PHILIPPINES: Cebu Is A Great City That Rises Daily

Waving a small bunch of unlit candles, the saffron-frocked woman hops from foot to foot, muttering prayers at the dark timber cross towering above her.

The prayers are different for each candle – red for love, green for success, yellow for health and blue for travel – and here at the Magellan pavilion in Cebu, pilgrims and tourists flock to have their names and custom prayers "danced" like this, at only 10 pesos (25¢) a candle.

We are in Cebu, the Philippines, and the woman, known as a heritage keeper, is praying under the original Magellan's Cross, which arrived here with Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, in 1521.

But the dance itself goes back even further, having been adapted by Christianity from pre-existing pagan rituals designed to appease local river gods.

Cebu is the Philippines' oldest city and, situated in the 7000-island archipelago's geographical centre, it's also regarded as the nation's cultural heart.

It's home to the Philippines' oldest Roman Catholic church, the Basilica del Santo Nino, and the oldest Spanish settlement, Fort San Pedro.

It's also known for lechon (roast pork), mangoes, handmade guitars and, every January, the Sinulog Festival, a religious street party that attracts revellers in the millions.

But something new is happening to this old city.

With the median Filipino age at just 23.5, young people are beginning to transform Cebu, riding a technological wave and breathing a youthful spark into city life.

According to our knowledgeable, if dad-joke-fuelled guide, Al Cuizon ("the lechon in Cebu is 'cholesterol free' … cholesterol comes free with your meal," he quips), after tourism, IT is now the biggest industry in Cebu and it's getting bigger.

Already home to 50 call centres that employ 100,000 people Telstra is among their clients, tech start-ups and business hubs are popping up everywhere. And, following closely behind, is a new wave of Cebuano restaurants and bars, like the Isla Ora Pizza Co.

Its co-owner, American Joseph Ferrisa, arrived here in 2013 planning a diving trip. It coincided with one of the deadliest Filipino typhoons on record, so Ferris decided to help the local community in nearby Bantayan island instead.

He helped raise US$30,000 and formed NGO Young Pioneer Disaster Response, hauling trash, repairing schools and rebuilding homes.

Since then he married a Filipina, became a dad and now co-owns Isla Ora, a chain of three new wave thin-crust Italian pizza restaurants.

The food scene is developing quite quickly, which is interesting, says Ferris, over local Cebruery craft beers at his bamboo-clad headquarters in Kasambagan.

You have that younger vibe starting here, centred around technology. In a way, I think it's the city of the future of the Philippines. So, it's exciting to be here as that starts up and while that energy is here."

Closer to the centre of town, is Casa Gorordo, a two-storey house built in the 1850s and transformed into a fascinating museum of antiquities that affords a glimpse into well-heeled Spanish colonial Cebuano life.

Downstairs you learn about the complex blending of cultures here: indigenous Filipino, Chinese, Spanish and, later, American.

Then, chanting oro, plata, mata "gold, silver, death" we walk up the timber stairs, auspiciously and by design landing at the top on oro. Our uni-student-volunteer-guide, Hannah Librando, 21, tells us to make a wish. We do. And what does she wish for? To graduate and get a decent job, she says.

Casa Gorordo, built in the 1850s, was home to four generations of Spanish merchant Isidro Gorordo's family and survived two revolutions and the Second World War before being acquired by a cultural organisation and restored.

Its immaculately presented rooms and authentic furniture and fittings were opened to the public as a museum in 1983.

While Cebu has an international airport, there are no direct flights from Australia, so most fly via Manila; Cebu is just over an hour from Manila.

Qantas, Philippine Airlines (PAL) and budget airline Cebu Pacific can all get you there. PAL flies frequently from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Darwin to Manila.

Accommodation is plentiful in this domestic tourism hub. Mactan Island, just a few kilometres from Cebu city and connected to it by two bridges, is a popular resort destination.

For example, Plantation Bay Resort & Spa offers several restaurants, artificial lagoon swimming and beach activities, including coral snorkelling.

Beach and lagoon view rooms start in low season from US$190 to US$1100 for a Quantum Villa, which includes four detached private bedrooms with a private villa.

CEBU City is P1.23 billion richer than it was in 2016 and is still the fourth richest city in the country in terms of total assets, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).

From P32.62 billion in 2016, the City's assets rose to P33.86 billion the following year, based on the COA's 2017 annual financial report.

Cebu City, though, also ranked first in terms of liabilities at P24.72 billion, leaving it with a net worth of P9.14 billion.

According to the COA, this is mainly due to the City's other deferred credits or unearned income of P15.72 billion, which represents 63.59 percent of its total liabilities.

Deferred credit or unearned income refers to money received in advance before it is earned. It usually stems from complicated transactions where a credit amount arises, but the amount is not revenue.

In layman's terms, kwarta na nato nga nadawat, pero wa pa nato na-realize ang income. Dili na utang. It's just an accounting term. Mga kwarta na nato nga na-receive pero wala na-realize. Ang uban sad ana, mga dues nga wa pa na-bayaran or na-claim, said Cebu City Treasurer Veronica Morelos.

That's money we received, but has not been realized as income. That's not debt. The others are dues that haven't been paid or claimed

She attributed this to supplies that had yet to be paid, or claims of City Hall employees that had yet to be settled, among others.

"Na-obligate na nato, pero wala mabayari kay basin naay problema sa papers," she added. (Those are liabilities legally incurred and committed to be paid for, but haven't been paid for yet because there may have been problems with the papers.)

The development drew contrasting views from reelectionist Councilor Joel Garganera and Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan vice mayoral bet Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos.

I think it's a misnomer when we call ourselves as one of the richest cities when we have that much liabilities. We should get rid of that title. What determines the overall state of our city is reflected in what's going on around us, Garganera said.

For de los Santos, the findings in the financial report show a positive development.

This goes to show that two years into Mayor (Tomas) Osmeña's leadership, the City is on the right track. We have a robust city economy.

