Discovering Cebu

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  • Moments of Serenity near Buzzying JY square

    “Tops My friend, where do you go? Tops?” The Habal2 driver is shouting, and so are his five colleagues, but I almost still can’t hear them over the honking of dozens of cars that desperately try to make it across JY square before the traffic light switches back to red. Kids run by screaming with joy, the vendors advertise fruits, peanuts, sunglasses and music is blaring from McDonalds.

    JY square is many things, but it’s not quiet.

    Wouldn’t it be nice to take a break from all the buzz, wouldn’t it be nice if there was a place of Serenity nearby? You’re in luck: there are a bunch. These three are our favorites.

    Marisse Patisserie

    Hidden inside the 32 Samson compound, you need to gather the courage to enter the gate of this fancy place to find the oasis that is Marisse Patisserie. It’s a quaint little café, situated in green surroundings at a pool, which separates the Patisserie from KAYU Kitchen bar, an upscale restaurant.

    Of course Marisse has the usual coffee and tea specialties, but where it really shines is with pastries: a whole array of self-made, delicious pastries. Here a small selection and we’re not even showing any of the cakes:

    Three of the four outer walls are glass, so there is plenty of sunlight, even if you choose to sit indoors. If you occupy one of the outdoor seats, you’ll be rewarded by the smell of trees and the sound of the wind.


    Definitely a retreat like few others in the busy town of Cebu.

    Circa 1900

    From JY walk to Jollibee and turn left into the dark alley that is Sanjercas Ville Road. Now keep walking down the dimly lit road all the way to its end … haha that sounds like a bad idea, right? Trust me, you’ll be delighted.

    You probably have seen the gleaming church of the Latter Day Saints and you might have been to La Vie Parisienne for a glass of sparkling wine—tucked away behind both of them is Circa 1900, an upscale restaurant compound with two houses and a swimming pool. More important than that, it’s without a lot of other things: there is no traffic, no karaoke and no crowd.

    circa 1900 in Jy square

    Sudlon Tophills

    You already feel a bit of solemnity seep in, when you pass the Sudlon bridge and turn left towards the Ecotech complex. Less traffic, less people, mostly government offices. Breathe.

    Then, right in front of the Ecotech gate turn right and climb up the hill and you suddenly find yourself on a hill overlooking Peace Valley: Welcome to Tophills.

    Tophills is home to sitio [NAME OF SITIO/VILLAGE] and side-lining as a golf training ground. During the day you can go here for some green and for the view. Don’t expect it to be quiet though: there is a basketball court and people are living nearby.

    But when Tophills really shines is at night. Head there with friends, sit on the lawn and enjoy the view over Cebu, a sea of lights spread before your feet. With plenty of dark places, Tophills serves as a retreat for couples, too. And on a cloudless night, it’s also a decent place for stargazing.

    All in all, I was amazed to find realms of quiet near this ever busy hotspot of JY square.

  • Sending and Receiving Parcel/Packages Nationwide and Abroad

    Sending a package from Cebu to another city or abroad? Or are you expecting to receive one? Here’s a guide on your shipping options and some useful tips.

    Sending via Post Office

    The public post office, PHLPost or Philippine Postal Corporation, is the cheapest way to send a parcel. It’s also the slowest means. It’s quite normal for packages to arrive way beyond their expected delivery date. 

    That being said, PHLPost is generally reliable. If you select shipping with tracking, you’ll be able to keep tabs on your item en route in real time through the Domestic Mail Tracking System (https://tracking.phlpost.gov.ph/).  For international deliveries, you’ll initially have to track the item using the tracking site of the origin country, until it arrives in PH.

    Within Metro Cebu, you can find PHLPost at the following locations:

    • Cebu Central Post Office (CCPO) at A. Pigafetta Street
    • Cebu City Hall Post Office at Magallanes Street
    • Robinsons Galleria
    • Gaisano Country Mall

    See the complete list of PHLPost offices in Cebu.

    PHLPost mail services include:

    Express Post

    • International Express Mail Service. Any articles from documents to merchandise and goods can be sent via IEMS, given they are not prohibited by regulations (more on this later). This service works for 45 countries with which the Philippines has a bilateral EMS exchange agreement.
    • Domestic Express Mail Service. DEMS items are delivered the next day provided they are posted or before the cut-off time on the date of mailing. This is available in all major cities and towns nationwide.
    • Express Pouch. Guaranteed next-day door-to-door delivery but only to selected areas.

    Parcel Post

    For non-perishable foodstuff, handicrafts and other merchandise. Parcel may be sent via surface or air means. Delivery for parcels with a maximum insured value of Php 5,000 is available to Switzerland and the U.S.A. and its possessions.

    Letter Post

    Letters and postcards weighing not more than 2 kilos which can be classified as:

    • Ordinary. Basic postage charges, delivered through regular channels
    • Priority. Next-day delivery in Metro Manila and selected cities and towns
    • Registered. Accorded mail security
    • M-Bags. for books and other printed materials
    • Small packets. Trade samples and other goods less than 2 kilos

    Below are the rate matrices for various PHLPost services. Alternatively, you may use their rate calculator (http://www.philpost7.com/rate_calculator.php) to figure out the cost for a specific type of delivery.

    Claiming your item at PHLPost

    Once you see in the tracking system that your item has arrived at the delivery office, go there with your tracking number, a valid ID and some cash. It’ll make things easier if you bring a printed copy of the tracking results. If you wait to get a notification/notice card from the office, it can take ages! 

    If there’s a delay in delivery and you see that your parcel is “en route to the delivery office,” you can call or visit the post office to check and claim your parcel.

    At the post office, present your tracking result and your ID. You’ll be asked to pay storage/handling fees (around Php 112) if the item came from overseas. And that’s it!

    Sending via Private Courier

    A local courier is often preferable for sending time-sensitive and bulky items (or just about anything actually). They’re also patronized by most online sellers. Because private courier companies have a professional transport system in place, deliveries move at a faster pace. And there’s also the convenience of having the item delivered to your doorstep, instead of having to go to the local post office. 

