Vacationing at a beach resort is the perfect way to unwind and pamper yourself — and you don’t necessary have to venture far from home to find one. Some of Cebu’s best resorts can be found in the north. Enjoy spa services, great food dining, and a range of outdoor recreational activities in some of the most beautiful parts of Mactan.
If you’re planning a relaxing getaway, keep in mind this beautiful Japanese-owned resort, the Aozora Seaside Mactan. AOZORA is a Japanese word which means “blue sky” — literally describing the overlooking view you can see when relaxing from the resort’s Jacuzzi pools.
Restaurant
The Rooms
Deluxe King Bed Room
– Good for 2pax with breakfast
– 1 King size bed
– Room facilities: Balcony / Air condition / TV / small refrigerator / Cloth rack / Shower room with Bathtub / table&chair / sofa / safety box / hair dryer / electric kettle
– Room amenities: bath towels / shampoo / soap / tooth brush / room slipper / 2 bottle water / coffee set
– P3,850 /night
Standard Queen bed Room
– Good for 2pax with breakfast
– 1 Queen size bed
– Room facilities: Balcony / Air condition / TV / small refrigerator / Cloth rack / Shower room / safety box / hair dryer / electric kettle
– Room amenities: bath towels / shampoo / soap / tooth brush / room slipper / 2 bottle water / coffee set
– P3,360 /night
Standard Twin bed Room
– Good for 2pax with breakfast
– 2 semi double size bed
– Room facilities: Balcony / Air condition / TV / small refrigerator / Cloth rack / Shower room / safety box / hair dryer / electric kettle
– Room amenities: bath towels / shampoo / soap / tooth brush / room slipper / 2 bottle water / coffee set
– P3,360 /night
CONDITIONS:
– Check-in: 2PM; Check-out: 12NN the next day
– All children are welcome.
– One child under 6 years is charged PHP 400 per night when using existing beds.
– Any additional older children or adults are charged PHP 1000 per night for extra beds.
– The maximum number of extra beds in a room is 1.
– Any type of extra bed is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
– Pets are not allowed.
– All rooms Non-smoking.
Rates & Other information
ENTRANCE FEE is P400 per head — inclusive of access to 4 Jacuzzi pools and the beach.
Watersports & Amenities:
• Jetski – P 2,200 for 30 min / P4,000 for 45 min
• Parasailing – P2,450 for 15 min
• Wake Boarding – P3,000 for 30 min
• Banana Boat – P1,450 for 15min, good for 8pax
OTHER INFORMATION
Walk-ins are allowed. But it’s recommended to have a booking first before going to the resort.
Exact location: Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu — approx. 20mins away from Mactan Airport, and 1-1.5 hour away from Cebu City.
Exact location: Mactan Newtown Beach, Lapu-Lapu City — approx. 45 mins to 1 hour from Cebu City.
Bringing your own vehicle is recommended. There’s an ample parking space available.
The easiest way to commute is to ride a taxi/Grab/Uber. If you’re from Cebu City, the payment will be around 150 to 200 pesos only (good for 4pax). But if you want to ride a jeepney, look for jeepneys that are headed to Punta Engaño from Hi-way Mandaue. Then tell the driver to drop you 88 meters or 1 minute pass Be Resorts Mactan.
Admit it. The city life can be a lot stressful at times, especially if your job entails you to work longer hours or your school works just seem to never end, sacrificing your social life more often than not. With this, it becomes a trouble finding time to have a good rest, and get away from the hustles and bustles. And when we finally get the chance to, we usually don’t have enough time to spare to leave the country orsoomewhere too far away.
If you need a quick getaway from the busy city life, head over to this new beach resort in Dalaguete called The Beachhouse. Only 2-3 hours away from Cebu City, the Beachhouse is your little paradise with over-the-top house facilities to de-stress and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.
Photo by Brenth Blake Breah
Photo by Jessie Villordon
The place is perfect for just about everything. One can stay there alone and write or think about life and all, or be it a family bonding, team-building, romantic getaways, events, or plain relaxation and a perfect place to stay down south.
