Longing
for that botanical view but hate the long que or the crowd that comes with the
deal? A place to enjoy and find your inner self? Or perhaps a perfect place for
that prenup photoshoot? Rejoice! We might have the place just for you.
A lot of flower gardens have opened their doors to the public ever since Sirao became a big hit to the Cebuanos. Who would’ve thought the Cebuanos to be the type to enjoy the refreshing smell and beauty of these so-called flower gardens? Flower gardens also have now become a favorite option for different photoshoots such as weddings, debut, prenup shoot and others.
Opened to public last February 28 2019, the Don Meon Garden is located at Sitio Camandricacawan, Brgy. Adlaon Cebu. It is one of Cebu’s newest garden attraction, a welcome addition to Cebu’s ever-growing collection of must-see sights and scenery.
The place offers a vibrant view and a change of scenery especially for those in need of inspiration. It offers a hint of creativity and optimism. If you wish so badly for that quick getaway or a change of view this place is certainly a must go. It is not only relaxing and beautiful but also is a place of sanctuary especially for those whose individualism are shown by the photos they take.
May it be a view taken from a drone or a simple hand held camera to a smartphone, this place will certainly not disappoint.
Reminders:
Don Meon Garden is newly opened flower
garden and will maybe not be as comparable to other flower gardens in Cebu.
Always keep an open mind and do not let your expectations ruin the experience
for you
Respect the place. Be mindful of where
you step. DO NOT RUIN THE FLOWERS.
STRICTLY clean as you go if you do
decide to bring food or eat there.
Only take photos in the areas approved
by the management.
Rates & Other Information
Entrance Fee: ₱50 per head
Operating hours: 8:30AM to 6:30PM daily
Corkage Fee: None; they also have a canteen inside.
Overnight: NO Overnight accommodations
Contact Number: 0919-610-6845 / 0915-867-0988
How to get there?
Exact Location: Sitio Camandricacawan, Brgy. Adlaon, Cebu City — uphill travel going to Busay / Sirao. 20-30 minutes away from the main road.
BY JEEPNEY: Ride any jeepney going to Pit-os. You can ride a 62B jeepney from Cebu City (Ayala Center Cebu Terminal). Tell the driver that you are heading to Don Meon Garden in Sitio Camandricacawan. Fare is ₱100 per head (one-way).
BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Adlaon Cebu City”. Then ask around where you can find “Sitio Camandricacawan” or Don Meon Garden.
Want to make your life more rewarding? Cebu takes pride in the new dental-related school in Mandaue City offering 6 months ONLY of study, and work right after!
Accepting high school graduates, college level, or other individuals who wish to enter the dental health care, the Philippine Dental Assisting Training School (PDATSI) has just opened its doors to the new dental assistant course.
To meet the qualifications for an administrative assistant in today’s dental practice, current dental secretaries and new applicants could acquire dental assisting and business like skills through a training program.
The Philippine Dental Assisting Training School, Inc. understands the importance of oral health literacy which starts from our very own dental health care assistants. Geared on post-secondary education program, our school curriculum has been designed not only to teach and nurture aspiring dental health care personnel to be efficient, but to enhance the knowledge and skills of our current dental staff.
With
the corporate vision of building Character, Competence and Commitment to work,
the Philippine Dental Assisting Training School, Inc. is committed to lead the
development of multi-skilled and professional dental assisting graduates in
just 1040 hours (6 months). Guaranteed work for graduates on the 7th
month.
There’s literally no chill at this restobar’s unlimited offer!
If you love to eat, a lot, this is one of the best eat-all-you-can deals you can find in the city. Chili’n Resto Bar will surely pique your interest as it offers unlimited pizza, shrimps, sizzling sisig, and chicken wings for only 280 pesos! Need we say more?
Exact location: MJ Cuenco alongside opening road of South Road Properties (SRP) — behind KKD STK+BBQ Restaurant, right across Malacanang sa Sugbo or Plaza Independencia.
BY JEEPNEY: Ride any jeepney going to Plaza Independencia, or MyBus from SM City Cebu (going to Talisay). Drop off at the nearest point from the SRP’s opening road. Walk heading to KKD restaurant, across Malacanang sa Sugbo.
BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Chillin Resto Bar Cebu”. Parking space is available.
This is it! This is the time to have that craving satisfied, the time to binge eat literally!
Mako Barato Meals is offering UNLI Everything! For only 199249₱299, you won’t ever have to stop and calculate if you can still afford another serving.