    Sending a package is pretty straightforward. You can either bring your package to the nearest hub of your chosen courier or request for a pick-up. They will explain your delivery options depending on the weight and type of item you’re sending. The rates are then calculated. You pay, and get the receipt with the tracking number. 

    While there isn’t a single courier trusted by all, here are some of the commonly used companies in Cebu:

    LBC

    Provides both domestic and international express delivery services. There’s usually a branch or two in malls including Ayala Center, SM City, E-Mall, JY Square, Robinsons Cybergate, Gaisano Country Mall, etc.  Check their rates here

    FedEx

    FedEx is one of the world’s largest express shipping companies. Their massive network allows you to ship to more than 220 countries and territories. And everything can be done online. Service-wise, though, FedEx can put you on edge. Deliveries can take forever and sometimes you are given the wrong tracking information. There’s also the issue with hidden charges.

    DHL

    DHL offers time-definite and day-definite international express delivery, which comes in handy for important documents and goods. You can either drop off your parcel or schedule a pick-up. You can even ship and pay using your credit card. However, complaints about hidden charges and packages getting stuck somewhere are not uncommon. Check the full rate transit guide to get a better understanding of their fees.

    JRS Express

    They charge according to the size and weight of your package, so it can be a bummer if you’re hoping to send a bulky package. Customer service differs from day to day and from one branch to another. Generally speaking, JRS Express gets more bad reviews than good. It can be hard getting updates or answers regarding the status of your package.

    ABest

    ABest has nationwide coverage For international shipping, ABest only accepts documents at present which are priced according to weight and destination. Pouch and parcel receptacles are good for 2kg weight only. Above that limit, you may pack your own parcel or buy an ABest box costing Php 25 (3 kg) or Php 35 (5 kg). Items above 5 kg are considered as cargo and charged accordingly.

    Cebu City Branch: 

    62-D Jakosalem Street, Unit 104 Marijoy Building (back of Gaisano Main, across the Freeman)

    Mandaue City Branch: 

    Door 8 Esperanze Building, Cabahug St., Corner A.C. Cortes Ave.

    Rates exclude valuation charge, which is 1% of the item’s declared value. Minimum declared value if Php 500.

    Lalamove

    If you’re going to send something anywhere within Cebu, use Lalamove to have it delivered the same day. It works the same way as Grab Express. They deliver parcels, food, documents and even bulky items (e.g. office equipment, home furniture, etc.) 24/7. To use Lalamove, just download their app and make a booking request. The price is calculated on the app according to item type and delivery distance.

    Hub: Unit 3-104 GF OIC3 – Oakridge Business Park, Mandaue City, Cebu


    Online shopping in Philippines

    Wondering how online shopping and deliveries work in Ph? Check out our article Online Shopping in Ph and How deliveries work.

    Receiving Packages from Abroad

    Be it a gift from home or an item you ordered online, any package coming into the Philippines from abroad is subject to Customs regulations and restrictions. It’s a long list of do’s and don’ts, so we’ll just highlight all the important parts you need to know. 

    The general rule is that all goods brought to the country “are subject to duty and tax upon importation, including goods previously exported from the Philippines, except as otherwise provided for in the CMTA (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) or in other laws.”

    Prohibited, restricted and regulated goods

    What’s the difference?

    • Regulated goods may be imported after securing necessary documents and any other requirements from the concerned regulatory agency.
    • Restricted goods may be imported only when regulation or law authorizes them.
    • Prohibited goods are unlawful by their nature, ergo, not allowed into the country.  This includes

    Regulated and restricted goods include live animals and plants, fishery and aquatic products, wood products, medicines, essential chemicals and dangerous drugs (e.g. Ketamine, Ameneptine, etc.), color reproduction machines that may be used for printing money, explosives, used motor vehicles, boats, wired household appliances, selected medical devices. These will require clearances or a certificate of authority to import from the concerned government regulatory agency.

    For example, used vehicles need a Certificate of Authority to Import (CAI) from the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) of the Department of trade and Industry (DTI). On the other hand, 

    Prohibited items include arms and ammunition, weaponry, dangerous substances, gambling articles (including lottery tickets), pornographic materials, and written or printed materials inciting treason or rebellion.

    See the full list here.

    Customs Duty

    All imported goods must go through customs to clear the shipment. Clearance depends on the country of origin, the quantity of goods, and the value including transport charges.

    Customs duty, which is a tarrif or tax imposed on imported goods, is usually not included in the price of goods you purchase online, and therefore might be excluded in the overall shipping costs you pay to the online seller.

    To ensure the delivery is done in the shortest possible time, your courier typically pays any inbound duties due on the goods on your behalf. Then, the courier will release the goods to you once you have fully repay them the duties and taxes paid on your behalf.

    This applies to items given to you as gifts, too. 

    Moreover, depending on value and type of goods you are receiving, you may expect to pay the following additional charges:

    • Local tax
    • Regulatory charges
    • Courier advance payment surcharge
    • Ad valorem tax (for automobiles)

    Note: Goods valued at Php 10,000 and below are tax exempt. The value of your package is ascertained at the local post office once it arrives. If below 10K, you’ll only pay the Php 112 handling fee.

    payment gateways online shopping in philipines

    What’s the best payment method that work for your peso transactions? Read our article Payment gateways for online shopping in PH.

    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.

