TheLoneRider
a seeker in search of Easter Eggs

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Country > Philippines > Cebu > Cebu City
Date > 2017 > Feb
Activity > Traveling

Traveling
Coming Back to Cebu City Jan 27-Feb 6, 2017

Coming Back to Cebu City

Location Google Map: Cebu City, Cebu (province), Philippines

Mounting Push for Cebu City
The compelling reasons for me to go back to Cebu City mounted -

Before I knew it, from the comfort of Camotes Island, I took the 2-hour boat to Cebu City and got reunited with dear friends.

Robinsons Galleria
Before I left Cebu more than a year ago, Robinsons Galleria was still under construction. Now, craving to see a movie, I stopped by the mall to check it out and treat myself to a big-screen indulgence. P230 for a movie???? That's the cheapest they got? Whoa! Sorry, but I'm a guerilla backpacker surviving on a shoestring. It looked like it'll be my last movie in a long while. No wonder I didn't see movie houses in the smaller cities/towns I've been to - Bantayan, Bogo, Tabogon, Carmen, Danao. Very few people can afford to see big-screen movies at this price. Until that changes, the pirated DVDs will continue ruling the public movie audience at large. As for me, torrent downloads will continue to be my staple.

The Great Wall movie with Matt Damon
I would have watched La La Land for all its Golden Globe nominations but since there was a Matt Damon film, The Great Wall, I decided to go for Matt - he never makes a bad film. I loved his continuing Jason Bourne series. This movie was visually spectacular with armies in color-themed armour sweeping into battle, but the storyline didn't go deep enough to move you, although all the potential was there. For a gripping human drama, I would say The Last Samurai is a better film. At the end of it, The Great Wall was just another 90-minute forgettable entertainment. They could have done so much to engage the audience. It wasn't a really bad movie, but being a Matt Damon film, it was a little disappointing.

Mudra YogaMeditation at Waterfront Hotel
Pascale Wettstein invited me to conduct a brief meditation for her students in her ongoing yoga teacher-training course at The Waterfront Hotel. I added an initial pranayama followed by the main meditation, themed on dealing with unpleasant thoughts - painful thoughts from the past or worries about the future. These thoughts are stealthy. They creep into our mindscape and dominate our here-and-now, robbing us of our bliss. Most people are powerless against it because they are not even aware they are reacting to it. What followed after the meditation was mainly an open talk on yoga and life. Pascale and I answered some questions raised by the students. I saw new faces on the mat. It's encouraging to see yoga continuing to grow in Cebu. Thank you, Pascale, for inviting me into your space.

Fujinoya CafeFujinoya Cafe
Fujinoya Cafe has never figured out more prominently in any of my Cebu visits than this one. Almost exclusively, I met all my friends and did my online work in this low-key, subdued cafe in Lahug. Although understated by design, it's probably the most leveled-up coffee place in Cebu with its Third Wave Coffee compliance. In the same way Brillat-Savarin elevated food to new heights, the Third Wave movement takes coffee as an artisan craft and not just a pick-me-upper. Using cutting-edge brewing devices by serious baristas, they bring out the best attribute of a coffee variety. Navigating the coffee maze is owner/manager/barista Tidow. He's a walking coffee encyclopedia.

Theosophical Society MeetingTheosophical Society Meeting
In my own words, I would describe the Theosophical Society as a group of seekers who meet regularly to discuss the meaningfulness of existence towards realizing the higher self. This is headed by the charismatic, funny and witty Lovorn Ang. I was lucky to make it to the weekly meeting this time at Persian Palate - for regulars, the P199 dinner buffet (preceding the meeting) is only P99! The open exchange of ideas is as engaging as the characters who attend it. Most of those who attend are serious about high evolution. Sometimes, it's a spectacle to see a few intellectuals cross the blurred line (yes, it is a slippery slope) and showboat just how smart they are while pontificating ego dissolution - the ultimate satire. There was one guy (an outsider) who touted high philosophy, supremely confident of his finger-pointing monologue, closing condescendingly with, "You guys should know what you're talking about!". I could just imagine how good he felt after impressing upon everyone just how knowledgeable he was (eye roll). I call it live entertainment from a ringside seat. Lovorn is quite adept at keeping things on an even keel.

