Travel Diary: Exploring the Capital of the Queen City of the South - Cebu, Philippines
ALL-TIME FAVORITE POST FROM 2010 RE-BLOGGED:
Walking in Cebu is hectic. Hectic in a sense that there's so much to see, and with so little time, everything becomes too overwhelming. Cebu city is located in the eastern coast of mainland Cebu in Southern Philippines. With a rich Spanish influence and a laid back charm of province life, Cebu is a prime choice for tropical living in the country. Dubbed as the commercial hot spot of the south, boasting an international airport, progressive trade and industry business and scenery that will fickle all the senses.
The trip to Cebu was planned, months actually before the flight. I mean, I've been around Guimaras and Antique but i haven't been to Cebu. It's about time! I wanted to go to this island north of the province (watch out for this post) and it's inevitable that i make a quick stop to the city first.
Lonely Planet says i had to walk about five hundred meters from the Arrival doors of Cebu International Airport. I got myself a taxi which i paid for about P350 or roughly $7, very expensive i know. Immediately, i got myself my first chat with a local. With relatively no Cebuano blood and having no knowledge of Bisaya, surprisingly, it was a good conversation.
The taxi driver asked me if i was from Manila. I said yes. He asked me if i was a movie star? Huh? It must be the sunglasses and the three page white bond paper i was holding (It's part of work). He must be thinking i was in Cebu for a shoot.
I love this province already. Hellsyeah!
Cebu city was scorching hot when i was arrived. I felt every drop of perspiration. It was hot, humid and polluted. I didn't care. I actually wanted to ride public transportation but i think it was impractical, and i was running late.
For about few days in the city, i found myself wandering around and finding myself at the end of the road. I walked some more and it was dead end. I walked around Osmena Boulevard and the outskirts, and i found myself staring at a dilapidated building. How could this be? Where's that Cebu charm everyone's raving about. Maybe, i was in a totally different place? Or maybe i am just clueless!
Cebu City is comparable to Manila but i didn't want to compare the two because each city has its own charm. Manila is like a man. Cebu City is like a woman. Men are from Mars, women are from Venus. Totally different!
Cebu city boasts of high rise building and super malls. There's tons where to waste your money. Progression is part of the city's growth. With thousands of businessmen flying to the city day and night everyday, for the rest of the year, it's right about time Cebu city keeps up.
As a traveler, i found myself sometimes sitting in some unknown sari-sari store and ordering a bottle of "Coke sakto", as i puff a smoke, i looked around and slowly see the real charm of the city. I gaze upon the locals while i was riding the jeepneys transfering to and from, with number signs i couldn't understand and the sweltering midday sun spiking up. Imagine.
With absolutely nowhere to go and with enough time to wander some more, my days were spent cruising through the streets at the back of a motorcycle. Being the loner that i am, i go eat alone at one of the food courts in the largest mall in Cebu and just taking it all in.
If you're single guy and foreign looking, chances are you will find the city a disneyland of beautiful people. Gorgeous and tanned - Cebuanas strutting along the boulevard like a runway model. You will know where to go when you want to, what you were thinking.
Indeed, i came here searching to find answers why everyone's raving about Cebu, instead i got myself asking so many questions. I couldn't tell if i liked it or i hated it. The hell you might care what i maybe thinking, right?
And i have no regrets visiting the city, at least it's a place new to me.
2 Comments:
OMG i love the eclectic vibrant colors!!! I have to visit sometime soon!!!
www.RGRATZVM.com
Yeah man, you have to do! as mentioned, where i am from, which is the capital, cebu is a charming little city. if you happen to fly over asia, do come to the Philippines, i'll cheers a beer for you, eh!
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