One of the worst sides we are experiencing everyday in a booming city like Cebu is the worsening traffic and stressful environment. We all just want to take a break from the city’s hustles and bustles and the struggles we face each day.
One quick escape you can go to in Cebu City, that is only 20-30 minutes away from the city proper, is this new garden located in the uphill side of Cebu. Dr. Emilio Osmeña Botanical Garden has finally opened its doors to the public. It is the perfect place for your Instagram photos, or you can simply enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the flower blooms and the cool breeze.
James Gabriel Obligado James Gabriel Obligado
Facilities & Amenities
Rooms / sheds (but not ideal for overnight stays)
Swimming pool (up to 5ft only)
Botanical garden
Tables / cottages
Mountain slide
James Gabriel Obligado James Gabriel Obligado
James Gabriel Obligado
James Gabriel Obligado
Katie Perry
Katie Perry
Katie Perry
Katie Perry
Dianne Mavis
Dianne Mavis
Rates & Other Information
Details:
Operating hours: 24/7 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Entrance fee: ₱100 per head (24 hours)
Pyramid Sheds: ₱200 good for 2-3pax, but no fan and foam
Tables / Cottage: FREE for now
Corkage fee: FREE for now
How to get there?
Exact location: Tops Rd., Busay, Cebu City — steep road of Busay, in between Balay sa Busay restaurant and La Vie in the Sky / Tops Lookout.
BY CAR: (Best option) Just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for ‘Balay sa Busay’ in Cebu Transcentral Highway. The garden is located few meters after ‘Balay sa Busay’ restaurant and before Tops Lookout. Parking space is available.
BY COMMUTE: Hire a habal-habal driver (Motorcycle for hire) near JY Square Mall in Lahug, and inform him to drop you off at the said garden. Estimated fare is ₱75-100 per person (max of 2).
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.
BY CAR / VAN FOR RENT: For van or car rentals, or to book an uphill tour (9 destinations in 1 day for only ₱999 per person), book with our trusted travel partner SquadPH Tours and Travels.
The four pillars of a perfect staycation made even better by Solea Mactan Resort.
It speaks comfort and space. You will never bother or be bothered by anyone’s staycation because if Solea Mactan has something to brag, it is the space. The resort is very vast and open.
Solea Mactan sits on a 13-hectare property with over 300 rooms in 3 different buildings and 7 swimming pools + inflatable island. No wonder it is the top choice for family getaways, corporate affairs and team buildings, wedding receptions and other occasions.
Solea Mactan’s fresh contemporary aesthetics, from the amenities to the furniture, will surely invite you to give in to that pull of pampering.
One thing I can assure you of an overall
experience at Solea Mactan Resort is that – you’ll never run out of things to
do. Here’s a list of thing which is a must-try
upon visiting.
Largest Collection of Pools
Probably Solea’s best
assets are its pools. They have the largest collection of pools I have ever
seen and they are too beautiful. I really enjoyed drenching in each different kind of pool with
different ambiance. You just have
to pick and swim nonstop..
All-Day Dining Buffet
A feast, that is what
awaits you in their in-house Earth restaurant. They serve international and local cuisines from their
appetizers to desserts. For 1,400 pesos a table for two.
It is worth your every penny! They are so generous in providing different dishes in a very reasonable price. If you’re in Solea, dining here is a must to complete your experience. And a word of advice, never walk out of that door without trying their homemade ice cream. ;)
Daily International Breakfast Buffet: 6AM to 10AM
Lunch Buffet: 12NN to 2PM
Dinner Buffet: 6PM to 10PM
Daily Theme Buffet Rate: ₱1,400 nett good for 2pax
Dinner Buffet Themes:
Brazsean Monday: Brazilian and Southeast Asian Cuisin
Woks N’ Bowls Tuesday: Japanese and Chinese Cuisine
Smoky Friday: Smoked, Roasted, Grilled and Baked Dishes
Weekend BufFiest: Regional Flavours (Popular Filipino dishes in every corner)
Inflatable for the Kids & Kids-at-heart
Go as extreme as trying out their giant
inflatables. I thought doing
obstacles was
too
easy but it was both a heavy exercise and a fun adventure. It’s good to know
that there are lifeguards that act as guides to the obstacle. Overall, it was unforgettable and summer fun appropriate.
