Discovering Cebu

Author: rose8383

  • Balut: The Quintessential Filipino Street Food

    Cebu is a food lover’s paradise. From quaint cafes and classy restaurants to native food hubs and night markets, there’s good food to be found at every turn. Though, if you want a taste of authentic Cebuano food culture, you’ll have to give the infamous balut a shot. 

    Since we like to brag about our native delicacies, no foreign visitor is ever spared from the culinary dare that is balut-tasting. It’s sort of a good-natured rite of passage. You can say no, of course, but you’re highly encouraged to try. 

    What is balut?

    It’s a hard-boiled duck egg that’s been incubated between 16 to 25 days. For your reference, duck eggs hatch at 27 to 30 days. So you can bet there’s a partially developed duck embryo inside that egg.

    Without that embryo, a boiled duck egg is simply penoy – a different thing altogether. It contains just a vein-y yolk and a rubbery white part. 

    Balut sa puti

    Balut varies in name and appearance depending on the incubation period. A 14 to 16 days of incubation, the tiny embryo floats on top of the egg white and yolk and sometimes referred to as mamatong (on top). Normally a choice if you want to just dip your toe in for the experience. 

    A 17- to 18-day old egg, also called balut sa puti (balut in white), is the tourist-friendly choice and considered as the ideal balut. The embryo is big enough and is wrapped by the white portion of the egg, ergo the name. The still soft and fluffy embryo can be gulped down in a second.

     Beyond 21 days old, the embryo will have discernible features of a duckling. If you’re an adventurous eater, definitely go for that. But if you aren’t keen on having a beak and some feathers in your food, then stick to a younger, less developed egg. 

    Some vendors mark the eggs with the number of days of incubation. Others simply eye it, so it can be a hit or miss. 

    While it’s been called many things like peculiar and gross, balut is nothing but tasty. It’s best served warm, with a dousing of spicy vinegar and a sprinkling of salt – balut vendors have this at hand for anyone who wants to snack on the go. 

    If you’re out drinking with friends, balut makes for a perfect pulutan as well as an effective hangover food. 

    Seriously, once you get past the appalling appearance, you’ll figure it’s not so bad at all. 

    Where to find it

    Balut vendors traditionally peddle around residential areas, local parks and wet markets. But, now, you’ll see them on the city streets as well. One balut costs around 18 pesos ($0.34) a pop.  

    You’ll know when a balut vendor is nearby if you hear someone yelling “Baluuut!” The second half of the word is intentionally stretched to attract attention. It’s hard to miss.

    Other vendors don’t walk the streets – they are stationed on sidewalks near schools, hospitals, drinking spots and other public areas.

    Balut is typically sold from dusk to dawn. But now you can have it any time of day in some local restaurants where it’s served in adobo sauce, a sizzling platter or as a deep-fried snack. 

    How to eat balut like a pro

    Now we come to the exciting part: eating balut. The process is unlike eating your regular boiled egg, so read closely:

    • Find the rounder, flatter end of the egg, and crack a small hole. The balut is filled with natural broth, so you don’t want to open it up at once. Try not to spill any of the tasty liquid – it’s the bomb!
    • Sprinkle a bit of salt into the hole. Swish the broth gently and slurp it in one go. 
    • Peel away. Whether you eat the embryo first or last depends on your liking. But the pros usually eat the creamy egg yolk first and save the best (embryo) for last. The white part, also called bato (stone), tends to be tough and difficult to chew, so just toss it away. 

    Tip: Before chucking the edible bits into your mouth, try dipping in vinegar for a more flavourful bite. 

    Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty. The mess is all part of the experience. 

    balut

    habal-habal

    Habal2 are another local specialty: the motorcycles swarming the streets of Cebu! What does the name even mean? Read that and more in our article on Habal2.

    What does balut taste like?

    Try it to find out! 🙂

    What does the name mean?

    The name balut stems from the Malay word “balot” which means “wrap” according to this report on the Aphrodisiacs site. It’s worth mentioning that the Filipino word balot also means the same thing. The name perfectly defines the exotic food because it’s a treat covered by a shell. 

    Benefits of Balut: Protein, Cholesterol & Aphrodisiac?

    While Balut isn’t the most healthy food, it has a bunch of benefits, some of them controversial. 🙂

    When it comes to nutritional value, Balut has around 14 grams of crude protein, 188 calories, 2 milligrams of iron and 116 milligrams of calcium. It’s an inexpensive and easily available source of protein. However, as much as we love the exotic delicacy, we don’t eat a lot of it at once. That’s because balut is high in cholesterol – 619 milligrams, to be exact.

    Not all Filipinos like it, so foreign people’s aversion to it is perfectly understandable. It does look repulsive to the uninitiated. 

    Countries like Vietnam (Hot vit lon), China (Maodan) and Cambodia (Pong tia koon) also have their balut.

    Some Filipinos believe the dish is an aphrodisiac, though this isn’t scientifically proven yet.

    Looking past Balut

    This part of the country has more interesting street foods to offer. Balut is just an appetizer. Stay longer and try other favorite dishes like ginabot (pork crackling made from pig intestines), tuslob buwa (pig’s brain gravy) and isaw (chicken intestine BBQ).

    Cheers to a gastronomic adventure!

    balut

    Freaking out at the thought of eating balut? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Check out our page for  Vegetarian Food in Cebu.

     

     

     

     

     About the author

    Hey, it’s Chenzi! A writer made in Cebu. Stringing words is my bread and butter, but baking and mothering my 3-year-old are what feed my soul. I have an insatiable thirst for learning. 

  • Monthly Success Report August 2019 (and why)

    Every month, we’ll share our visitor numbers, and any experiments we did, and how they turned out.

