Cebu City
From the airport, we took a cab to Maribago Bluewater Resort. One of the things that I liked about Cebu is that cab drivers don't ask for tips no matter how distant your destination is. As soon as we stepped out of the cab, the hospitable staff of Maribago took their cues. We were greeted with warm smiles, our bags were gently lifted from the cab's compartment and let down on the side of their frontdesk. This resort was the perfect place to start our trip as it has the perfect summer aura.
The very first agenda was to try parasailing. For someone who's afraid of heights, this is a feat that must be faced with lots of courage. We weren't actually guests of the hotel but the staff was kind enough to offer us to rent lockers and we simply have to deposit PhP500 for it. As soon as we got into our swimming gear, we marched to the beachfront to inquire about the said activity. It costs around PhP3500 per person. I know, it's a bit steep but it's definitely worth the price. We first boarded a small motorized boat which took us to the speed boat that we will use for the activity. On the speed boat, we were harnessed to a huge parachute. My two younger sisters went first and then it was my turn. My heart was cowering in the corners of my rib cage and my throat was closing up, but it's just too good an opportunity to pass. A few minutes later, 500 meters above sea, I was singing my lungs out -- it was the only way to conquer my fear. And I did, kind of, but not entirely (more about this later).
After gearing up comes the gearing down. By the time we got our feet on land, it was scorching hot. And the pool was the perfect place to play. Their pool area was small, consisting of one adult-sized pool and one for kiddies. They have a strict no bathing suit no swim, enforced by elderly life guard. After the quick dip, we then gathered our things and prepared to leave the resort -- but not before enjoying their buffet. Ahh, the buffet. Platters and platters of grilled squid, shrimp and kebab. Glasses and glasses of tropical drinks -- my favorite was the lemongrass cooler that definitely soothed our burning throats. It was hard to say good bye but the promise of coming back and staying longer cast a bright light. From Maribago, we then took another cab to Cebu city proper, where our hotel is located (okay, I can't remember its name but it might just be the best budget hotel in Cebu). After a quick freshing up, we then went on to our city tour.
My experience of the city was far from what I expected. Well, to be fair, I had my expectation set based on the stories that I heard from other people. "It's just like Manila," they would say. And I had pictured it as the Makati of Visayas. And well, experience proved that it is just like Manila. Only not Makati, but Quiapo. We took a jeepney from the corner of our hotel to Fort San Pedro. From our moving vehicle, what I saw was similar to Vigan but older and a bit more ruin-y. It would have been a beautiful city but the lack of care put into it caused its destruction.
As we approached Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, we immediately became the target of candle vendors. And those candles, mind you, weren't meant to be lit. You are to simply put them at the bottom of the cross as offering to the child Jesus. The challenge of this landmark is how to get your picture taken as the place is so small and so crowded. A word to the wise traveler, if you want ot see the insides of this church, choose a weekday as masses are being held almost hourly on weekends. After this shot was quickly taken, we then set forth to explore the city.
It was hot and dirty and we were already a bit tired. It wasn't easy navigating through the place because most street people do not understand Tagalog and are not very good at English. Take a map if you can and also avoid wearing shorts or short skirts as its bystanders aren't the most pleasant people. We got a bit lost trying to find the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral house. Looking like a huge bodega of old stuff and without having a tour guide, it was a bit disappointing especially when you have to pay PhP50 as an entrance fee. A few more blocks later, we finally gave up on trying to explore the city and hailed a cab to Crowne Regency Hotel's Starbucks. It was almost five in the afternoon and we were on our last item of the trip: The Sky Experience Adventure -- another feat to be conquered for those who have the fear of heights (this was what I was talking about earlier).
Up in the air, hundreds of meters above the ground, you can't help but feel like Spiderman. It was scary and my knees were literally shaking, but I'd definitely want to do it again. The kuyas who assisted us were one of the best Cebuanos that we met that day. They were the perfect coach, perfect to cure one's fears.
And to cap off the day, we had dinner at a 1950's inspired restaurant. It felt like we were transmitted back in time, what with all the vintage things. The waitresses were dressed in bloomers, there was a jukebox playing and we had hamburgers, fish and chips that definitely satisfied our tired selves. From here we took a cab to our hotel, and I collapsed on the bed.
Next up: From Cebu to Bohol to Cebu to Manila
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