CATMON, CEBU — Deep in the uplands of this northern Cebu town lies Ka-Tinggo Falls, a quiet, scenic falls that has yet to draw large tourist crowds. Its turquoise pool, shaded by a dense canopy of tropical foliage, offers both a refreshing swim and a peaceful escape from urban life.
A Place to Slow Down
Photo from Benchazmary Gonzalez
Local guides describe the falls as “peaceful” compared to Cebu’s more famous waterfalls. The clear mountain water drops gently into a basin deep enough for swimming, while nearby rocks and shaded patches provide ideal picnic spots. The sound of the falling water and the rustle of surrounding leaves create a natural backdrop for relaxation.
Visitor Essentials
Photo from Benchazmary Gonzalez
Ka-Tinggo Falls is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance is free, but visitors are encouraged to follow “leave no trace” principles. The best time to visit is weekday mornings, when the site is quietest. The Catmon Municipal Tourism Office advises checking weather conditions before traveling, as the trail can become slippery after rain.
How to Get There
• By Car: Navigate Ka-Tinggo Falls via Waze or GoogleMap.
• By Commute: From Cebu City’s North Bus Terminal, board a northbound bus to Catmon (₱50–₱70, 1.5–2 hours). From the drop-off point, hire a motorcycle taxi to the falls (₱100–₱150).
Photo from Benchazmary Gonzalez
Ka-Tinggo Falls is proof that some of Cebu’s most rewarding destinations are found away from the usual tourist circuits. With its combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and calm atmosphere, it offers a retreat that feels both intimate and untouched.
In Barangay Guinsay, Danao City, the Durano Foundation Complex has long been a beacon of faith and artistry in Northern Cebu. It has welcomed pilgrims, tourists, and curious travelers with its peaceful walkways, life-size biblical tableaus, and the quiet dignity of its church and surrounding grounds.
Once in Its Full Glory
Photo from Taner Von
Years ago, the complex was a place where every detail shone. The Stations of the Cross were vibrant and meticulously kept, their glass-covered huts inviting visitors to pause and pray. The busts of saints and popes lined the walkways like guardians of the faithful. At the heart of it all, the grand dome crowned with Jesus carrying the cross offered a peek inside at the intricate Last Supper scene, a highlight for many who came to reflect or simply admire the artistry.
The Passing of Time
Photo from Taner Von
Today, traces of time can be seen. Weeds peek through once-pristine paths, and a few tableaus now bear the gentle wear of the years. The dome’s doors are closed, shielding the Last Supper from public view. Yet despite these changes, the place has not lost its soul. The stillness remains, the faith endures, and the artistry continues to inspire awe in those who visit.
Essence of Its PresenceÂ
Photo from Taner Von
The Durano Foundation Complex is more than just a destination, it is a piece of Cebu’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Its sculptures, structures, and grounds tell stories of devotion and community. Visitors hold on to the hope that one day the site will be restored to its former brilliance, allowing future generations to experience the same wonder it once freely shared.
How To Get There?
Location: Barangay Guinsay, Danao City, Cebu, Philippines
By Car: From Cebu City, drive north along the Cebu North Road, passing Mandaue, Liloan, and Compostela until you reach Danao City, Barangay Guinsay sits along the highway, with landmarks like Guinsay Barangay Hall and Guinsay Elementary School easily visible from the road.
By Commute: From Cebu City, head to the Cebu North Bus Terminal in Mandaue and look for buses or modern jeepneys bound for Danao City, routes usually pass through Liloan and Compostela. Tell the driver or conductor you’re getting off at Barangay Guinsay. The trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic, and the fare ranges from ₱50 to ₱70. Once in Guinsay, you’ll spot landmarks like Guinsay Barangay Hall and Guinsay Elementary School right along the national highway, making it easy to know when to get off.
Once, Eli Rock stood like a sentinel over the highway, its limestone curve embracing the coastal road into Boljoon. Locals called it the “Southern Bend,” and travelers slowed down just to take in its raw, untouched beauty. It wasn’t just a landmark, it was a part of the town’s identity.