The management got it all covered. They’re attentive to your needs and will definitely make your stay worth it. They have clean swimming pool for you to enjoy, the sweet serenity of the view of the beach: sea kissing the sky, stars that come out at night, lying down the beach bed with the breeze and fresh air touching your skin, the calm in the night that brings in peace to a wandering soul, and the privilege to party with great music and booze when you prefer to — awesome.
The Rooms
✓ Beachfront view
✓ Air-conditioned
✓ Non-smoking Room good for 4pax
✓ 1 king size bed
✓ 2 single beds
✓ 50 inches tv
✓ Mini bar
✓ Complimentary biscuits, coffee, tea
✓ Free use of all facilities in the resort (pool, pingpong table, snorkeling gears)
✓ With safety deposit box
The Food
Their food ranges from P300-550 per plate excluding drinks. They guarantee good food and quality service.
They have an inhouse chef who can cook whatever the guests want depending on the availability of the ingredients in the market. They serve fresh food.
Rates & Other information
As of September 2018, they have 3 executive rooms:
Executive room: P4,300 /night good for 4pax or P3,300 /night good for 2pax
*Additional P500 per extra bed
OTHER INFORMATION
Walk-ins are not allowed. Make sure to book first before going to the resort.
Corkage: Outside food and drinks are STRICTLY NOT allowed. They have a chef who can cook anything you want; you can also request any food or drinks.
Online booking:AirBnB — register first on AirBnB then search for “The Beachhouse in Dalaguete” to book online.
Exact location: National Hway, Balud, Dalaguete, Cebu — 2-3 hours away from Cebu City.
It’s recommended to bring your own vehicle for convenience. You may navigate via Waze and search for “The Beachhouse” in Dalaguete.
If you opt to commute, just ride a bus going to Dalaguete from the South Bus Terminal. The resort is not yet popular among bus drivers, so just inform the driver to drop you off 300 meters past Ocean Bay Resort in Dalaguete. Or better navigate via Waze while on your way.
Many Filipinos are getting into Korean dining and this is quite evident in Cebu’s vibrant dining scene with so many Korean restaurants popping up. While most we know offer grill-all-you-can services, there are also some that offer authentic Korean dishes — but most of them are a bit expensive. Sure it’s worth the money, but there are ordinary days when we just want to satisfy our cravings and love for Korean food.
Lo and behold! We found a Korean food shop that has been sitting in the corner for quite some time now, the Koreanderia Cupbop that offers one of the most affordable Korean food in the metro. And the taste will surely not fail you!
Photo by Czarinah Ming
Photo by Czarinah Ming
John Cliford Tio
John Cliford Tio
John Cliford Tio
Photo by Czarinah Ming
Photo by Czarinah Ming
Photo by Czarinah Ming
Samgyupsal Cupbob, Tuna Kimbap, Tteokbokki, and Dakgangjeong are said to be the best-sellers.
Other information
• Seating capacity: 20 to 30 people
• Operating hours: 10AM to 9PM, Mondays to Sundays
• Contact information: 0942 592 2988 / Facebook Page
How to get there?
• Exact location: Kiosk #1 Parkway Foodstrip, F. Ramos St., Cebu City — between the Velez College and Raintree Mall (right across Wealth Bank).
If you’re bring your own vehicle, you can simply navigate via Waze and search for “Koreanderia Cupbop”.
If commuting, ride a jeep going to Ramos or Velez College — 14D if coming from Ayala Center or 04C if coming from USC Main / UV Main. Just tell the driver to drop you off at Velez College.
There could only be two reasons why you’ve landed on this page – either you’re running out of ideas to surprise your date for Valentines or you’re searching for one thing that could knock your date’s socks off. Either way, you’ve reached the perfect destination for we’re unveiling 8 perfect date destinations on Valentines in Cebu. Just read on because we are in for some serious romantic training.
1. MARCO POLO BLU BAR AND GRILL
People think it’s pricey forgetting that when you’re willing to spend, go all out and spend on quality on every aspect.