Also, note that we still have billions of unearned income. Giving Mayor Osmena another three years with his team is simply the right thing to do, she said.

Osmena himself, asked to comment on the matter on Tuesday, Nov. 6, replied, No comment.

City Treasurer Morelos stressed that the only loan the City Government has is the one it contracted for the South Road Properties (SRP) project.

Based on the COA's report, Cebu City had a loan amounting to 12.315 billion yen with the Land Bank of the Philippines and Japan International Cooperation Agency to finance the SRP project which started in 1995.

At that time, it was equivalent to P4.65 billion. It is payable within 30 years or until 2025.

In a privilege speech last September, opposition Councilor Joy Pesquera said records from the City Accounting Office as of Feb. 20 show that the City Government had already paid a total of P6.56 billion.

This includes payment of principal amounting to P3.56 billion, interest of P2.8 billion, P26 million in documentary stamps and P51,968 in bank charges. Some P1.03 billion was incurred in foreign exchange (forex) losses.

The forex loss was attributed to the City Government still needing to buy US dollars to be exchanged to Japanese yen to pay off the loan. (The US dollar-Philippine peso exchange rate in 1995 was US$1=P37. The exchange rate as of Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, was US1=P53.269.

As of calendar year 2017, the COA said the City Government had an outstanding balance of P1.09 billion on the SRP loan.

City Hall paid its loan amortization last Aug. 20. The City has been paying for its loan twice a year, on Feb. 20 and Aug. 20. The City began paying for the SRP loan in August 2005.

The executive department has also allocated P448.9 million for the amortization of the SRP loan in the proposed 2019 annual budget.

Of the amount, P347.9 million is for foreign loan payments, P97.6 million for interest expenses and P3.5 million for documentary stamp and other charges.

For Garganera, one of the mayor's critics, it would have been wise if the City Government used the payment, made by a consortium of three developers that bought 45 hectares of land in the SRP in 2015, to settle its 23-year-old loan.

I'm very much alarmed by the fact that the administration failed to understand the urgency of paying our debts. All the more with the increasing amount of interest and the fluctuating rates of foreign exchange.

We're at the losing end here with all these liabilities and increasing interest. We should put our effort in faithfully settling our dues as soon as possible, he said.

The mayor, though, has been firm in his stand to recover the property, saying the sale was illegal because Michael Rama, who was mayor then, was not authorized to dispose of the lots.

Earlier, Osmena lamented that while the City has P12 billion in cash, his administration will not touch it "because it came from an illegal sale."

Meanwhile, with total assets of P196.6 billion, Makati is still the richest city in the country, followed by Quezon City with P68.33 billion and Manila with P38.68 billion.

Other cities with the biggest amount of assets include Pasig with P33.7 billion, Taguig with P19.64 billion, Caloocan with P17 billion, Pasay with P16.66 billion, Davao with P13.18 billion and Calamba with P12.41 billion.

Aside from cities, the COA also classified the provinces with the biggest amount of assets in the same report.

From P32.43 billion in 2016, Cebu Province's assets rose to P34.14 billion the following year, making it the richest province in the country by assets for four consecutive years.

In terms of liabilities, Cebu Province ranked fifth with P2.94 billion, leaving it with a net worth of P31.2 billion.

But being number one isn't enough for gubernatorial candidate Gwen Garcia.

In a text message, the third district representative said Cebu, even during her stint as governor, was always rich above all other provinces.

But she questioned if the progress during the current administration of Gov. Hilario Davide III was felt in all parts of the Province.

“Ang pangutana mao: kini ba natagamtam sa mga Sugbuanon? Titles are empty if these do not translate to real and meaningful benefits for the people of Cebu. Buhat ang pasulti-on (Let your actions speak for themselves),” Garcia said.

But for Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, who will be running against Garcia in next year's gubernatorial race, the recent accolade proved that Cebu, as a whole, enjoyed total progress through the programs and projects they introduced.

We may not have big ticket projects like the almost a billion-peso Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), but we have introduced projects that would be felt by all of our constituents, even the poorest of the poor, Magpale said.

The programs include the Paglaum Scholarship for poor college students in the province and crop insurance for affected farmers.

In a separate interview, Davide said the COA report only showed that his administration’s good governance, prudent spending and observing procurement laws paid off.

Unlike in her (Garcia) time, we would not push through with a project without going through the proper process,” Davide said, referring to Garcia’s graft charge for the anomalous procurement of the CICC back in 2006 and the illegal backfilling of the controversial Balili property in 2012.

Wala tay Balili, wala tay CICC, pero dato gihapon ta (We don't have Balili, we don't have CICC, but the Province is still rich, Davide added.

Negros Occidental is the province with the highest amount of liabilities at P5.18 billion.

Based on the COA's 2017 list of loans or credit lines availed of by local government units, Cebu Province had a transaction with Land Bank for the acquisition of light and heavy equipment at P51.3 million and another P29.7 million from the same institution.

Meanwhile, the second richest province in the country is Compostela Valley with P18.9 billion in assets, followed by Batangas with P15.6 billion.

Also included in the top 10 provinces in terms of assets is Rizal with P14 billion, Negros Occidental (P12.9 billion), Zambales (P10.4 billion), Bulacan (P10.4 billion), Palawan (P10.1 billion), Iloilo (P10 billion) and Pampanga (P9.5 billion). (With JKV)


Tourism Observer

PHILIPPINES: Jeju Air Opens New Routes

Jeju Air launched six new routes in the space of four days in late December, including two new links each from its home market of South Korea to the Philippines and Taiwan, and one each to Malaysia and Thailand.

Frequencies on the sectors range from two weekly flights to daily services. All flights are operated by the South Korean LCC’s 737-800s. Only the two routes from Muan (MWX) will see no direct competition.

The longest of the new sectors is the 3,397-kilometre connection between Muan and Kota Kinabalu (BKI), while the shortest is the 1,395-kilometre link from Daegu (TAE) to Taipei Taoyuan (TPE). The average sector length across the six routes is 2,482 kilometres.

