Published: 12 June 2017
By: William
Cebu is one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines. The place is rich in culture, the Spanish and Roman Catholic culture is evident in this place.
Last October 2016, our lovely daughter turns one. We went back to our home town in the Philippines to celebrate with family and friends the first birthday of our princess. She is our first child and we tried our best to make it a special day for her. The celebration was a success.
The plan trip was just to spend a week in our hometown. But there were changes in our trip. We decided to side track to Cebu City, Philippines before going back to Singapore. I have no objection because I also kin to dive with the "Butanding" or Whale Shark at Oslob, Cebu, Philippines.
This is just a portion of the southern part of Cebu, my relatives inform me that the northern part of Cebu is also well known for scuba diving and white beaches. That will be our next destination in the near future.
This is just a portion of the southern part of Cebu, my relatives inform me that the northern part of Cebu is also well known for scuba diving and white beaches. That will be our next destination in the near future.
Now, in every travel that we plan, we will consider the comfort of our daughter first. In every trip, we have to consider the following:
- Transportation - We decided to rent a car. My wife can breastfed my daughter comfortably.
- Accommodation - We stayed near to shopping malls, groceries and near to the Mactan, Cebu, International Airport.
- Travel Time - We calculated the travel time for each destination that we want to visit so that we can maximised the day.
- List of Place to Visit - We listed out the place to visit based on our priorities so that we will minimised our regret.
Related Article: Underground River and El Nido Palawan, Philippines
We visited this place because of the "Lechon Baboy" (Whole Roasted Pig). The roasted pig is the best in the Philippines. A lot of people will order from this place and deliver it to different parts of the Philippines, especially in Luzon. In going to Oslob, you will pass by in this place. We bought two (2) kilos of roasted pig and bring it over to Oslob for our lunch. One of the reasons my wife wanted to visit Cebu because of Cebu "Lechon". We were all surprised on the abundance of the "Lechon Baboy" and we wonder if all the supply will be sold out in one day. The locals confirmed that the "Lechon" that they prepared for the day is not enough.
Oslob Cebu, Philippines
Oslob Cebu became famous because of the presence of the whale sharks or locally called "tuki" or "butanding". The gentle giants are already a residence to the place. It means swimming and diving with whale shark is a guarantee.
Swimming and diving with the gentle giant is available from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm every day for the whole year round except on Good Friday.
I have witnessed and most probably the reason the whale sharks is already a resident to the location because they fed them. It is not natural anymore. I strongly disagree with this idea.
I strongly suggest that surface swimming and feeding the gentle giant should not be continued. Based on my opinion, diving with them is the best thing to do.
Birhen sa Simala
On our way back from Oslob, we visited a monastery name; Monastery of of the Holy Eucharist or commonly known by locals as "Birhen sa Simala". I was amazed by the design of the structure. It feels like you are in medieval period. We lighted a candle and offer our prayer to Him. I recommend to visit this place.
Santo Nino Church and Magellan's Cross
Cebu has a festival every year to honor the Santo Nino, baby Jesus; we call it "Sinulog". Catholics believe that dancing with the Santo Nino by waving your hands or carrying the baby Jesus while dancing will grant your prayers. Many Filipinos devoted and vowed to the Santo Nino to visit him during the "Sinulog" festival. The festival is every third (3) Sunday of January each year. I celebrated the festival once and I thank Him by listening to my prayers! Now you know, please try to mark it in your calendar and celebrate with Jesus and offer your prayer to Him.
In ordinary days, you will still witness many people are lining up to see the baby Jesus and offer their prayer to Him.
The Magellan's cross is located near the Santo Nino church and Cebu City Hall. When I was a child, I have heard some stories that this cross was growing like a tree. I actually believed that story. The cross is a symbol that Christianity was first planted in this island and spread all over to the Philippines. Who killed Magellan? Please google it!
Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Mactan Island
No offence to the resort and this is just my opinion, based on my travels and I have seen a lot of resort, I will not be recommending going to this place. Plantation Bay you can do better!
That was a short and memorable trip together with my family, in-laws and relatives. Travels make me and my wife find the meaning of life in this world. Now, we have our angel that makes us want to travel more with her.
We always book our accommodation at Booking or Agoda. We compared the prices and booked the cheapest deal.
That was a short and memorable trip together with my family, in-laws and relatives. Travels make me and my wife find the meaning of life in this world. Now, we have our angel that makes us want to travel more with her.
We always book our accommodation at Booking or Agoda. We compared the prices and booked the cheapest deal.
God Bless, Keep on Learning and Never Give Up on Your Dreams!
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