When the Crown Was Taken
Photo from archive
Heavy equipment climbed its slopes. For safety, they said, to stop rocks from falling during landslides. The work went on for months, cutting into the peak. What took nature centuries to form was reshaped in a single season.
The New Ili Rock
Photo from archive
Now, the crown is gone, replaced with a viewing deck. The climb to the top is 136 steps under the open sun, but the reward is a view that takes your breath away, the glimmering poblacion, the endless blue sea, and on clear days, the faint shapes of Bohol and Siquijor. Soon, there will be telescopes, a zip-line, and maybe even a lighthouse.
Beauty, But Different
Photo from archive
Tourists love it. Photos of the new deck fill social media, and local businesses see hope in the visitors it brings. But for some, the joy is mixed with sadness. The view is still beautiful, but the silhouette of Eli Rock, the one etched in memory, is gone forever.
How To Get There?
By Car: From Cebu City, drive south via Natalio Bacalso Avenue (Cebu South Road) passing through Talisay, Minglanilla, San Fernando, Carcar, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, and Alcoy until you reach Boljoon, Eli Rock is along the highway near the town proper, easily spotted as a massive cliff by the roadside overlooking the sea.
By Commute: From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Oslob or Santander and tell the conductor to drop you off at Eli Rock in Boljoon, it’s right along the highway, a few minutes before reaching the town proper.
Photo from archive
Standing at the top, the wind on your face, the sea stretching beyond sight, you can’t help but wonder, when we change nature to enjoy it more, do we love it… or do we lose it?
In the quiet town of Tabuelan, Cebu, far from the usual beach destinations and busy city scenes, lies a refreshing roadside gem many travelers miss, Gumbang Spring. This spot is a testament to nature’s quiet charm and the community’s effort to preserve it.
No Entrance Fee, Just Pure Nature
Photo from Ai Cinco
One of its most attractive features? Zero entrance fee. Gumbang Spring is accessible to anyone looking to cool off or make a spontaneous roadside stop. The spring flows into a modest concrete pool, filled with crystal clear waters straight from nature’s underground source. Though small in size, the pool’s charm lies in its refreshing coldness, a perfect escape from the heat.
Good For a Quick Dip
Photo from Ai Cinco
If you’re heading north or planning a coastal road trip in Cebu, Gumbang Spring is the perfect pit stop, ideal for a quick dip, a cool-down moment, or even just to soak in the fresh rural air. It’s simple, serene, and unspoiled by crowds or commercialization.
How To Get There?
Location: Gumbang Spring, Tabuelan, Cebu
By Car: Drive north from Cebu City, Tabuelan–San Remigio Road (N820). Follow this route for about 1.5 to 2 hours, passing through Tabuelan town proper. The spring is located along the highway near the poblacion, just watch for a small concrete pool by the roadside.
By Commute: To get to Gumbang Spring via commute, take a van or bus from Cebu North Bus Terminal bound for Tabuelan or San Remigio. Ask the driver to drop you off at Brgy. Bongon, near the spring. The cold spring is located just along the highway, a short walk from the road, no need to hike.
Photo from Ai Cinco
So next time you find yourself in Tabuelan, skip the usual. Take the road less traveled, pull over, and dive into the cool waters of Gumbang Spring. Nature doesn’t always need to be grand, sometimes, it just needs to be real.
High above the town of Sibonga, Kang Lucas Peak waits for anyone ready to climb and see the world from a different view. Sitting on Mt. Binabag in Upper Sayao, this peak gives you fresh air, wide open skies, and a feeling that you’re far away from all the noise.
The Climb Up
Photo from archive
The path to Kang Lucas Peak is a bit steep and rocky, so be ready for a short challenge. But with each step, the view gets better. When you reach the top, you can see the coastline, nearby mountains, and on some mornings, a sea of clouds below your feet.
Stay for the Stars
Photo from archive
You can visit for the day or camp overnight. Entrance is ₱20, and camping is ₱150 per tent as of writing. At night, the mountain is quiet, the air is cool, and the sky is full of stars, the kind you don’t see in the city.
By Car: Navigate Kang Lucas Peak via Waze or GoogleMap
By Commute: From Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound to Sibonga and ask the driver to drop you off at Sayao. Ride a habal-habal (Motorbike Taxi) to the jump off point of Mt. Binabag.