Everything that we want, they’ve got it. It’s like a collection of all UNLI food in Cebu. Trying to choose between meat and sea food? Say no more. This is all in!
Exact location: MJ Cuenco alongside opening road of South Road Properties (SRP) — behind KKD STK+BBQ Restaurant, right across Malacanang sa Sugbo or Plaza Independencia.
BY JEEPNEY: Ride any jeepney going to Plaza Independencia, or MyBus from SM City Cebu (going to Talisay). Drop off at the nearest point from the SRP’s opening road. Walk heading to KKD restaurant, across Malacanang sa Sugbo.
BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Mako Barato Meals”. Parking space is available.
The long wait is over! IL CORSO CEBU opens its doors as the newest lifestyle mall at the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City.
IL Corso, a 10-hectare al fresco and waterfront mall, is a redefined lifestyle destination for shopping, dining and recreation by the sea. It is integrated in Cebu’s largest master-planned coastal township, the 50-hectare City di Mare by Filinvest Land Inc. — the biggest and most expensive project in the South Road Properties.
Photo by Caloy Ramirez
Only the front facade of Il Corso has opened for now. Aside from the four (4) state-of-the-art cinemas, these are the brands or mall tenants opening later this year:
Gusto Mare Restaurant (already open)
Parilya Restaurant (already open)
Dolce Milano
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Power Mac Center
Dunkin Donuts
Chikaan Restaurant
360 Pharmacy
Dessert Factory
Ace Hardware
How to get there?
Exact location: City de Mare, South Road Properties, Cebu City.
BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Il Corso Lifestyle Mall”. Estimated fare is ₱150-200 from SM City Cebu.
BY MYBUS: MyBus buses are now passing to and from three different stops within City di Mare and Il Corso. Residents and passengers within the City di Mare are able to go to as far as Talisay City in the south and up north until the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
Bus fares are similar to other stops and range between P25 to P40.
Below are the MyBus schedule for Il Corso / City de Mare:
Shape into these 8 most popular fitness gyms in Metro Cebu.
Have you noticed? People are busier than ever. Between work or academics, rest and the occasional travel, there’s hardly enough time to do anything else even the very essential exercise.
Stress and unhealthy diet are the main reasons why the body slowly get damaged and gets weaker and soon an imbalance of weight might occur. Going to the gym regularly may be difficult to achieve but it is not impossible. We should take care of our bodies as we will use them for the entirety of our lives.
If you’re one of the billion people out there who needs either to lose or to gain weight, or just want to stay fit and healthy, these popular fitness gyms in Metro Cebu will help you get in shape and totally fit in no time.
1. Anytime Fitness Cebu
The gym that promises convenience because of its growing locations worldwide and access to the gym 24/7, community because of the extra support you get, care because of their staff, and Great Coaches because they don’t only offer facilities and equipment to a healthier you.
Monthly rate: ₱2,000 – 2,500 per month (rate may very depending on the contract duration)
Inclusions:
Access to the gym 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7)
Access to ALL Anytime Fitness studios worldwide.
Zumba, Yoga, Boxing, Kickboxing, Functional Training, Pilates, Body Beats and TRX. No additional fee to join any of these.
Personal trainers and locker are also provided separately.
Operating hours: Open 24 hours (daily)
Cebu Branches or Studios:
Cebu Business Park
2/F Skyrise Alpha (near Lexmark and Ayala Center Cebu)
F45 Training is one of the newest techniques leaving competition and clients gasping for air. The “F” stands for “Functional” training whilst the “45” stands for the total time of each session – 45 minutes. It combines elements of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Circuit Training, and Functional Training.
Monthly rate: ₱3,000 – 3,500 per month (rate may very depending on the contract duration)
Inclusions:
No joining fee
2-3 experienced coaches per session with no extra fee. Including consultations.
Pop-up special classes are provided.
Over 27 programs that are always evolving and never the same.
Fixed, 45-min duration of workouts exist to provide a timing structure to maximize growth and progress.
Operating hours: 7AM to 9PM daily — group classes are based on schedule and bookings via the F45 app.
Known to many
because of our boxing champ, ALA Boxing and Fitness Gym has friendly trainers –
always looking out to help without being intrusive. But, if you’re really up
more for the boxing training, you don’t have to look further, that’s their
specialty.