Cebu Airport celebrated the inaugural Jeju Air departure on the South Korean carrier’s new route to Muan on 22 December.

Flights will operate five times weekly on this 2,754-kilometre sector facing no direct competition. This was one of six new routes launched by the LCC between 19 December and 23 December 2018.

Jeju Air introduced a new route from Daegu (TAE) to Macau (MFM) on 2 December. The South Korean LCC will operate the 2,110-kilometre connection five times weekly, using its 737-800s. There is no direct competition on the route.

Commenting on the airport’s latest link, Eric Fong, Director of Marketing Department, Macau International Airport Company Limited said: There are four low-cost airlines from Korea operating services between Seoul, Busan and Macau.

This new service between Macau and Taegu would be in time to satisfy the Christmas peak season for travel in the coming December. Daegu becomes Jeju Air’s second route to Macau, with the carrier already operating a service from Seoul Incheon.

Jeju Air, is a South Korean low-cost airline, the first to be founded in the country. It offers scheduled domestic services between several cities in South Korea, as well as between Seoul and international destinations including Japan, China, Russia, the Mariana Islands, and various Southeast Asian countries.

It is also a founding member of the Value Alliance. Jeju Air is named after the Jeju Island. The airline, a member of AK group, is scheduled to open a Seoul head office tower hotel at Hongik station of the Seoul Metro, to diversify income.

Jeju Air operates an all-Boeing fleet consisting of the following aircraft:

- Boeing 737-800: 40

Total: 40

PHILIPPINES: Boracay Reopens, But Boozing At The Beach Banned

Say goodbye to beach parties and water sports when the white-sand resort of Boracay Island in the central Philippines reopens to tourists on Friday after a six-month shutdown.

Our guests can expect a better Boracay when it comes to maintaining a high environmental standard, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said via Facebook messenger. Please manage your expectations, she added in a word of advice to tourists expecting the same Boracay.

Drinking and smoking in public places will be banned, along with the late-night parties that have made the island one of Asia's top tourism destinations.

Jet skis and other water sports will be banned until further notice, and sand castle making will be regulated, according to a Twitter advisory by Cebu Air Inc. Confirmed bookings with accredited hotels will be required before being allowed entry to the island.

The number of visitors will be capped at 6,405 arrivals per day while only 19,000 tourists will be allowed on the island at any given time, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

The Philippines opens the doors on Friday (Oct 26) to a spruced up and newly regulated Boracay, its famous holiday island that was shuttered to mend decades of harm caused by unchecked tourism.

The white sand idyll was closed to visitors in April after President Rodrigo Duterte called it a "cesspool" tainted by raw sewage flowing from hotels and restaurants straight into the sea.

But the re-christened resort has a slew of new rules that restrict boozing on the beach, limit the number of tourists and hotels, all while a renovation spree is ongoing.

Among the first visitors to land just after dawn on Friday were first-timers attracted by the prospect of a cleaner, less crowded island.

Once a quiet hideaway favoured by backpackers, the tiny island was transformed by overdevelopment into a mass destination seeing some two million visitors per year.

Even if there are many renovations and it's not yet perfect, when you go to the beach you realise that closing it for six months was worth it.

Under the new rules, the beachfront is cleared of the masseuses, vendors, bonfires and even the builders of its famous photo-op sandcastles it was once crowded with.

Buildings were bulldozed and businesses pushed back to create a 30m buffer zone from the waterline.

Construction is everywhere with road repairs, hotels and resort renovations happening around the island.

All water sports, save for swimming, are also banned for the time being, while Boracay's three casinos have been permanently shut down in line with Duterte's wishes.

Boracay, which major tourist magazines consistently rate as among the world's best beaches, measures a mere 1,000 hectares.

Yet, it was seeing up to 40,000 tourists at peak times, with tourists spending US$1 billion a year but also leaving mountains of garbage and an overflowing sewer system.

The new rules say 19,200 tourists will be allowed on the island at any one time, with the government aiming to enforce that by controlling the number of available hotel rooms.

Nearly 400 hotels and restaurants deemed to violate local environmental laws have already been ordered closed and airlines as well as ferries were told to restrict service to the area.

Drinking and smoking are banned on the beach and the huge multi-day beach parties dubbed LaBoracay that drew tens of thousands of tourists during the May 1 Labour Day weekend will be a thing of the past.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said last week she hopes the new Boracay will be the start of a "culture of sustainable tourism" in the Philippines, adding other tourist destinations will be next.

The Boracay Foundation, the main business industry group on the island, has not commented on the restrictions but welcomed the return of tourists.

Everyone, big and small, has sacrificed a lot during the six-month closure, its executive director Pia Miraflores said.

Tens of thousands of workers were left unemployed when the island's tourism machine was deprived of visitors.

Other places in the region strained by mass tourism have also used closures as a tactic to protect the sites from destruction.


Tourism Observer

UAE: Emirates And Etihad Cancel Flights Due To Typhoon Mangkhut

Emirates and Etihad have cancelled flights to and from Hong Kong as the world’s strongest typhoon of the year makes its way to the Asian city.

Passengers travelling to and from the Philippines and China from today until Tuesday could also expect some delays.

The Dubai-based carrier said that flights EK384 (Dubai to Hong Kong) and EK385 (Hong Kong to Dubai) have been cancelled on September 16. Passengers flying between Dubai and Bangkok are not affected.

The airline also advised that there could be delays on Emirates flights to and from Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Cebu and Clark on September 16, 17 and 18.

Customers are advised to check their flight status and to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting - Manage Your Booking - to receive the latest updates, the airline said in a statement..

Emirates apologizes to its customers for the inconvenience caused. The safety of our customers and crew is of utmost importance and will not be compromised.

Etihad has also confirmed that flight EY834, which was scheduled to operate from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong on September 15, has been cancelled.

As a result, the inbound service, EY833 on 16 September, from Hong Kong to Abu Dhabi, has also been cancelled.

Guests booked on these flights are being assisted with their travel arrangements and being rebooked onto the next available flights, the airline said.

