First trip of 2015: Cebu City

I declare 2015 to be the year that I will explore the Philippines and hopefully nearby Asian countries on my own. I will take it one place at a time. 

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino

Last week, I was sent to Cebu to cover the press launch of Cebu Pacific's lifestyle reward program, the GetGo. The event was held at the Movenpick Hotel in Mactan Island at Lapu-Lapu City. 

Since the coverage was only overnight, I decided to extend my stay in Cebu for another night. Why? Because, the truth is, even if it wasn't my first time at the Visayan province, I still hadn't visited Cebu City's touristy destinations, like the Basilica del Sto. Niño and the Magellan's Cross for example!

Fuente Osmeña

But more than that, I really wanted to explore one of the Philippines' oldest towns, dubbed "Downtown Cebu," and immerse myself in the Cebuano community. After all, that's what travelling really is, right?
For my extra night, I stayed at Summit Circle in Fuente Osmena Circle (or the rotunda), and the hotel is just above a Robinsons Mall (coincidentally, both properties are also owned and run by the Gokongwei's of CebuPac).

Checking in late in the afternoon, I immediately went to go to the old town square by taking the multi-cabs that pass by the hotel. The ride was nice because in a way, it was sightseeing in itself. And the driver was kind enough to bring me to my destination. 

First up was the Church and Convent of Santo Niño. One of the oldest churches in the province, the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino was first established in 1565 by Augustinian fathers led by Rev. Andres Urdaneta. 

Serving as Cebu's head church, the basilica had a steady stream of people visiting and praying that day, even if it was a Wednesday. The security guard even told me that it wasn't as much as the crowd on weekends. "Hindi na magkasya ang tao," he noted. 

Upon entering the vicinity, I immediately saw people lighting candles as an offering for their prayers. I lighted six candles myself for six of the most important people of my life. 

And then, I went inside the church itself and there were also many Cebuanos. Younger ones were just sitting quietly, while older ones were practicing older traditions like kneeling up to the altar in prayer. 

Meanwhile, a long line of people were awaiting to touch the image of the Santo Nino, which is really the center of church's faith.

The church had a garden with a beautiful wishing well, as well religious statues. Also surrounding the church are images of Mother Mary, Jesus Christ and other saints encased in glass. 

Acts of faith

And in whatever relic or moment, people were always paying their respects. That was why the agnostic me was really touched by the faith of the Cebuanos. 

Warm smiles

Besides exploring the Basilica, I also chatted with a group of female employees sitting in front of the Cebu City Hall, standing mighty beside the basilica. They readily offered their warm smiles to me when I asked to take a photo of them. 

Unfortunately, the Magellan's Cross was closed for renovation because it was also affected by the 2013 earthquake that hit Visayas.

After that, I walked to the nearby Carbon district. Brave and alert, I actually walked the back streets, which very much looked like Binondo or Divisoria. There were old establishments for trades of all sort. I thought there would be danggit at the Carbon Public Market but there wasn't.

So I walked the area some more to where I could get another jeep to Taboan Market, the famous place for danggit, pusit and other edible pasalubong like the otap and Carcar chicaron. All of the above was included in my must have for my matakaw family.

The bustling district of commerce, Carbon

Hungry from all the walking and photographing, I had to take the cab this time back to Fuente Osmena and straight to Larsian. Oh Larsian! 

Inside, a food haven awaits me

A famous dining destination in Cebu City, I would have not known this place if not from the recommendation of CebuPac's Allan Florendo, head of GetGo marketing. 

From what Sir Allan told me, I imagined Larsian to be a dampa style of dining where you get fresh and raw food, usually seafood, and have it cooked by the food outlets. The difference was that instead of each outlet cooking your food privately, there is a big grilling area right at the center of Larsian. 

Going around, I found a spot that appeared to me, the most friendly to a lone diner. So I sat at the tip of the long table, away from the group of family. While waiting for my local sausage, they simply call it sweet and spicy chorizo, and white marlin to be grilled, three strangers sat near me. 

Alone no more! My dining buddies that night.

Talking, I heard the American tell another foreigner that it would be exciting to eat at the place. It appeared that it was his first time. Ever the madaldal me, I commented I am quite excited as well as it was my first time too. 

And with that, I got the invitation to join them in dinner. And I did because it was the chance to share and hear new stories. As it turned out, the American named Dana was joined by his Cebuana girlfriend Bing, and the other one, Peter, was a Scot who was traveling around Asia for a month. The trio met at the airplane coming from Palawan to Cebu. 

Masarap!

Because we were eating, the subjects of our conversation became food, local delicacies from all over the Philippines, and Scotland's very own cuisine, which was very interesting. We also talked about traveling, of course!

After that, we parted ways with filled tummies and an unforgettable night. 

The next day, it was time to head back to Manila. But there was no getting home until I had my Avatar, an accessories brand originating from Cebu, as well as the famous Cebu lechon, said to be one of the best in the entire country. 

Accessories heaven

The perfect lechon

Fortunately for me, both could be found at the Mactan International Airport so I spent my remaining time shopping and eating, again! 

'Til next time Cebu! There are still so many things to do and see in this Queen City of the South. 

(ALL PHOTOS ARE MINE. TAKEN WITH NOKIA LUMIA 1520)