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Pasko sa Sugbo: Top 10 Insta-Worthy Christmas Spots in Cebu

Christmas is definitely around the corner, and if you’re planning to spend the holiday season here in Cebu, don’t miss these top 10 spots to capture that Instagrammable photo that you can share to everyone!

Here are some of the best places where you can take your next Insta-worthy shot perfect for the Christmas season.

1. Danao City’s Christmas Village

For those who wish to experience a splendor Christmas village here in Cebu, then this is the place for you. From glowing castles, palm trees, and other statues, your eyes are in for a treat indeed.

Location: Board walk, Danao City, Cebu

2. Centro Mandaue City

Boasting a minimalist architectural theme, this dazzling wonder in Mandaue is perfect not just for taking pictures with but also for feeling that Christmas spirit.

Location: Centro, Mandaue City, Cebu

3. Naga City Boardwalk

For those who want to witness a dazzling spectacle while strolling along the seaside, this decorated Naga Boardwalk is perfect. With the cool sea breeze and jolly lights, you’d really feel that Christmas spirit.

4. SM Seaside Peacock Theme

While you’re in Cebu, visiting its largest mall is definitely a must. During Christmas, SM Seaside houses themed Christmas trees, and this year, they have decided to launch a gigantic peacock themed Christmas tree where there’s a perfect insta spot below it full of lights for that artistic photoshoot you’ve always wanted.

Location: G/F Mountain Wing, SM Seaside City, South Road Properties, Cebu City

5. Ayala Festival of Lights

When it comes to Christmas decorating, Ayala Malls would never be behind the trend especially with their Festival of Lights which is truly a flickering spectacle. See the lights dance with their gigantic natural tree at the center of it all.

Location: The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu

6. Waterfront Photobooths and Christmas Trees

This grandeur hotel is Cebu’s trademark when it comes to living with comfort and luxury. Every Christmas they hold photo booths that are perfect for family and friends. And this year instead of having only one, they have a series of Christmas trees each in different colors, sizes and designs.

Location: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Lahug, Cebu City

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino

7. Fuente Osmeña Circle

It has been a tradition in this circle where a giant tree is erected come Christmas season, serving a perfect prop for that Insta-worthy shot. Being one of the tallest Christmas trees that are outside in the open. It truly is a sight to behold.

Location: Fuente Osmeña Circle, Cebu City

8. SM City Cebu’s World of Santa

This mall is indeed a favorite among Cebuanos because of its gimmicks during Christmas season. World of Santa houses miniature houses from the North Pole and of course, the traditional Christmas tree is there. But the thing that captures our attention are those cute gigantic Santas.

Location: SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City

9. Sto. Niño Church/Magellan’s Cross

It wouldn’t be a trip to Cebu if you have never visited this historical part of the queen city of the south. If you can find the perfect angle, a picture here is surely something else. It is the perfect combination of culture and faith and lights.

Location: Pilgrim’s Center, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City

10. Cebu IT Park

If USA has NYC then Cebu has IT Park. This is certainly the part of Cebu that never sleeps and come Christmas season, this place gets decorated real good that you can just take a picture almost anywhere here. There are booths on the sidewalks and lights and merriment everywhere you go.

Location: Cebu IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City

LOOK: ‘Around the world’ Christmas displays at Naga City Boardwalk

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Want to catch a glimpse of places around the world? Now you can at Naga City’s amazing “Around The World” Christmas displays at their famous boardwalk.

With the cool sea breeze and jolly lights, you’d really feel that Christmas spirit at Naga City Boardwalk with its dazzling spectacle while strolling along the seaside.

The Camp: Sweet escape to the wilderness in Cebu

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Disconnect to reconnect with nature at The Camp in Brgy. Bonbon, Cebu.

Nestled in the uphill Sitio Bandila in Brgy. Bonbon, The Camp is the best place to be outdoors while feeling the comforts of your own homes.

If you’re someone who loves trekking, camping, or someone who just loves to be one with nature, The Camp will give you a hassle-free glamour camping.

Though I know that glamping is already a thing and a lot of tourist destinations offer such, The Camp is an exception because of the relaxing forest ambiance. You will be surrounded with trees and will wake up to the sound brought by nature. Everything is natural.

For only P850, you can already experience a hassle-free stay with free dinner and breakfast. On the other hand, if you want to cook your own food, you may, at P550 only.

It is also perfect for team building activities because they can accommodate up to 30 guests.

The Camp Rules:

  1. CLAYGO (Clean As You Go) and observe cleanliness. Anyone caught throwing trash outside the trash bins/grabage cans will be charged P500.
  2. Ashtrays are provided for the smokers so please use them. Ask assistance from the staff if needed.
  3. Noise should be in moderation, hence speakers are not encouraged to be loud to pay respect to other campers.
  4. Going inside Cabanas you have not rented are not allowed.
  5. You are not allowed to smoke inside the cabanas.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Rates:

The Camp Brgy Bonbon Cebu (4)

Other information

How to get there?

