Jul 19, 2012
Abundance in Cebu
Location : Cebu City, Philippines
A Very Good 3 Months
As I leave Cebu for Manila, I find myself reminiscing about Cebu and the memorable 3 months I spent there. I would have only stayed 10 days in Cebu for my Vipassana meditation retreat. But things happened one after another and before I knew it, I was drifting from one orbit to the next - the Vipassana meditators, the yoginis and yogis of Surya Nanda Yoga, Zen meditators from the Buddhist Chu Un Temple, free thinkers from the Theosophical Soceity, not to mention the wonderful individuals who have taken me into their fold. I am grateful for all that. For once, I didn't feel like an outsider looking in. The social and business landscape were both rich and promising with connections rife on every turn. I've always maintained that the next magnificent life I would meet is just around the corner. Cebu is full of these golden nuggets on every bend.
Life on Easy Street
With Cebu, abundance rained on me. Instead of lodging in the cheapest part of town (common washroom, clogged drains, dark alleys, fan rooms), I was staying in plush hotels (private room for 2, hot cold shower, a/c, fridge, breakfast buffet, pool, gym, sauna). I was eating good restaurant food instead of carinderias. Nothing wrong with carinderia eating, but I welcome the change. The best part of it all was, I wasn't paying for it.
Cebuano Character
My Dad, who spent time traveling the country back in the day, and a good reader of character, once told me that people from Cebu are an amiable lot, fun to be with, engaging, and won't stab you in the back (yes, he added that too). Given my limited experience, I agree. But I'd like to add a few more virtues - generosity and hospitality. I find them willing to share and would go the extra mile to extend their hospitality - I had been the beneficiary of both. In fact I learned a lot from their candid way of doing things and emulated some of their practices.
Welcome to Cebu
I remember being driven by a Good Samaritan from Formo Bar to my hotel and went back all the way to the bar again - just to ensure my well-being. Interesting thing is, I was just introduced to him that same night. In his parlance, he was just being a Cebuano. Honestly, I'm just not used to it. But that generosity and hospitality has been repeated many times over by people whose acquaintance I just met. They really are warm people who go out of their way extending themselves to others. I remember being with a friend, waiting a bit for another friend. I asked her, "How come you're not yet upset? I would have left after 10 minutes." She smiled as if to say, "Welcome to Cebu".
Ending Thoughts
Resonance
Very few people are aware of a place's resonance - I wasn't until I started moving from one place to another and felt the sharp disparity from struggle to abundance. I still can't point a finger to what causes resonance to a newfound place, but you'll feel and know it when it's happening - it's in your face.
The Girlfriend Analogy
A place is much like a girlfriend (a common analogy I make). I've stayed in a few memorable destinations, each with its own character, uniqueness and quirk. Sagada is as close to magical as it got - like being lured by the Sirens of the Iliad. Its isolation was my refuge from the maddening city life. Manila on the other hand is like a temperamental woman who has so much to offer but is simply too difficult for its worth - an angry woman too caught up in her own issues (as I am with mine). Dumaguete is bridal material - a place I fondly call "a slice of paradise on God's green earth". But as perfect as she is, I found myself restless, struggling and alone. Maybe, at a later point in life, I might come back - to rediscover its beauty in a whole new light.
A City of Dimension
Last but not least is Cebu - the unexpected and most pleasant of all surprises. I've only been there less than 3 months, but so much has been accomplished. Growth was exponential. Cebu is like a passing female acquaintance I finally had a chance to share quality time with over coffee, and discover the underlying generosity that lay hidden in her steel and concrete carapace. I am taken into her world, unfamiliar to what I've seen from the outside looking in. Every passing day reveals a layered dimension. She grows on you. Lastly, Cebuanas are gwapa kaayo! I ❤ Cebu!
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit
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Reader Comments:
Claire(July 19, 2012) Gwapa kaayo indeed! =) Kindness and hospitality were also my experience in Cebu. Too bad we didn't get to cross paths then - I just passed by the city to go to the South Bus terminal.