Cebu City
Lovorn, presiding at the weekly meeting of the Theosophical Society

The Pig and PalmThe Pig and Palm
About 2 months back, I was invited by PK to be at his birthday party in Cebu. I declined to say I would have no idea where I'd be in 2 months. Voila! I'm now in Cebu and in time for his birthday - one of those occasions life throws me a bone :) It was really good seeing PK and Lana again together with Jeanne and the rest of the team who were part of the feeding program where I met them. The celebration was at The Pig and Palm - a Michelin-starred restaurant owned by English chef Jason Atherton. Wine, canapés, hors d'oeuvre, tapas and antipasto were there to grace our palate. It was a memorable evening of friends, food and wine.

Losing my Voice
After successive days meeting friends in a row, I lost my voice. I had to put myself in isolation to take rest. It's my universe telling me to slow down again. I listen. I'm just glad I have a Jiminy Cricket in my head providing checks-and-balances to keep me balanced.

Ending Thoughts
I usually default to staying 7 months in Cebu City. But this time around, with a room in Camotes Island already paid for, I felt it time to come back to my other home in Cebu - to Camotes. This visit was different - short but sweet. I find it appealing that while in Camotes, I would only be 2 hours away from the (city)...2 hours away from my dear friends.

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider



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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

Google Map Cebu City, Philippines

tourist attractions in Cebu City tourist attractions
  • Tops in Cebu City Tops - hilltop offering panoramic view of the city
  • Taoist Temple in Cebu City Taoist Temple - temple on a hillslope in Lahug with panoramic view of the city
hotels in Cebu City hotel
  • Hostel Seven Cebu - newly opened, resto/bar, central location, solo/group travellers
    Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City
  • S Hotel Cebu S Hotel & Residences - new hotel, luxury rooms, central location
    827 M. Velez corner Andres Abellana St.
cafes in Cebu City resto / cafe / bar
  • Fujinoya Fujinoya - new and refreshing twists to Western style desserts using Japanese techniques
    Wilson St., Lahug, Cebu City - tel. 888.6075
  • Bad Boys Wingz Bad Boys Wingz - Buffalo Wings, unique versions of sauces! Great service, accommodating staff, bad boys vibe
    Kasambagan, Cebu City | (032) 415 4811
yoga in Cebu City yoga
  • Love Yoga World Love Yoga World - yoga studio
    11/fl, Skyrise 2 Tower, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
  • Yoga Now Yoga Now - first Yoga and Wellness studio in Mactan offering daily Yoga Classes
    at The Yacht Club Mactan
mountain biking in Cebu City mountain biking
  • Cebu Mountain Bike Adventure 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 Camotes Island

Cebu City to Camotes Islands

  1. 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).
  2. 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

  1. 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
  2. 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
Cebu City to Dumaguete

Cebu City to Dumaguete by Boat

  1. George and Peter Lines - Mon/Thur/Sat/Sun 10pm, (035)225.4337, 0922.557.1023
  2. Oceanjet - via Tagbilaran, daily 6am, dumticketing@oceanjet.net, 0918.898.2188
  3. 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)

  1. Cebu City South Terminal - take the southbound Ceres bus to Liloan, P200, 5 hours
  2. Liloan - the bus drops you off at the Liloan Port where you board the Fastcraft to Sibulan, Negros Oriental, P62, 30 mins
  3. Sibulan - at the Sibulan Port, the jeeps wait for Fastcraft passengers to take them to the public market in Dumaguete, P12, 30 mins.
  4. 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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. SuperCat (2GO) - Pier 1, departs 08:15-13:30-15:10-18:00-19:40
    P 500.00
    +63 32 233 7000
  4. 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

  1. 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
  2. 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.


