Skydiving in Cebu, PhilippinesApril 3rd, 2012
No other sport is included in the must-do lists of people more than Skydiving. Other than the adrenalin rush one gets from jumping off a plane at 10,000 feet, is the dream of flying without wings is closer to reality than ever before. Check out these fantastic ways in which human beings can fall through the air, glide through the sky and even feel completely weightless. There are not so many places in the Philippines that have Skydiving adventures. Cebu, Philippines same as Pampanga, another city of the Philippines, offers this kind extreme sport. If you are an experienced skydiver, side trip a jump right here in Cebu, Philippines. Or if you are a beginner, then must undertake a whole day of ground instructions for training. This will be conducted in Mactan Airport, Cebu. On the second day, the group will have their static line skydive jump with Cebu as the drop zone. Everyone participating to skydive will be guided by ground-to-air radio every step of the way, starting from the airplane all the way to a gentle tiptoe landing. Beginners have two options: Tandem freefall or a static-line program. In tandem freefall, you get to experience the dive with a licensed instructor who is harnessed to you. You will be instructed for a few minutes before the actual jump that would take place immediately after. Most beginner skydivers choose tandem skydiving because of its minimal amount of instruction, and the knowledge that you are harnessed to a licensed skydiving instructor definitely makes things easier, especially if it is your first dive. This is touted to be a great introduction to the sport. Training generally lasts just 30 minutes and depending on the variables, a student may spend only half a day for the training and jump. Nearing the jump, both student and instructor are attached together to the same parachute system. On signal, both student and instructor free fall together for about 30 to 50 seconds, depending on the jump altitude (typically 10,000 to 13,000 feet). They descend together under a single large parachute with dual controls. In the static-line program, the student is assisted during the climb out by the static-line instructor, exits the aircraft solo with the parachute deploying immediately. Exit and opening altitude occur at 3,500 feet, then the student pilots the parachute to the landing area. Pre-flight programs include practical instruction on climb-out and exit, freefall, canopy flight, landing, and emergency procedures. The static-line program is meant to be an initial course for those wanting to become licensed sky divers. Book with us now on your visit to Cebu and expect a Philippine skydiving adventure to be a truly unique experience. |
|
Tags: Cebu, Cebu Activities, Sky Diving, Things to do in Cebu Posted in Cebu | No Comments » |
Shopping and Dining: The Terraces at Ayala Center, Cebu City, PhilippinesMarch 21st, 2012
If you are around the area and have a few hours to spare during your visit in Cebu City, Philippines, then why not use it leisurely shopping and roaming in the city’s elegant, world class mall and food strip at The Terraces in Ayala Center Malls, Cebu City. The Terraces, unveiled on October 30, 2008 is a redevelopment that transformed what used to be a simple lagoon area to a food and beverage strip with the signature Ayala-landscaping and orchestrated water features. It is within The Ayala Center Malls, a 9-hectare area shopping haven located at Cebu Business Park in Cebu City. The Terraces has a really cool ambiance that everyone will surely enjoy. It has a well-landscaped garden and oceanic fountains that are very soothing to the eyes. The greeneries are very relaxing, a perfect place to unwind after a hectic day. There are 4 comfortable theaters within the area. The Terraces is developed into a friendly and somewhat like a freedom park for all kinds of people. Anyone is free to go there and just unwind, or rest from all the uneasiness of the world and even just to meet new people. The Terraces offers a wide choice of restaurants and coffee shops. The best thing is that they are all next to each other. The Terraces in Ayala Center is a foodie’s heaven in the heart of Cebu City, Philippines. Some places that are notably good according to reviews are Siam Thai Cuisine, Golden Cowry/Hukad, Casa Verde, The Gustavian, Moon Café, Café Laguna, Canvas Bistro and for desserts, Gelatissimo, Bo’s Coffee and many more. You can also find the usual franchise like Don Henricos, Shakey’s, Teriyaki Boy, and TGI Friday’s and etc. For gourmet coffee shops there is The Coffee Bean, Tea Leaf, Starbucks, Figaro and Seattle’s Best. Enjoy a high end, classy and trendy dining at The Terraces in Ayala Center Malls Cebu City, Philippines. |
|
Tags: Ayala Center, Cebu, Cebu Activities, Cebu Landmarks, Shopping and Dining Posted in Cebu | Comments Off |
Skywalk Extreme and Edge Coaster at Crown Regency Hotel and Towers in Cebu City, PhilippinesMarch 13th, 2012