We apologise for any inconvenience this cancellation has caused, and we remain committed to offering the highest level of service to our guests. As always, safety remains the airline’s number one priority.

The super typhoon roared through the Philippines on Saturday and is now heading towards Hong Kong.

Flights cancelled:

* EK384 – Dubai (DXB) - Bangkok (BKK) – Hong Kong (HKG) (Passengers travelling from Dubai to Bangkok will not be affected)

* EK385 – Hong Kong (HKG) - Bangkok (BKK) - Dubai (DXB) (Passengers travelling from Bangkok to Dubai will not be affected)

* EY 833 – Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong and Hong Kong to Abu Dhabi


Tourism Observer

SINGAPORE: Resorts World Sentosa

Resorts World Sentosa is an integrated resort on the island of Sentosa, off the southern coast of Singapore.

The key attractions include one of Singapore's two casinos, a Universal Studios theme park, Adventure Cove Water Park, and S.E.A. Aquarium, which includes the world's largest oceanarium.

The S$6.59 billion (US$4.93 billion) resort was developed by Genting Singapore. It was the third most expensive building ever constructed.

The resort occupies over 49 hectares (120 acres) of land and, when fully open, will employ more than 10,000 people directly. Resorts World Sentosa is a sister resort to Resorts World Genting, Pahang, Malaysia and Resorts World Manila, Philippines.

The soft launch of the first four hotels took place on 20 January 2010, with the FestiveWalk shopping mall following on 1 February.

The casino opened on 14 February 2010 on the first auspicious day of the Chinese New Year. The Maritime Experiential Museum opened on 15 October 2011 and the last attraction opened on 22 November 2012, The Marine Life Park.

The grand opening of the integrated resort was held on 7 December 2012, officiated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong together with Genting Group Chairman Lim Kok Thay.

Resorts World Sentosa is also expected to hold large-scale exhibitions such as Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future.

Construction of Resorts World Sentosa Singapore began on 16 April 2007 on the demolished plot of Imbiah Lookout.

It opened in a record time of 34 months of construction on 20 January 2010.

Crockfords Tower, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Festive Hotel and Hotel Michael opened 20 January 2010, followed by FestiveWalk on 31 January 2010.

Resorts World Sentosa Casino opened on 14 February 2010. Universal Studios Singapore was opened for sneak peek week in view of the Chinese New Year Celebrations, from 5 pm to 9 pm every night between 14 and 21 February 2010.

The whole park was opened but none of the rides were operational. Visitors had to pay SGD10 to get into the park.

Park tickets for the week were sold out in 2 days. The park had its soft opening period from 18 March 2010 to 26 October 2010.

10 October 2006 – Genting International and Star Cruises submitted its proposal, suitably named Resorts World at Sentosa to the Singapore government.

16 October 2006 – Genting International and Star Cruises unveiled its proposal Resorts World at Sentosa.

8 December 2006 – Genting International and Star Cruises won the bid for the Sentosa IR.

16 April 2007 – Resorts World at Sentosa broke ground on 49-hectare site.

7 November 2007 – Resorts World at Sentosa announced that it will be adding six new attractions to its resort.

October 2008 – Resorts World at Sentosa announced new Transformers attraction for Universal Studios Singapore.

September 2009 – Universal Studios Singapore unveiled Far Far Away and Madagascar.

October 2009 – Universal Studios Singapore unveiled attractions, dining options and merchandise outlets at Universal Studios Singapore

20 January 2010 – Soft Opening of Resorts World Sentosa – Crockfords Tower, Hotel Michael, Hard Rock Hotel and Festive Hotel

31 January 2010 – Opening of FestiveWalk

1 February 2010 – Opening of Waterfront Station of Sentosa Express.

14 to 21 February 2010 – Sneak Peak week for Universal Studios Singapore.

14 February 2010 – Opening of Resorts World Sentosa Casino.

Late February 2010 – Opening of Link Bridge from Resorts World Sentosa to Imbiah Lookout.

18 March 2010 – Soft opening of Universal Studios Singapore with Pantages Hollywood Theater, Lights Camera Action, Battlestar Galactica, Accelerator, Revenge of the Mummy, Treasure Hunters, Canopy Flyer, Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, Waterworld, Amber Rock Climb, Dino-Soarin', Shrek 4D Adventure, Donkey Live, Enchanted Airways, Magic Potion Spin and King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round.

24 April 2010 – MediaCorp and RWS presents the Star Awards 2010 Show 2, a Mandarin TV awards ceremony which is a prize presentation for performance based and popularity awards.

2 July 2010 – New Lake Hollywood Spectacular show on Friday and Saturday nights at Universal Studios Singapore.
October 2010 – Opening of Candylicious, one of Asia's largest candy store.

Late October 2010 – Opening of Waterfront Area.

25 December 2010 – Opening of Crane Dance.

Spring 2011 – First anniversary

21 February 2011 – The re-opening of Battlestar Galactica after a technical glitch caused it to be closed just one week after opening.

23 April 2011 – MediaCorp presents the Star Awards 2011 Show 2 for the second year running.

16 May 2011 – The scheduled opening of Madagascar: A Crate Adventure in Universal Studios Singapore.

15 October 2011 – Opening of Maritime Experiential Museum.

3 December 2011 – Opening of Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Singapore. The ride had its world premiere at an exclusive evening event on 2 December 2011 with director Michael Bay graced the event.