Regular rates:
Walk-ins: ₱250 per sessions
10 Sessions: ₱2,000
12 Sessions: ₱2,250
15 Sessions: ₱2,600
3 Months (Unlimited Sessions): ₱6,750
6 Months (Unlimited Sessions): ₱12,750
1 Year (Unlimited Sessions): ₱24,000
Operating hours: 7AM to 9PM daily
Cebu Branches or Studios:
2/F Banilad Town Center – (032) 416-2011
South IT Building, Arcenas Estate Labangon, Cebu City – (032) 401-0634
2/F Parkmall, Mandaue City, Cebu – (032) 328-3835
4. Gold’s Gym Cebu
Whether you may be a pro or amateur in the field of fitness, Gold’s Gym can cater to your needs. Having been in the business for a long time, they can commit to helping you become healthy so you can live a quality life. Be strong with Gold’s.
Monthly rate: ₱1,500 – 2,000 per month (rate may very depending on the contract duration)
Inclusions:
Free use of sauna, shower rooms, and lockers.
Access to Gold’s Gym branches nationwide.
Operating hours: 6AM to 12MN daily
Cebu Branches or Studios:
4/F Ayala Center Cebu – (032) 319-0509
3/F JCentre Mall in Mandaue City – 0923-405-9211
5. Fitness Nation Cebu
Claiming to be
one of the best gym facilities in Cebu, Fitness Nation do not only offer
fitness exercises. They also offer group exercises for Zumba, Yoga, Lesmills,
H.I.I.T, BodyCombat, Hip-Hop, and Latin dance. Furthermore, they have
lengthened their offerings with Cardio, Machines, TRX, Functional training
area, Boxing, KickBoxing, Muay Thai, Sauna, and even Personal Training.
Monthly rate: ₱3,500-3,700 per month
Inclusions:
Unlimited access to a spacious High-end 900sqm GYM, with GROUP EXERCISES (50+ classes per Week – Zumba, Yoga, Spin Bikes and Hit), Machines, Cardio, TRX, Boxing, Body combat, Dance Classes and Crossfit. Free Weights, Aircons, Sauna, Hot Showers, Healthy Bar, and Parking space.
Plus, a free professional trainer that will guide along the session.
Branch: Streetscape, Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Road, Banilad, Cebu City.
6. CrossFit Subtero
This gym does
not only offer fitness training, they also offer CrossFit, Yoga, Olympic
Weightlifting, and Calisthenics. So, get ready to tear down the obstacles of
your mind and body. Scared? Don’t be. Be Excited.
Branch: Mantawi International Road, Mandaue City (near Harrison Park Mandaue)
7. CitiGym
Dedicated to improve the health and wellness of every individual, CitiGym also offers unlimited use of swimming pool, use of sauna and steam room, hot and cold showers, fitness boxing, group exercises, and even free towels if you become one of their Annual Elite members.
Monthly rate: ₱2,500 – 3,000 per month (rate may very depending on the contract duration)
Inclusions:
Free use of sauna, shower rooms, and lockers.
24-hour access to the gym.
Operating hours: 24/7
Contact number: (032) 232-6888 local 8941
Location: Lower G/F, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino
8. Holiday Gym & Spa Cebu
Monthly rate: ₱2,500 – 3,000 per month (rate may very depending on the contract duration)
Inclusions:
Unlimited workout & use of swimming pool, jogging track & wall-climbing facilities.
Unlimited attendance to all group exercise classes.
Easy access to personal training or swimming lessons.
Free use of sauna, shower, & locker facilities (bring your own towel & lock – Open as you go)
Free 3 Personal Training Sessions upon signing up.
Discount on spa services (for members 3 mos. & above only)
Discount on major services at Elements Salon (for members 3 mos. & above only)
Free workout at HGS-Davao (limited number of days only
Free days or weeks for every new referral enrolled.
Operating hours: 6AM to 10PM daily
Contact number: (032) 232 4828
Location: Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, Banilad, Cebu City (near Cebu Country Club).
Need a quick break but don’t want to travel too far? Brgy. Guba’s newest attraction is the place to be!
Descansohan Ni Onyol, which means “Onyol’s place to relax” in English, highlights their refreshing lush green scenery and cool breeze of nature while providing Instagrammable spots to make the most out of your visit. It is the perfect place for picnics, relaxation and selfies.
Exact location: Brgy. Guba, Cebu City — 20 minutes away from the main road.
BY PUBLIC COMMUTE: Ride any jeepney going to Talamban via Pit-os. Or, 62B or 62C jeepney from Cebu City. Drop off at the Flying V gasoline station in Pit-os where you can find many habal-habal. From there, ride a habal-habal going to Descansohan Ni Onyol in Brgy. Guba — fare is ₱60 per head (one-way).
BY CAR: Just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Descansohan Ni Onyol”. Parking space is available.
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.