    Why?

    That’s basically the same question as…

    Why are we doing DiscoveringCebu.com?

    We started DiscoveringCebu.com, because it’s needed. For example, too many of our friends said: It’s so hard for vegetarians, there is only like one vegetarian restaurant in Cebu! And … it’s simply not true! Cebu can be an awesome place—if you know where to find it’s goodies. It’s true: If you don’t, then they are hard to find. And that gap is what we want to fill with DiscoveringCebu.com.

    The second reason is: we want to learn. We want to build up our skills in content marketing, in SEO, in content managing and in writing. DiscoveringCebu.com is about learning and sharing that learning, so you can learn, too.

    Finally—when we get good at it and DiscoveringCebu.com is useful to a lot of pople, we think it’s only fair that we get appreciated. Yes, that means earning money for our efforts.

    So why the monthly reports?

    The idea comes from sites such as RemoteOK and SmartPassiveIncome, both of which share (or did) how their business is doing. Obviously those guys are crazily successful and we’re nowhere near that, but we love this spirit of openness, so we’ll share our journey. (The guy behind SmartPassiveIncome is half Filipino btw!)

    And again, it’s about learning. By sharing our journey, we think we might help and inspire others, like you, to start your own journey. To believe in yourself a bit more. To hopefully do much better than us.

    Finally, money. We think, as we learn and succeed, the reports will be useful for potential advertisers or someone who want to collaborate to see how we’re doing openly—it builds trust.

    So here we go.

    The goal for 2019

    Without a goal, it’s hard to know if you’re succeeding. We’ve no income yet, and not enough traffic to get any, so we’ll focus on website traffic for now. Our mid-term goal:

    We will reach 4000 daily active users in December 2019.

    At the moment we’re at ~300. Woah … is that a doable goal?? Well … we’ve no idea! Let’s find out. It’s going to be fun either way! 🙂

    Let’s look at how we’ve been doing in August:

    August 2019

    We’ve no income that we could share, so for this year we’ll focus on website statistics.

    Here is the total number of monthly active users for August:

    0 (goal for December 2019: 4000. Still missing: 3650)

     

    How do sessions and page views look like?

    We started this month with less than 10 daily active users per day. The trend shows upwards:

    monthly success report

    Mention worthy:

    Summary:

    12 Articles was published for the month of August.

    Is this useful? Please share!

    Do you think these monthly success reports are useful? If so, please share this post. 🙂

    How can we improve it? Let us know on FB or per mail to hello@discoveringcebu.com

  • The Wardrobe: Fashion Boutique in Talisay

    Fashionista’s of Cebu: Where do you shop? Online? The next surplus store? In the mall? What you wear is a statement—but where you buy your fashion is also a statement: about what you support. If you believe in supporting local entrepeneurs rather than filling the coffers of giant international brands, then here is your chance to put your money where your mouth is:

    The Wardrobe in Talisay has opened its doors!  

    So if you’re looking for stylish clothing for that picture perfect ootd’s, The Wardrobe has got everything you need. 

    stylebythewardrobe
    ig:stylebythewardrobe

    A fashion boutique run by Filipino entrepeneurs, The Wardrobe offers affordable stylish clothing for all genders. Even your kids are in for a treat! Don’t have any? No problem, kids are on sale, too! Just kidding. Jokes aside: if you’re a mom and crave those twinning moments and matchy outfits or just want your kids to be fashionable, The Wardrobe is the place to shop.

    No outfit is complete without make-up and some accessories. Good thing that The Wardrobe also offers affordable make-up & accessories. So now you can be sure to complete your final look.

    Busy at work? No time to go shopping, no worries. They also ship nationwide. To check their latest products go to their Fb Page: thewardrobefashionstore.

    ig:stylebythewardrobe

    How do we know that The Wardrobe is run by local entrepeneurs? We know one of them! 🙂 Kay is is a professional IG marketer, and one of the reasons why she’s an amazing person is her passion for her surroundings, in particular the environment.

    That’s why, apart from all the goodies above, she added one more corner to The Wardrobe and filled it with eco-friendly products.

    It’s not just about what’s in the shelves though. If you shop at The Wardrobe, you won’t take no plastic garbage, excuse, bags home with you: in fact, here are the canvas bags they use: 

    So … where do you shop?

    The Wardrobe is located in 2/F South Coast Center, Talisay. Find them on IG at @stylebythewardrobe or on Facebook: thewardrobefashionstore.

    See you there!

  • Benefits of Coworking Spaces: 7 Amazing Reasons to Try the Trend

    Ever heard of coworking spaces? 

    Loosely speaking, these are workspaces that let you work autonomously in an office-style environment or use an office on flexible terms. More than an office alternative, this innovative way of working has become a lifestyle for modern workers and business owners.   

    How do coworking spaces work?

    Coworking space options range from daily/weekly/monthly/flexi passes to dedicated desks and shared offices. This is what makes it ideal for freelancers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, small teams, and independent professionals. Some coworking facilities cater to both professionals and students at the same time.

    Depending on your needs, you can drop in and pay a fixed hourly rate, book a dedicated desk, sign up for long-term membership, or hire an office space. 

    Typical facilities they provide are:

    • 24/7 access
    • High-speed internet connection
    • Ergonomic seats
    • Power outlets
    • Communal printer/copier/fax machine/phone booths/etc.
    • Conference/board rooms for hire
    • Shared kitchens, bathrooms, lounges, power nap stations
    • Complimentary beverage
    • Private branch exchange (PBX) systems

    Some of the bigger companies, like The Company and Regus, offer serviced or managed offices for small teams of 2-20, as well as event spaces.