  • Health Benefits of Flaxseed, the Superfood People Rave About

    The health benefits of flaxseeds are numerous that’s why it is one of the superfoods people rave about. They are surprisingly affordable and versatile in countless recipes. And, you don’t need to eat a ton of it to see the amazing benefits:

    • Low in carb but high in fiber. Flaxseeds are loaded with both insoluble and soluble fiber which helps to detoxify the gut and keep you feeling full for longer. It can be helpful if you’re trying to lose excess weight or to minimize your sugar cravings.
    • Chockfull of plant-based protein – Flaxseeds make a fantastic lean meat replacement for vegans. Also, the specific protein found in flaxseeds has been found to show improved immune function and tumor prevention properties.
    • Antioxidants – Flaxseeds are an anti-aging and beautifying food, thanks to the lignans they contain. This specific antioxidant has been found to help against breast and prostate cancers as well as control cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
    • Anti-inflammatory – You can count on flaxseeds to deliver that much-needed brain- and heart-boosting omega-3 fatty acids, particularly the anti-inflammatory Alpha-Linoleic Acid (ALA).
    • Hormonal regulation – Loaded with phytoestrogen, flaxseeds are helpful for women who experience hormonal imbalances. The grains sweep off excess estrogen from the body, which can help women to avoid breast cancer and/or reduce tumors.
    • Gluten-free – The number of suitable foods is limited to people with gluten allergies. Fortunately, flaxseeds are gluten-free. The grains form a mucilage when added to liquid, making them a useful substitute for eggs or any binding ingredient for both vegan and gluten-free recipes.

    Flax is one of the oldest crops known to civilization. Its origin is believed to go back to ancient Egypt, where it was worshipped for its “magical properties.” Flaxseeds are said to help skin conditions, heal the intestines, improve energy, and boost overall health. 

    The Latin name of flax, Linum usitatissimum, translates to “very useful.” Also known as linseed or common flax, the fiber crop is used to make textile linen. Its oil (linseed oil) is used as a nutritional supplement as well as an ingredient in wood-finishing products.

    Flaxseed facts

    A typical serving of flaxseeds is one tablespoon (7 grams), which contains:

    • Calories: 37
    • Carbs: 2g
    • Fiber: 1.9g
    • Protein: 1.3g
    • Fat: 3g
      • Saturated fat: 0.3g
      • Monosaturated fat: 0.5g
      • Polysaturated fat: 2.0g
    • Omega-3 fatty acids: 1,597 mg
    • Potassium: 2% of RDI
    • Calcium: 2% of RDI
    • Iron: 2% of RDI
    • Vitamin B6: 2% of RDI
    • Vitamin B1: 8% of RDI
    • Folate: 2% of RDI
    • Magnesium: 7% of RDI
    • Phosphorus: 4% of RDI

    Ways to eat flaxseed

    Mild in flavor, flaxseed can easily be added to any recipe without affecting the taste. You can sprinkle some over your yogurt or overnight oats. Blend some in your favorite smoothie. Or, you can add ground flax seed (flax seed meal) to scrambled eggs and baked goodies.

    Looking for some chia seeds? Read out our article Chia seeds benefits and where to buy them in Cebu.

  • Health Benefits of Pistachio Nuts

    Pistachios aren’t actually nuts. They are the edible seeds of the Pistachia vera tree, the only one of 11 pistachio species grown commercially. The trees thrive in dry climates and are largely grown in Middle Eastern countries, Italy, Australia, and California’s Central Valley.

    Pistachia vera

    Looking to buy pistachios in Cebu? Check out our page:  Where to buy nuts in Cebu

    Nutritional Facts

    Each 1-ounce serving of pistachio (about 28 grams or 49 nuts) contains the following:

    • Calories: 159
    • Fiber: 3 grams
    • Protein: 6 grams
    • Carbs: 8 grams
    • Fat: 13 grams 
    • Potassium: 6% of Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
    • Vitamin B6: 28% of RDI
    • Thiamine: 21% of RDI
    • Phosphorous: 11% of RDI
    • Copper: 41% of RDI
    • Manganese: 15% of RDI

    The bright-green nuts contain monosaturated fats (the good type!) which lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and inflammation. 

    They are also jam-packed with antioxidants, including anthocyanin (protects cells from damage), lutein and zeaxanthin (protects against age-related vision loss), and polyphenols and tocopherols (protect the body against heart disease and cancer).

    Moreover, pistachios are a low-GI food. That means they satiate you for longer and keep your blood glucose levels stable. Their low-calorie content allows you to have more nuts per serve. In comparison, a serving of almonds equals 23 nuts. 

    Of course, anything that’s eaten in excess can be bad for you. 

    A cup of pistachios has about 700 calories, which is more than 25% of the average person’s daily caloric needs to maintain weight. 

    Many pistachio products sold in stores are salted. If you eat half a cup of that, you’ll easily consume up to 400 mg of sodium. That spells trouble for your blood pressure.

    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. 

  • Online Shopping in the Philippines: How Deliveries Work

    Online shopping is often described as convenient and easy. But though adding items to your cart is hassle-free, the logistics aspect can be nerve-racking.

    We escape traffic by shopping online, but our orders will most likely get stuck in transit anyway. So, let me say this upfront, you’ll need some patience when expecting a package.

    Basically, there are four segments in your shipment’s journey:

    • Pick-up (first mile)
    • Transfer and Transit (e.g. from Manila hub to Cebu hub)
    • Sorting (at the courier’s local hub)
    • Last-Mile Delivery.

    The first mile, transit, and delivery segments are susceptible to delays. Simply because they are subject to weather disturbance, traffic, and human error.

    You might also want to read Best Free Online Payment Methods in the Philippines

    How long will your parcel arrive?

    It really depends on the courier. But, generally, here are the acceptable timeframes for deliveries:

    • Within Cebu: 1-2 working days
    • Outside of Cebu: 3-7 working days
    • International orders: 12-15 working days.

    Saturdays are counted as a working day, Sundays aren’t. So weekend deliveries may take longer.

    Usually, the delivery schedule will be shown after you check out and confirm your order. To avoid disappointment, expect the latest delivery schedule. If it goes beyond the latest date, you should follow up with the seller to help track your order. Sometimes, the courier’s parcel tracking system isn’t updated accordingly or doesn’t work at all. Contacting the courier is also an option, but it may take some time to get a reply. Couriers here are notorious for their unresponsive customer service.

    How does the courier find you

    Most delivery drivers will call or text to inform you they’ll be delivering your package within the day. They will usually ask whether you are available to receive the item or who can receive it on your behalf.

