How to make your Sugbo stay a worthwhile experience

The beautiful Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Every destination in the world, no matter how beautiful it is, has its own story of ugliness or notoriety to deal with that when left unchecked for a long period of time becomes a major issue, could blemish the reputation of the said place. In the Philippines, when you consider Cebu to be among the places you would like to visit and spend a short, or even a long vacation with, then you’re having a safe, and quality stay. The people here are friendly, helpful, and most hospitable.

Dubbed as the Queen city of the South, Cebu has a lot to offer making your stay not only becoming truly enriched and engaging but as well a one of its kind. With a unique blend of rich history, culture, people, food, stunning natural wonders, and world class amenities, what else do you want to ask more for a vacay?

Compared to other cities, and even with the country’s city capital of Manila, Cebu city ranks among the best cities in the world to visit or live. However, precautionary measures must still be observed though to ensure the maximum safety of both the foreign and local tourists alike. Just like any other cities in the world, it shares the same risks that might be considered an isolated case.

 

Prioritize your safety

So when you’re in Cebu and it’s your first time, the first thing you’re going to do is to look for a nice, secure, and comfortable place to stay. Look for reputable hotels situated right in the heart of the city or anywhere near a well-lighted business hub, historical and industrial landmarks, and police stations. There are lots of these types of hotels to choose from depending on your budget.

A view from the Ayala mall terraces.

Names like Waterfront, Cebu Parklane International, Crown Regency, Radisson blu, and Marriott, among other hotels, become a byword for convenience and elegance.

Be cautious or wary while walking in some of the most crowded streets of the city. Colon Street in downtown Cebu is known as the oldest street in the Philippines. But the historical Colon Street you will come to see about, where old buildings still stand today and the vehicular traffic making it looking more like jumbled up, is crowded with people from all walks of life (bad elements included). 

So it’s advisable to take off all of your expensive jewelries while walking in these streets. Snatchers, scattered among the crowd or lurking in the dark corners, are always on the lookout for these unadvised individuals wearing jewelries and other expensive items to be their next victims.

When riding a taxi, make sure that the meter is working well. Also, take note of the plate number, driver’s name on the ID card (usually hanged at the front seat area beside the driver), and the name of the taxi you’re riding (just in case). If you noticed anything wrong or the driver looks suspicious, find a well-lighted place with some people walking on the roadside and get out. If the driver won’t stop then call the local emergency hotline numbers for help. Call the CITOM (Cebu Traffic Operations Management) at +63 32 253 9211 or the Police Department. Cebu city Police Department has many police stations scattered throughout the city. The police station situated near the Waterfront hotel area can be reached at this number +63 32 254 6968. 

Means of transportation 

These are the means of transportation available that would take you to your destination within or outside the city area. You can ride a taxi, a multicab, or through the rent a car within the city area. Outside the city and to the provincial areas of Cebu, there’s a bus, a passenger van, or you can rent a car you can ride getting there.

Riding a multicab is one best way to experience firsthand how it’s like going around the city. Filipino multicab drivers are one of the most skillful and experienced drivers in the world so expect some evasive steering wheel maneuvers displayed by these drivers to avoid collision. You could only be stunned and thrilled at the same time. A horse cart or locally called Calesa is still available as a means of transportation in some selected areas of the city. For you to be able to ride in a horse cart is a truly wonderful experience. 

Join in the fun 

The fact that you’re in Cebu for a vacation is to enjoy the vacation itself. You’re most welcome here, so feel at home, enjoy your stay, and join in the fun. People may be experiencing different impressions (good and bad) of the places they have been visiting for the first time and probably a culture shock, but that would only be temporary. What’s lasting is the worthwhile experience gained as a result from appreciating the people, places, and culture other than your own. 

Enjoy the food

Filipinos, especially the Cebuano of the Visayas, have a deep craving for what is a delicious food. Cebu’s roasted pig or locally known as the litson baboy is considered one of the world’s bests according to a report by Time magazine. Aside from roasted pig, Cebuanos are also known for their sutukil (a combination of Sugba, Tuwa, and Kilaw) which is to grill the pork, a fish soup, and a raw fish salad. There are still many Cebuano foods you would find delicious to eat and worth a try. 

Explore the paradisiacal countryside

One of the main reasons people would like to consider in a vacation is the availability of the extraordinary beauty of nature. You can have it all in Cebu, from its well adorned city to the paradisiacal landscapes of its countryside. It’s a package, you’ll see, for making your stay in an island called Sugbo a worthwhile experience.