After the controversial “closure” last year, the famous Rico’s Lechon is back in metro Cebu, opening its biggest branch in the country at 500sqm that has a seating capacity of 300 people.
Rico’s Lechon is known for its best-tasting, crispy Cebu Carcar lechon which comes in two flavors: original and spicy. Included in the menu are the Filipino favorites like Special Boneless Bangus, Sizzling Lechon Sisig, Monggos, Bicol Express, Kinilaw Na Tangigue (Ceviche), Calamares, Camaron Rebosado, Garlicky Squid Balls, Sinigang, Pinakbet, Chopsuey, and Pancit Canton.
Located in Mandaue City across Parkmall, Rico’s Lechon’s flagship outlet has 4 VIP rooms for meetings, gatherings and special functions with family and friends. The largest room can seat up to 80 guests, while the other three can each accommodate 20 pax.
Rico’s Lechon ensures diners an experience like “home” with its contemporary classic interiors showcasing the “old Cebu with a twist.” It also houses a Lechon Fulfillment Center for whole lechon orders and take out counter for pasalubong such as their in-house sauce, sukalami. Aside from food favorites, merchandise such as shirts, mugs and umbrellas are also available.
UPDATE (March 30, 2020): They are temporarily stopping the operations due to the CoVID-19 outbreak until further ntoice.
The only drawback I can think of from traveling to Bantayan Island is the long distance from the city proper, hopping from a 3-4 hour bus trip to another 1-2 hour of sea travel. After all, sitting on a stiff bench or an old chair for at least an hour can be pretty much uncomfortable and stressful.
To help ease your travel dilemma and make it more fun, the new Island Water has launched brand-new fastcrafts boasting comfortable and stylish amenities without spending too much.
Island Water’s newest vessels feature free WIFI access and movie streaming, and are also equipped with the latest and the most compliant life saving apparatuses, making every passenger feel safe while travelling at sea.
Fare & Trip Schedule
UPDATE (December 1, 2019): We just got a word that they have STOPPED their operations already.
Hagnaya is the port from the Cebu mainland. You have to ride a bus from the North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City to get to Hagnaya Port.
Travel Time
North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya Port: 3-4 hours
Hangaya Port to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island: 1-1.5 hours
Fare: Hagnaya Port to Sta. Fe, BantayanSchedule: Hagnaya Port to Sta. Fe, Bantayan (and vice versa)
Bantayan Island is an award-winning beach destination in the Philippines and usually a top choice in Cebu among locals and foreigners. It is the best place to go if you love white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and the island vibes.
Most tourists stay for at least 3 days and 2 nights to roam around the island and visit its amazing attractions aside from the beach.
Here are some articles we’ve written that might help in your visit to the world-class Bantayan Island, Cebu.
A night where sadness meets hope, at Silent Avenue.
Two of the country’s hottest OPM bands today — December Avenue and Silent Sanctuary — collaborate for one unforgettable concert on August 31, 2019 at the IEC Convention Center.
EVENT DETAILS:
Silent Sanctuary x December Avenue Cebu Concert
August 31, 2019 (Saturday) at 7PM
IEC Convention Center (near Landers Superstore)
Ticket Prices:
Bronze: ₱299 each
Silver: ₱499 each
Gold: ₱899 each
SVIP: ₱1,199 each (First 100 SVIP tix buyers via EventBrite will Meet and Greet Silent Sanctuary & December Avenue)
Gentlemen Cafe at SM City Cebu (3/F near cinema), available starting 1st week of July
The Bands
December Avenue
December Avenue is a band that has become known for strong melodies with lyrics that really hit you in the heart; it has taken them a decade to break from the under the radar musical scene to breaking to the more established roster of OPM bands.
Silent Sanctuary
Silent Sanctuary is a 4-piece Filipino rock band that was formed in Metro Manila, Philippines in 2001. Five studio albums have been released by the band throughout its career. They are the band behind the hit songs: “Pasensya Ka Na”, “Kundiman”, “Sa’Yo”, among others.