16 February 2012 – Opening of Equarius Hotel and Beach Villas.

6 July 2012 – Opening of ESPA by RWS.

22 November 2012 – Opening of Marine Life Park, S.E.A Aquarium except Dolphin Island and Adventure Cove Waterpark

7 December 2012 – Official Opening Ceremony of Resorts World Sentosa.

1 March 2013 – Opening of Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase at Universal Studio Singapore.

9 April 2013 – Unveiling of dolphins for public viewing at S.E.A. Aquarium.

22 May 2013 – Launch of Ultimate Maritime Encounters with Open Ocean Dive at Adventure Cove Waterpark.

15 June 2013 – Launch of Shark Encounter at Adventure Cove Waterpark.

30 June 2013 – Launch of Sea Trek Adventure at Adventure Cove Waterpark.

21 July 2013 – Battlestar Galactica ride at Universal Studios Singapore closed for an attraction review.

30 September 2013 – Opening of Dolphin Island at Marine Life Park.

8 April 2015 - Puss In Boots ride opens in Universal Studios Singapore.

27 May 2015 - Battlestar Galactica ride at Universal Studios Singapore re-opens.

15 Jan 2016 - Announcement that Action Superstar Donnie Yen and his wife Cissy Wang are brand ambassadors and spokespersons for RWS.

The Marketing campaign will be launched in March where Television commercials and print media will allow audiences to experience RWS through the eyes of Donnie and Cissy.

The resort was designed primarily by American architect Michael Graves. The six hotels offer a total of 1,840 rooms for accommodation.

Each hotel is designed with a different theme, catering to both the leisure and business visitors. The resort is split into west, central and east zones.

Four hotels are located in the central zone.

Crockfords Tower, formerly planned to be named Maxims Tower, is an 11-storey all-suite hotel overlooking the Singapore harbour and the Southern Islands. The resort's casino is located beneath the tower.

The hotel was topped-out on 27 February 2009 and opened on 20 January 2010.

Both the latter and Hotel Michael sit on the area of the former Sentosa Musical Fountain The hotel also features Crockfords Premier, a casino club with private rooms for High Roller located on 10th floor.

Hotel Michael is an 11-storey hotel named after Michael Graves. Hotel Michael topped-out on 15 July 2009 and was opened on 20 January 2010. Together with Crockfords Tower, it replaces the site of former Sentosa Musical Fountain

Festive Hotel is a family-oriented hotel next to Crockfords Tower and Festive Walk.

Beneath the hotel is Festive Grand, a 1,600 seat plenary hall which will host Resorts World Sentosa's resident musical Voyage de la Vie.

The Hard Rock Hotel Singapore is the site of meeting and conference facilities, and indoor exhibition space.

This includes 26 differently-designed function rooms and one of Asia's largest ballrooms with seating for 7,300 guests.

Construction of Singapore's first Hard Rock Hotel started in May 2008, and the hotel opened on 20 January 2010.
Equarius Hotel is situated at the west of the resort.

The casino, capped at 15,000 sq.m. by regulation, is located beneath Crockfords Tower.

Government regulations also require Singapore citizens and permanent residents to purchase a S$100 day pass or S$2000 yearly membership for access into the casino.

Both types of entry levy (daily or yearly) allow the patron to visit to only one casino.

Overseas citizens can enter free of charge with their passports or employment passes.

The entry fees are collected by the Singapore Totalisator Board and used for public and charity causes. The casino does not keep any portion of the fees.

In May 2011, the Casino Regulatory Authority fined Resorts World Sentosa for two violations related to reimbursements and two other violations related to surveillance practices.

The total fine was S$530,000 (US$425,000).

Dining

- Tunglok heen by Susur Lee – Chinese cuisine

- Restaurant de Joel Robuchon by Joël Robuchon – French cuisine

- L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon by Joel Robuchon – Contemporary French cuisine

- Osia by Scott Webster – Modern Australian cuisine

- Forest by Sam Leong – Contemporary Chinese cuisine

- Fratelli - Trattoria ∙ Pizzeria – Contemporary Italian cuisine

- Feng Shui Inn – Contemporary Cantonese cuisine

- TEPPAN by Chef Yonemura – French-Japanese teppanyaki fare cuisine

- SESSIONS at Hard Rock Hotel Singapore – Western & Asian Buffet

Voyage de la Vie is the first permanent production show to open at Resorts World Sentosa.

This resident rock musical is set in the Festive Grand Theatre with a capacity of 1,600 people. The production was created by Mark Fisher.

Martial Combat, Asia's largest mixed martial arts fighting championship, is staged over six months each year at the Compass Ballroom, and broadcast by ESPN STAR Sports.

Crane Dance is a multimedia moving art installation with choreographed animatronic cranes built over the sea, and designed by Jeremy Railton.

Edward S. Marks and Bob Chambers of The Producers Group were brought on to oversee the construction, installation and programming of the Cranes.

Marks served as Project Director and Producer while Chambers served as its Senior Technical Director. It opened on 25 December 2010.

Lake of Dreams is a multimedia spectacular that combines the elements of water, fire, air and light, designed by Jeremy Railton.

Edward S. Marks and Bob Chambers oversaw the construction, installation and programming of this attraction as well.

West zone

- Equarius Hotel, close to the Adventure Cove Waterpark.

- Beach Villas, a collection of 22 villas floating on a lagoon. It opened on 16 February 2012.

Salons & spas

- ESPA

Marine Life Park, the world's largest oceanarium, opened its doors on 22 November 2012. The park houses two attractions, the S.E.A Aquarium and the Adventure Cove Waterpark, previously known as the Equarius Water Park.

The Maritime Experiential Museum was opened on 15 October 2011 that features more than 400 artefacts and replicas with a 360-degree Multi-sensory Typhoon Theatre.

It is the only museum in Singapore to display the history of ancient maritime trade where visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of maritime Silk Route from the 15th to 19th century.

The museum consists of more than 10 interactive points as well as an experience to board on the authentic harbour ships from Asia docked outside the museum.

It will become the permanent home of the Jewel of Muscat, a gift from the Oman Government.

East zone

Universal Studios Singapore is Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios theme park and opened its doors on 18 March 2010.

It features 24 attractions and is divided into seven zones – including Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, New York, The Lost World, Far Far Away, Madagascar and Hollywood.


Tourism Observer

PHILIPPINES: AirSwift Acquires Brand New ATR 72-600

Aircraft lessor, Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), confirmed it delivered one brand-new ATR 72-600 (MSN 1440), to Philippines’ AirSwift.

