Cebu

Visiting Cebu: Santo Niño Basílica

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We’ve covered Cebu many times here on Lakas in the past, and today we are going to revisit one of the city’s most celebrated tourist spots, the Basílica Menor del Santo Niño de Cebú commonly referred to as Santo Niño Basílica. Its full name means Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu in English.

Santo Niño Basílica is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the entire Philippines and was built in 1565. It was later made into a basilica in 1965 when Pope VI visited, declaring “it as the symbol of the birth and growth of Christianity in the Philippines.” Due to Cebu being the first island that was colonized by the Spanish, it wasn’t long before they built a church. Although, as history states, the church has been destroyed twice through raging fires, but rebuilt both times in the same spot.

The Santo Niño Basílica is revered here in the Philippines and regarded as the “Head of all Churches” in the country. Regardless of your religion, the church has great cultural significance, and is home to the annual Sinulog Festival, which is “the biggest religious parade and street party in the Philippines,” according to the Culture Trip.

from wikipedia

But for tourists coming into Cebu for the first time, the Santo Niño Basílica is a wonderful and indelible cultural landmark that must be visited. If you live in a different part of country such as Manila or are an international traveler, you’re in luck as Cebu International Airport welcomes approximately 27 flights from NAIA everyday. It takes around 1 hour 25 minutes to get a direct flight from Manila to Cebu, which means the Philippines’ second biggest city has never been so accessible, especially for travelers wanting to get a glimpse of Santo Niño Basílica.

When in Cebu: Diners and Food Places that You Should Try

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Cebu, a province in the Philippines’ Central Visayas Region is one of the country’s top tourist destinations. Heralded as the “Queen City of the South,” tourism numbers are high here; in fact, it draws about two million foreign tourists year in and year out. In line with this, the number of travel packages and deals to Cebu are booming.Cebu, Philippines

Wondering what attracts tourists to this province? Well, it’s the white-sand beaches, spectacular diving spots, and good food! Simply put, it’s a haven if you’re a foodie who wants to indulge in mouthwatering meals that only the province of Cebu can offer. The question still stands, though: where should you eat if you head over to the “Queen City of the South?” Worry no more since we’ve got you covered.

Carcar Lechon

Remember, your Cebu escapade won’t be complete without a taste of lechon de Cebu and what better place to try it than in Carcar Lechon, which is known among locals as the Queen of all lechons. Their variety comes packed with mouthwatering flavors since their pigs are bathed in broth as well as drippings before being cooked. While there, treat yourself to crispy golden red skin, tender meat, layers of fat, and so on. Mouthwatering indeed!

lechon

Gibb’s Hot Wings

Are you a chicken lover? Then rejoice! Gibb’s Hot Wings is just perfect for you; in fact, it can give Dear Manok a run for their money! Traveling with your squad? Grab some craft beers and go for the spiciest level of wings challenge. Worrying if they’re too hot for you? Then you’d be happy to find out that they serve a special beverage for the burning sensation. If you are faint-hearted, then just try their tacos, potato wedges, and carbonara, among others.

STK ta Bay! at Paulito’s Seafood House in Cebu City, Philippines

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After seeing Kareen (Laagan na Cebuana) on top of Osmeña Peak, I got in contact with her via Facebook in order to meet her again with our friend Kate (Red Maleta). They asked where I wanted to eat (since I am non-Cebu based), I told them I want seafood. They said we should eat at STK ta Bay! I was like is that a serious name for a restaurant? Apparently it was and since I’m getting seafood I never really made much thought about it until now that I am writing about the restaurant.

Tuna Panga displayed at the entrance of STK ta Bay!

Tuna Panga displayed at the entrance of STK ta Bay!

Before anything else let us dissect what STK means.

  • S – Sugba (Grill)
  • T – Tula (Broth)
  • K – Kilaw (Ceviche or cooked in lime or vinegar)

Review: Pillows Hotel in Cebu City, Philippines

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We were checking out of The Maxwell Hotel and we still have a good 2 nights before our flight out of Cebu. We were looking for something new and unique and when we checked Agoda, Pillows Hotel was just the right type of hotel we were looking for. So we booked and on the same day showed up in their front desk.

Scrabble Art in Pillows Hotel in Cebu City, Philippines

Pillows Hotel Experience

We rode a taxi from The Maxwell Hotel to Pillows Hotel. We could have just walked it but I was nursing a flu and was bringing a heavy backpack so we decided to take the easier route.

Upon arrival, we went to the front desk and was quickly asked how they could help us. We told the reception that we have a reservation via Agoda and was told to wait as they verify and arrange the documents. After less than 5 minutes the staff came back to us and told us that they have verified our reservation and the room was now ready.

Tumalog Falls in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines

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Initially, Tumalog Falls was not part of our itinerary. It was only added when we were researching about the Whale Shark Watching of Oslob that we encountered the really amazing waterfalls. When we researched, it turns out to be Tumalog Falls. The first time I saw the pictures of Tumalog Falls I knew that I had to go there and we did.

Tumalog Falls

Tumalog Falls

Upon arrival at MB’s Sunrise View Resort from our earlier adventure up Osmeña Peak, we decided to have lunch first and take a nap. It was set that we were visiting Tumalog Falls start 3 PM.