    The offices are basically cubicles with high walls, allowing you to block out some noise have a sense of privacy. You can pay as little as P25/hr (Vananaz), P150/day (Co.Lab Einland) or P2,999/month (The Spot). Meanwhile, a 5-to-8-person office may cost P50-85k per month. Prices include electricity, internet fees, tax, and 24/7 access.

    Read Next: Workplace Cafe Mactan: Coworking in LLC Just Got Better!

    Benefits of coworking spaces

    Since the concept was introduced, coworking spaces have been growing exponentially in number. It makes sense as more professionals ditch their 9-to-5 jobs to work more flexibly. In addition, more entrepreneurs are going beyond traditional brick-and-mortar operations and more companies are outsourcing work processes to remote teams.

    Here’s why professionals and businesses thrive in coworking:

    1. Work structure

    For freelancers working at home, it can be difficult to keep a line between work and home. You’re exposed to a lot of distractions like the TV, your bed, your pets/children, your family, and house chores. Coffee shops are no different as they tend to be too loud or crowded at times. 

    Coworking facilities, like Altspace Cebu and Hive Coworking Cafe in particular, provide the same laidback vibe of a cafe but with some form of structure that’s ideal for working. 

    2. Networking and community

    Being left to your own devices can be liberating, but it can also be isolating. And feeling like a lone warrior can have a negative effect on your mental wellbeing. There are moments when you’d almost miss the crazy deadline-rush and hustle in a traditional office setting. Freelancers know this too well.

    Well, a coworking space gives you the best of both worlds. Though you are working on your own projects/business, a coworking space lets you become part of a community of like-minded professionals. Being surrounded by hard-working and passionate people will leave you feeling social, driven and energized.

    For business owners, being in a diverse community opens up opportunities for creating connections. 

    In fact, connections are one of the main reasons start-ups and entrepreneurs pay to work in coworking spaces, as opposed to renting an office space. Coworking puts you near people who could potentially help your skills or business to grow.

    Managers of coworking facilities normally work to cultivate the right vibe for networking and socialization. None of that is forced, of course. If you want to focus on your work, you are free to choose an isolated workstation. But if you want to grow your connections, you can simply transfer to the shared table or office a few steps away. You choose when and how to interact with fellow co-workers.

    3. Mentorship

    Coworking spaces buzz with creativity, intellect and motivation. They expose you to people coming from different backgrounds – bloggers, photographers, graphic artists, writers, business owners, mentors, CEOs, etc. 

    This presents a platform for meeting influential persons, accomplished entrepreneurs, and great thinkers. There’s a potential to “pick their brains” or use your co-workers as a sounding board for your business ideas. 

    4. Emotional support

    If you constantly experience self-doubt as a small business owner or a freelancer, surrounding yourself with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals will give you a much-needed emotional boost. 

    Being amongst peers can inspire you to push through those moments of self-doubt. Every co-worker you meet will have a story to tell and a lesson to inspire you.  

    5. Flexibility

    Renting an office space comes with overhead costs and extra obligations. Can you commit to a lease? Can you afford to pay monthly utility bills? Can your capital cover a custom fit-out or renovations? For startup or small business, this excess baggage may be too heavy.

    If your business model requires a physical location, a coworking space allows you to rent one on a much shorter term with limited conditions. It’s also easy to scale up your office space as your team grows – switching plans can be done without much hassle.

    Shared offices free you up from the usual obligations of renting an office, so you focus more on directing and growing your team.

    6. Collaboration 

    Some coworking spaces, like Open Mind Coworking Space in IT Park, host community events that foster collaboration among its members. In other words, they help their members to collaborate and upgrade their skills so there is constant workflow for everyone.

    7. Productivity

    Working alongside people who are passionate and goal oriented will inspire you to work more diligently. The work culture in coworking spaces supports productivity, learning, and success.

    Another way coworking facilities help you become more productive is by offering amenities for recreation and relieving stress. It’s no secret that stress can cripple productivity. You’ll often be given access to a napping station or areas for table tennis, chess and air hockey. 

    Coworking statistics reveal that 64% of co-workers are better able to complete tasks on time; 68% were able to focus better while coworking; and 91% have better interactions with other after coworking. 

    Bottomline: Coworking hubs nurtures effectiveness and productivity, leading to increased income and higher chances of success. 

    If you haven’t considered coworking spaces yet, you could be missing out on these really cool benefits. 

  • National Heroes Day in The Philippines: What you need to know

    It’s National Heroes Day here in the Philippines. 

    This holiday serves to remind us that the freedom we enjoy now as a nation was fought with the blood, sweat and tears of our valiant Filipino heroes. 

    Every last Monday of August is dedicated to honouring and remembering not just the prominent figures that fought for Philippine independence but also the unsung heroes, past and present, who have contributed much to the cause of justice, freedom and nationhood. 

    Holiday Facts

    The holiday was established in 1931

    The first celebration of National Heroes Day was during the American colonial period 

    That’s right, the Philippines was still an unincorporated American territory when the holiday was first observed. 

    The Philippine legislature at the time enacted Legislature Act 3827 declaring the last Sunday of August an official national holiday for that purpose.

    ‘Holiday economics’ moved the holiday from Sunday to Monday 

    In 2007, former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Republic Act 9492, which moved regular or nationwide special holidays to the nearest Monday or Friday of the week. For example, holidays that fall on a Wednesday may be moved to the Monday of that week, and holidays that fall on a Sunday are moved to the Monday of the following week.

    With the so-called ‘Holiday Economics’ as rationale for the Act, the administration believed that extending the weekends will boost the economy by reducing mid-week work disruptions and promoting domestic leisure and tourism.