Rosemarie
(July 19, 2012) Such a romantic way you have of describing each of these cities...each one of them sounds enchanting in their own way. I like the analogy. and I wish I had made time to visit dumaguete and cebu. funny thing is, though I've never been there, I have met people here who's families are from cebu. and it's true! they are good looking! lol. There was a bit of tongue in cheek to that last comment (though it's still true) but I don't want you think it's the only part I read. haha. I was thinking about the line you wrote, where the stranger/new friend showed you a kindness, driving you from bar to hotel/back again. It is special when people do these things, and you know they don't hope to gain anything for it. But the comment that you weren't used to it stood out to me. I hope that now you have received it, it is the kind of experience that follows you wherever you go.
Side note: On the topic of places that resonate...I think NY should be my next boyfriend..or at least a summer fling - lol.
Lakbay Diva
(July 19, 2012) I ❤ cebu! mga gwapa jud kaayo ang mga cebuana!
Ace
(July 29, 2012) aw, you're leaving cebu na kuya git? hope you'll be back soon.
Cecile Savitri Villarente
(July 29, 2012) balik balik :)))
Lizza Vivar Perdices
(July 29, 2012) I like the part "Dumaguete... A bridal material". Be back soon!
Cookie Queblatin Chan
(July 29, 2012) Nice words esp the last part ... haha gwapa gyud!
Jessie
Iyengar Yoga Teacher
(July 29, 2012) see you soon, Gigit.
Clarita Sanchez
(July 29, 2012) be back...
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More on Cebu City:
About Cebu City
- Cebu City is the 2nd biggest city in the Philippine (next to Manila) - and it continues to build and expand. Traffic is getting bad. Decentralization is being developed with the SM Super Mall in the SRP south and the suburban towns in the north.
- Boat from the airport to the city center - even without traffic, it takes about 4 rides to reach the city. But with Cebu's increasing traffic congestion, it has become a nightmare. Instead of taking the land route, take the water route - no traffic, fresher air and cheaper. From the airport, take the yellow multi-cab straight to the river port and take the ferry (there's only one destination) to the city. Take the 02B jeep and get off at UC near Jones - you're now on the city's main artery.
- given its size and increasing congestion, Cebu really needs a mass railway system - something that is conspicuously lacking, but no one seems to complain about
- Cebu is bursting at the seams on the yoga scene. There are about 20 yoga centers in the city - from yoga studios to gyms offering yoga and hotels jumping on the bandwagon
- a trendy and safe place in Cebu where you can chillout for coffee and enjoy good eats would be at the Ayala Mall
- there are other pocket-areas for trendy hangouts - Banila Town Center, Crossroads, Escario Plaza, La Vie, etc.
- the tourist area where most of the budget hotels and restaurants are, are located within the Mango area, although it has a seedy belly feel. Kids may swarm on you pretending to be begging, but they could be picking your pocket or your backpack pockets - be careful
- many pick-pockets in the Colon area - be careful
Cebu City Google Map
Cebu City, Philippines
- Tops - hilltop offering panoramic view of the city
- Taoist Temple - temple on a hillslope in Lahug with panoramic view of the city
- Hostel Seven Cebu - newly opened, resto/bar, central location, solo/group travellers
Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City - S Hotel & Residences - new hotel, luxury rooms, central location
827 M. Velez corner Andres Abellana St.
- Fujinoya - new and refreshing twists to Western style desserts using Japanese techniques
Wilson St., Lahug, Cebu City - tel. 888.6075 - Bad Boys Wingz - Buffalo Wings, unique versions of sauces! Great service, accommodating staff, bad boys vibe
Kasambagan, Cebu City | (032) 415 4811
- Love Yoga World - yoga studio
11/fl, Skyrise 2 Tower, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City - Yoga Now - first Yoga and Wellness studio in Mactan offering daily Yoga Classes
at The Yacht Club Mactan
- Cebu Mountain Bike Adventure - MTB tours, bike sales and repairs. Bed and Breakfast + Resto Cafe + wifi
1298-b V.Rama Ave, Guadalupe, Cebu City | 0942.959.7451
Cebu City to Ormoc by boat
- SUPERCAT - 3 hours, 5:30 am | 9:00 am | 12:30 pm | 4:00 pm
Business Class: Regular 1500, Student 1,200, Senior/PWD 1,071
Tourist (Aircon) & Economy (Non-aircon): Regular 1100, Student 880, Senior/PWD 785 - OCEANJET - 3 hours, 5:00 am | 6:00 am | 9:30 am | 12:00 pm |1:00 pm | 4:30 pm
Open-Air (OA) 1100, Tourist Class (TC) 1100, Business Class (BC) 1600
Cebu City to Bantayan Island
The best and fastest way is by Ceres Bus at the North Bus Terminal, adjacent to SM City. The bus takes 4.5 hours going north until it reaches Hagnaya Port. From there, you pay the ferry company separately. The bus boards the ferry until it reaches Sante Fe Port (1.5 hours) in Bantayan Island. From Santa Fe, the bus goes to Bantayan Poblacion and then to Madridejos.
