Provincial Board (PB) has approved the resolution authorizing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to enter into an agreement with the technology provider of the installation and implementation of a centralized automated ticketing system for the Cebu South Bus Terminal.
PB has authorized Cebu Governor to “execute and sign in behalf of the Province of Cebu, a contract agreement with Topline Hi-tech and Synergy Corporation for the design, supply, installation, operation and maintenance of centralized automated ticketing system at CSBT.”
Anthony Soco, board member and author of the resolution, said that the implementation of this system is timely and relevant as a comfortable, safe, and efficient public ride is needed during this pandemic.
“With the continued strict implementation of the health and safety protocols in the Province of Cebu, there is a need to modernize ticket purchase, passenger handling and management procedures through user-friendly technology that would help the bus terminal especially on peak hours when congestions are observed,”
– Excerpt from the PB Resolution
CSBT officer-in-charge Carmen Quijano said Topline President Eugene Erik Lapasaran Lim informed her on Tuesday, September 22 that they will be installing the machines soon.
According to Quijano, now is the best time to install the machines for the system as the terminal is not experiencing high passenger traffic.
Topline Hi-tech and Synergy Corporation is a Cebu-based company providing data management and technology solutions to their clients.
Topline submitted an unsolicited proposal to the Provincial Government of Cebu to design, supply, install, operate, and maintain a cashless fare experience through their system.
Economic Enterprise Council then declared Topline Hi-Tech and Synergy Corporation the proponent for the project through Resolution No. 2020-02.
The mountain top of Busay has always been revered for its majestic view of Cebu City and the comfort that it gives to those who visit. It serves as a sanctuary for the weary and exhausted Cebuanos.
So, it comes as no surprise that many people set up shop along the sides of the mountain to take advantage of the attraction and give people more reason to visit the place. The most common establishments are those that sell food because everybody knows that food and drinks are best paired with the great view and of course some good company.
1. Top of Cebu
Top of Cebu is a two-tiered restaurant that is an extension of the famous Cebu Tops and serves as its dining counterpart. This is perfect for those looking for something more than just a casual hangout spot.
Its first floor is still perfect for chill get-togethers such as family reunions while the second floor caters more to formal settings. They offer both Filipino and International dishes so everybody has few options to choose from.
Waiting Area with the Cebu map
Their Zomato rating is 3.9 stars out of 5.
MENU
OTHER INFORMATION
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, everyday
Exact location: Brgy. Busay, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City – just beside the popular Tops Lookout (20-30 minutes drive from JY Square Mall in Lahug, Cebu City)
Nothing hits closer to home to Filipinos who eat in Balay sa Busay. It has a rustic Filipino-inspired interior and their main dish is a plate of nostalgia for Cebuanos and Filipinos. They mainly serve favorite Cebuano-Filipino dishes which were developed by their specialist with a few of her personal touches. Their foods are reasonably priced which is why it is the best place for tourists to immerse in Filipino culture through their stomachs.
On the first floor, the dining room is connected to an open balcony with a hillside view. The upper floor is an azotea that gives a better view of the hills. There are also function rooms which still has a view of the hillside which is perfect for medium to big groups. Balay sa Busay can accommodate up to 200 people.
Balay sa Busay has a Zomato rating of 3.9 stars out of 5.0
Exact location: Brgy. Busay, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City — along the road on the way to the popular Tops Lookout (20-30 minutes drive from JY Square Mall in Lahug, Cebu City)
Cabanas is a treehouse hangout spot that’s a combination of a “tambayan” and a restaurant. It is the perfect place for small groups. All of their activities are perfect for casual conversations as well.
They have a chess table, billiard pool, lounge, and even swing sets. The ambiance of the place is just perfect for dates or catching up with close friends.
They still capitalize on the mountain’s city view with tables in an open hillside area. Their dishes are limited to breakfast specials and “silog” meals but they are very light on the pocket and still enough to fill an empty stomach.
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Photo by Finn Lizan Abiabi
Walk-in Guest Fee: P150 / head
MENU:
Pork Sisig: P150
Pork Barbeque: P25 per stick
Chicken Sandwich: P60
Tempura: P70
Hotdog on a stick: P25
Cheeseburger: P60
Chicken Pork Adobo: P150
Batchoy: P60
Lomi: P80
‘Silog’ meals: P50
*Prices are subject to change without prior notice
OTHER INFORMATION:
Contact numbers: 0927-150-4286 / 0917-174-6694
Facebook Page: N/A
Exact location: 1711 Tops rd, Busay, Cebu City — just beside Balay sa Busay
4. Mr. A Bar and Restaurant
Mr. A Bar and Restaurant has a chill atmosphere for fun nights with close friends and families. It is one of the cheaper restaurants that’s perfect for budget night outs. The dishes they serve are from Italian and Filipino cuisine. The place can accommodate small to big groups of people who are just looking for a low key get-together. Customers will love experiencing candlelit dinners on the hillsides while eating their pizzas and pastas. Aside from a wonderful view of the city, their other selling point is the videoke that Filipinos love so much.