Dreaming of a quick getaway soon? Stop dreaming and start
flying with Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) Biggest Domestic Seat Sale happening
from June 28 to July 7, 2019. Over two million seats up for grabs from the
Philippines’ Best Airline!
Discover new domestic destinations or go back to your
favorite paradise with fares for as low as Php399 one-way Economy base fare.
Passengers can also enjoy exceptional comfort and convenience with PAL’s
Premium Economy Class for as low as Php1,459 one-way base fare or experience
world class luxury onboard the Business Class starting from Php4,059 one-way
base fare.
This comes in light of the airline
being named “World’s Most Improved Airline” by Skytrax during the 2019 World
Airline Awards held at the Paris Air Show in the Musée de l’Air et de l’ Espace, Paris Le
Bourget Airport, France.
Skytrax likewise
ranked PAL as number 30 among Top Airlines in the world, rising 19 spots from
Top 49 in 2018.
Passengers
may book their flights via www.philippineairlines.com, at any PAL ticketing office, or
through the hotline number (+63)(2)855-8888. (END)
Known
for building some of the Philippines’ distinguished landmarks, D. M. Consunji
Inc. (DMCI) is one of the companies in the Cebu Link Joint Venture (CLJV),
that bagged the award to build the bridge expressway connecting mainland Cebu
and Cordova known as the Cebu-Cordova Expressway.
Some
of the landmark infrastructures that DMCI built in Cebu include the 5-star
Mactan Shangri-La Resort, APO Cement Plant in Naga, Slurry APO Cement
Excavation (Haul Out), among others.
More than DMCI’s reliable infrastructures, DMCI Homes provides a solid foundation where your family can build a strong foundation of love, and grow in a space they can call their ‘own’ home.
Mirea Residences (Pasig)
WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT DMCI HOMES?
The country’s first Quadruple A developer, DMCI Homes has been crafting the best residential homes over the years, widely known for building resort-like communities across the country including Mega Manila, Baguio, Boracay, Davao City, and soon in Cebu.
DMCI Homes unveils its plans to build multi-billion peso residential projects in Cebu, expanding its world-standard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji Inc.’s over 60 years of experience in the construction and development industry.
Oak Harbor Residences (Parañaque)
Spacious Residential
Condominiums fit for You and Your Family – Premier
Quadruple A developer, DMCI Homes boasts residential communities that are
designed for families and individuals who would be needing enough room space
to work and grow.
Asteria Residences – 2-Bedroom Unit (Parañaque)Lumiere Residences – 3-Bedroom Unit (Pasig) Verdon Parc – 3-Bedroom Unit (Davao City)
Resort-Style Amenities – Your home is guaranteed to be clean, modern, and fun. You get to enjoy resort-style experience and enjoy the luxury of the pools, roof deck, lush green landscapes, sports & lifestyle features, and an extravagant lobby that really feels like you are in a 5-star resort.
DMCI
Homes also incorporates its patented Lumiventt Design Technology to its
high-rise buildings that allows natural air and light to circulate freely in
the building and all unit spaces within. This technology gives a wide-open
feel to the building interior, for true resort-inspired living.
Institutionalized
Corporate Social Responsibility – With its
world-standard level of craftsmanship, DMCI Homes initiates the act of giving
back to the community. They have put together all projects under four
categories; “Kaakbay sa Kalusugan”, “Kaakbay sa
Kalikasan”, “Kaakbay sa Pamayanan”, and “Kaakbay sa
Edukasyon.” This campaign focuses on social development areas relevant to
DMCI’s line of business. Therefore, DMCI Homes through their CSR campaign
lives up to its vision of being our true companion.
Lumiere Residences (Pasig)
To know more and get the latest updates of DMCI Homes’ properties, follow them on Facebook or visit their website.
Imagine that creamy, salty taste of cheese wrapped and poured on
those delicious meat. Now take that picture and put it in a hot sizzling pan,
can you see that cheese melting, oozing into that mouthwatering sight?