Outdoor Fun under the Sun
With its wide land area, Solea is really perfect for biking and hover-boarding. I enjoyed it a lot. Biking around the hotel vicinity then lounging in their game room after. It’s the perfect relaxing exercise we all deserve.
Indoor Play
Chill. Eat. Drink.
You can also book a spa, sight see or just do plain quiet walks. You can also do food tripping, or drinking and chilling at the rooftop bar. These and you can do a whole lot more! I’m telling you, you’ll never get bored.
It’s the perfect staycation setup.
Nouveau Spa
Nouveau Spa
Melt Restaurant
Melt Restaurant
Salt and Sky Rooftop
Salt and Sky Rooftop
OOTD Spots at Solea Mactan
More than just for staycation, Solea Mactan also has the perfect Instagram-worthy spots. Here are some recommended spots by the Sugbo Ambassadors:
You don’t have to worry if you’re on a tight budget because SOLEA MACTAN RESORT offers budget-friendly rates for your family and friends.
Day Use Rates
Day Use Package: ₱2,500 per head – inclusive of Lunch or Dinner Buffet from their very own Earth Restaurant that serves a variety of dishes from different countries. – FREE use of ALL swimming facilities including inflatable waterpark, free use of towels.
Day Use rate for kids 0-4 year old for FREE and 5-12 year old is 50% off making it 1,250 per head.
The milk tea craze is getting crazier. Sugar-loving Filipinos seem getting their milk tea fix every day, when it used to be just coffee and sweetened juices.
If you love milk tea, and fond of taking photos and stories on social media, this new milk tea shop in Carmen will surely please you.
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.
Though the space is relatively small, Specialtea feels cozy and comfortable with its Instagram-worthy interiors. Definitely a perfect spot to chill and hang out with friends, while enjoying your favorite milk tea.
Specialtea is open from 12NN to 10PM daily. It is located few meters at the back of Carmen Municipality Hall in Carmen, Cebu
Exact location: Few meters at the back of Carmen Municipality Hall in Carmen, Cebu — 2 hours away from Cebu City.
BY CAR: For convenience, drive your own vehicle and navigate via Waze. Just search for “Specialtea Carmen”.
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus going to Carmen. Inform the driver to drop you off at Carmen Municipality Hall. Bus fare is ₱40 per person. From there, you can walk a little further for 5 minutes (at the back of the Municipality Hall) and ask around.
BY VAN: You can ride a v-hire from SM City Van Terminal. Inform the driver to drop you off at Carmen Municipality Hall . Van fare is ₱50 per person. From there, you can walk a little further for 5 minutes (at the back of the Municipality Hall) and ask around.
Our mental wellness is as important as our physical one,
even more so at times. It is the one that leads our bodies and our life, that’s
why it is very important that we take care of it.
Such a delicate matter only deserves the utmost healthcare service. Cebu North General Hospital introduces the all-new Chemical Dependents Control and Rehabilitation Center (CDCare), the first private hospital-based CDCare in Visayas and Mindanao.
It is a unique specialty
hospital that provides treatment to chemical dependents
and with those who have dual diagnosis. They have comprehensive programs that focus
on the individual – a first for a private hospital in the region.
“Our programs are the main strength of this facility. We
have comprehensive, continuum, and individualized programs offered for the
patients. NorthGen CDCARe is also a DOH licensed and accredited rehabilitation
and DOH–accredited practitioner for chemical dependents rehabilitation”, Mr.
Delos Santos explained.
NorthGen highlights the importance of having that stress-free and healing environment, staying away from all the stressors and triggers. With well-rounded psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses, CDCare is a home for intended to reform drug offenders and members of the society that needs mental aid and care.
Gone are the days when travelers need to visit their local travel agent and spend much time waiting in queue. Today, booking online is a far easier option for travelers to purchase tickets. Introducing, the newest yet the best online booking system when traveling by boat, Barkota.com.