    Landmarks

    If you haven’t already specified a landmark in your order form, give one to your delivery guy during the call. Additional instructions are welcome. If you have to walk to the agreed location, ask the courier to give you a call when they’re near. They would usually wait for you for a few minutes. Be ready.

    Receive notification text

    Most new couriers, like Ninja Van, XPost and Entrego, use an automated SMS notification system upon dispatch of your delivery. That means your parcel has arrived at their Cebu hub and is on the way to your doorstep! 

    The SMS from Ninja Van includes a shortcode referring to the courier, the seller and your order number. It’s good to have this info when you’re expecting multiple parcels. Later, the delivery guy will contact you to ask whether you’re available to receive your package. Perhaps I’m a little biased, but I personally like Ninja Van because they’re always reliable and courteous.

    The delivery driver texts/calls you

    Other couriers, including LBC Express, J&T Express, and JRS Express, do not send automated text alerts. But the drivers will call or text you ahead of time.  

    If you’re not at your specified delivery address, just inform them and they will try to drop by your location if it’s on their route for the day. Otherwise, they will ask to attempt the delivery the next day. Or if you have someone at home, you can tell them about the delivery and leave the payment with them (if it’s COD, of course).

    A few more notes

    Parcels will be sent back to the seller after 2 or 3 failed delivery attempts. 

    If it happens, then you’re just going to have to contact the seller and work out how to get a refund. Or, you’ll need to reorder the item. 

    In some cases, though, it is the courier’s fault. Rogue drivers are common and sometimes are to blame for damaged parcels or missing items. 

    Here’s a ranking of local couriers in the Philippines. Check it out so you know which courier to choose if you are given the options by the seller.  

    Just remember, every courier will have mixed reviews.

    Looking for a place to rent in Cebu. Check out our article on How to find a place to rent in Cebu.

  • How to Add Motorcycle Restriction Code (RC1) to Philippines Driver’s License

    If you’re driving a motorcycle in Cebu, you can either use your foreign driver’s license, under some circumstances—or you got to have a Philippines Driver’s License with Restriction Code 1 (RC1). How do you add RC1, if you already have a RC2 license for driving a car? That’s what you’ll learn in this article.

    What you need

    • Application for Driver’s License (ADL). Print this form ahead of time, fill it out and bring it with you, to save yourself a lot of time. Here is the LTO page with the ADL form.
    • Valid drug test and medical exam. I did those one afternoon at the laboratory next to the LTO office in SM City. Cost me some 300 pesos and took 20 minutes.  
    • Money. I paid 394 pesos. Better bring 1k in case you need to get an ad-hoc drug test or whatever.

    What are the steps?

    1. Get your ADL form and fill it out. (You should print it and fill it out aforehand!) 
    2. Submit your ADL form.
    3. Get your picture taken.
    4. Pay.
    5. Practical exam (driving test)
    6. Receive (temporary?) license
    7. (Weeks later: get plastic card license) 

    How my visit went

    It was a Tuesday morning in August. Here is what happened when: 

    8:00 huge queues 

    8:15 First admission. I was queuing at counter 1, as maybe #6. Was given a form and queued right back. I filled out the form while queuing. (Note: the right queue, with numbers. Not the left queue with letters.)

    8:59 Submitted the form

    restriction code

    9:19 My name was called for picture taking at counter 4 (behind the first photo screen)

    9:35 Cashier at counter 6, watch for the number at the screen! paid P100

    10:50 The super nice practical exam officer Oleg collected me. We went to the inspection area behind the mall where many others waited. I then had to write my name on a white board together with my license plate number I think and hold it in front of me (like a prisoner hehe). He took a picture of me with the whiteboard.

    11:11 Practical exam: turn right, u-turn, right turn, stop. That’s it.

    Went back up until my name was called—but wasn’t for 2.5h. Went to cashier and followed up. She got the form from somewhere. (Lesson: follow up much earlier.) I paid. And waited more.

    14:30 Got the license—a temporary one on a piece of paper. Some time in September I could fetch the plastic card—they wrote the date & time when it would be available on the back of my temporary license.

    Good to know

    Do I need to write an exam?

    No. Only a practical exam.

    The official LTO guideline for adding a restriction code to a NPDL (non-professional driver’s license) seems to indicate a theoretical exam is necessary. But, as the wallpicture clarifies, adding RC1 is an exception.

    I guess the idea idea is that if you’re driving a car already, and just want to drive a motorcycle in addition, then you’ll know the rules already, but if you’re upgrading from motorcycle to car, they want to make sure you don’t run people over.

    A practical driving test??? Is it difficult?

    Yes, many don’t make it. Just kidding. It’s easy.

    If you have survived bringing your motorcycle through the Cebu traffic, you’ll have no trouble completing it. Promise. It’s literally a right turn, U-turn, and another right turn. They just want to see that you are not driving straight into a wall. And the testers I’ve seen are kind, funny people.

    Where is the practical driving test?

    It’s near the Jeepney Terminal at the back of the mall. Google Map has it as LTO Mandaue Inspection Area.

    Do you need to bring a bike?

    Probably. Everyone seemed to have brought their own bike. One person was asking me if I wanted to rent a car for the test. I’m not sure about motorcycles. And I would not rely on it.  

    How long does it all take?

    It took me seven hours, starting on 8am.

    99% of the time was waiting. Maybe you’re lucky and it’s faster. Do bring a book, though.

    Can I split this up over multiple days?

    I don’t think so.

    The process isn’t designed for your to come back the next day—at least not that I’m aware. From the moment you hand off your driver’s license, you are not seeing it again, until you complete the process and get the new one. All you have most of the time is the hope that they call your name soon. 🙂 

    What you can and should do on a day before: getting your drug and medical certificates done.

    7h … what? Any way to speed this up?

    Part of it is luck, but here some tips:

    Where can I find out more?

    What’s near?

    If you’e looking for a place to work nearby check this coworking spaces:

    The Workplace Cafe Mandaue

    Co.Lab Einland

    The Company Mandaue

    Confuse how to navigate around Cebu City? Read our article about

     Getting around Cebu City.