This is what awaits you in the much talked about resto in Cebu. All that buzz of this unique and awesome place didn’t disappoint for their food was absolutely delicious. Introducing, the Fat Dois!
Photo by Marel Baluyos
To all the cheese lovers out there, this is our haven. Fat Dois‘ main dishes are simple which consists of cheese and ribs, cheese and chicken (comes in spicy, barbecue, or garlic soy flavors — pops of boneless chicken are drenched in three kinds of cheese), and the famous spicy noodles with spam and cheese which will make your jaws drop with its size.
The dishes are served and heated with portable stoves so you could
see that cheese boiling right in front of you. You can dip, wrap, and pull up
the cheese making the dining experience more fun and exciting.
Fat Dois also offers sides like kimchi rice, plain rice, french fries, and extra cheese. They serve soft drinks and water.
One can never ask for a more hearty meal.
Note:
They do not accept
reservations.
Seats are provided outside
for those who wait.
Menu:
Branches:
A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City. Before Oakridge if coming from Banilad, after Oakridge if coming from JCenter Mall or Hernan Cortes.
2/F Parkmall in Mandaue City
Delivery service:
Delivery service time: 11AM to 7PM daily
Contact numbers for delivery: (032) 516-0628 / 0932-189-6210
Other Information
Operating hours: 5:30PM to 10PM everyday except Fridays
Exact Location: A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City. Before Oakridge if coming from Banilad, after Oakridge if coming from JCenter Mall or Hernan Cortes. 30 minutes away from Ayala Center Cebu.
BY PUBLIC COMMUTE: If you opt to commute, these are your options: – From the Ayala PUV terminal, ride a 20A jeepney going to Caltex Tipolo. From there, ride a 20i jeepney going to A.S. Fortuna. – From Gaisano Country Mall in Banilad, ride a 20i jeepney going to A.S. Fortuna. – From Colon or Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, ride a 20A/ 20B/ 21A/ 21D jeepney with a sign board of Hi-way, Maguikay, JMall. Then, drop off at JMall to ride 22I or any jeepney going to A.S. Fortuna. As you travel along, have a look at the right side of the road where Fat Dois is situated that is located after Oakridge.
BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: If you’re bringing your own car or hailing a car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Fat Dois”. No parking space is available, but you may park at Oakridge Business Park.
At
some point, we know that we need to give ourselves that much needed break from
all the stress and worries.
But before spending our hard earned money, it is only practical to make sure that we spend it in a place that is luxurious enough to be called an experience and comfortable enough to be called a staycation. A temporary home we deserve, a home that is ‘remarkable’, which precisely describes Bai Hotel Cebu.
Bai Hotel, known for its height of luxury at a reasonable price and with their modern amenities and facilities, offers ample coziness and impeccable service to its leisure and business travelers.
The
rooms have a spectacular and picturesque view of the skyline and the whole
city. Spacious beds that you can roll in and every amenities you can ask for
and more for maximum comfort. Giving you that vibe of a ‘stay in style’.
You are also spoiled with choices when it comes to food. With over eight (8) premium restaurants and cafés, travelers will surely have a gastronomical experience with various cuisines and delectable food selections.
Marble + Grain Steakhouse
An example would be the Marble + Grain Steakhouse. Flaunting an elegant interior and cozy area, this restaurant is the perfect place to be if you feel like spicing up with some glamour and dress up a little bit.
And of course, a fancy night at this restaurant would never be complete without having to taste their mouth-watering steak dishes alongside an excellent wine selection.
Operating hours: 12:00 NN – 2:00 PM; 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Ambiance: Fine Dining
Dress Code: Smart Casual (with collar for men)
Location: Ground Floor, Bai Hotel
Contact number: (032) 888-2500
Café Bai
If you feel like splurging while making the most of every peso you spend, then, the much-loved Cafe Bai is the perfect buffet restaurant to go to! Located at the 2nd floor, this room is filled to brim with well-curated spread of dishes — from appetizers, mains, desserts and beverages. So, if you plan on having a gastronomic feast at Cafe Bai, make sure you’re prepared for a battle because before you know it, you’ll be belching while settling the bill.
