Tag: Cebu

Dried mangoes are everyone’s favorite. That chewy and fruity feel is super addictive. As a matter of fact, I developed the liking the moment I took the first bite. That was long time ago. However, every dried mango experience I have brings me back to the first-time euphoria. With Profoods’ Best-Sellers (dried mangoes, etc.) The Philippine dried mangoes are one of the country’s top food export. Tons are shipped to Japan, the US, China, Canada, and many other countries around the world. Hence, when the organizers included Profood plant tour in the Cebu Food Crawl 2016 itinerary, I suddenly got excited. ... Read more

For four straight days, bloggers from Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bohol, and Manila hopped around Metro Cebu to experience the best of Cebuano food scene. We tasted interesting variety of flavors and witnessed inspiring success stories. On our list were established restaurants and upscale diners, as well as the impressive surviving small players in the industry. I will share about them individually in my future articles. Cebu Food Crawl Dilemma Everybody looked weary when we arrived at Ayala Center Cebu activity center. Ayala was the last stop of the last day of the 2016 version of Cebu Food Crawl, ... Read more

From afar, it was like a huge gazebo, seating northeast of the Mactan Newtown roundabout. Around 24 gigantic pillars in total stand firmly on the octagonal sides to support the massive roofing. No wall covers—not even temporary draping. 500 seats were arrayed around the sturdy wooden tables, spread within the inner perimeter. At the very center are the tenants who were handpicked by the developer to cater authentic Cebuano taste to their patrons. Oyster Bay is among the handpicked tenants of Mactan Al Fresco Mactan Alfresco is the flagship dining destination of Mactan Newtown. It gives foodies a one-of-a-kind gastronomic journey in ... Read more

Perched at Cebu’s spic neighborhood, Casa Uno by Circa 1900 is a food spot that you have to reach prepensely. Though getting there is easy with a cab, getting out would be a bit of challenge. For those who do not drive, Uber and Grab apps are rather convenient. Casa Uno by Circa 1900 The restaurant occupies the heritage house seating at the southern end of Sanjercas Ville Extension Road. The old-world charm compliments well with the well-landscaped front yard. Surrounded with greens, the place seems an ideal abode for nature sojourners. There is rustic feel despite being located smack within the city. South ... Read more

The weather seemed uncooperative. Thick, gray clouds shrouded the horizon. It blocked the sunburst from hitting the surface. Below it was another stratocomulus layer hovering to the northeast—the direction of the southwest monsoon. Beyond it was a draping downpour, a harbinger of a miry adventure. The Visayan sea was rather chaotic that moment. Unpatterned ripples collided with each other—creating riptides—and repeatedly smashed the hull of the outrigger banca. The boat’s troubled buoyancy hardly kept us afloat. I could see how the worries gushed, whenever the forward bow alternately plummeted and scaled. Some of us were not confident swimmers though. We drifted to Malapascua at a poky speed, thus enduring the ... Read more

Sumo Sam is not a typical Japanese restaurant. The strokes of kanji printed atop the branding, the “hinomaru” circle on its logo, and the part of the name itself, sumo (a Japanese martial art) are your only clues. The restaurant’s look and ambiance, however, does not feel Japanese at all, despite the presence of some Nihon cultural figures and paintings displayed at the bar. The dining sets look modern and the ceiling lights are pretty contemporary, similar to any “hodgepodge” restaurants out there. Sumo Sam at Ayala Center Cebu Good thing that the selections on the menu cover a mélange of Japanese cooking. Your ... Read more

The simple vertical strokes of orange and red makes a fine and stunning contrast with the ivory walls. The tidy-stalked bamboo trees, the small mead that wrapped the lawn, and the classic-looking set blend perfectly to let you experience a zen feel. The Reception A simple and chic reception There’s nothing flashy in the receiving area. In place of chandelier is a hand-crafted spherical rattan which mesh added an atypical element to the lighting inside it. Two black solo couches seemed out of place with regards to color coordination, but give a comforting acceptance to the waiting guests. The reception desk is ... Read more

I could feel the warmth of the morning sun. Bright rays transcend through the wooden shutter window. It was left open. No one minded to close it though, after watching the fireworks that lit the sky the night before. New Year’s Eve, that was. I was still sleepy at 07AM. However, inasmuch as I wanted to return to sleep—I couldn’t—I remembered I agreed to join a friend for a laid-back sojourn in Moalboal. The resort town is one of Cebu’s popular destination for diving, aside from Malapascua, Bantayan, Camotes, and Mactan. So after a quick fix, I headed to Moalboal on New Year’s day. ... Read more

Ramen is a personal favorite. I could finish a large bowl in one sitting. However, I couldn’t have it as often as I wanted to. The price tag is not something that I can afford for everyday munch. So, when a friend recommended to try the ramen offered in a Japanese “carinderia” along Ayala access Road near Gorordo Avenue intersection, I visited the eatery immediately after office. The stall is pretty small, it can only accommodate up to 8 diners at any given time. The kitchen is cramped too, you can see them prepare your food. The menu is printed on laminated paper ... Read more