    August is the month of the historic ‘Cry’

    The “Cry of Pugad Lawin” or “Cry of Balintawak” signalled the formal start of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rulers. This was initiated by the hitherto secret revolutionary movement called Katipunan.

    In an act of defiance, members of the Katipunan tore up their cedulas (tax certificates) at Pugad Lawin/Balintawak (the exact location is still being disputed), sometime in August. Although nobody can tell exactly when the Cry happened, the general consensus is that it took place in the last week of the month, hence we celebrate National Heroes Day around this time.

    Only two national heroes have their own assigned holiday

    These are Jose Rizal (Dec.30) and Andres Bonifacio (Nov.30), the former being the Philippine National Hero and the latter being the head of the Katipunan. National Heroes Day specifies not a single hero, which includes even those who didn’t manage to get their names written in our history books.

    How do Cebuanos celebrate National Heroes Day?

    The local government normally holds a formal ceremony to pay homage to our brave heroes and, at the same time, recognize modern-day heroes who bring pride and honor to the country. Last year, the recognition went to the country’s fastest speedcuber, Leo Borromeo, and the Philippine Accessible Disability Services Adaptability Dragonboat Racing Team who won back-to-back titles in the International Paradragon Boat Championship. 

    But like any other holiday, we take National Heroes Day as an opportunity to take on leisure and recreational pursuits. Many would flock to nearby islands and beaches, while others trek the mountains or take to the roads. 

    The island of Cebu is rife with beautiful beaches and natural attractions, a long weekend wouldn’t even suffice. Still, any holiday is an excuse to go out and about.

    Check the coworking spaces schedule on National Heroes Day.

    About the author

    Hey, it’s Chenzi! A writer made in Cebu. Stringing words is my bread and butter, but baking and mothering my 3-year-old are what feed my soul. I have an insatiable thirst for learning. 

  • SM City Cebu Travellers Lounge: Services, Open Hours, and More

    Did you know you can store your luggage and take a shower at SM City Cebu Travellers Lounge? Find out more about their services here.

    SM City Cebu Travellers Lounge might be SM Cebu’s best-kept secret. If you are dragging your heavy luggage all through the city, consider just dumping it at this Travel Lounge for a small fee.

    Still at the airport and undecided where to go? Consider taking a MyBus for a cheap ride into the city—one of it’s stops is SM City and the Traveller’s Lounge will be right there to drop your luggage at. If you want to read more about MyBus and other ways to get into the city, read our article on the topic.

    Phone Number of the Traveller’s Lounge

    Here is the phone number of the Traveller’s Lounge SM Cebu:

    Phone: +63 (32)-232-0293

    NOTE: This means the Lounge closes a bit earlier than the mall—and it closes much earlier than the restaurants outside. Don’t forget to get your luggage in time.

    Opening Hours

    Here are the opening hours:

    The Travel Lounge opens 9:00 am and closes 08:30 pm.

    NOTE: This means the Lounge closes a bit earlier than the mall—and it closes much earlier than the restaurants outside. Don’t forget to get your luggage in time!

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    Where to find the Traveller’s Lounge SM Cebu?

    Let’s clear out one possible confusion up front: the Traveller’s Lounge is located in SM City North Reclamation Area (NRA), Juan Luna Ave Ext, Cebu City —not in SM Seaside.

    The Lounge itself is not inside the mall but attached to it. It’s located opposite of Radisson Blu Hotel, which is a giant hotel, so you can’t really miss it. If you’re inside the mall, ask someone to point you toward the Radisson Blu exit.

    When you’re exiting SM Cebu towards Radisson Blu, just turn left and walk 50 meters and you’re standing in front of it. Ask any guard for Radisson Blu, or even motorcycle parking and they invariably point you in the right direction.

    Rates & Fees

    Here is all that the Traveller’s Lounge SM Cebu City offers you—and how much they charge you:

    Baggage Deposit & Luggage Storage

    Drop your heavy backpack and your way too full suitcase for a few hours at the Lounge! 

    •  ₱50/day (per compartment)
    •  ₱30/day (half of one compartment)

    Shower rooms!

    Yes, showers! If you ever traveled a day you’ll know the feeling of being exhausted and weary and all you want is a shower and fresh clothes—but your hotel doesn’t allow early check-in yet and all you want is that shower, you’d pay anything for a shower … and that’s where the Traveller’s Lounge saves you because they have showers—and “anything” is only P50, so about $1. 🙂

    •  ₱50/person (maximum of 20 minutes shower time) 

    Currency exchange

    Exchange your US Dollars, Euros, or Yen for Philippine Pesos so you can spend, spend, spend. (Well, that’s why you go to a mall, right? 🙂 )

    Phone Charging

    Reading this on your phone and the battery is running out? No worries, you can charge your various electronics at SM Traveller’s Lounge, too. Against a small fee, unfortunately.

    •  ₱25/hour (cellular phone)
    •  ₱50/hour (laptop & other batteries)

    Book plane and ferry tickets

    Want to get out of the city? Not a problem: you can even book plane rides or purchase ferry tickets. 

  • Habal-habal: A Guide to Cebu’s Motorcycle Taxis

    Latest Updates:

    March 16, 2020: Angkas and Habal-Habal (motorcycle taxis) temporarily suspended due to the implementation of social distancing as preventive measure of Covid-19.


    January 21, 2020: Angkas stays in Cebu, for now. The TWG overseeing the pilot run decides to continue studying the safety of the motorcycle-for-hires after several lawmakers urged them to continue the pilot run during the Senate hearing.

    Read full news here: SunStar Cebu

    January 20, 2020:  Motorcycle taxis will be banned starting next week, after the TWG decides to cut short the pilot run for motorcyle-for-hires.