Rates
UME RESTAURANT
When it comes to taste, Filipinos are also undeniably into something sweet and savory. Hence, it comes as no surprise that Japanese cuisine has been embraced enthusiastically here.
Luckily, Bai Hotel has Ume Japanese Cuisine — it is the perfect place that offers a great selection of authentic Japanese food at a reasonable price. From made-to-order sushi, rice bowls and sashimi to other mouth-watering Japanese dishes, all freshly made by the resident Japanese chef.
With its cozy interior, good ambiance and excellent service, it is so easy to understand why guests love this restaurant.
Twilight Bar Lounge
After spoiling yourself with a scrumptious meal, you can revel in the Twilight Bar Lounge and be mesmerized with an enthralling view of the city while drinking some cocktails and beers paired with delish appetizers.
Rooftop pool
Nothing feels better and more calming in mind than to take a refreshing dip at Bai Hotel’s rooftop pool. Their pool bar is also a perfect spot to have a 360-view of the city.
If you’ve been wanting to give yourself a break, then, a stay at Bai Hotel will certainly satisfy you with an extraordinary kind of relaxation.
Other
Amenities
Fitness Gym
Kiddie Room
The Spa
Travel Shop
RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION
Standard room rates:
Deluxe Room
Premiere Room
Executive Room
Executive One-Bedroom Suite
Deluxe Room: ₱5,000 per night, with breakfast for 2
Premier Room: ₱7,000 per night, with breakfast for 2
Executive Room: ₱9,000 per night, with breakfast for 2
Executive One-Bedroom Suite: ₱11,000 per night, with breakfast for 2
I don’t know who gets tired of milk teas. It certainly isn’t me. I’m personally obsessed with it, and certainly isn’t you either because you’re here.
With all these new milk tea places popping everywhere, it’s hard to choose or assess if this one will suit our taste or will it be worth it.
Luckily, we have here 8 different new milk tea places to introduce and we will let you do the choosing, or you can also choose to have a taste of all of them.
1. Island Tea Co.
Serving you the best in the world as the country’s famous Sri Lankan Ceylon tea brand, Island Tea Co. offers you a variety yet distinct taste of tea, may it be traditional tea or the infamous milk tea.
Known for being a legit tea house and of course their best-selling cream cheese milk tea, Island Tea Co. offers trendsetting tea beverages. They have tea mocktails, tea shakes, and tea smoothies along with a handpicked range of patisseries to complement that perfect cup of tea.
With over 15 branches nationwide, Island Tea Co. draws from its vast collection of fine harvest teas and exclusive blends, introducing a whole new world of sensations, aroma and flavours to tea lovers.
As the only specialty tea store in the Philippines, Island Tea Co. is a rapidly expanding brand and have covered geographic territories in Cebu, Manila, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.
Branches in Cebu:
SM City Cebu – 2/F near the old VECO / SM Cyberzone
Here’s a tea room like no other. Imagine that perfect combination of Cream cakes & Milk tea. That is what awaits you at A Little Tea Philippines, the newest and trending milk tea store in Cebu.
Branches:
Elizabeth Mall in Cebu City
Gaisano Grand Fiesta Mall Tabunok – Talisay City, Cebu
Ayala Central Bloc in IT Park (Garden Row)
3. Colorful Café
How much of a milk tea lover are you? About a liter much? Be on your toes for your wish is granted.
Alas, Colorful Cafe at Cebu IT Park can quench that hunger by giving you the largest volume of milk tea here in Cebu.
If that won’t satisfy you, I don’t know
what will. But the fun does not stop here, Colorful Cafe also offers
you a choice of delectable fruit teas at 700mL and 1 Liter at an affordable
price.
More than the interesting food and
beverages is their cute and chic interiors. The place looks so refreshing and
pleasantly vibrant.
Operating hours: 9:30AM to 11:30PM daily
Exact location: G/F Calyx Center at Cebu I.T. Park in Lahug, Cebu City (beside The Walk).
