24 Hours in Cebu

By Patricia May P. Catan

Cebu may be our humble little home but to the world, it’s an island full of wonders – from its unconventional fares to its breathtaking sights. They are proof of the many memories that tourists can take home with them. The Queen City is also often visited by foreigners, making it a favorite travel destination among both local and international markets. This travel hub of an island boasts numerous activities to do, food to eat and sites to explore, the best of which you can cover within a full day. Here are some suggestions for when you have only 24 hours in the city.

A brew-tiful start

You’re going to need that extra kick in the morning for a long day of wandering ahead. The most effective way to get you up and running is a dose of the Best Specialty Coffee in town from Linear Coffee Roasters. Its coffee minus the sweeteners and flavorings is the right blend for a strong start to your morning.

Breakfast of champions

Coffee won’t last you half the day but a filling breakfast will. After all, breakfast is still the most important meal of the day – one you should never skip. Thank God the Best Breakfast Buffet provides the right selection of food that you wouldn’t dare miss. Pusô Bistro and Bar serves 60 kilos of bacon daily, has a dedicated egg station plus other interactive DIY stations that are sure to give you sufficient energy to survive the day.

A splashin’ good time

Nothing feels more refreshing than dipping in water and what’s even better is enjoying it in the Best Water Park. Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark Mactan, Cebu is a five-star family destination with six themed pools that include three towering water slides, a pool with a beach-like shoreline and a lazy river pool. It’s not hailed as the country’s premier water park for nothing with the endless fun you’ll experience once you’re on a water adventure.

Making your way downtown

A tour around the historic district of Cebu City is a must if you’re in the mood for a quick trip down memory lane. The famous heritage attractions – Fort San Pedro, Plaza Independencia, the Basilica complex and Magellan’s Cross Shrine – are all located within one to three blocks of one another, making this heritage loop the Best Tourist Attraction of 2016 and the most convenient for visitors.

Filipino high tea

A day out in the sun calls for a delightful merienda and your best bet is Providore’s ube champorado. This rice porridge shies away from the traditional tablea and uses ube instead. The champorado is sweetened with white chocolate and topped with salty danggit with a side of milk and toasted coconut flakes.

For kids and kids at heart

The kids deserve their much-needed playtime too while the adults unwind at SM Seaside Sky Park. The Best Outdoor Playground of 2018 is a world of excitement and fun where children get to enjoy three themed playgrounds that fit every kid’s interest. The Sky Park is where imaginations come to life in a whimsical world designed by Kenneth Cobonpue.

Winner winner, chicken dinner

Nothing else comes close to this well-loved Filipino brand for it never fails to remind us of home. The Best Fast Food Chain offers superb tasting products – ones that are literally “langhap-sarap” – on its impressive menu. Jollibee is also mainly known for its scrumptious Chickenjoy that’s perfect any time of day but in this case, for supper.

To summit all up

Cap off the long and tiring day with a visit to the Best Outdoor Hangout of 2015. Tops offers a panoramic view of Cebu City and Mactan Island. It’s nice to experience a little cold after a whole day under the sun, coupled with a breathtaking view of the city lights.