If you are visiting this beautiful city of Cebu, you must try this adventure at the top of Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. It is a fairly new hotel with tons of amenities, first class comfort and top notch service. Crown Regency Hotel and Towers is deemed the tallest building of Cebu City and one cannot miss this building at all. It is also located in the heart of commerce district of Cebu City. Beside the 4D Theater there are other two exciting adventures atop the hotel, that is the Skywalk Extreme on the 37th floor and Edge Coaster on 38th floor. The Skywalk Extreme as the name depicts, is a walk on a glass based floor on the edge of the exterior of the 37th floor of the building. It is like walking on the sky but with a harness attached to a cord. The view of the whole of Cebu City and neighboring island of Bohol are amazing from this level. A pair of athletic shoes is required. There are rental of shoes just in case. Guests who will go on for this adventure will need to change into the required flight suits. Lockers are provided for the personal belongings. Cameras are not allowed, but there are photographers who will take pictures for a fee. Make sure you tell the photographers to take as many pictures with different poses. One more thing, walk on the edge and look down below or sit on the edge, this might be a once in a lifetime breathtaking experience, so might as well make the most out of it. The Edge Coaster is a gliding coaster ride on a rail situated around the edge of the exterior of the 38th floor. The coaster that is facing outward the building tilts to 30 to 55 degrees to its front. It has the same spectacular view of Cebu City and Bohol Island like the Skywalk Extreme. This adventure is exciting and scary for some, but not as scary if it would have been a real roller coaster. However, the ride gives you that feeling when you are about to fall off a building. That alone is a scary thought; imagine actually being there experiencing that moment for 5 minutes. It is a must-try! There is no other place in the Philippines that offers these kinds of adventures except here in Cebu City. Book your hotel room with us now. Add Skywalk Extreme and Edge Coaster in your itinerary in your trip to Cebu City and make it a one of a kind experience for you and your family. |
|
Tags: Cebu, Cebu Activities, Cebu Tourist Spots, Skywalk Extreme and Edge Coaster Posted in Cebu | No Comments » |
Basilica Minore Del Santo NiñoMarch 5th, 2012
Cebu is full of history. Mostly of the Spanish heritage that Cebuanos have inherited resulting from the 300 years of Spanish settlement. As Cebu became a colony of Spain, traces upon traces of that era remained. One evident collection is the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, a 16th century old Roman Catholic Church, known to be the oldest church in the Philippines. It was built purportedly on the spot where the image of the Santo Niño, a sculpture depicting the Holy Child Jesus done in the style of Flanders found by Spanish explorers of Legazpi Expedition of 1565. The image was allegedly preserved in a burnt wooden box which was left behind during the 1521 Magellan expedition. Since then, Santo Niño become the most popular symbol of Cebu and has acquired a huge number of devotees over the centuries. The Augustinians regarded the finding as an omen of good things to come. Thereupon the Augustinians established their first house. It was 28th of April, 1565. On 8th of May, Legazpi and his men drew up plans for the urbanization of Cebu and a site was allotted for a church and convent dedicated to Saint Augustine. A chapel of wood and nipa was hastily built and with appropriate ceremonies the image was enthroned in the chapel. The adjacent convent served as an infirmary and rest house for other Augustinians working in the Visayas and up to the present still a residence for priests. Unfortunately, this chapel burned the following year. In 1605 another church was built of similar material. It was finished in 1626 but burnt after two years. Fr. Juan Medina started a church of stone in 1628. But in 1729, it says that the church was in danger of collapsing and had to be replaced. Demolition of the old church began in 1731. However, the following year work was stopped because of the inferior quality of the brick used which deteriorated quickly. On 29th of February, 1735, foundations for the present church were begun. The new church was built of coral blocks quarried from Panay and Capiz, and molave wood from Talisay and Pitalo in Cebu. The church was completed not until later than 1739. During Sinulog Festival, women selling candles can be seen swaying and dancing while holding aloft a handful of candles in front of the church. This is a sacred dance in honor of the Santo Niño, called sinulog, after the Visayan word “suug” meaning water current. A museum inside the Basilica showcases the history of Christianity in Cebu. Antique objects are on display, including century-old furniture, priestly vestments and the Santo Nino’s old cloaks donated by individuals over the centuries. A visit to Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is another historical tour that you do not want to miss. Book with us now and travel back in time and turn your Cebu vacation into an illuminating experience. |
|
Tags: Basilica del Santo Niño, Cebu, Cebu Activities, Cebu Landmarks, Cebu Tourist Spots Posted in Cebu | No Comments » |
Magellan’s CrossFebruary 29th, 2012