The airline is adding one new aircraft a year to its current fleet of three ATR-42 600s, all of them leased via NAC.

AirSwift is the first airline in the Philippines to operate the ATR 42-600 series.

Previously, the carrier used to operate two ATR 42-500s before it finally received the ATR 42-600s.

NAC is the largest owner and lessor of ATR aircraft in the globe.

With the new addition to Philippines’ boutique commercial airline, AirSwift will expand its network in 2018 to operate direct flights from El Nido, Puerto Princesa, Coron (Busuanga), and Bohol (Tagbilaran).

AirSwift will also launch flights from Manila to Sicogon, which is seen as one of the country’s new tourism hotspots.

This new route is a commitment the company made to support the growth of inter-island tourism in the Philippines, according to the airline.

Currently, NAC has 70 airline customers in 47 countries, such as British Airways, Air Canada, LOT, Azul, Lufthansa, Garuda, Flybe, Aeroméxico, and airBaltic, as well as regional carriers including Air Nostrum, Widerøe, and Binter.

Its current fleet of 400 aircraft includes ATR 42, ATR 72, Bombardier Dash 8, CRJ900, CRJ1000, CS300, E170, E175, E190, and E195.

AirSWIFT formerly Island Transvoyager is a Filipino-owned regional boutique airline company with a permit to operate domestic scheduled and non-scheduled air transportation services.

It also serves the aircraft transportation requirements of its affiliated company, El Nido Resorts.

Founded in 2002 as Island Transvoyager, the company had three Dornier 228 aircraft.

All of these were retired by early 2013 and replaced by ATR 42-600s.

Ayala Capital Corporation acquired ownership of ITI in 2012.

In October 2015, Island Transvoyager rebranded as AirSWIFT. Currently, AirSWIFT has daily flights from El Nido to Manila and Cebu.

The company operates El Nido Airport, a private airport at El Nido, Palawan which serves as its hub.

AirSWIFT serves the following destinations within the Philippines:

- Malay, Aklan Godofredo P. Ramos Airport

- Cebu City, Mactan-Cebu International Airport

- Clark Freeport Zone, Clark International Airport

- El Nido, Palawan, El Nido Airport

- Manila, Ninoy Aquino International Airport

- Basco, Batanes, Basco Airport

- Puerto Princesa, Puerto Princesa International Airport

- Busuanga, Busuanga Airport

AirSWIFT fleet consists of the following aircraft:

- ATR 42-600 - 3

- ATR 72-600 - 1

- Total - 4

AirSWIFT has the following orders:

- ATR 42-600 - 1

- ATR 72-600 - 1

- Total - 2

AirSWIFT owns and operates the following airports:

- El Nido Airport

- Sicogon Airport

Tourism Observer

KUWAIT: Philippines Ambassador Expelled From Kuwait Over Mistreatment Of Domestic Workers.

The Philippines has demanded an explanation for Kuwait's decision to expel its ambassador amid a dispute over the treatment of domestic workers.

The two nations have been attempting to resolve the dispute since February, when the body of a murdered Filipina maid was discovered in Kuwait.

But last week videos emerged showing embassy staff rescuing Filipinos allegedly abused by their employers.

Kuwait condemned the violation of its laws and told the ambassador to leave.

Four Filipinos hired by the embassy were also arrested by Kuwaiti police and arrest warrants issued against three diplomatic personnel, according to the Philippines.

Last Saturday, the Philippine foreign ministry published two video clips said to show teams from the embassy in Kuwait carrying out rescues of Filipino domestic workers.

In one, a woman is seen running from a block of flats and being helped into a waiting car by a man.

On Wednesday, the Kuwaiti foreign ministry announced it had declared Philippine ambassador Renato Pedro Villa persona non grata and asked him to leave the country within a week.

A statement accused Philippine embassy staff and others of smuggling Filipino maids in flagrant violation of Kuwait's laws and international diplomatic rules.

It also vowed to chase down those responsible and put them on trial.

The Philippines apologised but stressed that the embassy had been responding to the calls for assistance by Filipino nationals in distress.

On Thursday, the Philippine foreign ministry said it had served a diplomatic note to the Kuwaiti embassy in Manila conveying its strong surprise and great displeasure at the expulsion of Mr Villa and the detention of the four Filipinos hired by the embassy.

The ministry summoned Kuwaiti Ambassador Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh to protest but was informed by the embassy that he had been recalled for consultations.

The ministry said Mr Althwaikh had assured Foreign Minister Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday that Mr Villa was welcome to stay in Kuwait until the end of his tour of duty and that the arrested embassy employees would be released from custody.

According to the ministry, the ambassador had also promised to:

Facilitate the repatriation of more than 800 Filipinos staying in shelters in Kuwait run by the Philippine embassy.

Treat humanely any Filipinos detained after the expiry on Sunday of an amnesty for overstaying visas.

Ensure justice for pending and future cases filed by Filipinos who were victims of serious abuse.

In February, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Filipinos working in Kuwait to return home after the body of Filipina maid Joanna Demafelis was found inside a freezer in an abandoned apartment, more than a year after she was reported missing.

Her employers, Lebanese national Nader Essam Assaf and his Syrian wife Mona, have been sentenced to death in absentia for killing her.

Mr Assaf is being detained in Lebanon while Ms Assaf is in custody in Syria, where the couple were arrested.

The Philippines on Monday expanded a ban on its citizens working in Kuwait after President Rodrigo Duterte angrily lashed out at the Gulf state over reports of Filipino workers suffering abuse and exploitation.

Authorities say 252,000 Filipinos work in Kuwait, many as maids. They are among over two million employed in the region, whose remittances are a lifeline to the Philippine economy.

But Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello Monday announced a total ban on new employment in the country, including Filipinos who had already obtained employment permits but had not yet left for Kuwait.

Authorities have not ruled out revoking the permits of Filipinos currently working in Kuwait or of previous hires returning on new contracts.

