Lechon-derful Cebu: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary

Cebu is a place where city meets province. You can dine at the malls, but it’s just as easy to rent a boat and go island-hopping. There’s a thriving nightlife thanks to the newer clubs, but traditional fare like lechon and pusô (hanging rice) remain central to the Cebu experience.

Drew Arellano and the ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ team recently spent a weekend in the “Queen City of the South.” Here’s a guide so you can take the trip, too:

Where to stay
Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa
Lapu-Lapu City

“This isn’t a room,” Drew said as he began unpacking. “This is a house!” The roomy Mactan Suite is good for four people and comes with a private bathroom with separate shower and bathtub areas, a living room and a balcony. It costs P18,000 a night, but split that among your group and it isn’t bad — especially since you’re getting high-end comforts and unlimited use of their swimming pools and water park.

If you want to drop by without checking in, the day rate is P3,500 per person, inclusive of water park entrance, lunch buffet and a la carte dinner.

Grand Tierra Suites
Capitol, Cebu City

At a nightly rate of P989 for two people or P1,189 for three, Grand Tierra is a budget-friendly yet decent option. The bathroom is regular-sized, and has a shower separated from the toilet by a curtain.

Sampaguita Suites
Magallanes St., Cebu City

Sampaguita has rooms good for four at P1,389 and single rooms at P689. If you’re attending the Sinulog Festival in January, Sampaguita is a very strategic pick: The procession passes right outside the hotel, which is also walking distance to the Baseline street parties.

The downside, though, is that the private bathrooms are cramped: Our multimedia producer Ceej stayed in their single room last year and says she couldn’t take a shower without getting the rest of the bathroom wet. However, if you’re traveling as a young barkada and just need a place to crash after your adventures, this shouldn’t be a problem.

What to see

Nalusuan Island
Nalusuan stands out from Cebu’s islands because of several things: a marine reserve that’s home to thriving corals and fish, a sandbar that appears during low tide, and clear waters perfect for snorkeling.

Nalusuan gets a lot of Korean and Japanese tourists, which is why their P600 entrance and food package includes some Korean-style seafood dishes among the Filipino fare. It’s unli-rice, too!

If you won’t be eating at the island, entrance costs P200. To get to Nalusuan, you can rent a giant bangka for 20 to 25 people at P4,000 — that’s just P160 per person.

Magellan’s Cross
Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to set foot on Philippine soil; when he arrived, he ordered his men to raise a Christian cross. These days, the cross has been reinforced by a wooden casing to protect it from people who chip at the wood to bring home a good-luck charm.

Magellan’s Cross is located in a chapel beside the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino on Magallanes street, Cebu City.

What to do


Sky Experience Adventure
Crown Regency Hotel and Towers
Nothing bonds the barkada like the adrenaline rush of simulated danger. It’s why we love theme parks, and it’s why we love Cebu’s Sky Experience Adventure. At the height of 131 meters, you can try the Edgecoaster, a ride that feels like it’s tipping you over the edge of a building; the Skywalk, which takes you over the edge with the safety of a harness; or the Tower Zip, a zipline across skyscrapers!

Bike tour
If you enjoy biking, try a tour with the Bugoy Bikers, a group of mountain bikers that take travelers around the city via bike. They have day trips and longer, 14-day tours, and offer their services in finding bed and breakfast.

What to eat

Lechon
No way you’re leaving Cebu without trying the lechon! There’s something for everyone in the lechon capital of the Philippines: the spicy blend of Rico’s Lechon, the boneless pork belly of Mandaue City, the touristy Zubuchon, the no-sauce-needed CNT, and the “lechonok” of Gogoes, which is a lechon stuffed with a whole chicken!

Take your pick—you can’t go wrong.

Casa Verde
The bestseller at Casa Verde: Brian’s Ribs. For just P208, you get two slabs of ribs, each as big as your hand, with rice and veggies, too! It’s a budget-friendly meal that packs a juicy, savory punch. Casa Verde also serves a burger that’s twelve inches in diameter and packed with one kilo of beef. Loaded up with onions, tomatoes, cheese and lettuce, this is called The Mighty Ton and goes for P850; it’s good for six to eight people.

Casa Verde’s main branch is located at Lim Tian Teng street, but they’re also open at the Ayala Terraces mall.

Larsian BBQ
Capitol Site, Cebu City
How can a barbecue shop get over 11,000 Likes on Facebook despite not having updated their page since January? By being delicious, that’s how. Larsian is great for a quick snack or night out with the barkada. Order a few sticks (P5 to P70) and a beer and you’re all set.

La Marea
Crossroads, Banilad
We’ve all see brownie a la mode on restaurants’ menus, but they’re often added as a filler dessert—it’s not usually the house specialty. However, the humble dessert takes center stage with La Marea’s warm brownie cups (P105), or soft, gooey brownies baked in a cup and topped with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s so good that our segment producer, Dei, even brought some home to Manila!

What to buy for pasalubong
Here are some gift choices your friends and family back home will love:

1) Dried fish
Tabo-An Market at Pahina Central, Cebu City sells all kinds of dried fish and squid for P300 to P650 per kilo. Don’t worry about the smell — they seal the plastic bags so you can carry them onto the plane.

2) Local guitars
For a dose of local craftsmanship, visit Alegre Guitars along Pajac-Maribago Road, Lapu-lapu City. “Kahit wala kayong balak bumili ng gitara, dumaan na rin kayo,” says Drew. “Kasi tiyak, may maaabutan kayong libreng acoustic session.”

3) Lechon
Cebu lechon brands like CNT let you buy chopped lechon by the kilo. They pack it in plastic, paper and cardboard boxes, ready to be checked in at the airport. Buy this just a few hours before your flight so it stays fresh. —Cristina Tantengco/CM, GMA News