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Cebu’s cool spots, according to Chai Fonacier
Sinulog is happening this weekend in Cebu. Who better to ask for recommendations and show us around than locals themselves? Today, we ask Cebuana actor Chai Fonacier, who broke into the Manila’s consciousness with her brilliant performance in 2017 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino entry “Patay na Si Hesus.”
Chai moved to Manila shortly after, and has since been working on projects left and right. At the moment, she has two movies out: “Sakaling Maging Tayo” and “Born Beautiful.”
Since moving to Manila, what Cebu restaurants do you find yourself missing?
I kinda miss going to the Sugbo Mercado food fair at IT Park. And the beef rendang at Turtle’s Nest.
Much has been said about Zubuchon, Rico’s, and CNT. Is there another lechon brand you and yours friends and family recommend?
If we’re going down south, the Carcar Market offers among the best lechon. Like we always say: it ain’t Cebu lechon if you still need sauce to go with it.
READ: Golden Canedo's guide to Cebu
What would you and your barkada deem Cebu’s best-kept secret?
There’s this quaint little spot called Arano’s in Guadalupe with awesome Spanish food. And then there’s the famous barbecue spot called Larsian’s near Fuente Osmena Circle — it’s been around forever. It’s no secret, but it still comes highly recommended. STK is another good place for grilled fare, and yet another restaurant I always liked was Boosog — I love their monggo dish.
Also: I swear to high heavens, you will not find leche flan that is better, richer, creamier and more sinful than Lucy’s Delight by Cammy Confectionary. Find Cammy Confectionary on Instagram or Facebook and get yourself a jar or two.
If you go to Pasil you'll find the city's supply of buwad (tuyo) drying everywhere there. It's also where tuslob buwa originated, and you'd do well to get your tuslob buwa only in Pasil because anywhere else may likely offer you a watered down version.
And for after-hours entertainment?
As far as habits go Turtle's Nest along Gorordo Avenue is and always will be home base. It's an old house that's been turned into a restaurant/beer spot. The place is filled with artwork, and its walls are scratch paper for graffitti artists (the paint on those must be inches thick by now).
You'll find a motley crew of visual artists, thespians, musicians, lawyers, and call center employees among its regulars. There are no regular gigs there except for pop-up events, fairs, exhibits and pocket concerts. Should there be days when you want to just hang out and have a good conversation without having to scream over the din, Turtle's is good.
READ: Fresh tips and recommendations from Cebu City Map's insider
Cebu has been churning out some wonderful music in the last decade, so if it's entertainment you're looking for, the best thing to do is to find the artists and then track their gigs or exhibits down. Apart from Turtle's, there's Handuraw, Draft Punk, or Qube Gallery.
Music recommendations to start with: Loop, Mandaue Nights, Silingan ni Felicity, Mary Anchit, The Wonggoys, Vincent Eco, Missing Filemon, Bombo Pluto Ova.
And speaking of spots and musicians: Junior Kilat frontman Budoy has a bar on TOPS called, well, Budoy's Bar. Grab a few drinks there while looking over the cityscape on the hills of Busay.
What else should we do when in Cebu?
I recommend a south-bound road trip. It will take you to various stopovers like Obong Spring in Dalaguete, a cold spring that lies just right beside the shoreline and beneath the biggest balete tree ever (after which the town of Dalaguete was named, purportedly. Dalakit is Cebuano for balete). It flows out into the sea so interestingly the spring is a mix of fresh and sea water. The Carcar market is also along the way, as well as the Simala Shrine.
If you can give a tip: People should not leave Cebu without going to?
Get thee to a beach! You'll never run out of resorts to choose from. But please: remember to keep your trash where they belong. — LA, GMA News