4. Café Berry
Cafe Berry surely has that fun and creative vibe that a themed cafe should have. The place speaks of grace and elegance while still being comfortable.
The creamiest and frothiest milk tea, that’s what awaits you. It tastes so good and looks very unique because of its tall glass serving, unlike others that use plastic containers. The Water Melon Milktea is certainly a must-try.
Branches:
City Time Square 2 across Parkmall: 8AM to 2AM daily
Insular Square in Mandaue City: 7AM to 1AM daily
5. Bean Leaf
A coffee shop and milk tea shop combined
into one, the Beanleaf at The Ridges Mabolo offers convenience,
relaxation and high quality products without the need to go to different
beverage shops to have both coffee and milk tea simultaneously.
If your cup of milk tea is more of the
fruity kind, then you should definitely visit.
Their fruit teas have surely made an impression.
Added with it, their wide array of flavored milk tea, coffee, and signature beverages, you can definitely drink whatever you want depending on whatever mood you’re in.
They use imported ingredients with the finest leaves and the very famous aromatic Arabica coffee beans. From their coffees to milk teas, you can definitely “taste the difference”.
Operating hours: 10AM to 4AM (Mondays to Saturdays); 3PM to 12AM (Sundays)
Exact location: The Ridges, Panagdait, F. Cabahug, Cebu City — near Sykes Panagdait.
6. Gatsaa Milk Tea
Gatsaa (Gatas+tsaa) is the answer to our prayers for a budget-friendly milk tea. You can study, work, relax, and even take a short nap — all while having your favorite milk tea and good food.
For just 80 pesos, you can jug all you want with these creamy milk teas near SWU. That milk tea fix would be complete with their much recommended tuna creamy carbonara.
They also love to experiment and have new flavors from time to time. The new ones are the caramel milk tea with rock salt, cream cheese, and choco strawberry flavors, which are a hit to the customers.
Operating hours: 10AM – 12MN daily
Exact location: Basque Hall, Urgello, Cebu City (near Southwestern University). Search for “Basque Hall” on Waze or Google Maps. Take 01c jeep (route padong private usc girls high). Before usc girsl high an alley /skina sa BB TIU / MICROSCOFEE naog ka ang straight ahead.maka kita ka only black buildng dats BASQUE Hall (old swu aznar dormitory).
7. Double Ma Tea
We all have a soft spot for anything pastel and cute. Things that are pleasant to look at, plus a cozy and chill ambiance. Well, you will surely be pleased with this new tea-café in town.
Double Ma Tea is perfectly brushed in pink with sophisticated and Instagrammable interiors. More than it being the place for your next OOTD, this could also be your new “chill spot” after shopping or strolling at SM Seaside City Cebu.
Operating hours: 10AM to 10PM daily
Exact location: 2/F Seaview Wing, SM Seaside City Cebu, South Road Properties, Cebu City.
8. Specialtea
Before heading out for a getaway to northern Cebu, drop by at this pastel cute and Instagrammable milk tea shop in Carmen.
Specialtea offers special milk tea and fruit teas inspired from Taiwan and other interesting products like sandwiches, crinkles and oats porridge that really go well with the sweet drinks.
Operating hours: 12NN to 10PM daily
Exact location: Few meters at the back of Carmen Municipality Hall in Carmen, Cebu — 2 hours away from Cebu City.
Left photo by Explorerssaurus | Right by Miraluna Baluca
NOTE: For the information of everyone, there are TWO (2) gardens in Sirao. One is the Sirao Pictorial Garden and Camping Site (PGCS) with swimming pool, the other is the original Sirao Flower Garden located just beside the PGCS.
Before the viral hit 10,000 Roses Cafe in Cordova and Buwakan ni Alejandra in Balamban (both, by the way, were first introduced by Sugbo.ph), there was the SMASH HIT Sirao Flower Garden (a.k.a. Sirao Flower Farm). It broke the social media in 2015 and became the most popular attraction in Cebu Transcentral Highway (Busay-Sirao-Balamban), until it became uncontrollable. The garden was “destroyed” by human recklessness.
