Bargaining at Taboan

Who says “Taboan” is just for the common tao? Maybe before but today Taboan is one of the most visited market in Cebu City by tourists and locals alike. It is famous for their “danggit buwad” or dried danggit and other special delicacies. It offers variety of dried fish and cured seafood stuff like “nukos” (dried squid), “hebi” (dried shrimps) etc. Dried fruits like the best-selling dried mangoes are also available in Taboan. Don’t worry your wallet will not get dry in there since their price is very reasonable, especially if you buy in bulk. Just don’t forget to demonstrate your bargaining strategy and you’ll get the best deal of the day.

Old Cebu

Evidence of old Cebu is predominantly present in the “carbon area” from Greco-Gothic architecture to old churches and century-old fort. You might not notice it in the front view but when you’re seeing it on top of a building numerous old structure are very apparent. Here are some photos I have taken on the top floor of MCWD building except for the Basilica del Sto. Nino.

Magellan's Cross

It took me 20 years to realize that Magellan’s cross located in front of Cebu City Hall is not the actual cross although it really stands to where it is situated right now. What you are seeing is actually just the replica of such cross since the original cross is protected by the government from people who are chipping it believing it has healing power. But some people just can't give up the faith that easy they still regularly visit the cross praying, asking for healing. Some consider it as an altar while other dropped by lighting some candles. Some might still even think it's the genuine cross. Whether it’s original or not I still believes it has power to remind us of Cebu’s historic glorious past.

Misilak na'ng Adlaw

The sun brilliantly scattered its light painting the sky indigo red as we get nearer the port area when someone at my back saying in an undertone voice “misilak ng adlaw”. I was reminded of a new start after my Lola died few weeks ago. The sun shines again after darkness struck my life. The sea was calm and the melancholy of the sky vanished. And after I set foot I look back and remember her death once more and leave it behind. The sun rises, so shall I.

Holyweek Alta Vista Pardo Way

Okay, holy week is coming to town, again. Usual stuffs are rushing in from beach vacation to mountain isolation. Some just spend it watching tv while other chooses to reflect. But I prefer going to the beach and spend worthwhile time with some friends. After all it’s the only time your boss forced to give you some break unless you’re working in a callcenter.

Cebu has a lot to offer for Holy-Week bakasyunistas, from beaches to old churches, mountain resorts and a lot more. Cebuano’s has religiously preserved Holy Week traditions so even if you're spending your time in some part of the city it will still be a pleasurable divine experience. But if you want your once in a lifetime 5-day off heavenly affordable and gratifyingly sacred I suggest you try visit Alta Vista Golf and Country Club absolutely for free*, located in Pardo, Cebu and experience quite time with God on a higher level.


*surcharge will apply for using club/resort ammenities like swimming pool, etc..

Rock Climbing at Lutupan

We get there never thought the place was very isolated. Isolated enough that I'm deafened by the silence of muted surrounding. The Barangay is walled by these majestic rocky mountains with sunset copper sky as the backdrop. Consist of rocky hillside perfect for rock climbing afficionado.

Rediscovering Fort San Pedro

Fort San Pedro is a military defense structure built by Spanish for protection against violent sieges during the 1500's. Located at the heart of the city, Fort San Pedro is usually most tourists first itinerary. Entrance fee cost P15.oo ($.35). A small portion of the Fort was made into a museum which houses, Spanish legacies, preserved artifacts, documents written in Spanish, paintings, sculptures and a lot more. Nowadays Fort San Pedro is popular for wedding pictorials, tourists and dayschool fieldtrips. It has a restaurant in it and souvenir kiosk.