    Read full news here: CNN Philippines

    Habal-habal or motorcycle taxis are ubiquitous in Cebu. They’re the new ‘King of the Road,’ a title long held by jeepneys. People new to Cebu and Habal-habal motorcycles also find them confusing, and have lots of questions. How do you hail one? How much do you pay per ride? Do you negotiate and when? Is it dangerous? Do they always have a helmet? Is it legal? Read that and more in our guide!  

    A reason for the popularity of Habal-habal motorcycles is Cebu’s grave traffic condition. Habal-habal rides allow you to side-step the traffic problem as the driver will easily weave through the flood of slow-moving cars and find faster routes that no four-wheeled vehicle can take. That way you both beat the traffic and you usually pay a cheaper price than with taxi.

    Whether you’re coming in to Cebu for a short visit or for a long-term stay, you’ll be acquainted with habal2 soon enough. For example, if you’re visiting during tent-pole events like the Sinulog Festival, getting a taxi in the city or hitching on a jeepney is close to impossible. If you have to go to work or school on regular hours, you’ll find there’s no better conveyance.

    What’s the Meaning of Habal-Habal?

    “Habal” is a Visayan term for the mating act of animals. But how does that relate to the motorcycle taxi?

    Until recently, habal-habals are used to transport people and goods over rough terrains or areas unserviceable to public transport vehicles. You won’t see them in and around the city. These motorcycles have an extended rear or wooden plank seats attached to accommodate as many as six passengers at a time (yes, that makes seven including the driver!).

    The crammed sitting position of the riders somewhat resembles a bunch of animals copulating (*snort*), and with the Visayans’ knack for doubling a word to diminish its meaning, the term “habal-habal” is coined. And in the best Filipino tradition of shortening words, you sometimes see “habal2”, too.

    Most habal-habals in the city no longer sport the odd rear contraption, so they look like any other motorcycle navigating the streets. In fact, city habal-habals are allowed to carry only one passenger at a time. But at night when there are no traffic enforcers in sight, some drivers take advantage and carry at least two passengers at once. It makes sense because there are fewer taxis and jeepneys plying past midnight, so more passengers are in need of a ride.

    How to Hail a Habal-habal and when to negotiate a price

    Habal-habals don’t have designated terminals, but you’ll usually find them near or in front of schools, churches, wet markets, malls and business centers like I.T. Park and Cebu Business Park. Some cruise the major streets in search of passengers.

    The drivers are required to wear a helmet and provide one for their passenger, so you can tell a motorcycle taxi just by that extra helmet dangling on the handlebar or the driver’s arm.

    To get a ride, simply wave at a driver and tell them where you’re headed. Sometimes drivers will approach you instead, asking if you need a ride. You’ll be greeted with “Habal-habal, ma’am/sir?”

    It’s customary to figure out the price before getting on. It helps when you’re familiar with your destination and the going rate because this gives you a chance to haggle. Generally, though, foreigners are charged more than locals.

    What’s a fair fare and what’s not?

    Habal-habals are generally unregulated, so the fares can be pretty inconsistent. Different drivers may charge differently for the same route. Fares also increase with demand. So on rainy days and rush hours, drivers tend to charge more because they know a lot of passengers are desperate for a quick way to get home or go to work.

    Basically, a 2-kilometer ride will cost around P50. But since there are no standard rates to speak of, let’s discuss the average prices for the usual routes instead:

    • Ayala to I.T. Park – P30 ($0.57)
    • Maria Luisa Road to I.T. Park – P70 ($1.33)
    • I.T. Park to SM City – P70 ($1.33)
    • Ayala to SM Seaside – P120 – P150 ($2.3 – $2.8)

    Some drivers, who have organized themselves to appear more ‘professional’, have their own terminal and ply a specific route. They also have standardized rates and follow a code of conduct. An example of this is the 2k15 Cebu Riders Association Inc. members have the Cemobahada sticker on their motorcycles to show that they’re registered. From their terminal, they charge P15 to SM Seaside, P50 to downtown Cebu, P100 to I.T. Park, and P300 to Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

    If you’re a tourist visiting a far-flung attraction, you can book a habal-habal ride for a round trip and pay additional hourly rate for the waiting time. Here’s an example scenario: If you’re going to popular tourist attractions in the Busay Transcentral Highway like TOPS Lookout, Temple of Leah or Sirao Flower Garden, the price from JY Centre Mall is P400 roundtrip + P100-200 hourly waiting fee (for 2 persons).  

    Are Habal-Habal Safe?

    This isn’t meant to scare you but to inform you. Without sugar-coating the facts, habal-habals are unsafe. You’ll likely hear or read cautionary tales against riding them – from passengers getting thrown off, to stories of assault and gruesome accidents. Although these tales needn’t generalize the trade, they tell of the dangers involved.

    Let’s spell out the risks:

     Unregulated and illegal. The Land Transportation and Traffic Code actually prohibits the use of a motorcycle for public transport.

    • No insurance for passengers. Since the trade is illegal, you will not be covered by a passenger personal accident insurance in case of injury or death. Sometimes, the motorcycles used aren’t even registered and do not have the mandatory third-party liability insurance. Some drivers also don’t have a license.
    • No safety seminars for drivers. Many are notorious speeders. They precariously breeze through stationary and slow-moving traffic. Some drivers even try to compete with and overtake SUVs, buses and huge ten-wheelers. In other words, your safety depends on your driver’s driving abilities as much as his conscience.         

    Based on the Cebu City Traffic Office (CTTO) data, 300 out of the roughly 1,000 vehicular accidents each month involve motorcycles.