Photo from archive
The mountain is beautiful because people take care of it. Bring your trash back down and leave the place as clean as you found it. Kang Lucas Peak is a simple place where you can slow down, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the view.
There’s a quiet revolution happening in the queen city of the south, and it has four paws, a wagging tail, and a whole lot of charm. Cebu City is proudly the only city in the Philippines actively implementing the CNVR program, that’s Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return, for stray dogs.
Photo from Unsplash
This forward-thinking initiative is changing the way people and “aspins” live together, creating a model where compassion and coexistence thrive side by side.
Aspin Ambassadors in the City
Photo from Unsplash
Take a stroll through Cebu Business Park or IT Park, and you’ll meet some of the city’s most beloved residents. These aspins roam freely, not as nuisances, but as part of the community fabric. Office workers know them by face, some even by name. Locals leave out food and water bowls. And visitors? They can’t help but snap a photo or two.
Healthy, Happy, and Home
Photo from Unsplash
Through the CNVR program, these dogs are sterilized to control population growth, vaccinated to prevent disease, and monitored to ensure they stay healthy. No more dangerous, outdated “catch and kill” methods, just a sustainable, humane approach that keeps tails wagging and streets safer.
Photo from Unsplash
The results speak for themselves, a healthier, more stable stray population, minimal public health risks, and a city that shows the rest of the country how it’s done.
A Blueprint for the Future
Photo from Unsplash
Cebu City’s approach is more than just animal control, it’s a celebration of the bond between humans and dogs. By treating aspins as part of the community rather than a problem to be solved, the city is proving that kindness works.
Maybe it’s time other Philippine cities take a page from Cebu’s playbook, because here, compassion and community truly go hand in paw.
If you think the best views in Cebu require hours of hiking, Kakognan Peak is here to prove you wrong. Just a quick 10–15-minute ride from Barili’s town proper, this highland beauty is in Brgy. Lupo offers panoramas, fresh mountain air, and that rare kind of peace you don’t have to fight for.
Nature’s Balcony
Photo from archive
From its vantage point, Kakognan Peak opens up to views of rolling hills, scattered farmlands, and the endless stretch of blue sky. There’s no concrete path or commercial setup here, just raw, unpolished beauty that makes you feel like the world slowed down just for you.
Free, Fresh, and Full of Life
Photo from archive
No entrance fees. No vendors. No noise, except the wind and maybe a bird or two. The climb is easy, perfect for families, casual adventurers, or anyone needing a quick breather from town life.
Travel Tip
Photo from archive
Pack some snacks, bring a mat, and go early or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. And of course, follow the golden rule of the outdoors: take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.
How To Get There?
Location: Kakognan Peak, Brgy. Lupo, Barili, Cebu
By Car: From Cebu City, drive south via the Cebu South Road passing through Carcar City, then continue toward Barili town proper; from there, head to Brgy. Lupo and follow local roads for about 10–15 minutes until you reach Kakognan Peak.
By Commute: From Cebu City, take a bus or van bound for Barili at the South Bus Terminal, alight at Barili town proper, then hire a habal-habal (motorbike) to Brgy. Lupo, where Kakognan Peak is just a short 10–15 minute ride away.
From the capital of Northern Cebu to the nature-rich heart of Puerto Princesa, Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) has marked another milestone in its dynamic expansion across the Visayas and Mindanao. The leading developer has broken ground for two major residential projects within days of each other, Tower 5 of Casa Mira Towers Palawan and North Grove at Pristina Town in Cebu City.
These simultaneous launches are more than construction starts. They are statements of intent. They signal CLI’s strengthened foothold in both established and emerging markets, its readiness to meet real housing demand, and its commitment to creating developments with long-term value for end-users and investors alike.
“Our projects in Puerto Princesa and Cebu reflect CLI’s commitment to delivering thoughtfully-designed and high quality homes for individuals and families who need a place to call their own,” said Jose Soberano III, CLI Chairman & CEO. “Beyond that, we aim to offer compelling opportunities for investors.”
