Yue Rong Xuan: Authentic Sichuan Cuisine in Cebu City

By

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March 13, 2019

The invasion of Asian cuisines in Cebu City is just starting as more and more Korean, Japanese and Chinese restaurants are popping up in the city.

Unlike most Chinese restaurants in Cebu, Yue Rong Xuan is not the typical Chinese restaurant that is familiar to the Filipino taste bud.

Located along Salinas Drive in Lahug, Cebu City, this restaurant serves delicious spicy dishes with a pinch of saltiness giving us that distinct Chinese Flavor from Sichuan- a province in China known for its adorable pandas and spicy cuisine!

Dining here is both an experience and an adventure. They have the indoors for formal dining for get-togethers with your family or special someone, and the outdoors for an Instagramable and chill night with your friends.

The adventure comes with the unfamiliar but mouth-watering dishes that is a delight for spicy food lovers! Some dishes in Yue Rong Xuan contain Mala (麻辣), a spicy and numbing flavor that is a signature taste in Sichuan cuisine, which adds excitement and novelty to your dinner. (Note: customers can request to make the dish non-spicy or extra spicy)

Cocktails are also available at this restaurant, survive the bartender’s challenge and get a drink named after you in the menu! All cocktails are priced at 150 pesos and you can ask the bartender for flaming ones for an extra 20 pesos!

The restaurant had recently added *Sichuan BBQ (烧烤) to their menu which includes ingredients you usually won’t find in your typical BBQ joint like potatoes, enoki, fungus and even rabbit meat! (*Only available from 6pm onwards)

Other information

Operating hours: 11AM to 2AM daily
Contact number: (032) 231 8031
Social: Facebook Page (Message them for inquiries)

How to get there?

Exact location: Salinas Dr, Lahug, Cebu City — few meters away from Cebu IT Park (formerly Gold Bean Cafe)

BY JEEPNEY: If you’re commuting, you can ride 17B/C from USC Main (near Jollibee) or 04L from Ayala Cebu Terminal. Drop off at AA BBQ Lahug.

BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Yue Rong Xuan”. Parking space is available.

House of Lechon: Best-tasting Carcar Lechon in Cebu City

By

Marel Baluyos

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March 10, 2019

2

Cebu Lechon is always craved, always missed and always sought out.

Now, you won’t have to go far for your search because House of Lechon has recently opened a new branch — its biggest branch yet — in Don Jose Avila St., Cebu City (at the back of Cebu Doctors Hospital).

House of Lechon is one of the places known for having the best-tasting lechon in Cebu. The restaurant is famous for mixing an elegant dining experience with the most delicious and satisfying meal anybody (Filipinos or foreigners) could ask for. The interior is classy without losing that touch of native Filipino.

They also have this distinct and famous “lechon sauce” which is not like the usual dips since this salivating juice comes from the lechon itself. It is the droppings of the meat while being roasted. They have it separated so you can have the choice to dip it or just full out pour the sauce to your lechon meal.

They serve desserts, too. Their Oreo mango float is one of the best tasting dessert I’ve ever had.

INSIDER’S TIP: The best time to come for a crispy lechon is 10AM, 12NN, 3PM and 6PM.

F&B Menu:

House of Lechon Branches:

Acacia, Cebu City (near Ayala Center Cebu, across Golden Prince Hotel)
Robinsons Galleria Cebu
Lawaan, Talisay City (at the MyBus station near Fooda Talisay)
Don Jose Avila St., Capitol (at the back of Cebu Doctors Hospital)

Other information

Operating hours: 7AM to 11PM daily
Contact number: (032) 231 0958
Social: Facebook Page

How to get there?

Exact location: Don Jose Avila St., Cebu City — at the back of Cebu Doctors Hospital.

BY JEEPNEY: Ride any jeepney going to Capitol/Fuente, or passing through Cebu Doctors Hospital. Drop off at the hospital and walk from there for 5 minutes.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “House of Lechon, Don Jose Avila”. Ample parking space is available.