I must say, it happened for a reason. First, it proved the strong influence and effect social media could do. Second, it was a (hard) lesson learned by the Sirao Flower Garden management and the officials as well. It also became a good reference from the new attractions, and it was the start of serious promotion on responsible tourism.
But now, Sirao Flower Garden is ready to attract more guests as it continuously improves and renovates the whole place. In fact, it now features more “Instagrammable” spots and an infinity pool. They surely know how to please both local and foreign tourists.
Being able to see a garden on top of hill is mesmerizing. It is a must to see if you are doing a tour of Cebu City.
1. Original Sirao Flower Garden – Little Amsterdam of Cebu
Entrance fee: P50P100 per head
Operating hours: 6AM to 6:30PM
Contact details: 0943 706 3437
Original Sirao Flower Garden | Photo by Mj Magallon
Original Sirao Flower Garden | Photo by Mj Magallon
Photo by Mj Magallon
Photo by Mj Magallon
2. Sirao Pictorial Garden and Camping Site (PGCS)
Entrance fee: P60 per head
Operating hours: 6AM to 6:30PM for all visitors; 6:30PM to 6:30AM for campers
Contact details: 0946 937 7891
Photo by Thomas Gimanig
Photo by Thomas Gimanig
How to get there?
These flower gardens are located adjacent to each other.
Exact location: Brgy. Sirao, Cebu City. Going there in your own vehicle can save you from the hassle of transferring between vehicles and can save you from spending for the fare. Your landmark would be Ayala Heights, take a right turn to Sirao Flower Farm.
BY MOTORBIKE: From J.Y. Square Mall, take a habal-habal that will take you directly to Sirao Flower Farm for ₱400 roundtrip, good for 2 persons already. The driver may ask you for additional waiting fee of ₱100-200 per hour depending on your haggling talent. The ride will take 30-45 minutes to get there.
BY VAN: From the Ayala Cebu PUV Terminal, you can ride a v-hire going to Sirao for ₱50 /head (one-way). Ask the driver to drop you off near Sirao Flower Garden. From there, ride a habal-habal going to the flower garden but it may take time to find one from this point, fare is ~₱20-30 /head.
BY OWN CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Sirao Flower Garden”. Parking fee is ₱20.
BY CAR / VAN FOR RENT: For van or car rentals, or to book an uphill tour (9 destinations in 1 day for only 999 pesos per person), book with our trusted travel partner SquadPH Tours and Travels.
Eventesia Gardens, a mini garden resort situated in Cordova, Cebu, was built to be garden party fantasy where there are nice flowers, pretty butterflies & green around to feel the nature, complete relaxation in the midst of urbanized society.
For those who would like to experience a different ambiance, Eventesia Gardens is just perfect for overnight swimming and stay as it is completely highly walled around its perimeter with its room accommodations are underway.
Eventesia Gardens also offers 2 swimming pools that are both child-friendly, and 3 party venues for bigger parties like weddings, birthdays, team buildings, and other events. It has an easy access to the BBQ place, wash basins, toilets, changing room, parking area for convenience.
Photo by Reanbrant Photo by Reanbrant Photo by Reanbrant Photo by Reanbrant
Evenetesia’s art and design are an expression of beauty where its final goal is to offer an affordable facility, quality service, refreshing place where nature is being kept & preserved, cleanliness is being valued, life is being loved & respected.
BY V-HIRE/JEEPNEY: Ride a V-hire from the van terminal at SM City Cebu going to Gaisano Cordova. From there, ride a tricycle or jeepney going to Eventesia Gardens near Day-as Elementary School.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: From Pier 3 in Cebu City, ride a ferry boat goig to Lapu-Lapu City for P14 per head. From there, ride a multicab or jeepney going to Gaisano Cordova for P10 per head. Then ride a tricycle or jeepney going to Eventesia Gardens near Day-as Elementary School.
BY CAR/TAXI/GRAB: Just pin your destination to “Eventesia Gardens”. There’s also an ample parking space available if you’re bringing your own car.