Casa Mira Towers Palawan: A First in Palawan for Vertical Living
CLI’s three billion and eight-hundred thousand pesos Casa Mira Towers Palawan is the company’s first-ever venture in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and a bold introduction to modern vertical living for the city.
Spanning 2.09 hectares in Barangay San Pedro, the development is strategically located just minutes from the airport and city center. But it doesn’t trade nature for convenience. Instead, 60% of the site is dedicated to open space, lush greenery, and resort-style amenities, creating a nature-integrated community that fits seamlessly into Palawan’s environment.
The groundbreaking of Tower 5 came with a significant reveal: the final two towers of the seven-tower development are now underway, adding 567 more units. Studio and one-bedroom layouts range from 20 to 32 sqm, with select units featuring balconies offering panoramic views of the province’s scenic landscape.
Amenities elevate the project beyond its price point: a clubhouse, pools, gym, roof gardens, sky lounge, play area, retail zone, chapel, and even an EV charging station, a rare feature in its segment.
The expansion into two additional towers is a direct response to strong market demand from both end-users and investors. With its balance of accessibility, modern features, and nature-rich surroundings, Casa Mira Towers Palawan is positioned as not only a place to live, but also a smart investment in one of the country’s fastest-growing cities and tourism hubs.
North Grove at Pristina Town: Elevated Garden-Inspired Living in Northern Cebu
Back in Cebu, CLI broke ground on North Grove at Pristina Town, the first residential phase of its newest, sustainably planned township in Bacayan. This five billion and four-hundred thousand pesos upper mid-market project is being developed through Cebu Homegrown Developers, Inc., CLI’s joint venture with Ixidor Holdings.
The 7.2-hectare Pristina Town is envisioned as a landmark address in Northern Cebu. North Grove is its first step, and it’s a bold one.
The development will feature two distinct towers:
• Lumina Tower — 386 garden-inspired studio and one-bedroom units (24–35 sqm) with full-height windows that flood interiors with natural light. Amenities include expansive green spaces, a zen garden, sky lounge, game room, fitness gym, lounge, and multipurpose deck.
• Terra Tower — Studio units (23–25 sqm) designed with forest tones and surrounded by pocket gardens and wellness-focused spaces, complemented by a multipurpose deck and fitness facilities.
North Grove’s defining feature is its central podium, an 1,800 sqm supermarket plus nearly 2,000 sqm of leasable retail and dining space, bringing everyday convenience and lifestyle experiences within steps of home.
Scaling VisMin Presence with Inclusive and Sustainable Growth
For CLI, these two groundbreakings are part of a much bigger picture.
“These developments are part of our initiative to address the significant housing backlog in the Philippines by building accessible, value-driven communities that meet real demand and foster inclusive, sustainable growth,” Soberano said.
The Casa Mira brand now spans 18 projects across the Visayas and Mindanao, delivering nearly 20,000 vertical and horizontal housing units. With North Grove, CLI extends its reach into the upper mid-market while maintaining its core commitment to inclusivity and local insight.
The five billion and four-hundred thousand pesos North Grove is the first residential project in CLI’s newest township, Pristina Town. The development is an upper mid-market community featuring green spaces, sustainable features, lifestyle amenities, and a central podium with retail and dining options located in one of Cebu’s most notable addresses.
Photo from Cebu Landmasters Inc.Photo from Cebu Landmasters Inc.
CLI breaks ground on the five billion and four-hundred thousand pesos North Grove, the pioneering residential development in its newest township, Pristina Town, an upper mid-market community with green spaces, sustainable features, lifestyle amenities, and a central podium offering retail and dining in a prime Cebu location. In the photo are (L-R): Mark Leo Chang, CLI VP for Special Projects & External Affairs; Engr. Jose Rolando Dimatulac, CLI VP for Engineering; Janella Mae Wu, CLI VP for Corporate Communications, Premier Marketing, Customer Relations & Accounts Management; Sylvan John Monzon, CLI FVP for Business Development; Ar. Francis Erico Rodriguez, CLI AVP for Technical Planning & Design; Engr. Ma. Sheila Uy, Vineyard Construction Chief Operating Officer; Engr. Ramonsito Uy, Vineyard Construction Chief Executive Officer; Jose Franco Soberano, CLI SEVP & Chief Operating Officer; Hon. Nestor Archival, Sr., Cebu City Mayor; Jose Soberano III, CLI Chairman & Chief Executive Officer; Ma. Rosario Soberano, CLI SEVP & Treasurer; and Hon. Alvin Arcilla, Cebu City Councilor.