Bluepool Waterpark: New Summer Destination in southern Cebu

By

Ram Mancelita

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March 8, 2019

4

Summer is indeed merrier for the Cebuanos, especially those who are living in the south. Now they don’t have to travel to Mandaue and Mactan to experience this exciting kind of attraction.

Bluepool Waterpark, situated within Guanzon Beach Resort, is a newly established and recently opened resort in Naga City that features various services and facilities for both intimate and large groups.

Rates & Other Information

Rates / Fees:

Entrance fee: ₱80 per head; ₱40 for 3-11 y/o; FREE for 2 y/o & below
Blu Table: ₱750 per day — Small table w/ 4pax seating capacity (max of 10pax)
Blu Cottage: ₱1,000 per day — Small cottage w/ 6pax seating capacity (max of 15pax)
Pool View Cottage: ₱1,500 per day — Ground Floor Cottage Area w/ 10pax seating capacity (max of 20pax)
Sky View Cottage: ₱3,000 per day — 2nd Floor Cottage Area w/ 20pax seating capacity (max of 40pax)

Other information

Reservations are prioritized. Make sure to call them first before going to the resort.
Operating hours:
– 9AM to 6PM on Mondays to Fridays
– 24 hours on Saturday
– 12AM to 6PM on Sunday
Contact numbers: (032) 232-8859 / 515-8077 / 0933-817-7641 / 0917-329-7741
Email address: [email protected]
Social: Facebook Page

Overnight Stay:

If you wish to stay overnight, they have accommodation facilities at Guanzon Beach Resort, which is just adjacent to Blu-pool Waterpark. Room costs for as low as ₱1,500 per night, good for 4pax.

How to get there?

Exact location: Langtad Bridge, City of Naga, Cebu — 1.5-2 hours away from the city.

BY JEEPNEY:
– From CIT University or Punta Princesa or Bulacao/Pardo, ride any jeepney (usually 43/44) going to Naga.
– From SM City Cebu, ride any jeepney (usually 10H) bound for Bulacao or Pardo.
Or from Colon Street, ride a jeepney with routes 09C/F, or 10F/H and drop off at Jollibee Bulacao or Pardo Church (P8 fare). From there, ride another jeepney (43/44) going to Minglanilla / Naga.
– Or from Ayala Center Cebu, ride a 12L jeepney going to Punta Princesa. From there, ride another jeepney going to Naga.
…then inform the driver to drop you off at Guanzon Beach Resort in Naga City.

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 Guanzon Beach Resort in Naga City.

BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps, and set your destination to “Blu-pool Waterpark” in Naga City. Taxi/Grab will cost you around P400-500 (for 4pax).

The 8th Mug: Dine + Brew in Cebu City

By

Marel Baluyos

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March 7, 2019

0

Good coffee is happiness. Good coffee with great tasting food? That is perfect.

The 8th Mug, a new all-day dining café in Cebu City, makes good quality handcrafted food all carefully prepared for you. You order it and the kitchen will make it happen.

Their food preparation is no joke since all are made from scratch and they claim to use as little flavor powder as they can and even makes their own stock. They try to make it with just organic and natural ingredients as much as possible.

The presentation of the food is beautiful, artsy and instagrammable while still looking delicious.

Bacon Cheese Mushroom Burger
8th Mug Poutine
The Garden Salad
Fluffy Cheese Pancakes
Slow Cooked Salmon Fillet
Steak and Potatoes
Pork Confit Bites
Popcorn Crusted Calamari
Linguine X.O.P. Pasta

They also offer you 8 mugs of different types of coffee to go with that tummy-filling. As shown in the 8^th mug wall.

The interior of the café gives you a choice; a couch to hang out and relax, a slightly hidden corner to those who want a little privacy, a long table for long discussions, seats where you can just observe the outside world and of course the tables for a healthy meal and hearty conversations with family and friends.