Ceres Bus - PHP 260 (to Santa Fe), 4.5 hours to Hagnaya Port + 1.5 hours by ferry.
Schedule: according to the dispatcher, trips begin at 6 pm (this arrives Hagnaya around 10:30 pm but the first ferry leaves at 1 am...that's a 2.5-hour wait at the port), leaving every hour until 1 pm the following day (I speculate that 1 pm is the last trip to avoid rush hour traffic along Consolacion). This doesn't match the ferry schedule so the bus simply waits until a ferry departs. e.g. the 6 pm trip arrives 10:30 pm and waits for the 1 am ferry. The last trip, 1 pm, arrives 5:30 pm, in time for the ferry's last trip.
Bus arrives at terminal 30 mins before departure. Luggages are P150/pc if no passenger.
Alternatively, you can get off the bus at Hagnaya Port and take the ferry independently. There are 2 ferry companies:
Super Shuttle Ferry
PHP 359 + 25 Terminal fee, 1.5 hours
Island Shipping
PHP 350 + 25 Terminal fee, 1.5 hours
Cebu City to Dumaguete
Cebu City to Dumaguete by Boat
- George and Peter Lines - Mon/Thur/Sat/Sun 10pm, (035)225.4337, 0922.557.1023
- Oceanjet - via Tagbilaran, daily 6am, dumticketing@oceanjet.net, 0918.898.2188
- Cokaliong - Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat 7pm, Sun 12pm, 6 hours, (035)225.3599
Cebu City to Dumaguete via Liloan (bus, boat, jeep, tricycle)
- Cebu City South Terminal - take the southbound Ceres bus to Liloan, P200, 5 hours
- Liloan - the bus drops you off at the Liloan Port where you board the Fastcraft to Sibulan, Negros Oriental, P62, 30 mins
- Sibulan - at the Sibulan Port, the jeeps wait for Fastcraft passengers to take them to the public market in Dumaguete, P12, 30 mins.
- Public Market - at the market, you can take any tricycle to your hotel, P8 for short trips
Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol
Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol
- Weesam Express - Pier 4, departs 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 2 hours
one way: Economy (aircon) P500.00, Economy (non-aircon) P400.00, First Class P600.00
round trip promo (at least 2 days advance booking): Economy (aircon) P600, Economy(non-aircon) P500, First Class P1200
round trip promo (1 day or on the day booking): Economy (aircon) P800, Economy (non-aircon) P700, First Class P1200 - Ocean Jet - Pier 1, departs 6-7-8-9:20-10:40-11:40AM, 1-2-4:20-6:35PM, 2 hours
Open Air / Tourist Class P800, Business Class P1000
+63 932 8734 885 / +63 922 8572 300 - SuperCat (2GO) - Pier 1, departs 08:15-13:30-15:10-18:00-19:40
P 500.00
+63 32 233 7000 - Lite Ferries - Pier 1, departs daily 12:30pm, 10:00pm and 1:00pm (Mon, Wed, Sat)
Standard (Lying) Php 150, Tourist (Lying Aircon) Php 340
+63 977.822.5483 / +63 998.999.5483 / +63 925.347.5483 / (032)255-1721 to 26 / (032)414-9001 to 03
info@liteferries.com.ph / www.liteferry.com
Cebu City to Siquijor by Boat, via Tagbilaran
Cebu City to Siquijor, via Tagbilaran
- Lite Ferries - Pier 1, departs M/W/SAT at 1:00pm, 10 hours, economy Php 649 (through barkota.com), layover in Tagbilaran 5:45pm-8:00pm, arrives Larena Port, Siquijor at 11:00pm
+63 977.822.5483 / +63 998.999.5483 / +63 925.347.5483 / (032)255-1721 to 26 / (032)414-9001 to 03
info@liteferries.com / www.liteferry.com - Ocean Jet - Pier 1, departs daily at 1pm, 5 hours
Open Air P1600
+63 932 8734 885 / +63 922 8572 300
Cebu City to Siquijor by Bus, via Liloan (Santander)
(as of Jan 2023)Sugbo Urban