Traveling at your fingertips! Barkota.com is a convenient, one-stop shop online booking system for various shipping lines. This means, you don’t have to waste time to go to the ticketing office and wait in line.
Confirm and Pay! You can pay via Paypal (Credit Card), ML Epay, Online Banking (almost all banks), 7-Eleven, Over-the-Counter, and Dragonpay. …that’s it! Super convenient! For a more comprehensive guide, head on to this page.
Barkota.com does everything to make you feel safe when booking your sea travels online. They only book directly with the largest and renowned sea vessel companies across the country. All of them are ensured of a convenient and safe booking with Barkota.com.
If you are someone who would like to avoid the hassle of everything one has to go through before being able to book a ticket, you know where to go. Trust me, Barkota.com will offer services that value quality and your money.
Here are some travel destinations you can book via Barkota.com.
What are you waiting for? Well I am now off to my next dream destination. See you around!
With summer getting hotter each year because of several factors, most of us could think about escaping it by: (1) just staying at home with the aircon on full blast, (2) hitting the beach, and (3) going on a trip to the mountains of Cebu. But how does swimming in fresh cold spring waters sound to you? Yes, I want that too!
Beat the summer heat and swim in the cold waters without spending too much, at Kansanto Cold Spring in Badian of southern Cebu. Entrance fee is only ₱40 per head!
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Badian (Bato via Barili). Fare is ~₱125 per head. Inform the driver to drop you off at Badian Public Market or Merkado. From there, ride a motorbike (habal-habal) going to Kansanto Spring. Fare is ₱50 per person.
BY CAR: Just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Kansanto Spring Badian”. Parking space is available.
Score the greatest travel deals ever at the 6th International Travel Festival this July 12 to 14, 2019 at Ayala Center Cebu.
This year’s theme is very apt as it promises to showcase the best of the Philippines and the world with value laden tour packages, irresistible airfares, dreamy cruises and amazing hotel & resorts staycation packages — ALL WITHIN YOUR REACH!
Don’t miss this chance to book your dream destination and save big at the ITF 2019.
Situated on top of the mountainous Balamban, West 35 Eco Mountain Resort is a perfect venue if you’re looking for a rejuvenating and refreshing oasis from the hustle and bustle of city life. The resort is approximately 30km or an hour drive from Ayala Center Cebu – only a few meters away (walking distance) from the popular attractions in Balamban like Adventure Cafe, Buwakan ni Alejandra, and Florentino’s.
Photo by Aying SalupanPhoto by Aying Salupan
Apart from the picturesque 360-degree view of Balamban Mountains and the seaside of Tsuneishi, West 35 also boasts of lush vegetation, a wide variety of insects, birds and foliage endemic to Gaas, Balamban. Relaxing has never been this sheer bliss.
The resort grows its own organic vegetables, which is served in the restaurant. The resort also has a zipline, children’s playground, game room and function room.
Melvin Rey OrofeoMelvin Rey Orofeo
Photo by Melvin Rey Orofeo
Photo by Melvin Rey Orofeo
Haven Cafe & 360° Viewing Deck
John Ray Aligato
Photo by Aying SalupanPhoto by Aying Salupan
MENU:
Rooms
RATES:
Deluxe Room (Mint/Thyme) – P4,500 good for two (2) with complimentary breakfast for two. Maximum 2 extra persons allowed with extra charge
Group Room Ordinary (Sage/Ginger) – P4,500 good for six (6) with complimentary breakfast for six. Maximum 4 extra persons allowed with extra charge. 1 queen bed and 4 single beds
Group Room Special (Celery/Dill) – P5,000 good for six (6) with complimentary breakfast for six. Maximum 4 extra persons allowed with extra charge. 1 queen bed and 4 single beds. Celery has outdoor area and bonfire pit. Dill has balcony.
Group Room Deluxe (Cilantro) – P6,000 good for four (4) with complimentary breakfast for four. Maximum 4 extra persons allowed with extra charge. 4 single beds. With outdoor area and bonfire pit. Designed for PWD (bigger room with minibar)
Suite Room (Basil) – P6,000 good for two (2) with complimentary breakfast for two. Extra person not allowed. With outdoor jacuzzi and lounge
*Extra person is charged at P550 per head with breakfast and mattress.