Exact location: Sitio Bandila, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City — going uphill, 3 km away from main road and will pass through not-so-concrete roads. 45 minutes to 1 hour away from the city.

There is no public vehicle that can take you directly to the resort. These are your options:

BY CAR: You may need a private vehicle to get to the place. Then navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “The Camp by Cebu MTB Adventure”. Ample parking space is available.

BY MOTORBIKE: You may also opt to ride a habal-habal from JY Square. It will cost around ₱150-200 per person; each motorbike can accommodate up to 2pax. Make sure to negotiate first before riding.

RENT A VAN: For a hassle-free trip, rent a van at SquadPH Tours and Travels.

Proven and Tasted: Chicken Proven Street Food in Cebu

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When it comes to street food, Filipinos have no shortage of coming up with them.

Isaw, kwek-kwek, tempura, and many more, are certified taktak-pinoy that all of us seem to love. But there is one relatively new street food that has probably become everyone’s favorite as well – the chicken proven.

Chicken proven cebu (1)

Chicken proven is essentially from the proventriculus of a chicken. Yes, you’ve read it right proventriculus, thus the name “proven”.

This part of the chicken is located in its digestive system, near its gizzard and liver. It is usually marinated with spices first, then dipped in cornstarch or flour and finally, deep fried in cooking oil.

It is usually eaten with its tasty sauce, both spicy and sweet, or vinegar, then partnered with some poso or hanging rice. It is a very common street food and are usually bought from food stalls.

Chicken proven cebu (2)
Photo by Kirby Keith

It’s also quite a lifesaver to students and employees alike during tingbits season, because of its affordable price. Chicken proven stalls are all over the town, that’s why it remains really popular to everyone.

So, what are you waiting for? Satisfy your proven cravings with this tasty and phenomenal street food and surely, you’ll want more after that first bite!

LOOK: The dazzling Christmas displays in Centro, Mandaue City

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If you loved Danao City’s Christmas Village this year, I’m sure you will be amazed by the stunningly beautiful Christmas displays — one of the most outrageous I’ve seen in Cebu — at Centro in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Mandaue City, the first-class highly urbanized city in the island province of Cebu, takes pride for this year’s holiday celebration. I will just let the photos do the talking — and proving — from here.

Gato Island: A Breathtaking Scenery in Malapascua

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Diving is not everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to hobbies. But Gato Island’s deep water explorations might just change your mind.

Gato Island is basically a marine reserve, housing different magnificent sea creatures. These creatures include cuttlefishes, seahorses, moray eels, mackerels and many more.

While the island is primarily known as a diving site, it is also a famous sea snake sanctuary. More than that, the island proudly boasts its heavenly underwater rock formations and corals.

Though the island is tiny, it is considered a gem in the north that even non-divers can still appreciate through activities like island hopping. Tourists are always in awe upon witnessing various sharks such as cat and bamboo sharks.

Also, a huge cave awaits upon arrival on the island. Various animals are also present inside the cave, unbothered by human interference, perfectly preserving their ecosystem.

The island is very famous among tourists, whether local or international ones since it is always featured in many diving articles.

How To Get There?

Gato Island is usually included in island hopping tours alongside Kalanggaman Island, La Manok, and Malapascua Island.

For a hassle-free trip, it’s better to book a trip and hire an island hopping service agency in advance. You may contact ECebu Finest Island Hopping Tour Partners at 0916-557-7118.

DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY): From Cebu North Bus Terminal, take a ride to a bus bound to Daanbantayan, specifically in Maya Port. The trip is roughly around 4-5 hours. Upon arrival to the port, register to take a boat ride going to Malapascua Island. The first trip departs at 7 AM while the last trip is at 5 PM, though the locals will still consider faring beyond that time depending on the number of passengers. The boat ride is roughly around 30-45 minutes and upon arrival, the locals can be asked for further directions on how to get to Gato Island.

Fare Rates:

  • Bus Fare from Cebu to Daanbantayan: P160
  • Fare from Port to Daanbantayan Proper: P10
  • Fare from Daanbantayan to Maya Port: P10
  • Fare from Maya Port to Malapascua: P100

The island is indeed a sight to behold and through the locals’ efforts, the island is preserved and hopefully would stay that way for many generations to come.

Sticky Fingers: Moroccan vibes in Mactan

Morocco? This is in Mactan, Cebu.

Inspired by the vibrant country of Morocco in North Africa, Morocco’s sights and sounds are really captured all-in-one place in Lapu-Lapu City, at Sticky Fingers PH.

Sip on your favorite milktea flavor and lick your fingers after devouring their flavored fries while reading your favorite book. Chill and be cozy because the aura is beautifully calm enough for a breather from the bustling streets of the city.

We make sure to lay all cards on the table and Sticky Fingers PH make sure they do too! From chicken wings, rice bowls, up until their fries, prepare yourself for sticky fingers after a very delicious meal. They are definitely worth the finger-lickin’!