    To be fair, there are plenty of honest and reliable drivers out there who care about their safety as much as their passengers’. Passengers should just take precautions. If you are uncomfortable about speeding, you can just communicate with your driver openly. Drivers easily assume you’re in a rush, so they speed off unnecessarily.

    What is Angkas and how does it Work?

    Angkas solves most, if not all, of the safety and pricing concerns about the trade. Drivers are cautious and courteous. They have full protective gear and proper documentation.

    The ride-hailing app works pretty much like Grab and Uber, but for motorcycles.

    To book a ride, just enter your location and destination, then wait for a driver to accept your booking request. You can add notes for landmarks, pick-up arrangements or other specifics. Once a driver accepts, you’ll be able to see his photo, name and vehicle registration number.

    A fixed price is shown right after you enter your pick-up location and destination, so no haggling necessary.

    Since the start of its six-month pilot run in May 2019, Angkas follows the prescribed fare matrix:

    Particulars Charge
    First kilometre P20
    Additional fare up to 8 km P16/km
    Additional fare from 8 km above P20/km
    Surge cap 1.5x

    Unlike your regular habal-habal drivers, Angkas operators are trained on road safety, hygiene and customer relations. They’ll provide not only a helmet but a face mask and a hairnet as well. On rainy conditions, they’ll even have a raincoat ready for you.

    More importantly, every Angkas ride comes with a P200,000 insurance cover for both biker and passenger.

    The future of habal-habal

    There are currently around 6,500 motorcycle taxis listed in operation in the 80 barangays of Cebu, among which 3,000-4,000 operate within the city. Until the city is able to provide an efficient mass transport system, habal-habals will continue to flourish.

    Here’s why:

    1. a)    Motorcycles are sold cheap here.
    2. b)    The trade has garnered support from the local government due to its contribution to the local economy. Majority of habal-habal patrons are workers in the BPO industry, which brings in P7-billion monthly revenue for the city.
    3. c)    It’s a viable money-making venture. With just a motorcycle and basic driving skills, anyone can operate a habal-habal. In addition to the agreed price, sometimes passengers give tips if they’re happy with the ride. The average driver makes P400-P700 a day or more, or P12,000 – P21,000 a month. That’s good enough considering habal-habal drivers don’t pay taxes.

    Wondering what other ways to navigate around Cebu? Check out our article How to get around CebuCity.

     Regulating Habal-Habal in Cebu

    Part of the future for motorcycle taxis is regulation of their operation. 
     
    Talks of regulating habals started in 2018. The previous mayor of Cebu City considered this solution to protecting the welfare of both the riding public and the drivers. However, the ordinance did not have the number in the council then. 
     
    Late August of 2019, another city councillor re-introduced the concept through legislation that seeks to grant the “Local Government of Cebu City the power and authority to issue local regulatory license and permits to operators of motor taxi” within the city.
     
    Here’s what it aims to do:

    • The City Government of Cebu will be involved in the issuance of franchises of habal habal, but the Land Transportation Office will retain authority over registration of vehicles.
    • Habal habal drivers will need to register in their area of operation. To do so, they need a driver’s license with official receipt and certificate of vehicle registration. In that way, they become legit and easy to monitor.
    • Barangays will coordinate with Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) for the issuance of plate number stickers to registered habal2.
    • Drivers are now required to carry third-party insurance coverage and two helmets.
    • Drivers will have to wear a uniform and undergo training.
    • Drivers and operators must be members of an accredited Transport Network Vehicle service or company.
    • Fares will be standardized
    • Drivers and operators are to pay annual registration fees of P250 and vehicle registration as a motorcycle-for-hire for P500. 
    • There will be fines for any lacking requirements (e.g. license, ID, plate number) and traffic offenses.
    • Section 9 of the proposed ordinance states that the Office of the City Mayor shall formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations through the CCTO together with the LTO, habal-habal operators, and barangay officials.

    Problem is the new ordinance faces the same conflicting legal opinion that trashed the previous one. 

    For some context: House Bill 8959, otherwise known as the “Act Allowing and Regulating the Use of Motorcycles as Public Utility Vehicles, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and for other purposes,” received a disappointing 181-0 vote. Ergo, it’s impossible to regulate something that is still considered illegal.

    For the local government to successfully have the authority to regulate local motorcycle taxi operations, the law must first be amended. At the moment, the new legislation is still being referred for further review by the Committee on Laws.

    Some drivers welcome the ordinance but with conditions. For one, John Rey Aparicio of Ermita-based Freedom Riders wants the fare metric system to be in kilometers and slightly higher than that of Angkas. He reasons that Angkas drivers don’t need to wait for hours to get passengers.

    Riders associations in Cebu

    Long before the city government took notice of the plight of habal-habal riders and passengers, some drivers have already took steps to “professionalize” the practice. Two riders association, the SRP Motorjack Riders Association and the Mambalinganon, have merged into the now 2k15 Cebu Riders Association Inc. They have their own terminal and ply a specific route.  They also have standardized rates and follow a code of conduct. This was even before Angkas entered the picture.  Members of the RA have the Cemobahada sticker on their motorcycles to show that they are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. From their terminal, they charge P15 to SM Seaside, P50 to downtown Cebu, P100 to I.T. Park, and P300 to Mactan-Cebu International Airport. After the first ordinance was passed, the CTTO started working on programs to organize the motorcycle riders and create riders associations in some of the barangays in Cebu City. They started with riders from Lahug, Banilad, Apas and Mabolo – the areas near I.T. Park where BPO companies are located. The riders were oriented on the benefits and responsibilities once they are part of the barangay habal-habal associations. There is currently no definite list of RAs in Cebu, but here are some of the recognized ones:

    • Cebu City Riders – 3000 members in 49 barangays in north and south districts of Cebu City
    • Talisay Motor Riders Association (TMRA) – 154 members
    • Osmeña Fuente Habal-Habal Drivers Association
    • Tungasan-Guadalaraja Riders Association in Guadalupe

    The RA will organize the routes, fares, and identification (i.e. uniform, vehicle registration, stickers, etc.) of drivers. It will also clean out the ranks on riders that do not have the proper licenses, drug testing, and road safety training. Whether the drivers will start paying taxes once regulated remains unclear.  

    It’s really a matter of ensuring passenger safety, reasonable rates, and accountability of these habal-habal drivers. Plus, there’s a need to ensure their terminals don’t hog road space and aggravate traffic.

    It is not uncommon for RA members to also be registered on Angkas. The platform simply offers a better deal for the drivers at the moment. The daily salary of an Angkas Driver averages at P1,100, which is something other drivers won’t earn just by waiting or looking for passengers on their own.

    Apart from RAs, there are groups on Facebook that work pretty much like Angkas, though the company has nothing to do with it. One of these is the ANGKAS CEBU Riders and Passengers GROUP, wherein passengers can post their pickup/destination, pickup time and a set fare and Angkas drivers can send private messages to seal the deal. The group members also post events, traffic updates, services, activities, alerts, forums or other Angkas-related happenings.

    A final word

     For many Cebuanos, like school children in the mountain barangays and business process outsourcing (BPO) employees working on Western time, patronizing habal-habals is a matter of survival as much as convenience. Even you might find it indispensable. Even with plans for a bus rapid transit (BRT) on the way, the city acknowledges that habal-habals are needed to provide the first and last mile – that is, door-to-door mobility and rural-urban connectivity. It’s certainly become a way of life in Cebu.

     


    mactan airport to cebu city

    First time in Cebu? Check our dedicated article for 

    7 ways to get from Mactan Airport to Cebu City.

    About the author

    Hey, it’s Chenzi! A writer made in Cebu. Stringing words is my bread and butter, but baking and mothering my 3-year-old are what feed my soul. I have an insatiable thirst for learning.  

  • Update: Big Bad Wolf Book Sale

    Good news to all Cebuano’s and bookworms! The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here. After the VIP Pass day yesterday the Big Bad Wolf finally open its doors to the public starting today Aug. 16 at 09:00 am. The book sale will run for 10 days from Aug. 16 to Aug. 26. The book sale will be open 24 hrs for the duration of the sale. All books will be on 50%-90% discounts. So be sure to BUY and HOARD those books!

    big bad wolf
    treasure island

    P_20190817_145743
    20190817_145517

    The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is located in IEC Convention Center (IC3) Cebu City.

    For more info visit the BBW on FB

    For more infos about books in Cebu visit our page on the topic.

    GALLERY:














  • 7 Ways to Get from Mactan Airport to Cebu City in 2020

    First time in Cebu? You’re probably wondering what the best way is to get from Mactan airport to Cebu City or other places in Metro Cebu.

    The driving distance from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to downtown Cebu is about 15 km. On normal traffic, you’ll get to your destination in 30-40 minutes. On peak traffic, normally in the late afternoon and early evening, this can stretch to well over an hour.

    So what are your transport options from Mactan Airport to Cebu City?

    1. MyBus: Cheap travel to SM City Cebu

    You can catch a bus right across the Taxi Bay of T1 Domestic Arrival or at the Bus Bay of T2 International Arrival. The bus leaves every 20 minutes, from 7AM to 10PM daily.

    As soon as you walk out of the arrival hall, turn right and walk some 100 meters to the bus lane. It’s hard to miss since there’s an overhead sign indicating where the ‘Taxi & Bus Bay’ is.

    MyBus requires a tap card, which you can get at the MyBus Cashiers in T1 and T2. Fare is from P25 to P40 ($0.46 – $0.77) depending on where you get off. Listed below are the designated stops of the Airport-Cebu MyBus route:

    source: MyBus

    For more information visit MyBus on FB

    2. Taxi

    If your hotel is nowhere near the drop-off points of MyBus, taking a taxi from Mactan airport to Cebu City is going to be more convenient because you won’t have to transfer. Also, taxis operate 24/7 so you don’t have to worry about the timing of your arrival.

    The taxi bays are located just across the MyBus station at the Terminal 1 Domestic Arrival and Terminal 2 International Arrival areas. Again, exit the arrival hall, turn right and simply follow the overhead signs for “Taxi & Bus Bay.” There you’ll find two types of taxis:    

    White Taxi

    Photo By:cebu food droid / CC BY 2.0

    They’re your regular city taxis authorized to work at Cebu airport. Fares start at P40 ($0.77) with additional P13.50 for every kilometre and P2 per minute of waiting time in traffic. 

    Yellow Taxi

    Photo By: cebu food droid / CC BY 2.0

    Yellow taxis are airport-only taxis with a more expensive fee structure than white taxis. Flag down rate is P70 ($1.35) with additional P4 for every succeeding 300 meters. Yellow taxis are arguably safer for tourists because the driver’s information is easier to retrieve if you need to complain. So take one if you have a lot of luggage and valuables with you. Generally, though, a white taxi is fine and the airport staff manning the taxi bay will hand you your taxi’s driver and company information on a piece of paper anyway. So you know where to call if you have complaints.

    Some tourists have reported being scammed by taxi drivers, so it’s a good idea to check the meter and make sure it’s running as soon as your trip starts. Both white and yellow taxis must be metered, so don’t accept a flat rate no matter what your driver says.

    Expect to pay around P200-250 in a white taxi, which is about $4-5 at today’s exchange rate of $1 to P52. A yellow taxi usually costs P250-300 ($4.8-$5.8).

    Payment is by cash only (no debit or credit cards accepted).

    3. Grab (Taxi or Private car)

    Grab is currently the most popular ridesharing service app in Southeast Asia. You can use it to book a taxi or a private car and pay a fixed fare. You also have the option to specifically book a 6-seater if you’re travelling with a group.

    Fares are similar to a white taxi’s, around 200 pesos ($4) or exorbitantly higher on peak hours.

    If you don’t already have it, simply download and install the app on your mobile. Create an account and link a credit card (optional). Set this up before your flight because you’ll need an active phone number for the verification code, which will be sent via SMS.

    As soon as you arrive at Mactan Cebu International Airport, connect to the free Wi-Fi in the terminal to book your ride. Once you get a car, you can contact your driver to coordinate the meeting point. No scams here since the fare is preset. Everything is transparent.

    If you don’t have the app, you can approach a Grab kiosk in the terminal, where a friendly staff will book your ride for you.

    4. Angkas: Uber for Motorcycles

    This is another ridesharing app, but you use it to book a motorcycle ride rather than a car/taxi ride.

    Like Grab, the app is convenient and transparent. All the information you need is provided in the app – your driver’s photo, name, contact number, vehicle registration number, and the price.

    Angkas drivers are generally polite, reliable and cautious. They’re easy to spot at the airport, since Angkas drivers wear a blue jacket and helmet bearing the Angkas logo. But you can certainly use the app to communicate with your driver about your meeting point.

    Angkas will take you to your destination in a relatively shorter time than a taxi ride. It’s cheaper, too. So if you’re in a rush and have no big luggage to tug around, this option may be worth the try.

    Motorcycle taxis without an app are called Habal habal (short: Habal2) and they are everywhere. Read more about Angkas and Habal habal in our blog post.

    5. Sugbo Transit Bus

    Sugbo Transit serves Cebu South Bus Terminal to MCIA and vice versa. If you are heading for uptown Cebu City or the southern parts of the island, this is an ideal option.

    There are no fixed departures, but a bus leaves every hour from 5AM to 6PM daily.

    Like MyBus, Sugbo Transit has PWD access, Wi-Fi and GPS. However, the bus goes on a different route than MyBus, with different stops:

    • Cebu South Bus Terminal
    • Fuente Osmena (Robinson’s Fuente)
    • Robinson’s Galleria
    • Cebu North Bus Terminal
    • Pacific Mall Mandaue
    • Mactan Marina Mall / Island City Mactan

    Fare is P40. Cash basis only.

    6. Car rental

    If you’re travelling with a group, a car rental is pretty convenient and practical. Best to book this before your trip so you can have your car waiting at the airport when you land. Pre-booking means you get to select your car and you know the fees involved.

    There will be touts for on-the-spot car hire right outside the terminal building. These can be pricey, and you won’t have much of a choice with the car. So again, shop before you commit.

    Important: Traffic in some areas is literally bumper-to-bumper, and some drivers occasionally perform surprise maneuvers. That’s a normal scenario on the streets, which is why a self-drive car isn’t usually recommended for foreigners. Car rental Make sense if you’re travelling to the remote towns of Cebu island, but not towards the city center.

    7. Ferry

    Did we already mention traffic can get really crazy during rush hours? There’s another way to beat that. You can escape the gridlocks of the city by taking a ferry. 

    Ferries are cheap and they will take you on a scenic cruise along Opon Channel. If traffic is bad and you want to go near where the ferries arrive, this option can save you a bunch of time—and it gives you more of a local experience than sitting in a taxi.

    There are two vessels plying the Mactan-Cebu route:

    Topline Express Ferry

    At the South Wing Entrance of T1, take the Opon Mercado yellow multicab and ask the driver to drop you off at Mactan Marina Mall. Walk towards Island City Mactan, where you can board the Island Ferry 1 that will take you to Pier 3 in downtown Cebu City. It’s a 30-minute ride coast-to-coast.

    Fares are set from P25 to P30 ($0.48 to $0.57). Daily route is from 5Am to 9PM.

    Metro Ferry

    Take the Opon Mercado multicab and get off at Muelle Osmena port. The multicab ride costs more or less P10. Sometimes, the multicab doesn’t go all the way to Muelle Osmena but stops at Opon Mercado. You can walk to the ferry terminal from there. The easiest way is to ask locals where the port is (they’ll be happy to help).

    The Cebu-Mactan Ferry will take you on a 15-20 minute journey to Pier 3, for P14 ($0.27).

    From Pier 3, you can take a taxi to your hotel or a jeepney for downtown Cebu.

    Fair warning: The lines at the ferry terminal can be long during peak hours. If you want to take a jeepney all the way to the city center, expect multiple transfers before reaching your destination. Going to SM City, take the airport yellow multicab to Marina Mall, then take the jeepney going to Parkmall. In Parkmall, transfer to a jeepney with the code O1K or sign “Urgello” – this will pass by SM City Cebu. At the SM City jeepney terminal, you can take another jeepney going to different parts of the downtown area.

    Which option is right for you?

    The first 3 options are most preferable to first-timers in Cebu. You just don’t want too much hassle after a flight. That said, it’s good to have plenty of options to get around this beautiful island.

    Last Updated:  January 2020

    Made it into town? Need coffee? Enjoy a good coffee at Abaca Baking Company.

  • Altspace: New Opening Hours, no more monitors

    Quick update about Altspace in Ramos: The monitors we had in our gallery are no longer available (they haven’t been used much).

    Also, new opening hours:

    • Mon – Thu 10:00 am – 02:00 am
    • Fri 10:00 am – 07:00 pm
    • Sat and Sun closed

    Read more about Altspace on our dedicated article or on their FB page.