Sugbo Urban

Sugbo Urban


Blogs Cebu Blogs
Cebu City CEBU CITY

2024

  • Siddhi-Activation Workshop Feb 4 - Mar 22, 2024
  • Cebu City for the Siddhi Workshop Feb 2-5, 2024
  • 2022

  • 2022: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2022
  • Dec Snapshots Dec 31, 2022
  • UP-Ateneo-La Salle Talk Dec 30, 2022
  • Smart Politics Dec 29, 2022
  • Dawata Yoga Studio Celebrates 1st Anniversary Dec 28, 2022
  • Icebath 2 at Hostel 7 Cebu Dec 17, 2022
  • Snorkeling in Mactan with Mikko's Merry Band Dec 11, 2022
  • Life-Hacking Using Yogic Principles at Dawata Yoga Studio Dec 9, 2022
  • Cebu City Peoplescape Dec 4, 2022
  • Fitness in Cebu Oct 3 - Dec 4, 2022
  • Food in Cebu Dec 4, 2022
  • Nov Snapshots Nov 30, 2022
  • Pranayama for Mikko's Marathon Nov 27, 2022
  • Moderating the Theosophical Society Meeting with Yoga of Emotions Nov 26, 2022
  • Yoga with Jason Nov 23, 2022
  • Yoga Classes in Cebu Nov 23, 2022
  • Life-Hacking Using Yogic Principles at Hostel 7 Cebu Nov 19, 2022
  • Icebath at Hostel 7 Cebu Nov 12, 2022
  • Underwear Talk Nov 9, 2022
  • October Snapshots Oct 31, 2022
  • TOPS Farewell Party Oct 21, 2022
  • Cebu City Base: Hostel 7 Cebu Oct 13 - Dec 4, 2022
  • Manila - Cebu City: from Touch-down to my Hotel Oct 13, 2022
  • 2017

  • 5 Nights in Cebu City at Hostel Seven Cebu Sep 2-7, 2017
  • Karma Yoga at S Hotel, Cebu Jul 5-7, 2017
  • Life Coaching for a Competition Dancer Jul 5, 2017
  • Back to Cebu: Life Coaching and Jeanne Jul 3-10, 2017
  • Thank You Cebu Jun 12, 2017
  • Lazarus Jun 12, 2017
  • Palm Grass Hotel Food Tasting Jun 10, 2017
  • Qube Gallery's Ako Si Sabel / Balay-Balay Art Exhibit Jun 8, 2017
  • Ambushed By SM Seaside Jun 1, 2017
  • Cebu Living May 4-31, 2017
  • Conducting Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation Classes in Cebu May 26, 2017
  • Rangoli Workshop with Yasha Dabas May 26, 2017
  • Rosti with Fish Fillet on Tomato Puree May 17, 2017
  • Downhill Riding with Cebu MTB Adventure May 13, 2017
  • Healing Yoga by Nonie Fernando at The Detox Bar May 12, 2017
  • Be-In Gathering at Jeanne's May 9, 2017
  • Detox Bar Lunch May 9, 2017
  • Barakki May 7, 2017
  • Ashtanga Primary Series Yoga in Cebu May 5, 2017
  • 3-Night Cebu Stopover Apr 6-9, 2017
  • Coming Back to Cebu City Jan 27-Feb 6, 2017
  • Celebrating Friendship in Cebu City Jan 27-Feb 6, 2017
  • 2015

  • Goodbye Cebu...Daghang Salamat! Dec 20, 2015
  • Into the Realm of Jiu-jitsu Dec 5, 2015
  • Vegetarian Food at Cherry's the SPICE Nov 21, 2015
  • Shadow Fragments by Leopoldo Aguilar at Qube Gallery Nov 17, 2015
  • Yoga Adjustment and Alignment Nov 11, 2015
  • Smoked Salmon-Belly Pizza on BBQ Sauce Nov 8, 2015
  • Meditation Basics Nov 7, 2015
  • Pilipino Time Oct 30, 2015
  • The Benevolent Cebu City Oct 28, 2015
  • Vegetarian Cooking Demo with Chef Sharon at Studio 108 Oct 24, 2015
  • Yogathering 2 Oct 3-4, 2015
  • Lalique and the Lily's Peanut Butter Glass Jar Sep 12, 2015
  • Re-purposing a Broken Umbrella Aug 27, 2015
  • Body Combat Aerobic Workout Sequence Aug 24, 2015
  • Handstand Clinic at Surya Nanda Yoga Studio Aug 23, 2015
  • Stopping Time Aug 5, 2015
  • Peoplescape and Synergy Jul 19, 2015
  • Abaca Baking Company Jul 17, 2015
  • Getting Deeper into Yoga Jul 12, 2015
  • Cebu Yoga at Studio 108 Jun 30, 2015
  • Back to Surya Nanda Yoga, Cebu Jun 18-28, 2015
  • 2014

