Good morning Philippines!!! This is @hae-ra again, from the Queen City of the South, CEBU!

So why is Cebu being called the "Queen City of the South"? Because of its strategic and economic importance to the country and despite of being economically driven, the city has no lack of culture, pristine beaches, and of course, the glorious food!
https://www.belaroundtheworld.com/queen-city-south-cebu-philippines/Source

Cebu is one of the best places for tourists looking out for a place to relax, enjoy, and have fun. Where in fact, a lot of amazing and wonderful spots that you could able to visit and enjoy when you're planning here in Cebu. But for now, I will just share with you the places I have been yet. So let me be your "dora, the explorer now", and take you to this excellence beauty of Cebu.

HISTORICAL

Plaza Independencia

If you want to relax from your long walks or rides, or you want to de-stress your mind for a while, Plaza Independecia is along the way. It is just along the road for your easy access. It is located in M.J. Cuenco Avenue and Legaspi Extension, Barangay San Roque, Cebu City, just in front of Fort San Pedro, surrounded with a huge garden filled with age-old acacia trees, flowers, and different kinds of plants. It has a lot of benches where you could able to sit and relax all you want. You can also have picnic with family and friends if you like.

Plaza Independencia is one of the most significant sites in the history of Cebu. It is a symbol of independence and freedom from all the conquerors that tried to take over the island of Cebu. It's century old trees are witnesses to what the plaza/park had been through during the colonial days.
For more references, please click here:
https://www.cebucitytour.com/cebu-destinations/plaza-independencia-cebu/Source

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

We Catholics, go to this holy church to attend masses and to have solemn prayer, because we have faith in him and we do believe that Santo Niño helps us in our every needs and struggles. It has a wide and spacious pilgrim center where do masses being held now. It is located in city block bordered by Osmeña Boulevard, D. Jakosalem St, P. Burgos St. and the Plaza Sugbo where the Magellan's Cross is located. The main entrance is on Osmeña Boulevard. Two blocks north of the basilica is the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu.

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country, it is built on the spot where the image of the Santo Niño de Cebú was found during the expedition of Miguel López de Legazpi. The icon, a statuette of the Child Jesus, is the same one presented by Ferdinand Magellan to the chief consort of Rajah Humabon upon the royal couple's christening on April 14, 1521.
For more references, please click here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_del_Santo_Ni%C3%B1o Source

Magellan's Cross

It is a large wooden cross that claims to be the one planted by famed explorer Ferdinand Magellan, yet some believe it is nothing but a replica. But people do offer prayers by lighting candles inside the chapel. It is located at P. Burgos St., Cebu City, Cebu, just beside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

Magellan's Cross is a Christian cross planted by explorers of the Spanish expedition of the first circumnavigation of the world, leaded by Ferdinand Magellan, upon arriving in Cebu in the Philippines on April 21, 1521. This cross is housed in a chapel next to the Basilica del Santo Niño on Magallanes Street, just in front of Cebu City's center.
For more references, please click here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magellan%27s_Cross Source

Parian Heritage

It is the heritage of Cebu, which is also known as Parian Monument that was made by Filipino sculptor Eduardo Castrillo and architects Heradio Español and Ildefonso Santos. It is the centerpiece of the Parian Park. It is located in Sikatuna St., Cebu City, Cebu, the historic Parian District, which during the Spanish period was home to the residences of the most prominent families in Cebu at that time.

The artwork of this heritage is a tableau depicting several of Cebu's involvement in Philippine history including the Battle of Mactan, inauguration of Sergio Osmeña as President of the Philippines, and the canonization of Pedro Calungsod as saint by the Roman Catholic Church. It consist of a mixture of concrete, bronze, brass and steel sculptures.
For more references, please click here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heritage_of_Cebu_Monument Source
https://www.cebucitytour.com/cebu-destinations/the-heritage-of-cebu-monument/ Source

FOODS

Jollibee

Most of the kids here in the Philippines really love jollibee. But even though I am not a kid anymore, I still love jollibee all the way.