Sticky Fingers Morocco Cebu Mactan (1)

On your visit, we strongly suggest you be in your best Moroccan-inspired outfit because the place is also perfect for the ‘gram. Don’t forget to tag us, too!

All photos were grabbed with permission from the Sticker Fingers PH Facebook Page.

OTHER INFORMATION

  • Contact number: 0946-872-4966
  • Operating hours: 2PM to 10PM Tuesdays to Sundays (closed on Mondays)
  • Social: Facebook Page

How to get there?

Exact Location: 4320 Osmeña Street, Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City (fronting Insotec Computers) — 1-2 hours away from Cebu City, 30 minutes away from Mactan Airport.

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 JB Commercial near Star Oil and St. Peter Village.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: From Pier 3 in Cebu City, ride a ferry boat goig to Lapu-Lapu City for P14 per head. Then ride a multicab or jeepney going to Gaisano Cordova for P10 per head.

BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “JB Commercial” in Lapu-Lapu City. Limited parking space is available.

More photos

Cebuano athletes bag medals during 30th SEA Games

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Recently, talk about the 30th SEA Games being hosted in the Philippines made circles around the media. While there were some negative talks about it, it didn’t prevent our very own Filipinos from topping the list when it comes to the number of medals raked in, and a handful of Cebuanos had a fair share of contributing.

Skateboarding Competition

(Tagaytay International Convention Center)

Cebuano skateboarders Margielyn Didal and Daniel Lederman didn’t give their competition a chance by sweeping the gold, both in men’s and women’s division in the Game of Skate last December 5, Thursday.

Arnis Competition

(Angeles University Foundation in Angeles City, Pampanga)

Jude Oliver Marie Rodriguez bagged a silver medal during the arnis featherlight full contact live stick last Sunday, December 1.

STIX Arnis

Weightlifting Competition

Elreen Ann Ando also managed to secure a silver medal last Tuesday, December 3, in the 64-kilograms category. Lifting a total of 213 kilograms, Ando was just a kilogram shy from going home with the gold, which eventually went to Vietnam’s representative

Acons Ando

Women’s Polo Competition

California-based Hannah Marie Fonacier also contributed with a bronze medal for the women’s polo team that took place at the NCC Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac. Fonacier’s ancestry rooted from San Remigio, in the northern part of Cebu.

Women’s Rhythmic Gymnastics Hoop Event

Despite being a first-timer in the SEA Games, Cebauna Daniela Reggie de la Pisa bagged a gold medal and two bronzes in the gymnastics event.

More and more Filipino athletes are expected to end the sporting spectacle on a high note, as the 30th SEA Games will conclude on December 11, 2019. 

Miss Universe Philippines replaces Binibining Pilipinas for 2020

Change is coming for the Miss Universe Philippines pageantry for a whole new group will handle the franchise that will send the country’s representative in the succeeding years to come.

The independent organization, Miss Universe Philippines, will be led by a former Miss Universe Philippines herself, Miss Shamcey Supsup. MUP up till now was once part of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities. Inc.

The new Miss Universe Philippines Organization will be composed of:

  • Shamcey Supsup, National Director
  • Albert Andrada, Design Council Head
  • Jonas Gaffud, Creative Director
  • Lia Ramos, Head of Women Empowerment Committee and Charity
  • Atty. Nad Bronce, Head of Legal Affairs
  • Mario Garcia, Business Development/Marketing Head

It is also good to know that the MUP organization will be headed by someone who has experienced first-hand how it is to represent our country in the international stage, the struggles, the pressure, the hard work, the pride, and the strength of an empowered woman.

Hoping that the new MUP organization will take care of all the aspiring women and continue the streak of sharing the beauty of a Filipina inside and out to the Universe.

LOOK: Shining, shimmering Christmas Village in Danao City

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Christmas really is a big thing in the Philippines, most especially here in Cebu.

Most cities and municipalities have their own gimmick to celebrate and showcase their concepts and/or designs. And it doesn’t stop there, because each year, it gets better and grander.

Danao City is one of them. They have been known for their grand Christmas village at their renowned boardwalk. And this year’s showcase didn’t fail. We will just let these photos from John Montes do the talking.

Note: Access to the Christmas village is FREE.

How to get there?

Exact location: Danao City Board Walk in northern Cebu — approx. 1.5 hours away from the city.

If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just navigate with Waze and search for “Board Walk Danao City”. There’s an ample parking space available.

If you’re commuting, you have 2 options:
• V-HIRE: From SM City Cebu V-hire terminal, ride a V-Hire going to Gaisano Danao. Asked to be dropped off at the Boardwalk. Estimated fare is ₱50 per head.
• JEEP: From Cebu City near APM Mall / SM City Cebu, take #27 jeepney bound for Danao. Ask the driver to drop you off at Danao City Boardwalk.