  • Thank You Cebu, til the Next Time Oct 21, 2013 - May 15, 2014
  • Teaching Yoga May 9, 2014
  • Yoga Dance with Jaya Indra at Dragonfly Yoga Studio May 9, 2014
  • Aqua Yoga with Jeanne Torrefranca at Dragonfly Pool May 4, 2014
  • i-Yoga with Ayee Domingo at Dragonfly Yoga Studio Apr 27, 2014
  • Burning Man on PechaKucha Night at GILT, Cebu Apr 22, 2014
  • Leveling Up: Veer-Yoga with the YogiVeers Apr 11, 2014
  • Kundalini Yoga with Rebecca Youngdahl Lombardi Mar 28, 2014
  • SUP Yoga with Jeanne Torrefranca at Plantation Bay Mar 23, 2014
  • Kitchie Nadal Rocks Cebu City Mar 20-21, 2014
  • U Trade Hosts Online Trading Forum with Tony Herbosa and Roy Reyes Mar 6, 2014
  • Test Driving the 420D BMW Coupe Mar 6, 2014
  • Yoga Immersion with Veer (Vaibhav Rana) Mar 5, 2014
  • Pechakucha Mar 4, 2014
  • Jeanne's Community Outreach Program Mar 2, 2014
  • U Trade's Coming Out Party Feb 27, 2014
  • La Creperie Paris Opens its Doors in Cebu City Feb 22, 2014
  • Cebu Hiatus Feb 22, 2014
  • Joan Hyman Yoga Workshop by YogaHub Feb 18, 2014
  • Idiot on a Jet Plane Feb 15, 2014
  • Demystefying Ashtanga Yoga Feb 13, 2014
  • Abundance in Cebu (Part 2) Feb 11, 2014
  • Shifting Yoga Paradigm Feb 10, 2014
  • Gayatri Mantra Jan 21, 2014
  • Crossroads in Cebu Jan 20, 2014
  • Deepening My Yoga Practice in Cebu Jan 12, 2014
  • New Year Yoga at Dragonfly Yoga Studio Jan 1, 2014
  • Fab People: Vaibhav Rana (Veer) Jan 1, 2014
  • 2013

  • Fab People: Jeanne Torrefranca (Yogini) Dec 25, 2013
  • Coffee Review: Himalayan Java Coffee Dec. 18, 2013
  • YogaHub - Real People, Real Yoga Dec 18, 2013
  • 108 Sun Salutations for Typhoon Yolanda Victims Dec 15, 2013
  • 2-day Yoga Mountain Retreat at Rancho Cancio Nov 30 - Dec 1, 2013
  • Cebu Yoga Immersion Nov 14, 2013
  • Human Neti Pot Oct 23, 2013
  • Car-Talk Cebu City Style Oct 23, 2013
  • 2012

  • Back to Cebu for the Web Workshop Oct 3-18, 2012
  • Abundance in Cebu Jul 19, 2012
  • Theosophical Buffet Breakfast at Parklane Hotel July 15, 2012
  • Parklane Hotel Talk Jul 2, 2012
  • Seekers' Lair Jun 25, 2012
  • Yoga at Cordova Reef, Cebu Beach Resort May 6-7, 2012
  • Vipassana Meditation Course Part 4: Getting Established in the Technique (sit) Apr 25 - May 6, 2012

  • More on Cebu Province:

    Suggested Destinations in Cebu
    1. Camotes Islands - caves, beaches
    2. Cebu City - rich in culture and history, 2nd largest city in the Philippines
    3. Moalboal - amazing coral reef system, sardine bowl, deep drop-off for freediving
    4. Oslob - Butanding (whale shark) watching
    5. Bantayan Island - long stretch of fine white sand beach, Virgin Island for snorkeling
    6. Malapascua Island - divers' paradise for seeing the rare Thresher Shark
    7. Cantabaco Cave - Toledo
    8. Barile Waterfalls - Barile
    9. Whale Shark Tour - Oslob
    10. Carcar - chicharon and lechon in public market
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