Jollibee is known to it's great tasting food with the warm and friendly customer-service. Chickenjoy is one of my all time favorite when I go to this fastfood because of it's crispiness outside and juiciness inside which can even melt your mouth all along. I also love their tasty fries in different flavors, dip in chocolate fudge sundae.
Jollibee is the largest fast food chain in the Philippines with a nationwide network of over 950 stores. It holds more local market share than all other multinational brands combined.
https://www.rewindandcapture.com/why-is-jollibee-called-jollibee/ Source
Store Branches: Please click here for more branches in Cebu.
https://www.clickthecity.com/food-drink/sM8dc8/branches/Cebu Source

Greenwich

It is another fastfood chain which is known to it's delicious pasta and pizza. I love the combo style of their meals, that is composed of one piece each of lasagna, chicken and pizza, and you're good to go after you fully recovered with that delicious meal. It has also a lot of combo meals which is good for family and friends so-called-meal.

As I do research, Greenwich Pizza later became a brand managed by Fresh N' Famous Foods, a subsidiary of Jollibee Foods Corporation.
For more references, please click here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwich_Pizza Source
Store Branches: Please click here for more branches in Cebu:
https://www.clickthecity.com/food-drink/TQ2795/branches/Cebu Source

McDonalds

Also known as Mcdo is also known to it's very affordable meals which we used to go with my circle of friends when having meet-ups. I like the combo meal that is composed of 1pc chicken fillet with fries, rice and drinks. It is best to have a small chit-chats over Mcdo foods after all.

McDo is an American fast-food chain that is one of the largest in the world, known for its hamburgers.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/McDonalds Source
Store Branches: Please click here for more branches in Cebu:
https://www.clickthecity.com/food-drink/Gm2622/branches/Cebu Source

Mang Inasal

It is the fastfood chain which is known to it's grilled-juicy and savory chicken inasal. Inasal means, to grilled or barbequed over the fire burning charcoal. Mang Inasal is famous for its native-style Chicken Inasal with its pioneering “unlimited rice”, which quickly won the hearts of it's customers with its distinctively Pinoy stamp-grilling and special marinade made out of local secret spices. By the way, it is so fun to eat with barehands at Mang Inasal, it could make you full immediately, especially us, Cebuanos are known to eat like that.

The primary reason for Mang Inasal’s success is its wide array of Filipino comfort food, especially Chicken Inasal - with its distinct taste that Pinoys have grown and continue to love.
https://www.manginasal.com/about-us/ Source
Store branches: Please click here for more branches in Cebu:
https://www.clickthecity.com/food-drink/Ngd764/branches/Cebu?hash=Ngd764&city=Cebu Source

Chowking

When I ever heard of this word "Chowking", the best meal I could ever have is the pork chow fan-best steamed with dumplings.

Chowking combines traditional Chinese cuisine with modern fast food service. It is also owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chowking Source
Store branches: Please click here for more branches in Cebu: https://www.clickthecity.com/food-drink/IM25c3/branches/Cebu Source

Ribshack

I just so love the inner and outer juiciness of their great grilled servings of the ribs. They also offered grilled seafoods that could fit your style of taste. If you want to experience the mouth-watering grilled foods, I assure you that you will be shock at Ribshack.

Ribshack is Bacolod's homegrown restaurant which just start small but is now making waves in Bacolod City, as well as other parts of other cities.
https://www.meainbacolod.com/ribshack-baby-back-ribs-bacolod/ Source
https://www.toponmylist.com/ribshack/ Source
Store branches: Please click here for more branches in Cebu:
https://www.zomato.com/cebu/restaurants/ribshack Source

Manila Foodshoppe

It is good for group dining, especially family and friends. They offer a lot of great menus that you would love to choose. The place is so comfy that you could have long talks over meals.

Manila Foodshoppe is a Pinoy palate which is a Chinese-inspired Filipino cuisine that served great-tasting foods. I just miss being here with my friends already.
Store branches: Please click for more branches in Cebu:
https://www.clickthecity.com/food-drink/b/kl5bbf9/the-manila-foodshoppe-osmena-boulevard Source

Golden Cowrie

It is a native restaurant anchors it's beliefs in the family where the dining is to be most enjoyable and nourishing.

Golden Cowrie has established itself in various strategic locations across metropolitan Cebu.
For more references, please click here:
https://www.clickthecity.com/food-drink/b/gV38ea2/hukad-sa-golden-cowrie-sm-city-cebu Source

Hukad

Hukad, means to "limitlessly serve" foods on one's plate. It is a must stop here in Cebu where you could experience the deliciously hot served-foods on the table.