They say that “from twilight to moonlight at a thousand feet high,” make evening in Cebu on Valentines a special celebration with the Philippines’ superb entrees and dessert at Marco Polo Blu Bar and Grill.
• Contact Number: +63 (32) 253 1111
• Location: Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Apas
Cebu City, 6000, Philippines
• How to get there: They have a shuttle bus. Drop off and pick up points are indicated at: http://www.marcopoloplazacebu.com/frequently-asked-questions/cebu-travel-tips-faq-questions-at-the-marco-polo-plaza-hotel-cebu.html
2. DELICE RECIPES
It’s always great to be in a place where we get to appreciate our surroundings as much as we appreciate the taste of the cuisine on our tables and Delice Recipes is the answer.
As said; “Delice Recipes is probably one of the most (if not the most) romantic place to enjoy the great scenery and munch on delectable food while on a date.”
• Contact Number: +63 906 4258799
• Location: Upper Veteran’s Drive, Barangay Busay, Cebu City
• How to get there: Just follow the road to Tops and before you arrive at the Tops, you will see a signage at the right Delice Recipes.
3. BALAY SA BUSAY
There are a lot of things to do in Cebu. You can swim in the beach, you can chase waterfalls or you can have a glamping trip. Or you can feel at home and dine and enjoy the picturesque view at Balay sa Busay. It is where you experience the tastiest modern Filipino food while enjoying the unobstructed, magnificent view of Cebu.
Balay sa Busay is the newest mountain-top restaurant in Cebu and we just love everything about it.
Paboritong Sisig ni Lolo
Stone-pot Pochero Rice
Paella-inspired Pinakbet Rice
Pancit-Batil-Patong
Adobong Binisaya ni Bebe
Operating hours: 11AM to 11PM, Mondays to Sundays
WiFi: Yes
Contact number: (032) 354 7169
Social:Facebook Page
– Open for reservations / bookings for exclusive events or private parties. They also have a function room that can accommodate up to 40pax.
How to get there?
Exact location: Brgy. Busay, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City — along the road on the way to the popular Tops Lookout (20-30 minutes drive from JY Square Mall in Lahug, Cebu City)
BY CAR: (Best option) Parking space available. Just search for ‘Balay sa Busay’ or ‘Tops Lookout’ in Cebu Transcentral Highway via Waze or Google Maps. ‘Balay sa Busay’ restaurant is located beside Cabanas.
BY HABAL-HABAL: Hire a habal-habal driver (Motorcycle for hire) near JY Square Mall in Lahug, and inform him to drop you off at the said restaurant or at Tops Lookout. Estimated fare is P100 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.
4. HIGHLIGHTS LOUNGE
If you’re up for a panoramic view of the city while sitting on a comfortable couch, HIghlights Lounge is the best place for you.
Located at the roofdeck of the Harold’s Hotel, the place is very much accessible to everyone.
Munch on a fusion of Asian and international dishes that’s guaranteed to impress your taste buds.
My personal favorite should be included and hey! They surely don’t disappoint.
Situated at the roof deck of Apple One Tower in Cebu Business Park in front of Ayala Center, Blue Elephant offers an indoor VIP Lounge or an Al Fresco dining for you to dine under the night sky.
They serve sumptuous Asian and exotic food perfect for those who love adventure.
• Contact numbers: 09228797955 / 5117600
• Location: 19th floor AppleOne Equicom Tower, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
6. CIRCA 1900
SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES
If you want to be reminded of the old colonial Philippines, this is where you should be.
Should you wish to imagine eating with Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara, Circa 1900 will take you back through time. But not only do they have a great ambiance, they will also please your stomachs with their Asian and American dishes.
Who would ask for a more unforgettable dining experience than the one on top of the mountain with a panoramic view, romantic breezy ambiance and finger-licking good food? We want it.
Top of Cebu, a Filipino restaurant owned by the Pages Group Holdings (who also owns Lantaw, House of Lechon, among others), has been serving its customers for over a year now with tasty Filipino dishes with a modern twist while giving them an amazing panoramic view overlooking the city’s skyline.