Christianity, among other things, was Spain’s greatest contribution to this part of the world. Magellan’s expedition is one of the most daring first expeditions in history. Magellan’s Cross is a Christian cross planted by Portuguese and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan, who was the first European to come to the Philippines in 1521. The planting of the cross is to signify an important event about the propagation of the Roman Catholic faith in what is now Cebu, the island which he first called Archipelago de San Lazaro because it was discovered on the date of the festivity of Saint Lazaro. Christianity was then introduced to this native leader, Rajah Humabon and his family and to all his subordinates and were all consequently baptized thereafter. The Shrine of Magellan’s Cross stood just beside the Basilica del Santo Niño. Magellan is a Portuguese navigator working for the King of Spain in search of the Spice Islands, now part of Indonesia and also known as Maluku or Moluccas islands. He was the first man to circumnavigate the world and has successfully done and proved what no man in his time ever did and tried–to reach the East by sailing West. Sadly, Magellan met his death under the hands of another Visayan chief, Lapu-Lapu, when he went to the nearby island of Mactan. Mactan is also part of today’s Metropolitan Cebu. There, both the statues of Magellan and Lapu-Lapu proudly stand to commemorate the tragic meeting of east and west. It took another 45 years (1565) before Cebu was visited again by another European. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, under orders from King Philip of Spain, came and made Cebu the first capital of the Spanish colony known as Las Islas Filipinas. The Shrine of Magellan’s cross has become a symbol of hope and refuge for some if not all Christian travelers from all walks of life who happened to reach this place for some personal odyssey or retreat, and perhaps for some very important reasons of faith. Book with us now for Cebu accommodations and don’t miss to have a tour at Magellan’s Cross for a worthwhile historical visit. |
|
Tags: Cebu, Cebu Activities, Cebu Landmarks, Cebu Tourist Spots, Magellan's Cross Posted in Cebu | No Comments » |
The Bantayan IslandFebruary 19th, 2012
The Bantayan Island is in the Visayan sea, located west off the northern tip of Cebu Island. It is about 11 Km wide and 16 Km long. It has 20 other islets on its south side that can be reached on foot during low tide. It is 3 hours drive from Cebu City and a banka boat (ferry) from Hagnaya Port to Sta. Fe Port. Bantayan is a fishing ground from where boatloads of fish are shipped off to Cebu City and Negros. Tons of guinamos (salted fish) and buwad (dried fish) are delivered to these two cities for further transport to other major cities in Mindanao in the southeast and to Manila in the north. It is reported to be a fish migration route from the equatorial belt of China Sea. Bantayan Island is also a prime destination for its powdery white sand beaches and pristine turquoise waters. It is also known for its quiet and serene ambiance because there are no corporate hotel chains been built ever since, thus the non-commercialized setting of the region. Things to do in Bantayan Island: frolic in the spectacular powdery white sand beach, also the same as in the neighboring Virgin Island, visit Ogtong Cave, visit the Bantayan Market for some fresh sumptuous seafood to grill, island hopping to nearby islets, snorkeling, rent a Trysikad, which is a bicycle with a side car, watch the sunrise, tour the old Augustinian church, St. Peter and Paul Church, built in 15th century and one of the oldest churches in the Philippines or if you are feeling adventurous, try the local dish Kinhason and Bam-i. Bantayan Island is famous for its solemn observance of the crucifixion of Christ during Holy Week. During this time, prices are generally twice as much and you need to book your room well in advanced. Book with us now and don’t miss to visit Bantayan Island and experience an unforgettable tropical Cebu vacation ever. |
|
Tags: Bantayan, Cebu, Cebu Beaches Posted in Cebu | No Comments » |
Olango Island Wildlife SanctuaryFebruary 14th, 2012
If you are visiting Cebu around the months of July to late November, then definitely do not miss stopping by at Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a 920-hectare protected wetland. It is the feeding station and nesting ground for 50,000 birds of about 47 species (including the endangered Chinese egret Egretta eulophotes and Asiatic dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus) during the Southward Migration originating from Siberia, Northern China and Japan. Olango Island is one of the refueling stations of this migration that extends further south to Australia and New Zealand, due to its abundance of food and nesting grounds. Olango Island offers a peaceful and secluded area for these migrating birds flying as far away from the bitter winter of the North and where they can take refuge in the balmy shade of mangrove stands. Best time to see more flocks of these birds is during the months of November to February. Olango Island is located 5 kilometers east of Mactan Island and can be reached by a motorboat banca (ferry) that embarks to Santa Rosa Wharf. In Olango, you will meet the warmest welcome of the people of the coastal villages before trekking to your adventure in meeting up with these exotic birds at the sanctuary. Fresh grilled seafood and grilled chicken can be available for lunch and you can also bring your own for your adventure. Book now in one of our Cebu hotels and get a front-seat view of a beautiful display of nature’s delicate creatures and experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality from the locals of Olango Island. |
|
Tags: Cebu, Cebu Tourist Spots, Olango Island, Wildlife Sanctuary Posted in Cebu | No Comments » |