Kokseng owns Hukad, with wife Kristine de la Riva-Kokseng, as part of the Golden Cowrie chain. The first branch opened in 2008 at Ayala Center Cebu.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2016/07/14/eat-you-heart-out-at-hukad-and-we-mean-that-almost-literally/ Source
Store branches: Please click for more branches in Cebu:
https://www.clickthecity.com/food-drink/b/gV38ea2/hukad-sa-golden-cowrie-sm-city-cebu Source

The Majestic

Like other food chains, The Majestic also offers great and delicious foods on the table.

Majestic Restaurant is probably one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Cebu City that continues to successfully satisfy appetites for almost four decades now.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/45159/winglips-majestic-fare Source
Store branches: Please click for more branches in Cebu:
https://www.zomato.com/cebu/majestic-cebu-business-park Source

Sugbahan sa Cebu

Sugba means, to broil over hot coals. Sugbahan is located in 881 A. S. Fortuna St, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu.

Sugbahan has it's own air-conditioned function rooms that can accommodate up to 250 pax, and with a function room that can accommodate 30 pax for small private party and conference.
Store branches: Please click for more branches in Cebu:
http://sugbahan.blogspot.com/2007/09/branches.html?m=1 Source

Castle Peak Hotel Dining Room Bar and Restaurant

It is located in F. Cabahug St., Cebu City, 6000 Cebu. It is a casual property offering a European/ Asian restaurant. It has also a hip bar, spa, as well as an outdoor pool. So if you wanna stay for a vacation here in Cebu, Castle Peak hotel is the best place for you.

Clare Restaurant

It is located in Sanciangko St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, where they first offers being a customer-service oriented personnels, secondly, the great Filipino foods that could full your empty heart and stomach.

Paolito's STK Ta Bai Seafoods House

It is a house that offers a delicious seafood meals right on your table. They also served the mouth-watering crispy pork, mixed seafood, and native chicken, among others. Their menu also covers standard favorites like tuna, sinigang, adobo and calamares. You could also feel at home by it's great and amazing ambience.

Paolito’s STK Ta Bai also offers unusual cuisine that makes people keep on coming back.
Store branches: Please click for more branches in Cebu and other references:
http://www.findglocal.com/PH/Cebu-City/309417535079/STK-ta-Bai-sa-Paolito%27s-Seafood-House Source

Balamban Liempo

It is Cebu's best spicy liempo, that is tastier than a lechon with the crackling, golden brown skin and a very tender succulent meat with flavorful and aromatic herbs and other secret green ingredients.

https://www.balambanliempo.com/ Source
For more branches in Cebu, please refer here:
https://www.balambanliempo.com/location.html Source

Sugbo Mercado IT Park

It is located in Garden Bloc, I. Villa St, Apas, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.

It is a park that has a lot of food stalls here in Cebu, that offers a lot of delicacies that fits in your own taste.
Just choose your taste, and have a chill.

S&R Pizza

It is a pizzeria that offers an 18 inches pizzas that suits for a group, especially family and friends. You have to get a membership first before you can get in here.

For more locations in Cebu, please refer here.
CEBU BUSINESS PARK - 4th floor, Ayala Center Cebu, Archbishop Ave.
SM City Cebu - 3/F SM City Cebu

Food To Go Foodpark

It is also a food park that has food stalls, and offers different kinds of foods. You can also enjoy and have a chill to relax with friends.

It is located in R. Landon St., Cebu City, Cebu.

Dessert Factory Ayala

It is located in 3rd level Terraces Ayala Center, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.

It is a dessert restaurant and bakeshop that offers great taste of desserts and sweets. Once you visit here, you would want to come back again.

Lava by Fudge

It is also the house of mouth-watering desserts that offers different variants of lava cakes. They also serves light meals and meriendas/ snacks. I love being here. It is one of the best dessert house I would recommend.

It is located at SM Seaside City Cebu.
For more location in Cebu, please refer here:
SM City Cebu- at Juan Luna Ext, Cebu City, Cebu.
https://sugbo.ph/2016/lava-by-fudge-cebu/ Source

Sol's Halo-halo

Of all the halo halo I've ever tasted this is the best among the rest. They mainly serve halo-halo then added with desserts like leche flan, macaroons, puto cheese, buko pandan, custard cake, maja blanca, and broken glass and even added monggo. They also served some beverages and other snacks.