  • Where to Buy Pasalubong in Cebu: Easy Guide + Map

    Check out the map of where to buy pasalubong in Cebu. Find out below what souvenirs—or pasalubong in the local dialect—you might want to get, from the tasty to the wearable.

    Do you like collecting mementos for your trip? Or maybe you bringing gifts back home to your friends? Good news: Cebu has all sorts of souvenirs to offer you! 

    LEGEND: Blue indicates tasty pasalubong and where you can buy them. Green indicates places where you can buy wearable/lifestyle souvenirs.

    NOTE:  You can also buy pasalubong and souvenirs at the airport.

    Wearables/Lifestyle

    You’ll find these in most souvenir shops in malls, pasalubong centers, and ports:

    lifestyle souvenirs

    Handmade accessories

    Wherever you go in Cebu, there will be an accessories shop or borloloyan nearby. These shops are usually owned by local entrepreneurs. They like to spoil you with assorted fashion choices – native bracelets, beaded necklaces, pearl earrings, handcrafted purses, abaca (jute) hats, coconut shell bags, and more! They’re very affordable – prices start at PHP 10 ($ 0.19). But if you buy in bulk, you may expect a discount or an extra piece in your bag.

    T-Shirts

    Souvenir shirts are a big thing in the country. From the iconic “I Love Cebu” design, many local artists have gone on to create cool graphics you’d love to wear. You can even have your souvenir shirts personalized.

    Cebu shirts are especially popular during the Sinulog Festival, where locals and tourists would have the sleeves and hem torn into fringes for a more festive look. Prices start at PHP 100 (USD 1.92).

    You might also want to read Best Free Online Payment Methods in the Philippines

    Home decor

    Want something that showcases the culture and artistry of Cebuanos? Take home unique pieces of handcrafted home decoration and accessories. You’ll find everything from woven abaca rugs to shell lamps and wooden sculptures.

    Keychains

    The quintessential souvenir, keychains are a great choice when you want something cheaper and less bulky. Depending on where you visit, you can get keychains in all kinds of shapes and designs – a thresher shark (Malapascua Island), a small guitar (Lapu-lapu), a whale shark (Oslob), etc.

    Where to Buy Wearables or Lifestyle Souvenirs

    Kultura Filipino

    Found in SM Malls, Kultura shops carry high-end Filipino clothing, accessories, and home decor.

    Islands Souvenirs

    Your go-to for Cebu souvenir shirts. In addition to apparel, they now also sell food products, chocolates, toys for kids, and travel accessories. They have a standalone shop in P. Burgos St. as well as branches inside Ayala Center Cebu and SM City Cebu. They offer personalization and more shirt designs than other similar shops.

    souvenirs in cebu

    Colon

    The oldest street in Metro Cebu is lined with shops selling everything from furniture to souvenir items. You can buy food pasalubong, keychains, shirts and home accessories for a fraction of the mall price.

    Mactan Shrine

    When visiting this tourist attraction, do check out the surrounding souvenir stalls. The items they sell are pretty much the same as what you’ll find in malls. Selling crafts is their source of living, so we recommend buying directly from these stalls.

    Want to buy T-shirt? Here are some well-designed T-shirt, great for souvenirs. 

    String Instruments

    Cebu is known for many things, including world-class guitars and ukuleles. And, yes, people actually buy these as souvenir items because they’re high quality but still affordable.

    Guitar

    You can find handmade guitars in souvenir shops around Lapu-lapu City, hailed as the ‘Guitar Capital of the Philippines.’ Many tourists would visit some of the most popular manufacturers in the area for a sneak peek of their guitar-making process:

    • Jerry’s Guitar – They use the best quality wood for superb sound quality, and they can even install acoustics for your guitar. The shop is located at Pajac-Maribago Road, Lapu-lapu City
    • Alegre Guitar Factory – They use locally sourced wood and shell ornaments for decoration. The shop is located at Pajac-Maribago Road as well.
    • Guitar Master – This one’s for those on a tight budget. The shop is located at M.L. Quezon National Highway, Lapu-lapu, Cebu
    • Inday Celia’s Guitar Factory – Sells an array of string instruments, including ovation guitars. Find them at Pajo Road, Mactan, Lapu-lapu City.

    Ukulele

    Aside from guitars, Cebu’s handcrafted ukuleles do not escape the eyes of tourists. Their exceptional quality and customized design always seals the deal.  

    Where to buy them:

    • UkeCebu Ukulele Shop. Here, you’ll find a selection of 100-percent handcrafted ukuleles for beginners and advanced players. They offer design customization and name engraving, too. Located at Door 3, MLSRDC Apartment, P. Remedios St., Pine Tree Banilad.
    • Uke Hub Kafe. The first uke-themed cafe in Cebu, Uke Hub Kafe offers good coffee, music, and ukuleles for anyone who’s looking to buy. Check them out at Stall 3 Mactan Arcade, Matumbo-Pusok Rd., Lapu-lapu City.

    Read this next: Cebu North Bus Terminal

    Tasty Pasalubong that Everyone Loves

    Have to bring something? Can’t go wrong with food! So, what food can you bring? Boy, there is a lot to choose from. But of course when it comes to Cebu, it all starts with Mangos.

    Dried Mangoes

    This one’s always on top of the list of pasalubongs (bring-home gifts) from the Queen City of the South. You can find this delicacy anywhere in the Philippines, but nothing beats the world-famous dried mangoes of Cebu. It’s so famous that the makers have created all sorts of dried mango snacks – dried ripe mango, dried green mango, chocolate-coated dried mangoes, spicy peanuts with dried mango bits, and tamarind mango candy.

    Otap Cebu Pasalubong
    Otap
    Chicharon

    Otap

    Otap is an oval-shaped puff pastry usually made from flour, shortening, coconut, and sugar. It’s light, flaky, and crunchy, with a hint of sweetness from the saccharine coating and sprinkled sugar on top. Best eaten on its own or with your afternoon cup of coffee.