Cebu Taoist TempleFebruary 3rd, 2012
A visit to Cebu is never complete without a stop at the popular tourist destination, The Taoist Temple located in the heart of the city in Lahug. The Cebu Taoist Temple is perched on top of the northern hills of Beverly Hills Subdivision, a gated community of mansions. The temple is about 300 meters above sea level; and its architecture is functional and austere by Chinese standards. This serene shrine is a sanctuary for those who practice Taoism, an ancient belief based on the wisdom of a Chinese philosopher Lao Tze. Taoism is a philosophy deeply rooted in contemporary China, an unavoidable part of modern Chinese life. The Temple is also a symbol of the city’s large and prosperous ethnic Chinese population. Photography within the temple’s prayer halls is disallowed as it signifies disrespect to the spirits. Instructions are provided at the entrance if you are a beginner who wants to try out the devotees’ prayer ritual. Silence must be observed, as it is a religious shrine. You can walk along the Great Wall within the temple, which is the small version of the Great Wall of China. It is best to bring water as the walk could get tiring. Perhaps you can climb the 99 steps, an exhausting exercise, but very much worth it at the top where you can see the view overlooking the neighboring islands and Cebu City itself. The temple also shows the most stunning sunsets from high atop the hill. You can light up joss sticks and offer a prayer to the gods to grant your wishes. Lastly, more than the fascinating view, you can also have your fortune read by the tellers inside the shrine. The Taoist Temple has been categorized as a place for oblation and sacrifice, an altar for praying and offering, a cubby for religious service, and a garden for visitors. Undoubtedly, the simple brilliance of the temple is an experience worth the visit. |
|
Tags: Cebu, Cebu Landmarks, Cebu Tourist Spots, Taoist Temple Posted in Cebu | No Comments » |
The Kawasan FallsFebruary 2nd, 2012
The Kawasan Falls is multi-tiered cascading water that flows out from 1 Sq. Meter opening and is located 130 Kilometers or about 3-hour drive southwest of scenic views mountain and the coast off Cebu City. It is on the town of Matutinao, Badian. The waterfalls are set in the middle of a rain forest surrounded by wild and exotic tropical vegetation. The ambiance is serene and refreshing overlooking the iridescent clear blue water. A half-hour trek through the river, up to the rocky paths, and through wooden bridges and a steep passage are expected prior to reaching the waterfalls’ area. There are souvenir shops along the way to buy accessories such as beaded necklaces and some native artifacts as gifts to bring back home. The water is said to be cool and refreshing coming from thousands of liters freshly squirted by the mountain. The deepest part is said to be about 38 feet. There are places to buy food, but recommend bringing your own snacks, as the food prices are not marked and can go higher as the day goes on. Cottages and tables are also available for rent, perfect for day picnic by the falls. A bamboo raft can also be rented to take you underneath the waterfalls for a refreshing natural shower massage. The place tends to be really dark when the sun sets and it is recommended that flashlights are packed together with your sunscreens and swimwear. This is a fantastic day trip when you are in Cebu. Book a hotel now and experience this stunning bit of paradise. |
|
Tags: Cebu, Cebu Activities, Kawasan Falls Posted in Cebu | No Comments » |
Hand-Crafted Acoustic GuitarsJanuary 23rd, 2012
Cebu is well known for the best low-priced, world-class quality and durable hand-crafted guitars. Guitar making is one of the biggest industries in Cebu. Most of the manufacturers are family owned. Guitars made are simple to shell crafted and intricately designed ones, and some can be personalized. Guitars in Cebu are famous for all Filipinos throughout the country and some balik-bayans actually buy them to bring back to the United States. There a variety of guitars made in Cebu; there are the acoustic ones, bandurrias (Filipino mandolins), banjos and ukuleles. Typical woods used are jackfruit, narra, black wood ebony and some imported woods. Guitar making goes way back in the Spanish old times when friars in Lapu-lapu City needed guitar repairs. The friars could not wait for guitars to arrive from Mexico so they commissioned the townspeople of Opon Village in Mactan Island to repair and make new guitars, thus the beginning of the guitar industry in Cebu. People say that the melodious tune produced by Cebu-made guitars is due to the exceptional craftsmanship and hard work put by local artisans in the guitars they make. If you are visiting Cebu don’t forget to stop by and check out guitar factories in Mactan and maybe take home one unique guitar especially made just for you to serenade that loved one or just for your own playing pleasure. |
|
Tags: Cebu, Cebu Acoustic Guitars Posted in Cebu | No Comments » |
-
Recent Articles
- Skydiving in Cebu, Philippines
- Shopping and Dining: The Terraces at Ayala Center, Cebu City, Philippines
- Skywalk Extreme and Edge Coaster at Crown Regency Hotel and Towers in Cebu City, Philippines
- Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño
- Magellan’s Cross
- The Bantayan Island
- Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cebu Taoist Temple
- The Kawasan Falls
- Hand-Crafted Acoustic Guitars
