Most of us are aware of the promos offered by Cebu Pacific. I once booked a flight (going to Cebu) last 2010 but due to some uncontrollable situation, I was not able to go on with the trip. So last July when I saw an opportunity to go to Cebu, I scheduled a flight with Marco.
We also decided to avail the service of Green Earth Travel and Tours (GETT). The package includes hotel accommodation (with breakfast) for 2 days, car rental and city tour (with tour guide).
All set. Around 4:00PM last Dec.7 we are headed to NAIA Terminal 3. Both of us are first-timers of airplane travel. We're both excited and nervous. We decided to just wait for our boarding time near the gate assigned to our flight. After we take-off I concluded that it is just an ordinary travel and there's no reason to become worried. We arrive at Mactan International Airport pass 10 in the evening. A car arranged by GETT was there waiting for us. So I will jump to our first day!
Around 8 in the morning, Ma'am Jiji (Tour guide) is there. First stop: Taoist Temple. We have to climb 81 steps, which represents the 81 chapters of Taoism.
Coco and I wearing shirt of our favorite PBA teams: SanMig Coffee Mixers and Petron Blaze Boosters
We are allowed to take pictures aside from the temples. They also prohibit taking pictures with the temple as the background.
Replica of the Great Wall of China
Then we visit a store where we bought Sugbu Otap. Sugbu is the old name of Cebu according to Ma'am Jiji. They have a free taste of their product and it's different from what we can buy at Manila (Naks! Manila hehe). And of course Cebu is also known for dried mangoes. Although we can buy at any Supermarket and even convenience store, it is still different if it came from Cebu (and also it is cheaper). We go to Cebu Best Pasalubong and aside from dried mangoes, we also bought TaMango candy (Combination of Tamarind and Mango).
Sugbu Otap
Cebu Best Pasalubong ATBP
Then there is the Cebu Heritage Monument where you can see the different people, places and events that complete the history of the province. There is the late President Osmeña, St. Pedro Calungsod, Ferdinand Magellan, Lapu-Lapu, Sto.Niño.
Gallon
Then we passed by Yap-San Diego Ancestral House and Casa Gorordo. Next stop: Fort San Pedro. It's like Fort Santiago because of the stone walls.
Fort San Pedro
And of course, trip to Cebu will not be complete without a visit to Magellan's Cross. The guide told us that the real cross was enclosed in this cross because early Filipinos get part of the cross as a fetish.
Magellan's Cross
Near the Magellan's cross is the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino.
Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino
Then it's time to complete the Pasalubong. Tabuan Market is where we bought danggit (dried fish).
Danggit of different variants
We go back to the hotel to change clothes because we smell danggit. Then we went to SM Cebu to have our lunch. There are a lot of choices but we ended up at NeoNeo. We thought it's like Mang Inasal.
NeoNeo
Me and Coco with fresh buko
I like their Liempo. It's very tasty. The Mango Pandan for dessert is superb. I really like it. We also have Pork Sisig. Our lunch costs less than P400 so it's very affordable.
Liempo
Mango Pandan
After lunch we headed back to the hotel. Around 3 in the afternoon we decided to go to Robinson's but unfortunately it is just a department store. We, then, go straight at Ayala Center-Cebu.
Christmas Tree at Ayala - Cebu
This is where we have an opportunity to taste CnT Lechon, which, according to Ma'am Jiji, is what Cebuanos prefer. They have a special vinegar (suka) as condiments.
The rice is called "Puso"
Due to lack of time, we're not able to try Zubuchon, which is, according to Anthony Bourdain, the Best Pig Ever!
Day 2. While everybody is preparing for Pacquiao-Marquez 4, we are preparing to go home. We requested to be picked-up around 11 in the morning. Our flight is 4 in the afternoon so we're way too early. Nonetheless, we safely arrived at Manila.
With the end of our trip, I set my mind for more. To explore other places in the Philippines. Ayokong maging dayuhan sa sarili kong bayan. The fare promos offered by different airlines really helps in promoting Tourism. Always remember: It's more fun in the Philippines. :)
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