They cater to anyone who wants to relax, work or study. With its hearty ambiance, comfy seats, a long table and a conference room, it is fully equipped for your every need.

The café also caters to an exclusive party. There’s an ample parking space at the back.

Other information

Operating hours: 7AM to 12MN daily
Social: Facebook Page
Email address: [email protected]

How to get there?

Exact location: Dacay Bldg, N. Escario St., Capitol Site, Cebu City — just right across BPI Family Savings Bank near Capitol and AXA Building.

BY JEEPNEY: You can ride any jeepney going to Capitol or passing through N. Escario (Axis). Or, ride 12L and 14D jeepney from Ayala and drop off at BPI Family Savings Bank near Capitol. From Colon/Fuente – Maxwell Hotel: 17D, 17B,17C 14D, and 04H.

BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “The 8th Mug”. Ample parking space is available.

The Tree Sunset: Budget white beach resort in Tabuelan

By

Ram Mancelita

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March 7, 2019

4

Cebu is known for its pristine white beaches and breath-taking panoramic resorts. Apart from the popular Cebu beaches like Mactan, Alcoy, Lambug Badian, Moalboal, Bantayan and Camotes among others, not too many people know yet that Tabuelan also boasts beautiful white sands.

Tagged as the “little paradise” located in the North-western side of Cebu, The Tree Sunset Resort recently made buzz on social media, not only for its undeniably inviting beachfront, but also for its super affordable accommodation rates for day and overnight use.

TREE HOUSE

OVERNIGHT

• P1,500 per night
• Check-in Time: 2:00PM
• Check-out Time: 12:00NOON
• Good for: 6 persons
• Maximum: 6 persons

DAY USE

• P1,000 per day
• Check-in Time: 8:00AM
• Check-out Time: 5:00PM
• Good for: 6 persons
• Maximum: 6 persons

AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM

SMALL AIRCON ROOM

P3,500 per night
Check-in Time: 2:00PM
Check-out Time: 12:00NN
Maximum: 6 persons
Extra Person: P150 per person per night

BIG AIRCON ROOM

P4,000 per day
Check-in Time: 2:00PM
Check-out Time: 12:00NN
Maximum: 8 persons
Extra Person: P150 per person

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Walk-ins? Yes, but due to the resort’s popularity now, it’s advised to make reservations first even for day use.
Corkage Fee? None as of the moment. But STRICTLY clean as you go.
Contact number: 0995 904 4505
Social: Facebook Page

How to get there?

Exact location: Maravilla, Tabuelan, North-Western Cebu — 2-3 hours away from Cebu City.

From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus going to Tabuelan. Drop off at Tabuelan Public Market – where you can buy ahead your food. From the Public Market, ride a motorbike or habal2x going to Maravilla Brgy Hall. Once you’ve arrived at the Barangay Hall, you will see a basketball court behind it. Walk through the eskinita or alley for about 3-5 minutes until you can see the resort’s signage.

If you’re bringing your own vehicle, the resort can be searched on Waze or Google Maps. Just enter “The Tree Sunset Resort” in Tabuelan, Cebu.

Adventure Cafe Cebu: Zipline, Stress Wall, Tours & More

By

Hannah Abelgas

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March 4, 2019

2

Adventure ba hanap mo? Introducing the first resto bar adventure café in the Philippines- Adventure Café at Gaas Balamban, Cebu. Release your stress away from the city and spend your escapade to the fullest while enjoying exhilarating adventures offered just within the café. To all adventure seekers and first timers, challenge yourself and let’s see how far you can go!

THE CAFE / RESTAURANT

Adventure Cafe offers a variety of food and desserts that are affordable yet very palatable.

Adventure Cafe Menu:

Photos taken from Zomato. Photo credits to its respective owners.

EXCITING ADVENTURES THAT YOU CAN DO

ZIP LINE

Conquer your fear and fly over the sky!