Photo from Cebu Landmasters Inc.
The three billion and eight-hundred thousand pesos seven-tower Casa Mira Towers Palawan is a nature-integrated development that blends resort-style living with urban convenience in one of Palawan’s fastest-growing hubs, Puerto Princesa.
Photo from Cebu Landmasters Inc.
CLI breaks ground on Tower 5 of the three billion and eight-hundred thousand pesos Casa Mira Towers Palawan, its first-ever project in Puerto Princesa under its flagship economic housing brand, Casa Mira. In the photo are (L-R): Engr. Jose Rolando Dimatulac, CLI VP for Engineering; Jose Franco Soberano, CLI SEVP & COO; Hon. Lucilo R. Bayron, Puerto Princesa City Mayor; Jose R. Soberano III, Chairman & CEO; Ma. Rosario Soberano, CLI SEVP & Treasurer; Eric Gregor Tan, VP for Business Development Luzon; Engr. Nemecio Jardeleza, Chairman of Jits Construction Corp.; and Engr. Enjee Jardeleza, President of Jits Construction Corp.
With shovels in the ground in both Palawan and Cebu, CLI is not just building structures, it is building momentum. These back-to-back milestones show a company that understands where the market is headed and is ready to meet it head-on, whether in an emerging tourism hub or a thriving urban corridor. From its Casa Mira economic housing brand to upper mid-market communities like North Grove, CLI is proving that sustainable growth, strategic foresight, and local insight can transform landscapes and lives across the Visayas and Mindanao. As both developments rise, so does CLI’s promise: to deliver homes and communities that stand the test of time, anchored in quality, accessibility, and a vision for a better future.
Cebu is more than just beaches, lechon, and city life, it’s a living canvas.
From intimate university galleries to globally recognized art spaces, the Queen City of the South offers creative hubs where artists, thinkers, and curious visitors meet. Here’s your guide to some of Cebu’s most compelling art spaces.
Photo from Jose T. Joya Gallery
Qube Gallery
Photo from Qube Gallery
Since opening in 2013, Qube Gallery has quietly but become a cornerstone of Cebu’s contemporary art scene. It began as an independent space for experimentation, nurturing works that were still in progress, yet full of promise and curiosity.
Photo from Qube Gallery
Now in its twelfth year, Qube has refined its curatorial vision, working with a focused roster of artists whose practices reflect both technical mastery and conceptual depth. Representation here is long-term and collaborative, built on trust and dialogue.
How To Get There?
Location: Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City
By Car: Navigate Qube Gallery via Waze or GoogleMap.
By Commute: Take a jeepney bound to Banilad and get off crossroads, then walk to Qube Gallery.
Jose T. Joya Gallery
Photo from Jose T. Joya Gallery
The Jose T. Joya Gallery, run by the Fine Arts Program of UP Cebu, is a breeding ground for new talent. Entirely student-managed, it fosters collaboration between the academe, local artists, and the public.
Photo from Jose T. Joya Gallery
Beyond being an exhibition space, the gallery functions as an academic hub, hosting research projects, talks, and workshops on art history, criticism, and curatorial studies. It’s a place where emerging artists can test boundaries, experiment with new mediums, and find their voice in Cebu’s growing art scene.
How To Get There?
Location: 2nd Floor, Undergraduate Building, UP Cebu, Gorordo Ave.
By Car: Navigate UP Cebu via Waze or GoogleMap
By Commute: Ride any jeepney going to UP Cebu, the gallery is located at the 2nd floor, Undergraduate building, UP Cebu, Gorordo Ave.
Photo from Jose T. Joya Gallery
ArtCebu
ArtCebu isn’t just a gallery,it’s a movement to put Cebu art on the world map. Through exhibitions, cultural events, and workshops, the organization promotes education, appreciation, and global awareness of local artistry.