    Masareal

    Never heard of it? Well, now’s your chance to get acquainted with this sweet, nutty treat. Masareal is basically a concoction of finely ground peanuts, water/milk, and sugar, made into rectangular bars and wrapped in paper.

    Rosquillos

    These biscuits look like flat, scalloped-edged donuts, hence the name rosquillos which comes from the Spanish for ringlet, rosca. The well-guarded recipe has been passed down to four generations of the Frasco family of Liloan. The taste of rosquillos is as rich as its history. It is said that, in 1907, President Sergio Osmena Sr. gave the then-nameless treat its name.

    Danggit

    Cebuanos love to eat it for breakfast along with sinangag (garlic fried rice) and sunny-side up eggs. Danggit is dried rabbitfish that’s split open and salted to perfection.  It takes a little getting used to the fishy smell. But once it’s cooked, the aroma is a welcome treat. If you’re going to bring some on the flight home, you’ll have to buy the vacuum-sealed ones. Otherwise, prepare to pack your danggit in multiple layers of newspaper and boxes. If you’re keen on buying tons of dried fish, the best place to go is Taboan.

    Chicharon

    Pork crackling, locally called chicharon, is an addictive snack. It’s savory, crunchy, and super tasty – especially when dipped in vinegar or chilli sauce. Chicharon is made of boiled pork rinds, air-dried then fried in hot oil. You’ll find the best kind in Carcar City, a little south of Metro Cebu.

    Read this article next: Ways to get from / to Mactan Airport – Cebu City.

    Where to Buy Food Pasalubong in Cebu

    Most food gifts are sold in supermarkets. But if you have time we recommend buying them straight from the manufacturer’s place where you can usually get a fresher package and lower price.

    Shamrock Pasalubong Center

     The first place tourists go to get their stash of Cebuano food and delicacies. Their prices are generally cheaper than in supermarkets and other outlets.

    • Locations: 1) Corner V. Gullas and Mabini Sts., Cebu City; 2) Fuente Osmeña Circle; 3) Don Gil Garcia Street in Capitol; 4) National Highway, Barili in south Cebu

    Islands Pasalubong

    In addition to dried mangoes, chicharon and otap, Islands Pasalubong also stocks native snacks like puto, biko, fresh lumpia, and ensaymada in their Pinoy Deli section. Their flagship store can be found at Magallanes St. in front of the Sto. Niño Church. They have five other branches.

    • Locations: 1) Salinas Drive, Lahug across Golden Cowrie; 2) Molave St. across Ayala Center Cebu; 3) Raintree Mall at Gen. Maxilom Ave.; 4) Marina Mall in Pusok, Lapu-lapu; 5) Punta Engaño in Lapu-lapu

    Titay’s

    Titay’s is another household name when it comes to pasalubong items from Cebu. Famous for quality home-baked goodies, the 112-year old brand is the original maker of rosquillos. Now, their product selection includes torta, peñato, ensaymada, and assorted breads and pastries. They produce an average 360,000 rosquillos a day!

    • Location: Danao Rd., Liloan City, Cebu

    Profood Gallery

    A dried mango store/museum owned and managed by the biggest manufacturer in Cebu, Profood International Corporation. Aside from getting the freshest batch of dried mangoes, you can book a tour for some dibs on the local mango industry. Profood products are sold under different brands, namely, Cebu Brand, Philippine Brand, Happy, and Grace.

    • Location: Maguikay Highway, Mandaue City

    7D Food International, Inc

    The award-winning manufacturer is best known for their export-quality dried mangoes. 

    • Location: Sacris Road. A.S. Fortuna Street., Mandaue City

    Camiluz Enterprises

    hey made chocolate-coated dried mangoes popular. But they also sell the original variety.

    • Location: 787 Happy Valley Road, Cebu City

    Carbon

    Carbon is Cebu City’s public market. Everything around here is jaw-droppingly cheap, which explains the huge crowd. You can find all sorts of handcrafted goods and delicacies here, so prepare for a shopping spree. Also, keep a tight grip on your pocket – the place is susceptible to petty thefts and small robberies.

    Map of Where to Buy Pasalubong in Cebu

    Read this article next: Cebu South Bus Terminal.

  • Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

    Chia seeds have been revered as a superfood as far back as 3500 BC. The ancient Aztec warriors believed a tablespoon of this exotic seed helped sustain their energy. “Chia” literally means “strength” in Mayan. 

    Chia (Salvia hispanica) made a strong comeback in the 21st century as people discover more of its health benefits. Fitness buffs believe it helps them build more muscle mass. Marathoners believe it fuels them for an extra mile. And health nuts believe it keeps diseases at bay and aids weight loss.

    The grains are now grown commercially in Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina. But the biggest producer is Australia, where it is marketed under various brand names.

    Chia Seeds: Nutritional Facts

    White or black, the tiny seeds are packed full of nutrients that do wonders for your body and brain. A one-ounce serving (28 grams or about 2 tablespoons) of chia seeds will give you:

    • Fiber: 11 grams
    • Protein: 4 grams
    • Fat: 9 grams (including 5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids)
    • Carbohydrate: 1 gram
    • Calcium: 18% (based on RDI)
    • Magnesium: 30%
    • Manganese: 30%
    • Phosphorus: 27%
    •  Plus decent amounts of zinc, potassium, vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B1 (thiamine), and vitamin B12.

    In comparison, chia seeds have 5 times more calcium than milk, 8 times more omega-3 than salmon, 3 times more iron than spinach, and 3 times more antioxidants than blueberries.

    All that good stuff in just 137 calories. 

    On top of that, chia seeds contain tons of antioxidants that help fight inflammation. They’re gluten-free, too, which is particularly convenient for those wilt dietary restrictions.

    Since they absorb up to 12 times their weight in water, eating the seeds is helpful if you’ve got digestive problems.

    How to Eat Chia Seeds

    The seeds don’t have a particularly strong flavour. So it’s easy to add them to your usual snacks or meals. 