Salted Egg Calamares
Pancit de Cebu
Mango Kani Salad
Grilled Shrimp Salad
USDA Beef Short Plate
Pika-Pika: Filipino Native Delicacies
Operating hours: 11AM to 11PM, Mondays to Sundays
Contact number: (032) 515-0718
Social:Facebook Page
– Open for reservations / bookings for exclusive events or private parties.
How to get there?
Exact location: Brgy. Busay, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City – just beside the popular Tops Lookout (20-30 minutes drive from JY Square Mall in Lahug, Cebu City)
BY CAR: (Best option) Spacious parking space available. Just search for ‘Top of Cebu’ or ‘Tops Lookout’ in Cebu Transcentral Highway via Waze or Google Maps. ‘Tops of Cebu’ restaurant is located just beside the popular Tops Lookout.
BY MOTORBIKE: Hire a habal-habal driver (Motorcycle for hire) near JY Square Mall in Lahug, and inform him to drop you off at the said restaurant or at Tops Lookout. Estimated fare is P50 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 GRAB: In most cases, this is not possible. But you may opt to rent a car via SquadPH Tours and Travels.
8. SOUTH ROAD PROPERTIES (SRP)
Kasadya sa SRP
Compania Maritima
SM Seaside City
SM Seaside City
SM Seaside City
If you’re on a tight budget but wouldn’t let it hinder you from spending a romantic night, SRP could be the best place for you.
Others find it surprising how you get to find a place where you can just sit and just spend time with your loved ones in this busy city with SRP.
If you want to just relax and munch on your packed sandwiches while looking out to the horizon, drive your way down to SRP.
Trust me if I tell you that wherever you may be on Valentines as long as you get to spend it with the one/s you love, that’s definitely going to be a great Valentines date.
Things are getting more interesting in Cebu. With the seaplane service launched recently to shorten travel trips to Bantayan or Camotes, there’s another mode of transportation to look forward to. This new Sea Transport Service called the WaterBus will soon operate in the Queen City of the South.
Maxboat Marine, the builder of the Waterbus, aims to help the Cebuanos pass through traffic by cruising from coast to coast around Cebu. It will be operated by the Seals Group of Companies – a renowned shipmanagement company in Cebu.
It offers boat rides from Cebu City to neighboring cities or towns including Talisay City to Minglanilla and Naga City, Dalaguete, Oslob and Santander. Then routes going North bound include Liloan, Danao City, Bogo City, among others.
Each WaterBus can accommodate 50-70 people onboard per trip with an estimated fare ranging from ₱150 to ₱180 per person.
The 1st unit of the Cebu WaterBus is said to start sailing by July 2018 August 2018, with routes going to/from South.
Photo from Maxboat FB Page
CEBU WATERBUS UPDATES
SEPTEMBER 9, 2018
• Cebu’s FIRST Waterbus will only be available for special trips anytime between Sept. 10-16. Its new target date for public use is on the 4th week of October 2018 with 2 WaterBuses operating. Estimated fare is ₱150 to ₱180.
JULY 18, 2018
There will be a delay on the start date of operations for the Cebu WaterBus. It might be moved to the 1st week of August this year. The delay is said to be because of:
• Permits were not yet approved.
• Finalizing the ports for berthing (loading/unloading of passengers)
There will be 2 pioneering waterbuses during launch, targeting to operate 10-20 waterbuses within the year.
JUNE 30, 2018
The Cebu Waterbus will start operations on July 18 (target date)! Oslob, Santander to Cebu City SRP (vice versa) will only take 1 hour and 30 min. Oslob, Santander to Cebu City SRP (vice versa) will only take 1 hour and 30 min. Port in SRP will be at the back of Malacañang sa Sugbo.
Make sure to bookmark this page or save the link. This post will be regularly updated.
The 14th day of February is just around the corner. Better not panic love birds, still plenty of time to make a dash into these accessible and wonderful flower shops in the city. From the tried and tested bouquet of flowers to the more creative approach in the celebration of love in Valentines, this will definitely help you out.