Photo from Global Art Cebu
Since its founding, ArtCebu has hosted art appreciation workshops, collaborated on poetry readings, organized outreach projects, and launched an online portal that connects Cebuano artists to the world.
Photo from Global Art Cebu
Follow their events via artcebu.com
National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu
Photo from archive
A stunning heritage building reborn as a cultural powerhouse, the National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu houses exhibits on archaeology, fine arts, and ethnography. Here, history and art converge, offering visitors both aesthetic delight and a deep sense of place.
Photo from archive
How To Get There?
Location: Plaza Independencia, Cebu City
By Car: Navigate National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu via Waze or GoogleMap
By Commute: Ride a jeepney to Plaza Independencia or ride a MyBus and tell the driver to drop you off at National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu.
Cebu City Museum – Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission
Photo from Cebu City Museum
Once the provincial jail, Museo Sugbo now serves as Cebu’s central museum, managed by the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission. Its galleries trace the city’s journey from pre-colonial times to the present, showcasing artifacts, artworks, and cultural treasures that define Cebuano identity.
Photo from Cebu City Museum
How To Get There?
Location: Museo Sugbo, M.J. Cuenco Ave., Cebu City
By Car: Navigate Cebu City Museum via Waze or GoogleMap.
By Commute: From Cebu City, ride a jeepney bound Osemena Blvd. Ask the driver to drop you off at Cebu City Museum, the museum is just along the side walk.
Photo from Cebu City Museum
From contemporary visions to heritage treasures, Cebu’s art spaces invite you to slow down, look closer, and join the conversation. Whether you’re stepping into the minimalist halls of Qube, the vibrant energy of a student-run gallery, or the historic walls of the National Museum, you’ll find that Cebu’s creative spirit is very much alive, and it’s only getting stronger.
Earn a chance to win a house and lot and three brand-new motorcycles through TEC Fuel Anniversary Raffle. For most motorists, fueling up is just a pit stop before getting back on the road. But this year, that pit stop could be the key to life-changing rewards.
This year’s rewards are bigger than ever. One point is equal to four liters and once you collect ten points on your VIP card, you automatically earn one raffle entry. The more points you earn, the more entries you collect, which means more chances of bringing home exciting prizes. One brand-new house and lot in Casa Mira South Naga, as well as two Yamaha Mio I125 and one Yamaha NMAX with ABS motorcycle could be yours to win! Imagine driving away not just with a full tank, but with the keys to a new ride, or even a new home.
Photo from TEC Fuel
Why Customers Already Feel Like Winners
Photo from TEC Fuel
Raffle aside, motorists know that fueling at TEC Fuel is always a win. With an average fueling time of just two to three minutes, drivers spend less time waiting at the pump and more time where they need to be. Time saved aside, the TEC Fuel VIP Card already rewards you with ₱0.25 off per liter plus points that lead not only to raffle entries but also to even more discounts. Every visit becomes a stress-free, comfortable experience; the facilities are even spotless, including the restrooms.
Sulit Service, Day and Night
Photo from TEC Fuel
Affordability has always been at the heart of TEC Fuel’s promise. It maintains competitive prices, ensuring accessibility for customers. At the same time, it remains committed to delivering premium service without compromising on quality.
This balanced approach guarantees that every customer experiences true value and satisfaction with every visit. Whether you’re driving through Consolacion, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Bogo, San Remigio, or Tayud, there’s a TEC Fuel branch ready to serve you, open 24/7 to keep your journey smooth and worry-free.
A Celebration for Every Motorist
Photo from TEC Fuel
The anniversary raffle is more than just a promo; it’s TEC Fuel’s way of giving back to community. Every tank filled brings you closer not just to your destination but also to the possibility of winning a prize that could change your life.
Your Next Stop Could Be a Winning One
Photo from TEC Fuel
So the next time you’re on the road, remember that with TEC Fuel, every stop means speedy, sakto, and sulit service. And with every 10 points on your VIP Card, you move closer to winning a brand-new motorcycle, or even a house and lot.
Seven years strong, TEC Fuel continues to prove that every stop is worth it. And this year, your stop could be the winning one.