ROOM INCLUSIONS:
Queen size bed/Twin size bed
Ceiling Fan
Flat Screen Cable TV
Private Bathroom with Indoor Jacuzzi
Sofa
Mini Refrigerator
Dresser/Closet
Deluxe Rooms: Thyme, Mint and Dill
Photo by Tam Mendoza
Photo by Tam Mendoza
Photo by Tam Mendoza
Photo by Tam Mendoza
Group Accommodation: Celery, Ginger & Sage
The Suite Room
Function Rooms
RATES:
Non Aircon – P2,000 net – 5 hours use of function room / Php 500.00 net on excess – Free electrical charge for bringing (1) one LCD projector – (1) one laptop
With Aircon – P4,000 net – 5 hours use of function room / Php 750.00 net in excess – With Flowing Coffee – Free electrical charge for bringing (1) one LCD projector – (1) one laptop – Can fit in up to 25-30 persons
Kids’ Playground
– FREE of use – Slides – Swings – Climbing / Wall Climbing – Mini Zipline
Exact location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu – approximately 30km or an hour drive from Ayala Center Cebu. Only a few meters away (walking distance) from the popular attractions in Balamban like Adventure Cafe, Buwakan ni Alejandra, and Florentino’s.
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 West 35 Eco Adventure Park (just a few meters ahead of Adventure Cafe).
PRIVATE: Parking space available. Just search for ‘West 35 Eco Adventure Park’ in Gaas Balamban, Transcentral Highway via Waze or Google Maps.
Did you know Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka is among the best in the world? Discover the varying yet distinct flavors and types of Ceylon Tea in the tropical island of Cebu, at Island Tea Co.
Sri Lanka is known for their best-tasting tea. It has all the favorable conditions that are critical for producing the unique taste, aroma and taste of Ceylon Tea, which is 100% grown and processed only in Sri Lanka under strict rules and restrictions governed by the tea board. Imagine, this special tea is actually being offered by Island Tea Co. in Cebu!
Sri Lanka’s Best Tea & Milk Tea
In our time today, tea has always been associated to milk tea when in reality, real tea gives you a lot of health benefits while milk tea brings risks due to the incredibly high numbers for sugar content if not drank moderately. Moreover, you can’t taste the “tea” anymore in most milk teas today.
Island Tea Co. wants to change that by providing you the best of both worlds — Sri Lanka’s best-tasting Ceylon Tea and the millennial favorite milk tea but without compromising the “real taste” of tea this time.
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.
Menu
Hand-picked range of the most sought-after Sri Lankan tea flavors from around the globe , Island Tea Co. offers trendsetting tea beverages, tea mocktails, tea shakes & tea smoothies along with a hand picked range of patisseries to compliment that perfect cup of tea.
Branches
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
Metro Manila’s famous Unlimited Samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ) restaurant with over 40 branches in Luzon recently opened its first branch in Cebu City!
Since it has opened in Cebu last January 2019, Samgyupsalamat has been the talk of the town and is now one of the favorite go-to Samgyeopsal restaurants in Cebu. No wonder until now, Cebuanos still patiently wait in the long queue that usually takes 1-2 hours during dinner.
Samgyupsalamat’s menu combines eat-all-you-can flavored pork and beef with 5 variants each, on top of the unlimited side dishes, rice and iced tea. All these are reasonably priced at ₱449 (pork) and ₱499 (pork + beef).
Menu:
Branches
The Ridges in Panagdait — near GAGFA / Sykes
Baseline Residences in Cebu City (near Mango Square)
James Town Mandaue (beside Rico’s Lechon, across Parkmall)
Exact location: The Ridges, Panagdait, F. Cabahug, Cebu City — near Sykes Panagdait.
BY JEEPNEY: The only jeepney passing through Panagdait is 03A from Carbon / Colon / Mabolo (PLDT Mabolo, across Landers Superstore). Drop off at The Ridges, near Sykes.
BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Samgyupsalamat Cebu”. Ample parking space is available.