With the advent of the series of reports involving abuses and deaths of overseas Filipino workers in Kuwait, a total ban on deployment of all overseas workers ... is hereby enforced,” Bello said, reading an order.

This order takes effect immediately.

The move would affect thousands of workers, labour spokeswoman Abegail de Vega said.

The fresh move came after Duterte last month barred Filipinos from seeking work in Kuwait, although the ban exempted those who had already secured permission.

Last Friday Duterte hit out at Kuwait as he brandished photos reportedly of a Filipina maid found in a freezer, saying she had been roasted like a pig.

Kuwait’s embassy in Manila declined to comment.

The Philippine foreign affairs department said Monday authorities were repatriating 10,000 overstaying Filipinos from Kuwait, taking advantage of an amnesty programme arranged with the Kuwaiti government.

Officials added they were eyeing China and Russia as alternative markets for overseas workers.



Tourism Observer

PHILIPPINES: Cebu City, Visit Prison Bars And Dance With Smooth Friendly Dangerous Criminals, Don't Forget Your Dancing Shoes

Cebu City is the Queen City of the South on Cebu Island in the Philippines and is one of the most popular jumping off-points in all of the Philippines for foreign visitors, with the busiest sea port in the Philippines and the second largest air hub.

For over 200 years, the second largest and most important city in the country, it is currently the fastest growing large city in the nation with an annual growth of over 5% per year.

The name Cebu came from the old Cebuano word sibu or sibo meaning trade, a shortened form of sinibuayng hingpit meaning the place for trading.

It was originally applied to the harbors of the town of Sugbu, the ancient name for Cebu City. Sugbu, in turn, was derived from the Old Cebuano term for scorched earth or great fire.

Perhaps surprisingly for such a booming metropolitan area, it has white sand beaches, some with ice cream vendors and showers and some untouched, as well as historical sites that reflect its cosmopolitan past.

Cebu was in at the birth of Christian proselytizing in Asia when it became one of the early commercial hubs between Mexico and China.

Cebu City is a first class highly urbanized city in the island province of Cebu in Central Visayas, Philippines. Though the seat of government and capital for the province, it is governed independent and separate from it.

According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 922,611, making it the fifth most populated city in the nation and the most populous in the Visayas. In the 2016 electoral roll, it had 630,003 registered voters.

Cebu City is a significant center of commerce, trade and education in the Visayas.

Located on the mid-eastern side of Cebu Island, it is the center of a metropolitan area called Metro Cebu, which includes the cities of Carcar, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Naga and Talisay.

Including the municipalities or towns of Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla and San Fernando.

Metro Cebu had a total population of 2,849,213 as of 2015, making it the second most populous metropolitan area of the nation after Metro Manila in Luzon.

The city is the first Spanish settlement, the country's oldest city, and the first capital of the Philippines. It is considered as the Fount of Christianity in the Far East. It is the second city of the Philippines after Manila.

Cebu is the Philippines' main domestic shipping port, and is home to about 80% of the country's domestic shipping companies. Cebu City is bordered to the northeast by Mandaue and the town of Consolacion.

To the west are Toledo City, and the towns of Balamban and Asturias, to the south are Talisay City and the town of Minglanilla. Across Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan Island.

Before the arrival of the Spaniards, Cebu city was part of the island-rajahnate and trade center of Pulua Kang Dayang or Kangdaya, now better known as the Rajahnate of Cebu.

It was founded by a prince of the Hindu Chola dynasty of Sumatra, the half-Malay and half-Tamil, Sri Lumay. The name Sugbu refers to Sri Lumay's scorched earth tactics against Muslim Moro raiders or Magalos.

Colon Street, the oldest national road in the Philippines, is the center of a dense and compact area in downtown Cebu City that was once the heart of Cebu City's shopping and business activity, with fashionable shops, restaurants and movie houses.

In the early 1990s, much of this activity shifted to the more modern and more diverse business districts located in almost all of the urban areas of the city, including in what was considered residential and leisure neighborhoods.

Colon also serves as a transit point for public utility jeepneys (PUJ) covering arterial routes within the city.

Cebu City has a land area of 315 square kilometres (122 sq mi). To the northeast of the city is Mandaue City and the town of Consolacion.

To the west is Toledo City and the towns of Balamban and Asturias; to the south is Talisay City and the town of Minglanilla.

Across Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan island where Lapu-Lapu is located. Further east across the Cebu Strait is the island of Bohol.

Cebu City has a tropical monsoon climate. The city has a lengthy wet season and a short dry season, with only the months of March and April falling into the latter season.

Average temperatures show little variance during the year with average daily temps ranging from 27 °C (81 °F) to 29 °C (84 °F). The city on averages experiences roughly 1,700 millimetres (67 in) of precipitation annually.

The population reached 799,762 people in 2007, and at the 2010 census, the city's population had grown to 866,171 in over 161,151 households.

In the 2016 electoral roll, it had 630,003 registered voters, meaning that 68% of the population are aged 18 and over.

The most recent census data on ethnicity based on the 2010 census shows that the vast majority of the city's population speaks Cebuano.

Christianity in the form of Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Cebu for about 80% of the population.

The remainders are divided with various Protestant faiths such as Baptist, Methodists, Non-denominational, Iglesia Ni Cristo, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon), Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventist and other Christian groups.

Other religions include Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Within the city is the Cebu Taoist Temple, a Taoist temple located in Beverly Hills.

Ceboom, a portmanteau of Cebu and Boom, has been used to refer to the rapid economic development of both Cebu City and Cebu Province in the early 1990s.

With Cebu city's proximity to many islands, beaches, hotel and resorts, diving locations and heritage sites, high domestic and foreign tourist arrivals have fueled the city's tourism industry.

Due to its geographic location, accessibility by air, land and sea transportation, Cebu City has become the tourist gateway to Central and Southern Philippines. Its port, Port of Cebu, is the country's second largest port after Manila.

The city is a major hub for the business process outsourcing industry of the Philippines. In 2013, Cebu ranked 8th worldwide in the Top 100 BPO Destinations Report by global advisory firm, Tholons.