Here are some of the most popular flower shops/places in the metro. Guess which topped our list? Read ’til the end.
They
are Philippines’ #1 Online Flower Store and
they recently expanded to Cebu. You can send elegant bouquets from only P399
including FREE Same Day Delivery.
Order online (Free Same-Day Delivery in Metro Cebu)
Shop location: Borromeo Plaza II, A. Borromeo St, Cebu City, Cebu
Operating hours: 24 hour online store, deliveries from 10am to 7pm.
They can have every flower setup designed, requested or decided by the customer for it to be personally unique.
Shop locations: – G/F Manros Plaza, Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City – Rustan’s Supermarket, B1 New Wing, Ayala Center Cebu – Upper G/F, Mountain Wing, SM Seaside City – G/F Banilad Town Center
Located at one of the buzz center of the city makes it ideal and easier. It showcases a vast array of different flowers in different stylish arrangements.
The home of the most accessible and affordable and which has the biggest collection of flowers. Countless of flower shops lined up at your service.
TIP: You can start looking at Freedom Park near USJR Main Campus in Carbon. From there, you can already ask around where you can find other flower shops nearby. There is a lot, and a lot cheaper than the stores mentioned here.
Samboan is a town in Southern Cebu well-known for its waterfalls — Dao Falls, Aguinid Falls, Hidden Falls, among others — and its marine sanctuary. Besides these natural attractions, there’s one interesting garden resort that you will surely love — the Fantasy Lodge, a haven of peace between beach and mountain that will offer you an unforgettable stay.
Quick Tour
Photo by Al Lopez Quiamco
Photo by Al Lopez Quiamco
Photo by Al Lopez Quiamco
THE ROOMS
Standard Room (non-AC) – Good for 2pax – Queen bed – Bath – Wireless Internet – P2,530 /night
Standard Family Room (non-AC) – Good for 4pax – 2 Single Beds – Queen bed – Wireless Internet – P2,945 /night
Standard Family Room – Good for 4pax – 2 Single Beds – Queen bed – Air-conditioning – Wireless Internet – P3,530 /night
Superior Couple – Good for 2pax – Queen bed – Wireless Internet – Air-conditioning – Balcony – Room Safe – P3,680 /night
Deluxe Honeymoon Suite – Good for 2pax – Sea View – BalconyKing Bed – Overlooking Views – Mini Fridge – Room Safe – P4,120 /night
Superior Family Room – Good for 4pax – 2 Single Beds – Queen bed – Room Safe – Air-conditioning – Balcony – Wireless Internet – P4,830 /night
Deluxe Bungalow with Sea View – Good for 2pax – Outdoor Setting – Room Safe – Sea View – Air-conditioning – Balcony – Jacuzzi – King Bed – Overlooking Views – Mini Fridge – P5,750 /night
Other information
FEES:
Entrance fee (Day Use): ₱200 per head (waived when you use some of their services like eating in their restaurant and having a spa treatment)
Exact location: Barangay Dalahican, Samboan, Cebu – approx. 3 hours away from Cebu City. The resort is located just along the highway.
If you’re driving your own vehicle or renting a car, just navigate via Waze and search for “Fantasy Lodge”. There’s an ample parking space available.
When commuting, from the South Bus Terminal near Emall, ride a bus ging Samboan. Inform the driver or conductor to drop you off at Fantasy Lodge in Samboan. Fare is P213.
If you are looking to spend your pre-summer getaway somewhere you have never been before, there’s one new resort in Aloguinsan I know you will surely love.
Nestled on top of the mountainous part of Aloguinsan, Curbada dela Maria Resort recently attracted thousands of excited Cebuanos after teasing its aerial shot on Facebook. It features a big swimming pool, a kiddie pool and playground, a bonfire place, and colorful, vibrant cottages and rooms.