The zip line is 256m long (one line); you take two lines. Fee is only P150 per person.

RAPPELLING / WALL CLIMBING

Climb high and test your strength and endurance.

FEE: P100 per person

STRESS WALL

To thy suppressing world, shout out your unexpressed feelings.

FEE: P25 per plate

GUIDED TOURS

A quick getaway from the hustles and bustles of the city.

CAVING – P250 per person (minimum of 5 people per group)

WATERFALLS (Trail to Gaas Falls) – P650 per person (minimum of 5 people per group)

OTHER INFORMATION

RATES OVERVIEW:

Zip Line – P150 per person
Plate smashing at the stress wall – P25 per plate
Climb/Rappel – P100 per person
Caving – P250 per person (minimum of 5 people per group)
Waterfalls – P650 per person (minimum of 5 people per group)

OTHER DETAILS:

Operating hours: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, daily
Contact details: 0999 681 2339
Social: Facebook Page

How to get there?

• Exact location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu (30-45 min drive from JY square or Marco Polo via the scenic Transcentral highway).

PUBLIC: Take a V-hire from the Ayala Center Terminal going to Balamban via Transcentral highway route. Fare is P120 per person (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at Adventure Cafe.
PRIVATE: Parking space available. Just search for “Adventure Cafe ” in Gaas Balamban via Waze or Google Maps.
RENT: Avail an Uphill Cebu Package Tour (9 Destinations in 1 Day) for only P999 at SquadPH Tours and Travels.

Baguio feels at Adventure Cafe Balamban

Look: Asmara Urban Resort & Lifestyle Village in Cebu City

By

Ram Mancelita

-

March 2, 2019

0

Asmara Urban Resort and Lifestyle Village Cebu (1)

Whether you are into lifestyle sports like tennis, yoga and swimming, or you just like to chill and enjoy good food and drinks with your friends, you have to check out the new Asmara Urban Resort & Lifestyle Village in Banilad, Cebu City.

Asmara Urban Resort & Lifestyle Village carries a lifestyle that goes from healthy authentic Italian food, natural juices, trendsetting cocktail bar, and sport activities.

Inspired by Italy’s piazza (plaza), Asmara’s vision is to be a place where people can meet, talk, drink, eat, share good times, and immerse themselves in a tropical landscape all in the heart of Cebu City.

Their stylish lounge areas can be rented for events and other special occasions. They also have a function room that can accommodate up to 80 people.

Facilities and Amenities

Restaurant and Lounge Areas
Cocktail Bar
Tennis Court
Badminton Area
Swimming Pool
Yoga Area
Function Room

As of now, Asmara Urban Resort cannot accommodate overnight stays yet.

Specialty Food at Asmara

Asmara Urban Resort is proud to offer “special” Italian dishes — everything is made from scratch and is prepared by their in-house chef.

Other Information

Rates

POOL

₱400 per adult
₱250 per child below 9 y/o
Day Use: 9AM to 5PM daily
Free use of shower
Free use and access to pool decking tables and chairs

TENNIS

₱400 /hr – From 6AM to 5PM daily
₱500 /hr – From 5PM to 9PM daily
₱500 /hr – Coach/Trainer Fee
₱100 /hr – Racquet rental
₱50 /hr – Ball Boy
Free use of shower

Other Information

Operating hours: 6AM to 12MN daily
Contact number: 0917-708-1079
Social: Facebook Page

How to get there?

Exact location: Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Road, Banilad, Cebu City.

BY CAR/TAXI/GRAB: Just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Asmara Urban Resort” in Banilad. There’s also an ample parking space available if you’re bringing your own car.

BY JEEPNEY: Ride any jeepney passing through Banilad or UC Banilad Campus. Or:
– 13C if from Colon/USC Main/Ayala (south) or Talamban/USC-TC (north)
– 62B/C if from Carbon/Ayala (south) or Pit-os/Talamban (north)
– 13B if from Carbon/UV/Ayala (south) or Tintay/Talamban (north)
…then ask the driver to drop you off near Banilad Town Center or across Gaisano Country Mall. You may need to walk further (10-15 minutes) to the place, to comply with the proper jeepney stops. It’s recommended to take a cab or ride a habal-habal when commuting instead.

