Cebu pit stops for the Señor
Cebu’s Sinulog might be over, but for countless travel bugs, the post-festival fever still lingers and there’s an infinity of reasons to fly here soon to do their version of merrymaking.
While the mammoth religious crowd of millions brings an inexplicable high, those with agoraphobia prefer the more chill and carefree atmosphere to savor the mixed vibe of the proverbial Queen City of the South.
Other places may be able to imitate or even outdo the Sinulog’s choreographed dances, but they simply couldn’t match its tropical splendor which have made it a go-to getaway at any given time.
Battered by a slew of calamities and political storms in recent months, it still exudes the aura of being a fascinating destination for faith, fun, food and family, and everything in between.
Pit Stop 1: Mactan. Perennially adjudged as among the world’s best islands by prestigious online travel publications, it is a world unto itself with posh resorts, dive sites, lifestyle malls and recreational spots just minutes away from each other.
With a multi-awarded Filipino-themed international airport terminal, this aerial gateway Cebu is also the jumpoff to the key cities around the world.
Guests can immediately hit the sack and feel the local air and flavor at the newly-opened Fairfield by Marriott, a 196-room, 3.5 star-rated hotel which is arguably the best and closest to the airport. One can feast of a wide array of food choices of home-grown food and beverage outlets at the adjunct Mahi Center and the nearby strip malls.
Beach bums can hie off further away and frolic in the sun, sea and sand at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, a 5-star, 261-room property which is a self-contained lifestyle enclave with the trappings of a luxury hideaway in the tropics.
The bevy of dining outlets and water activities along the powdery white sand and the historic Battle of Mactan nearby will keep you occupied from sunup till sundown.
It has an enviable view of Olango Island, a birdwatching hotspot for migratory birds which is a nature adventure you may wish to explore.
Pit Stop 2: Cebu City. The country’s oldest city and the ground zero of the Sinulog festivities, its queenly attributes never fail to lure Filipino and foreign tourists despite the urban woes it is currently experiencing.
Now that the crowd is gone, you can freely retrace the Festival route and get a feel of its eclectic charm while taking snapshots of the Instagrammable historic landmarks.
Also known as a mecca for food trips, the city boasts of a wide range of Cebuano, international and fusion fare. A must-try dining haven, particularly at night, is the European-themed Weekend Steakhouse located at 88th Avenue Mall, a lifestyle strip of middle to high-end dining options and boutique shops.
You can also immerse at the trademark and inexpensive “pungko-pungko” pop-up and hole-in-the-wall eateries to savor Cebu’s basic flavors and mingle with the hoi polloi.
Pit Stop 3: Moalboal. Just like the dictum “save the best for last”, this southern beach town is simply that: being one of the archipelago’s earliest tourism poster images. The 86-km ride seems to be an eternity, but the quaint roadside sights will make you just sit back and watch the world go by.
The town is sought-after for scuba diving and freediving at the famed Sardine Run dive site where an infinity of sardines swirl like a giant whirlpool just a few meters beneath the surface. You can also paddle a kayak or a stand-up paddle board, skim board, or hop around the idyllic islets scattered across the Strait.
A cozy stomping ground is the Club Serena Resort, a tropical-themed retreat along the panoramic Basdaku beach and the biodiversity-rich Tañon Strait.
Named after the mythical Filipina mermaid, it exudes the awe and enchantment of seeing a beautiful half woman-half fish other-worldly creature. And just like this folkloric character, the resort is a prime mover in community environmental initiatives to preserve the area’s ecosystems and enchanting beauty.
If there’s a tempting urge to foray into Moalboal’s neighboring towns, just give in to make the most out of your travel to the wonders of the countryside. Live the moment and always assume that you may never pass this way again.
On the way home, you can go further to Cebu’s southernmost tip, cross over to Negros Oriental and fly back via Dumaguete.
Beyond Sinulog’s frenzied celebration and shouts of “Pit Señor!”, Cebu’s diverse pit stops are simply worth the trip any time of the year.
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