Quick Tour
THE ROOMS
• ROOM 1 (5 rooms available)
– Airconditioned – Good for 2 pax – P1,500 per night; P1,000 for non-aircon
• ROOM 2 (3 rooms available)
– Airconditioned – Good for 4 pax – P2,500 per night
• ROOM 3 (4 rooms available)
– Airconditioned – Good for 6 pax – P3,500 per night
RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION
ROOM RATES:
Entrance fees: P150 per adult; P100 per kid 10 y/o and below
ROOM RATES:
P3,500 – Good for 6 persons (Air-conditioned)
P2,500 – Good for 4 persons (Air-conditioned)
P1,500 – Good for 2 persons (Air-conditioned)
P1,000 – Good for 2 person (Non-aircon)
RENTAL FEES:
Tables and Chairs – P250 (1 table, 4 chairs)
Gazebo – P600 (1 table, 6 chairs)
Gazebo Espacio – P2,500 (3 tables, 18 chairs)
Videoke Room – P200 (1 hour)
OTHER FEES:
Playground for kids – P50 /head
Bonfire Place – FREE
Marshmallow Set with sticks – P100
No corkage fee for Food and Drinks except for Liquor — there’s a restaurant in the resort
Exact location: Kawasan, Aloguinsan, Cebu — 1 hour and 30 minutes drive away from Cebu City.
If you are driving your own vehicle or renting one, take the Carcar-Inayawan road beside Gaisano Grand Carcar — 20-30 minutes travel from there. You can navigate the resort via Waze, just search for “Curbada dela Maria”.
From the South Bus Terminal, ride a JRK bus or any bus with Carcar-Aloguinsan route. Fare is only P60/person for aircon and P50 non-aircon. The landmark is Gaisano Grand Carcar, from there, you will arrive in the resort in 20-30 minutes. The resort is located just along the road. You may also navigate via Waze to be sure.
We, Cebuanos, are well known for having a good appetite. When it comes to good food or diner, there’s really no saying “no” to it. Eat-all-you-can’s, buffets, boodle fights — name it, we got it.
It is inevitably true that when it comes to diners, there are really lots we can choose from. However, when it comes to finding good restaurants with amazing view or scenery, it’s not really that easy to find.
Good food and good view don’t always come together. Checking out for places to go on that romantic night out? Or maybe a nice view to enjoy with your barkada? We got you. Sit back as Sugbo saves the day with this list of restaurants with amazing views that will definitely blow your mind.
Known For: Romantic setting with a mountain and city view
Operating hours: 11AM to 11PM, Mondays to Sundays
Contact numbers: (032) 515-0718
Location: Brgy. Busay, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City – just beside the popular Tops Lookout (20-30 minutes drive from JY Square Mall in Lahug, Cebu City)
Top of Cebu Menu:
8. La Vie in the Sky
Cuisine: French
Known For: French winery with a romantic setting with a mountain and city view
Operating hours: 7AM to 2AM daily (Mondays to Sundays)
Contact numbers: (032) 260-4388 / (032) 505-0274
Location: Brgy. Busay, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City — along the road on the way to the popular Tops Lookout (20-30 minutes drive from JY Square Mall in Lahug, Cebu City)
Anything else we might have missed? Feel free to add up your own suggestions in the comment box below as well. What are you waiting for? Enjoy!
If you are itching to hit the beach that is just accessible from Metro Cebu while not worrying about the cleanliness and safety of the place, the Mactan Newtown Beach is the perfect choice for you. Formerly Portofino Beach Resort, there’s not much noticeable changes here despite the new management under Megaworld Corporation. But what we loved about Portofino can still be seen here — colorful cottages and clean beach.
Exact location: Mactan Newtown Beach, Lapu-Lapu City — approx. 45 mins to 1 hour from Cebu City.
Bringing your own vehicle is recommended. There’s an ample parking space available.
The easiest way to commute is to ride a taxi/Grab/Uber. If you’re from Cebu City, the payment will be around 150 to 200 pesos only (good for 4pax). But if you want to ride a jeepney, look for jeepneys that are headed to Soong from Parkmall or Hi-way Mandaue. Then tell the driver to drop you at Barangay Angasil going to Mactan Newtown Beach. From there, hire a motorycle (habal-habal) to bring you to the resort.