    Chia seeds are a whole-grain food. Unlike flax seeds, you don’t need to grind them to get that nutritional punch. They can be eaten dry, like when sprinkled on top of a salad. But, usually, they are mixed into yogurt, overnight oats, or smoothies. 

    When mixed with liquid, chia seeds swell up and congeal. This makes them a great substitute for eggs in vegan desserts and baked goodies. 

    Now, you can bet anything with the “organic” label and “superfood” status is going to be expensive. But despite the large price tag, a small bag of chia seeds will last for ages.

    Unless you’re an athlete, the common dosage recommendation is about 1.5 tablespoons (20g) twice per day. A little goes a long way.

    Bad Side Effects?

    Chia does have some not-so-good properties. Plant sources of omega-3s usually contain ALA, which is an inactive form that the human body is not able to convert or use well. The omega-3s in chia can work to lower your blood pressure. But if you have low blood sugar, this side effect can cause your blood to thin out too much which leads to health issues like nausea, blurred vision, and even depression.

    Because chia seeds are rich in fiber, overconsumption can also lead to stomach and gastrointestinal issues (read: constipation, bloating, gas!).

    Although rarely, chia seeds can also cause allergies. It’s not generally recommended for those with a nut or seed allergy.

    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. 

  • How to find a place to rent in Cebu for a few weeks or more

    Cebu has plenty of world-class resorts and hotels that are perfect for a luxury vacation. Some of the high-end ones like Movenpick Hotel and Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort are a destination of its own. But if you’re going to stay in Cebu for a few weeks or more, chances are you’ll want something more practical. Besides, with all the places to see and things to do in the Queen City of the South, you’ll probably spend more time outside than in your room. 

    So what are your options?

    Short-term rental options in Cebu

    Vacation rentals

    It’s not uncommon for locals to open up their homes to travellers. It’s a win-win situation – the host makes extra money while the guest gets a good deal and a local’s eye-view of the area.

    Most guest homes that are not a primary residence list a lower price for monthly rentals than for weekly bookings. The options range from cosy cabins to beachfront properties. This means that there’s a choice for different types of trips. 

    Vacation homes usually have more space than hotel rooms. This makes them a good bargain particularly for families and groups who can split the cost. Having a kitchen also helps you save on food expenses.

    Private condos

    If you want to stay within the city, private condos are worth looking into. Many Cebuanos or expats in Cebu actually buy condos to make them available for short-term stays.  

    You get a space that feels like your own and you also get access to on-site amenities like swimming pools and gyms. Most condominiums in the city are located within business districts and busy commercial centers, so everything you need from restaurants to laundry services are usually within walking distance. It also means getting transport to and from your rental likely won’t be an issue. As an added bonus, local owners sometimes offer assistance in case you need help getting to places. 

    You can book one for as low as Php 700/night. With that price, you’ll have a cozy bed and a clean studio space all for yourself – luckily, with a view of the cityscape as well. While condos are often rented out on a daily basis, it’s possible to negotiate a longer-term deal for a cheaper rate.

    Serviced apartments

    As opposed to condos, serviced apartments are considered commercial complexes. They’re typically attached to shopping malls. So you have commercial amenities at arm’s reach – restaurants, spas, retail shops, cafes, coworking spaces, etc. And you won’t have trouble getting transport services since most are available around malls. 

    The catch is you have no control of non-residents moving around the area. So if you want some peace and quiet, you’re better off with a private condo space or a serviced condominium complex that isn’t attached to malls.

    As for price, the “service” in serviced apartment will cost you more than a private condo. It can be worth it if you’d rather spend your time touring or doing business than cleaning your room.

    Pension houses

    Pension houses are basically budget hotels. Standard rooms often start at P700, with family rooms (5 pax occupancy) starting at around P1,500. So, for that price, you get a decent room with AC and daily housekeeping. Not at all a bad deal for an extended vacation.

    Many pension houses also offer van/car rentals and other concierge services. So if you have a local Cebu tour in the plans, you don’t need to go further than the front desk.

    Homestays

    If you need something even cheaper, you could try a homestay, i.e. sleeping in someone’s spare bedroom. You could make arrangements with a friend in Cebu or you could use sites like Couchsurfing.com. 

    Homestays give you the chance to meet interesting people and get a taste of local life. Choosing this requires a lot of trust and willingness to adapt. But it can be a worthwhile experience.  

    Cebuanos aren’t shy to the idea of couchsurfing. So if you’re already part of the community, just find and connect with local hosts through Couchsurfing.com. On the site, you’ll be able to check the profile and personal background of potential hosts. 

    If you’re going to be sleeping on someone’s couch, then it’s nice to be able to choose someone you’ll likely get along with. As for safety, it helps that both hosts and guests are verified on different levels and given reviews by other travellers.

    Hostels/Guesthouses

    If all you want is bed to crash at night, hostels and guesthouses are an option. They’re pocket friendly, too. Often, you can get a basic room for less than the cost of a low-end hotel. The cheapest we can find cost P355 – P550 a night, which includes a bunk bed in a shared room, communal bath, and free WiFi. 

    Some guesthouses offer bed and breakfast deals, while others provide a communal kitchen.

    Hostels and guesthouses are okay if you want to meet a lot of people. They attract mostly backpackers, unscheduled travellers, and adventure seekers.

    How to find a place in Cebu

    If money is not tight and your time is worth a lot, simply make a quick Google search and book anything you like. But if you want a decent place to stay for a reasonable price, you’ll have to put in some effort.

    Vacation rental and accommodation websites

    From luxury resorts to budget hotels, you can find popular places to rent via these sites:

    • Airbnb – Vacation homes, condos, and places to stay
    • Agoda – Hotels and homes
    • Tripadvisor – Popularly reviewed accommodation + travel tips and tourism information
    • HomeToGo – Holiday houses and accommodation
    • Trivago – Hotels and resorts
    • HomeAway – Vacation rentals
    • Rentpad – Condos, apartments, short-term rentals
    • Travelbook.ph – Hotels and resorts
    • Lamudi – Apartments, condos, townhouses, long-term rentals

    Tip: Properties listed by private owners are often priced on a daily basis. But, you can always negotiate a deal for a longer-term stay. You could end up paying less than the listed price – some owners would rather agree to a lower price than have their place sitting empty. If you want to stay in hotels, it might be worth asking the management about special deals for long-term guests.