Sol's halo-halo is owned by entrepreneur Cathy Uy and her partner. The name itself originates from Ms. Cathy’s mom name Soledad whom she said has a great passion for cooking and making desserts.
For more references, please click here:
https://thewanderingitinerant.com/2017/09/05/finally-found-sols-halo-halo-and-desserts-the-best-among-the-rest/

KOREAN RESTAURANTS

Filipinos are also influenced by Koreans, and I am also one of them, especially the K-dramas and series that motivated to K-foods where in fact, a lot of Korean restaurants built here in Cebu. So let's have some taste for these deliciously spicy, and mouth-watering Korean style foods. For Cebu branches, please refer below:

Somac

Located in Pope John Paul II Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.

Pearl

Located in Ground Floor, Gaisano Country Mall, Banilad, Cebu City.

The Bada

Located in A. S. Fortuna St, Tipolo, Mandaue City, Cebu.

Donga

Located in F. Cabahug St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.

||EVENTS & ACTIVITIES||

SINULOG FESTIVAL

Sinulog is celebrated once a year every second sunday of January. It is the biggest event all around Cebu being held in honor to Senior Santo Niño, where a lot of activities in one day, that even for a fact, sometimes in my school days before, there would be no classes on the following day after that.

Street Dancing

Contingents for Floats Contest

Celebrity Floats

After watching the whole day show of the event, ohh, it's not over yet, 'coz we are going to have a walk to Ayala area to find a beautiful spot for fireworks watching at 9:00 pm.

Korean Festival

It is the festival that was being held at SM City Cebu every September before the pandemic has started. But since the pandemic has started last year, there were no activities happened that time. During the festival, we could watch Korean films on big screens for free, tried their delicious and tasty foods and even wines.We could also experience the Korean Culture and their traditions and enjoyed the K-pop idols special performances.

Kasadya sa SRP

Sadya, means "enjoy" or "have fun". Kasadya sa SRP is one of the activities being held at SRP (South Road Properties), where we could enjoy different rides, and the delicious foods along with great friends and the unlimited games. It is the annual carnival fair in Cebu. But sad to say, it is closed now, because of pandemic.

Beach, Resorts, Mountains, Falls, and Accomodations, and Others

Antig Tingko Beach- Alcoy Cebu

The very affordable beach along South area, with just a minimum of entrance fee of 50PHP/pax. It is located in Alcoy Cebu which is a great place for picnics and group activities but because of it's public demand, it tends to be packed on weekends and holidays.

For more references, please visit here:
https://sugbo.ph/2020/tingko-beach-alcoy/ Source

Lambug Beach

It is located in Badian, Cebu. It is known to it's crystal clear water, the refreshing scenery and reflection of the blue skies as well as the white sand that you could not resist to touch. There are also available rooms for stay. Just keep in touch for the reservations, because due to public demand of the beach, there might be an instance that rooms you want would not be available at a time.

For more references, please visit here:
https://sugbo.ph/2020/lambug-white-beach-badian/ Source

San Vicente Marine Sanctuary Olango Island

It is both an eco-tourism destination and fish and marine life conservation area. This marine sanctuary offers you great opportunities to experience nature, especially marine life, up-close and personal – face-to-face with fishes and harmony with mangroves, and sea, among others. It is located in Barangay San Vicente, Olango.

For more references, please visit here:
https://www.travelingcebu.com/san-vicente-marine-sanctuary.html Source
https://sugbo.ph/2018/san-vicente-boardwalk-sanctuary/ Source

Island Hopping Maribago and Lapu-Lapu Area

Island hopping is one of the most activities during adventure, to see and experience the unique charms of the islands.

For references, please visit here:
https://sugbo.ph/2021/mactan-island-hopping/ Source

Azienda Milan Clubhouse

It is a housing development located in Maghaway, Talisay City, Cebu, which offers you a great place to relax and enjoy it's wide cooling blue water of the pool. It is very quite, clean, and well-maintained place.