JVR Island in the Sky, Balamban’s coolest adventure resort

By

Ram Mancelita

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March 2, 2019

2

It’s safe to say that Balamban has become the home of many unique and interesting attractions in Cebu. From the well-known Adventure Cafe to the 2017 internet sensations Buwakan ni Alejandra and Florentino’s Little Tagaytay, it will surely make your Balamban getaway worthwhile. And one of the pioneering yet still among the most visited attractions in Gaas Balamban is the JVR Island in the Sky Resort, also known as Sky Mountain Resort, which simply gives you a chill and relaxing experience with its cool climate and lush perfectly manicured landscaping.

With an entrance fee of only P50 for adults and P25 for kids, guests can already enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities while staying at the mountain resort.

The Colorful Hanging Bridge

The Cable Car

For only P150 per head, you can already experience the cable car that can accommodate up to six persons at a time. This slow-paced cable car ride takes about 20 minutes, so you have a lot of time enjoy the lush green scenery.

The Swimming Pool

For those who want to take a dip, there’s a swimming pool in the resort but is only open on Sundays with a fee of P50 per head.

The Rooms

If you wish to stay overnight, the resort has a couple of rooms available.

• COUPLE ROOMS
– Good for 2 pax
– ₱1,500 per night (Black Cottage, Snow White Cottage)

• FAMILY ROOMS
– Good for 4 pax
– ₱2,500 per night (Ivory)

• BARKDA ROOM 1
– Good for 5 pax
– ₱4,500 per night (Nala & Simba)

• BARKDA ROOM 2
– Good for 8 pax
– ₱3,500 per night

THINGS TO KNOW:
– Entrance fee and swimming pool will be free of charge for overnight staying guests.
– Extra persons will be charged P300.00 per head.
– Rooms include kitchen and dining room.

Rates & Other Information

Fees:

Entrance: ₱55 per adult; ₱30 per kid
Open Cottages: ₱350 per day
Cable Car: ₱150 per head
Swimming Pool: ₱50 per head

OTHER INFORMATION:

Operating hours: 7AM to 7PM daily
Contact details: (032) 272-3409 / 0916-138-5764
Email address: [email protected]
Social: Facebook Page

How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu – across Adventure Cafe (30-45 min drive from JY square or Marco Polo via the scenic Transcentral highway)

PUBLIC: Take a V-hire from the Ayala Center Terminal going to Balamban via Transcentral highway route. Fare is P120 per person (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at JVR Island in the Sky (just a few meters ahead of Adventure Cafe).
PRIVATE: Parking space available. Just search for ‘JVR Island in the Sky’ in Gaas Balamban, Transcentral Highway via Waze or Google Maps.
RENT: Avail an Uphill Cebu Package Tour (9 Destinations in 1 Day) for only P999 at SquadPH Tours and Travels.

PAL offers as low P78 and $78 Promo Fares on March 1-10

By

Ram Mancelita

-

March 1, 2019

2

Philippine flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, launches its biggest seat sale for the year in celebration of its 78^th year in the airline industry.

With offers as low as Php78 for domestic and as low as USD78 for international routes, passengers can now book as much flights as they want in 2019.

Booking period: March 1 to 10, 2019
Travel period: March 16 to December 31, 2019

Whether it’s a first-time traveler or a seasoned flyer, PAL wants more passengers to “fly the flag” and enjoy a world-class full-service experience, which means having free inflight meals, free checked in baggage and free inflight entertainment.

For its 78^th anniversary sale, PAL has provided more than two million seats to fill up the flights across its growing network of over 30 domestic and over 40 international destinations. The airline has recently announced opening more non-stop flights in the Asian region – Hanoi, Phnom Penh and New Delhi.