    Agent

    Browsing through vacation rental and hotel booking sites can take some time, especially if you’re hunting for the best price. But if you can afford it, you can always hire an agent to get it done for you. Sometimes, you even get a better deal this way as agents may know of properties that aren’t listed online.

    You just need to set your budget and describe your ideal accommodation, i.e. location-wise, nearby amenities, on-site facilities, rental agreement, etc. Then your agent will do the rest. 

    Or that’s the idea. The quality of agents varies widely. It’s not uncommon that someone uses half a dozen agents, following up with them regularly and rejects half their “matches” because they actually don’t match one of the basic criteria. The upside of agents is that many properties are in fact not listed online, and the only way to find them is as so often in the Philippines: know someone that knows someone. 

    If you know someone in Cebu, you could ask for references. Otherwise, you can find some of Cebu’s well-known real estate agencies and brokers here.

    FB groups (Cebu Foreigners Club)

    If you want recommendations on the best places to stay in Cebu from fellow expats, try joining Facebook groups like the Cebu Foreigners Club and the Cebu Underground Club for Expats and Foreigners. It’s a community of foreigners who offer each other advice and share their experiences. It’s also common to find real estate listings on these pages. 

    You can get the word out once you’ve been accepted as a member. If none of the members have a place to rent, chances are they will have a friend who knows a friend who does. It actually works!

    Outside of groups, you can search Facebook for local pages that offer vacation stays, guest homes, and rental deals. The best deals don’t always make it to Google’s top search results, so Facebook sometimes come in handy.

    Walking around a neighborhood

    If you find yourself in Cebu without a place to crash, try walking around the neighbourhood and watch for signs or talk to people. 

    Pension houses and smaller guest homes usually don’t have a website. But you’ll usually find them tucked in neighborhoods within the metro. For example, walking along General Maxilom Street, you can find signs to nearby accommodation like Mango Park Hotel, Cebu Guest House, Hey Fellas Hostel, Azia Suites and Residences, Travelbee Business Inn, Horizons 101 condominium, and Sampaguita Suites. You could even find apartments for rent, and then try to work out a deal for a few weeks’ stay. 

    If budget is a major concern, you can always book a cheap hotel on arrival, and look for a longer-term place after. Apartments near schools are often cheap since they target mostly students and young workers.

    Do a home exchange

    Fancy trading places with a Cebu home owner? It’s possible via a home exchange website. It may take a while to find the perfect match, but it’s usually easier if you own a vacation home. Once you find a place you like, you can always contact the owner and work out a “non-simultaneous exchange” so your travel dates don’t have to match.

    Searching a place to stay in Cebu can be a daunting task. The best way to deal with that is to see it as an opportunity to explore and discover the many gems Cebu has to offer. Have fun! 🙂

    Need cash? Check out our page for 

    What are the withdrawals limits for ATM 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 October 2019

    DiscoveringCebu is growing! Having had big success with Dean’s profile in September, this month we tried boosting the blog post about extending a Philippines tourist visa in Cebu using Facebook Ads. You can see that from the first third of the month, where active users are consistently above 30. We spent about $10 and got thousands of views, but not much engagement, and not much through-clicks. That was not worth it, but, well, we tried. 🙂

    To understand SEO better, we started exploring ahrefs, digged into Google search console and Analytics. We learnt about what you, our readers, are really searching for. A funny search phrase we never thought about: “how many calories does balut have.” And by improving Mimi’s article on Balut in this way, we could help you find the info you need faster.

    Other articles improved, too: Habal-habal did particularly well, rising from the dark pits of the 5th page in search results to the first page on Google PH. The Airport article did well, too.

    Luggage and the SM Travellers Lounge, our unexpected traffic drivers, keep bringing in happy visitors steadily.

    On the content-side, we did not produce as much as we wanted. Only four blog posts—that’s not enough! That’s in part because we put in time to finally write more reviews on coworking spaces. It was so necessary and frankly embarrassing, because we started DiscoveringCebu to promote Cebu (with its coworking spaces) for online and remote workers. Well, the other reason we didn’t make enough progress is that we were simply busy with other parts of life—DiscoveringCebu is a profit-free side-project after all. Still, this makes it hard to reach our yearly goal of 4k visitors per month. (Such a nice number! We’ll get there!) 

    Another thing we started to do is reach out to other pages to get links to our content. We also started linking more to other sites with good content. As we learnt about SEO and reflected on our goal, we realized we really need to promote every good piece of content about Cebu’s coworking space there is. That’s why we also started sharing such posts on Facebook.

    One accomplishment this stands out, because we hope it will be SUPER USEFUL for remote workers: A map of all coworking spaces in Cebu! We’ve been wanting to do it for a long time. Finally, Rose found out how to do Google Custom Maps.  Super!

    All in all we learnt that content marketing takes time, but when you’re methodically playing the long game it can yield good results. That’s heart-warming (char!), because it means a side-project such as this has a chance—over many, many months. Go DiscoveringCebu!

    For the next month, we plan to blog more again, and to further improve old articles. We’ll also have a review for every coworking space in Cebu. (Unless life gets in the way hehe.) Two content areas we want to explore are renting/real estate in Cebu and maps. Both seem to have decent search demands.

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

    0
    (goal for December 2019: 4000. Still missing: 3295

    How do sessions and page views look like?

    We started this month with less than 10 daily active users per day. The trend goes up, yey! Thank you!

    October 2019
    august to october users
    Active users from Aug. 1 to Oct. 30

    Noteworthy:

    • We published 4 blog post for this month.
    • We posted 23 times on IG, and the two best performing post were Vegan treats at Juiceria Juice Bar from Kitskitchenn and the map of all coworking spaces in Cebu.
    •  Facebook page likes 161.

    Plans for November: