Delicacies

Cebuano Delicacies 

By: Jeje Soten

Osmeña Peak

Osmeña Peak

How To Get There

Take a bus at the Cebu South Terminal travelling to Oslob or Bato. Ask to be dropped off at the Dalaguete junction. It is a 3hour travel time including pee break. From the Dalaguete junction, hire a motorcycle (habal habal) going to the peak. It is beyond the Mantalongon wet market. From the wet market, it is your choice if you want to trek or just ride up. You will be dropped off below the peak. When you choose to trek, it will be an hour or so, depending on how fast you walk. The fare from the center town of Dalaguete straight to below the peak is one hundred pesos (100.00), if up to Mantalongon wet market only is sixty pesos (60.00). From where the motorcycle dropped you, it is only a 50meters treak up. The entrance is fifty pesos (50.00) and tents are available for rentals, the price depends on how big the tent you want. The road up to below the peak is well cemented so it is a very comfortable ride.

I was traveling with my husband and one of our friends, Micah. That trip was supposedly a group trip but some of our friends quit before this exciting trip, so that leaves to us, three. The climate when we reach the peak is very cold, for me. After we paid for the entrance fee, we started our trek up. When we arrive just near the peak, we had a trouble finding a place where we should set up our tent because it was a bit crowded since it was weekend. We settled for the takeout food for dinner and started talking. It was already night time because we arrive late. As we talked, I turned on the solar lamp and tried to look around. But all I can see is the same light from the tents that surrounds us. It was noisy. I was sure everyone was having a goodtime with the background sound of the crickets.

We were up at exactly five in the morning with zero visibility and an ice cold wind. The tent was starting get wet inside because of the extra morning dew and outside, so are the grasses. The fog was so thick that you have to open your flashlight to see the surroundings. So what we did was sit, boils water and settled for coffee and bread for breakfast. We waited for like thirty minutes to make the fog to get thinner. And it was like heavens agreed because in less than thirty minutes fog was half gone and was replaced with a very cold wind. It was like it rained the night before because the small road leading to the very peak was wet and muddy. It was already cold but it was already freezing when we reached the very peak. There was this big mountain-like rock that is lined up with other tourist who was like us eager to take a photo. When I tried to look down, all I can see was fog and fog and more. We waited patiently for our turn to climb that big rock and when it was already our turn, I had a trouble going down and up to that narrow road. Thank god my husband helped. If it was not for him, I can never reach the top of that rock. Since it was still foggy down from where we were, I did not see the ocean or trees and other things that can possibly be visible. But for me it was okay. Reaching the highest peak in Cebu is already an achievement.

By: Malelou Yambot

Cebu Taoist Temple

Cebu Taoist Temple

Cebu Taoist Temple is a famous tourist attraction in Cebu City built in 1972 by the Chinese community residing in the city. It is located in the upscale area of Beverly Hills Subdivision in the northern part of the metro. The Taoist Temple has an elevation of 300 meters above sea level with an architectural design derived from the typical multi-tiered Taoist temples in China. The premises consist of several prayer temples, a wishing well, viewing decks, and a main worshiping temple with a pagoda-styled roof. Worshipers and non-worshipers can enter the temple and enjoy its serenity. 

The scenery of the temple is divine as it offers a great view of the modern and crowded city outside its walls. Inside the Taoist Temple Upon arriving at the temple, the first thing you will notice is the entrance replica of the Great Wall of China. Next is the long and steep flight of stairs going up to the main area of the Taoist Temple. It is said that the main staircase has 81 steps because it was based upon the 81 chapters of the Taoism scriptures, but most people would say there are actually 99 steps. 

What really catches the eyes of the visitors are the several majestic dragon sculptures displayed within the area. The devotees of the Taoist Temple also follow the teaching of the ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tze. The religious influence and history of Taoism is vibrant and alive within the walls of the temple

By: Apple Grace Pajo

Hidden Valley Wave Pool Resort

Hidden Valley Wave Pool Resort

Hidden valley wave pool resort a place where you can relax,, enjoy your vacation with your family, friends and love ones with a very affordable price for only 150 pesos but if you want to enjoy and swim both wave pool and ordinary pool its only 200.00. it is located in barangay of lamac, pinamungahan municipality,cebu.

By: Jane Villamor

The Heritage of Cebu Monument

The Heritage of Cebu Monument 

The Heritage of Cebu Monument is a tableau of sculptures made of concrete, bronze, brass and steel showing scenes about events and structures related to the history of Cebu. The construction of the monument began in July 1997 and it was finished in December 2000. Local artist Eduardo Castrillo built the sculptures of the Cebu Heritage Monument. He and the late Senator Marcelo Fernan together with donations from other private individuals and organizations funded the construction of the monument. The structures depicted in the Heritage Monument are the Basilica del Santo Niño, the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, the Saint John the Baptist Church, the Magellan’s Cross, and a Spanish Galleon. The scenes depicted in the Heritage Monument are the baptism of Rajah Humabon, a procession of the Santo Niño, a Roman Catholic mass, and the Battle of Mactan between Lapu-Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan. The persons depicted in the monument include the late president Sergio Osmena Sr. and Blessed Pedro Calungsod. The Heritage Monument is located in the historic Parian District, which during the Spanish period was home to the residences of the most prominent families in Cebu at that time. The St. John the Baptist Church previously stood on the site of the monument’s location. However, the diocese of Cebu demolished the church in 1875.

The Heritage of Cebu Monument is accessible to public transportation. If you are in Colon Street in downtown Cebu City, you can take a jeep with the signboard showing SM and Pier area. The jeep will pass by the monument. You may also take a taxicab as most drivers are familiar with the place.

By: Brian Recilla

A Taste of San Fernando

A Taste of San Fernando

When you plan to visit the southern part of Cebu, do not forget to take a quick stop at San Fernando and try their tasty Buko Pie.

Along the road of Barangay San Isidro, San Fernando, you will see the all-time favorite pasalubong-Buko Pie. Within this place lie series of vendors of the famous pie. Others sell them inside the bus so they are near to the customers.

San Fernando’s buko pie is different from the usual because the small pies are individually wrapped and placed inside a box. Each box contains ten pieces which is good for one hundred pesos. You can also buy a single pie for ten pesos. Despite its size, the pie has the elements of what a good buko pie should have and it definitely tastes good as expected. Aside from tasty, the pies are guaranteed fresh for they are sold hot. Vendors sell newly cooked pies everyday because the pies will spoil, unless placed in the refrigerator. The pies sold are also clean because they are monitored and sanitary permits are also required.

The sweet and rich pie is made from young coconut meat which is locally known as “Bukomeat.” According to the makers of the product, they get the main ingredient at Barangay Ilaya, San Fernando.

It is not yet long when buko pie became a delicacy in San Fernando. It all started last year when people from Laguna brought the recipe here. Later on, residents engaged in making their own buko pie business.

The buko pie is supported by the local government unit (LGU) of San Fernando because it has helped in their way of living. Residents are planning to organize a Buko Pie Festival to give thanks for the sweet blessing God has given to the locals of San Fernando.

By: Joy Cañas

Larawan Beach Resort

Larawan Beach Resort

Summer is fast approaching. Have you already planned of an enjoyable place to visit? I'll give you one. Larawan Beach Resort at Talisay City,Cebu. "Larawan" a transliteration in the English word 'image' or 'picture' in which this name was given by the people who used to swim and dive into the waters when they were younger and still remember their happy and good old days.

It is not a white sand beach but it has its own uniqueness . It's a public resort and it does not need to be fancy to make you visit and enjoy. It is free to all so you can bring even a battalion of your friends not just to dive and swim but can also do different enjoyable activities like playing badminton or volleyball! There is also a park there if you want to take a walk when tired of swimming, can also rent a boat to do adventures and explore. Just be responsible of your things and avoid throwing your garbages anywhere .

Aside from that, Larawan Beach Resort is popular to its local and traditional foods. Right when you arrive at the resort, you can already notice different food stands that offer various food products( seafood, streetfoods,etc.)like Lechon, Kinilaw, Camote, Grilled Fish,Kunselba (sweetened banana) and many more. Discover it for yourself! It s a good place to enjoy and relax. There is also a monument that symbolizes history in Talisay City since this is also considered as one of the best places for historical tourism.

This is also one of the places where brave Filipinos fought against the colonizing Spaniards. As some other foreign people said, it only needs proper facilities and services that will serve the needs of visitors. Who knows? It can be a 'paradise' that does not need a white sand.

By: Cristine Matuguina

Yap Sandiego Ancestral House

Yap Sandiego Ancestral House 

Cebu City has been surrounded with gigantic and spacious establishments which have made the province very productive and prosperous. But with all these establishments, a small and very native house at Parian District in Cebu attracts people by giving a second look to the house.

The Yap Sandiego Ancestral House is one of the oldest existing structural residential houses in the Philippines. It was home built by couple Maria Florido and Don Juan Yap. Found inside the house are the native things being used hundreds of years ago. The house will bring you to the past and provide significant information that might amaze you. Even if it had gone destruction over times and through calamities, it has withstood strongly. For the record, the house did not undergo any repair or makeover.

It may not be your ideal house in today’s time, but the worth of this native house is more than anything else.


By: John Kyle Vilbar

Alta Vista

Alta Vista Pardo Cebu, City

Relieve your pain and find your inner peace here at alta vista

By: Sharmaine Estrera

Mount Manunggal

The Beauty of Mount Manunggal

Mount Manunggal is a mountain in Barangay Magsaysay in Balamban, Cebu, rising 1,003 meters/3290 feet above sea level. It is the site of the crash of the presidential plane Mt. Pinatubo which killed President Ramon Magsaysay and twenty-four others on March 17, 1957. An annual trek is held here to commemorate his death. The site is accessible through many trails but the trail from Tagba-o and at Cantipla in Tabunan, Cebu City is the main route from which the yearly Pres. Ramon Magsaysay Death Anniversary Climb is held. Mt. Manunggal is within the enclave of the Central Cebu National Park and is protected by Republic Act 8457, otherwise known as the “Central Cebu Protected Landscape Act”; which also covers the Mananga-Kotkot-Lusaran river system, the Sudlon National Park and the watersheds of Buhisan, Mananga and Lusaran.

The trail to Mt. Manunggal from the jump-off point at the river that separates Cebu City from Balamban is quite steep and could be achieved in about four (4) to seven (7) hours for first-timers, depending upon your physical conditioning, and about two (2) to three (3) hours to those who are now very familiar with its terrain. The trail to Mt. Manunggal from Tagba-o is absent of forest canopies and wildlife and traverses through many upland farms planted with onions, tomatoes, 

ginger, garlic, eggplants, cabbage, carrots, etc. It is wide enough to let two persons pass by each other at its narrowest part and there are no prominent barriers which impede movement save for the lack of shady areas to rest from the penetrating heat of the sun.

Water resources abound within the foot of the mountain like rivers, springs and waterfalls. A cool spring near the campsite gives visitors relief from thirst and its water volume never lessens even in extreme drought and El Niño conditions.

At the campsite, the monument to Pres. Magsaysay and the cylinder block of one of the Pinatubo's engines remind visitors of the historical value of Manunggal in Philippine history. A chapel, erected nearby during the height of a communist insurgency in the 1980s, guides the local inhabitants' spiritual yearning.

By: Persephone Hannah Kassidy

Budbud Recipe

How to cook Budbud

Ingredients:

• 3 cups glutinous rice 
• 5 cups coconut milk, first extract 
• 1⁄2 cup sugar 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• banana leaf

Directions:

1.   Wash malagkit very well. 

2.   Drain. 

3.   Cook with coconut milk, salt, and sugar in a wok, stirring constantly. 

4.   When mixture is almost dry, stir to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the wok. 

5.   Reduce the heat, and cover the mixture with banana leaves for a few minutes. 

6.   Wrap 2 tablespoon of the cooked malagkit in wilted banana leaves. 

7.   Tie in pairs, and steam for about 30 minutes in a big pot. 

8.   Serve with hot chocolate or ripe mangoes.

By: Gwendolyn Onag