Mr. A’s has a Zomato rating of 3.5 stars out of 5.0
MENU:
OTHER INFORMATION
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Mondays to Sundays
Exact Location: Lower Busay Heights, Busay, Cebu City
5. La Vie in the Sky
La Vie in the Sky isone of the most elegant restobars in Busay that offers the same “wines and dining” experience as La Vie Parisienne.
It stays true to its name with its glamorous French aesthetic and takes customers on an imaginary trip to Paris – only this time it comes with a view of Cebu City.
It has a Zomato rating of 3.6 stars out of 5.0.
Other information
Entrance fee: ₱100 per head (all consumable for food & drinks)
Operating hours: 7AM to 2AM daily (Mondays to Sundays)
Exact location: Brgy. Busay, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City — along the road on the way to the popular Tops Lookout (20-30 minutes drive from JY Square Mall in Lahug, Cebu City)
Dates will never go wrong in Delice Recipes. The romantic atmosphere of the place plus the city lights will bring couples closer together. The interior of the restaurant is simple yet elegant which gives couples a luxurious experience.
They mainly serve Mediterranean which is perfect for dates as well. The food here is one of the best in terms of presentation, quality, and reasonable pricing.
Photo by May Antonette Leuterio
Delice Recipes has a Zomato Rating of 4.0 stars out of 5.0.
MENU:
OTHER INFORMATION
Contact Number: +63 906 4258799
Facebook Page: N/A
Exact Location: Upper Veteran’s Drive, Barangay Busay, Cebu City — beside Balay sa Busay and Cabanas Busay.
7. Busay Green Canopy
The Busay Green Canopy is unique in that it does not have a view deck with tables but instead traces the slope of the mountain which makes it blend with nature especially with the various flora planted in every level.
The terraced design of this restaurant is not meant to stand out but instead immerse visitors in the energy of the mountain that in a way gives the exact feeling of dining in nature.
The preserved form of the mountain combined with the view of Cebu really helps establish the feeling of being away from the city that eases the mind and body.
Photo by Arnold Ortega Fiestas
Photo by Arnold Ortega Fiestas
MENU
OTHER INFORMATION
Operating hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 4PM to 1AM
Saturday-Sunday: 10AM to 2PM, 4PM to 1AMCLOSED on Mondays
The New Cebu International Container Port – one of President Duterte’s flagship projects under the Build, Build, Build Infrastructure Program – has commenced in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu.
The New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) is a ₱10.1-billion project that will cover 25 hectares of reclaimed land in the town of Consolacion.
₱8.8 billion of the total cost will come from a loan agreement between the Philippine Government and the Export-Import Bank of Korea which was signed in June 2018 and another ₱1.4 billion will be provided by the national government.
It has experienced delays mostly due to lacking clearances and the COVID-19 pandemic but it is set to commence upon completion of the consultancy work according to the head of the Cebu Port Authority.
Render from Oriental Consultants
Long-term solution
The new Cebu International Container Port is seen as a long-term solution to the congestion problems of the current Cebu International Port (CIP). Upon completion of the project, the current CIP will be converted into a domestic port while the NCICP will cater to international cargoes coming in and out of Cebu.
Aside from decongesting the base port, it is also expected to improve the transport infrastructure system for the unimpeded flow of goods and services in the Visayas.
The new port will have a berthing facility with a 500-meter quay wall length that can simultaneously accommodate two 2,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) vessels, operating facilities and structures for containers such as a freight station and inspection shed, an access road and bridge and a dredged waterway and turning basin, as stated in multiple news articles.
Timeline
June 2018: PH and South Korea’s Export-Import Bank signed an P8.8 billion loan agreement for the project. The Korean bank gave the national government until October 2018 to start the project.
February 2019: In an article, it was reported that DOTr had yet to secure clearances from the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
January 2020: The Department of Transportation issued the notice of award for the consultancy services of the project to South Korea-based Yooshin Engineering Corporation.
August 2020: Cebu Port Authority (CPA) says new Cebu international container port could start this year.
CPA General Manager Leonilo Miole reported that consultancy works for the project were “currently ongoing”. If deadlines are met, then the construction of the project may start in a few months according to the head of Cebu Port Authority.