Chill & Unwind at North Sky Beach Resort in Sogod

By

Ram Mancelita

-

February 27, 2019

8

Summer is already around the corner and all you can think about even early this time is how you can utilize the climate to your advantage. Not to mention, the scorching heat from the sun just fuels your lust for a getaway even further.

After being featured on our Facebook Page, this resort gained attraction to thousands of our followers. Perhaps it’s primarily because of its alluring staycation vibes. The North Sky Beach Resort – conveniently located in Sogod, Northern Cebu – is just an hour away from the heart of Cebu City, definitely one of the best places to chill and unwind.

The Rooms

Regular Room

– Good for 2pax (max of 4)
– with breakfast for 2
– with TV, toilet, hot & cold shower and WiFi
– P1,800 per night

Family Room

– Good for 2pax (max of 6)
– with breakfast for 2
– with TV, toilet, hot & cold shower and WiFi
– P2,100 per night

CONDITIONS:
– Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: 12NN
– P440 per excess person

Rates & Other Information

DAY USE:

Entrance fee: P130 per head (both kids and adults)
Cottage rate: P500, good for 12pax – Visitors must rent a cottage in order for them to be in the premises.
Day use hours: 8AM to 6PM only. Overnight in the cottages is not allowed.
Exclusive use (Cottage area only): P8,500 on weekdays good for 110pax; P10,000 on weekends/holidays good for 110pax

Room rates:

Regular Room: ₱1,800 per night good for 2 persons with breakfast; can accommodate up to 4 persons; extra person is charged ₱440 with breakfast.

Family Room: ₱2,100 per night for 2 persons with breakfast; can accommodate up to 6 persons; extra person charge is ₱440 with breakfast; it has a refrigerator.

All rooms are beachfront and have wide veranda facing the pools, all rooms are air-conditioned, with flat screen cable TV, hot and cold shower,with complimentary drinking water and portable electric kettle.

Other information

No pets allowed.
Corkage: Minimal corkage applies. You can bring your own food and drinks because the resort is corkage free. You can also use the grilling stations for free. Bring your own charcoal. They also have a restaurant.
Contact numbers: (032) 316-5854 / (032)431-8042 / 0917-722-3839 / 0933-531-7152
Social: Facebook Page

How to get there?

Exact location: Barangay Bawo, Sogod, Cebu — approx. 1.5 hours away from the city.

The resort is located just along the highway to the North. So there’s little chance you’ll miss the resort. To be sure, navigate the place via Waze.

If commuting, you can ride a bus from the North Bus Terminal. Look for the one heading to Sogod, and ask the driver to drop you off at North Sky Beach Resort in Sogod — the resort is popular to bus drivers and conductors.

Other information

How to get there?

F&B Menu:

House of Lechon Branches:

Other information

How to get there?

Rates & Other Information

Rates / Fees:

Other information

Overnight Stay:

How to get there?

MENU:

Other information

How to get there?

TREE HOUSE

OVERNIGHT

DAY USE

AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM

SMALL AIRCON ROOM

BIG AIRCON ROOM

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

How to get there?

THE CAFE / RESTAURANT

EXCITING ADVENTURES THAT YOU CAN DO

ZIP LINE

RAPPELLING / WALL CLIMBING

STRESS WALL

GUIDED TOURS

OTHER INFORMATION

RATES OVERVIEW:

OTHER DETAILS:

How to get there?

Facilities and Amenities

Specialty Food at Asmara

Other Information

Rates

POOL

TENNIS

Other Information

How to get there?

The Colorful Hanging Bridge

The Cable Car

The Swimming Pool

The Rooms

Rates & Other Information

Fees:

OTHER INFORMATION:

How to get there?

The Rooms

Regular Room

Family Room

Rates & Other Information

DAY USE:

Room rates:

Other information

How to get there?

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