There is only one bus plying this route - Sugbo Urban. Tourist class coach, a/c, comfortable, Sun-Fri (these dates keep changing). P420 for bus, P275 for ferry to Liloan. Leaves Cebu City (South Bus Terminal) at 8 pm (Sundays 1 am), heads south to Liloan (Santander), takes the ferry to Larena Port, Siquijor, docks around 5 am, makes a clockwise roundtrip around Siquijor Island - Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi (stops at Lazi market for breakfast and leaves 6:50 am), San Juan, Siquijor (arrives 8am, P50 from Lazi to Siquijor Poblacion) and catches the 1pm ferry at Larena Port for Liloan, Cebu and resumes its land route. Arrives Cebu City 10 pm.
Sugbo Urban is the cheapest and most convenient way because when it reaches Larena Port (Siquijor), it continues its trip around the island (clockwise) along the circumferential road, passing through - Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Siquijor...and back to Larena. It spares you the cost of hiring a tricycle or habal-habal which charges exhorbitant fares. Besides, it's a long trip to the other side of the island to be taking by tricycle.
This is also the slowest. The bus arrives Liloan Port around 12:30 am but the ferry leaves 2:30 am (2 hours of waiting time). The ferry trip is a slow 4 hours (this should only take 1.5 hours with Montenegro or Alesson), arriving Larena around 6:30 am. This 4 hour voyage offers no comfortable sleeping - you stay upright on your seat or sleep on the floor on a cardboard. The boat waiting/voyage takes 6 hours. Altogether, the entire trip takes 11.5 hours until the bus reaches Lazi.
Cebu City to Camotes Island
Cebu City to Camotes Islands
- via Poro - from Pier One in Cebu City, take the Ocean Jet for Poro, 2 hours, daily trip - 6am and 3pm (0936.823.8762 |0956.270.6610 | 0999.889.9999).
- via Consuelo - from Cebu City, take the northbound bus passing through Danao and get off at the Danao Port. At the Port, take a Jomalia Shipping boat for Consuelo (San Francisco, Camotes), P220/pax, a/c, 2 hours, daily trip - 5:30am, 7:00am (special trip), 8:30am, 12:00 noon (express), 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 9:00pm (express, Fri/Sat/Sun only).
Camotes Islands to Cebu City
- Poro - Cebu City (fastest and most direct) - go to Poro and take the 8am or 5pm Ocean Jet to Pier One in Cebu City, P380/pax/aircon, 2 hours
- Consuelo - Danao - Cebu City - go to Consuelo (San Francisco) and take the Jomalia Shipping boat to Danao, P220/pax, a/c, 2 hours, daily trip - 5:30am, 7:00am (special trip), 8:30am, 12:00 noon (express), 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 9:00pm (express, Fri/Sat/Sun only). From Danao, take the Ceres Bus to Cebu City
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Suggested Destinations in Cebu
- Camotes Islands - caves, beaches
- Cebu City - rich in culture and history, 2nd largest city in the Philippines
- Moalboal - amazing coral reef system, sardine bowl, deep drop-off for freediving
- Oslob - Butanding (whale shark) watching
- Bantayan Island - long stretch of fine white sand beach, Virgin Island for snorkeling
- Malapascua Island - divers' paradise for seeing the rare Thresher Shark
- Cantabaco Cave - Toledo
- Barile Waterfalls - Barile
- Whale Shark Tour - Oslob
- Carcar - chicharon and lechon in public market
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