For more references, please visit here:
https://www.beautyofcebu.com/2014/06/azienda-milan-in-talisay-cebu-clubhouse.html?m=1 Source

Kabutongan Falls

It is one of the most magical adventures on the islands of Cebu. The trail follows the blue waters of a narrow stream up the canyon until you reach Kabutongan Waterfall. Behind the falls, you will find a cave, and inside the cave, you will find a hidden waterfalls as well. You can also experience several different cliff-jumps. It is also called as the magical hidden paradise because of it's magical entrancing water surrounded by forest.

It is located in Malabuyoc, Cebu.
For more references, please visit here:
https://sugbo.ph/2021/kabutongan-falls-malabuyoc/ Source

Mount Mauyog

It is located in Balamban, Cebu. Towering at 1,027 meters above sea level, Mt. Mauyog maintains to be one of the most popular hiking destinations in Balamban. While various peaks like Mt. Manunggal are also located in this province.

Mt. Mauyog is popular due to it's rock formation, similar to that of a human brain and it's generally called Mauyog because Mauyog means shaky, and if you are going to step on the rock, it would shake, so you have to be extra careful going here. And take note that, we had to do trekking for more or less an hour from the main road, just to get here.
For more references, please visit here:
https://sugbo.ph/2020/mt-mauyog-balamban/ Source

Tops of Cebu

It is located in Cebu Tops Rd, Cebu City, Cebu, where you could experience City's attractions in it's overlooking ground that offers a notable view in a fortress-like viewing deck which makes the place more romantic and serene.

Please visit here:
https://sugbo.ph/2019/tops-lookout-cebu/ Source

Funtastic Island- Medellin Cebu

It is located in Gibitngil Island, Medellin, Northern part of Cebu. From it's name "funtastic", promises the fun and adventure that you won't regret.

For more references, please visit here:
https://sugbo.ph/2019/funtastic-island-gibitngil-medellin/ Source

Genesis Valley Mountain Resort- Consolacion Cebu

It is located in Cabangahan, Consolacion, 6001, Cebu. Where you could experience the serene sanctuary that is very popular when it comes to family gatherings and team buildings. The place was originally a private property where eventually it opened to the public. The place has a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, ready for you to take a dip on its cool and refreshing waters. Weddings and other events can also be held here.

For more references, please visit here:
https://sugbo.ph/2020/genesis-valley-mountain-resort/ Source

Waterfront Hotel and Casino

It is located in Salinas Dr, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu. It is a four-star hotel in Cebu, that also has function rooms, where events being held.

For more references, please visit here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterfront_Cebu_City_Hotel_%26_Casino Source

EGI Resort and Hotel

It is located in Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. It is a family friendly 3-star resort that offers 2 outdoor pool and a children's pool. It is also best for gatherings here.

For more references, please visit here:
https://ph.hotels.com/ho386066/egi-resort-and-hotel-lapu-lapu-philippines/ Source

MALLS

SM Seaside Mall

It is located at South Road Properties, Brgy. Mambaling, Cebu City. It is a large shopping mall owned and developed by SM Prime Holdings in Cebu City, Philippines. But aside from having it as a large shopping mall, there is also a park-like rooftop garden, where we could able to enjoy, have fun and relax.

For more features and references, please visit here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/SM_Seaside_City_Cebu Source

My mountainous hometown neighborhood:

Lusaran Dam

This is a large valley in Barangay Lusaran which it is already known as Lusaran dam for it is rich in clean continuous flowing water.

For more references, please visit here:
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/opinion/2021/06/06/2103451/lusaran-dam-possibility Source
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I hope you enjoy my tour here and looking forward for your visit in Cebu soon as well as all the viewers here.

Actually there's still a lot that I could be proud of about my Province from all around Cebu, and that's not supposed to be like that only, I still have a lots of photos and list of destinations here, but I am still having trouble in uploading images. It's been 2 days already, and I don't know what's the matter with this. I have to wait after 16-24 hours, before I could able to upload several photos again. I even don't have any problem with my internet connection. But it keeps on having tantrums like this:
Image upload: Error: 429:

So that's all I could share for now. Looking forward to our next destination when it will be back to normal soon. And don't miss out the chance for some of the events and activities here in Cebu if you want to celebrate with us to have more fun together.

=❤= I LOVE CEBU =❤=

Thank you @long888 for the continuous support and encouragement for us to produce quality contents and to be able to partake on something like this. How I wish that I could able to show you the other parts of the stunning Cebu's perfect destinations, but it seems not to be this way.
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Sincerely,
@hae-ra