In 2012, the growth in IT-BPO revenues in Cebu grew 26.9 percent at $484 million, while nationally, the industry grew 18.2 percent at $13 billion.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures, formerly known as Cebu Pan Asian Holdings, is the first holding company from Cebu City publicly listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange. Ayala Corporation, through its subsidiary Cebu Holdings, Inc.

And Cebu Property, both publicly in the PSE Index, developed the Cebu Park District where the mixed-used development zones of the Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park are located.

Both master planned areas are host to regional headquarters for various companies in the banking, finance, IT and tourism sectors among others.

Shipbuilding companies in Cebu have manufactured bulk carriers of up to 70,000 metric tons deadweight (DWT) and double-hulled fast craft as well. This industry made the Philippines the 4th largest shipbuilding country in the world.

With a revenue growth rate of 18.8 percent in 2012, the real estate industry is the fastest growing sector in Cebu.

With the strong economic indicators and high investors' confidence level, more condominium projects and hypermarkets are being developed in the locality.

The South Road Properties (SRP) is a 300-hectare (740-acre) prime property development project on a reclaimed land located a few metres off the coast of Cebu's central business district.

It is a mixed-use development that will feature entertainment, leisure, residential and business-processing industries. It is registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and is funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation(JBIC).

Traversing the property is a 12-kilometre (7.5 mi), four-lane highway known as the Cebu Coastal Road that provides the motorists with a good view of Cebu's south coast and the nearby island of Bohol.

Ayala Center Cebu is a shopping mall at the Cebu Business Park. More than 85,000 people visit this mall every day, with the figure increasing to 135,000 daily on weekends.

Cebu City is a significant cultural center in the Philippines. The imprint of Spanish and Roman Catholic culture is evident. The city's most famous landmark is Magellan's Cross.

This cross, now housed in a chapel, is reputed to have been erected by Ferdinand Magellan when he arrived in the Philippines in 1521.

It was encased in hollow tindalo wood in 1835 upon the order of the Augustinian Bishop Santos Gomez Maranon to prevent devotees from taking it home chip by chip.

The same bishop restored the present template or kiosk, located at Magallanes Street between the City Hall and Colegio del Santo Nino. Revered by Filipinos, the Magellan's Cross is a symbol of Christianity in the Philippines.

A few steps away from Magellan's Cross is the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino or Church of the Holy Child. This is an Augustinian church elevated to the rank of basilica in 1965 during the 400th anniversary celebrations of Christianity in the Philippines, held in Cebu.

The church, which was the first to be established in the islands, is built of hewn stone and features the country's oldest relic, the figure of the Santo Nino de Cebu or Holy Child of Cebu.

This religious and cultural event is celebrated during the island's cultural festivities known as the Sinulog festival.

Held every third Sunday of January, it celebrates the festival of the Santo Nino, who was formerly considered to be the patron saint of Cebu.

This patronage was later changed to that of Our Lady of Guadalupe after it was realised that the St. Nino could not be a patron saint because he was an image of Christ and not a saint.

The sinulog is a dance ritual of pre-Hispanic indigenous origin. The dancer moves two steps forward and one step backward to the rhythmic sound of drums. This movement resembles somewhat the current of the river. Thus, the Cebuanos called it sinulog.

In the 1980s and 2000s, the city authorities of Cebu added the religious feast of Santo Nino de Cebu during the Sinulog Festival to its cultural event.

Cebu City is regarded as the birthplace of the BisRock genre. The term Bisrock was coined by Cebuano writer Januar E. Yap in 2002.

Notable Bisrock bands include Missing Filemon, Junior Kilat, Phylum, and Scrambled Eggs, among others. Filipino bands Urbandub and Cueshe also hail from Cebu, but mostly sing their songs in English, and in the latter's case, also in Tagalog.

The Cebu Reggae Festival is a popular Filipino Reggae and Roots music festival, it now has become one of the Philippines' largest annual Reggae Festivals.

Lifedance and Sinulog Invasion are rave music festivals held in the city in the days before the Sinulog Festival. These music festivals are regarded as among the biggest music festivals in the country.

The Cebu Pop Music Festival is an annual music festival, founded in 1980, showcasing Cebuano language pop songs. Like Lifedance and Sinulog Invasion, the music festival is also held in the days before the Sinulog Festival.

Tourism is a thriving industry in Cebu. It hosted the 1998 ASEAN Tourism Forum. The city also hosted the East Asian Tourism Forum on August 2002, in which the province of Cebu is a member and signatory.

Views of Cebu City and its skyline can be seen from villages and numerous gated communities located on its mountainsides.

There is a significant number of Filipino-Spanish heritage buildings in Cebu City such as Fort San Pedro, Basilica del Santo Nino, Magellan's Cross, and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

The city hosts the Museo Sugbo and Casa Gorordo Museum. The Cebu Taoist Temple is also situated within the city.

The city is readily accessible by air via the Mactan–Cebu International Airport located in Lapu-Lapu City which has direct international flights to Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, China, Taiwan, Dubai and South Korea, Charter flights to Russia and domestic destinations.

Many international and cargo airlines fly to Cebu. There are also direct transfer flights via the capital's Ninoy Aquino International Airport that readily connect the city to other destinations in the world.

The city is served by a domestic and international port which are handled by the Cebu Port Authority. Much of the city's waterfront is actually occupied by the port with around 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) of berthing space.

The city is home to more than 80% of the country's island vessels traveling on domestic routes mostly in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Transportation throughout the city and the metropolitan itself is provided by jeepneys, buses and taxis.

The Cebu City Government conducted a 2012 feasibility study on implementing bus rapid transit (BRT) system that will ease the transportation of the residents in the city and throughout the entire Metro Cebu area.

Aimed to serve an estimated 330,000 passengers per day, the project would have a capacity of 176 buses running through 33 stations along Bulacao until Talamban with a link to South Road Properties.

The project is currently branded as TransCebu.

As the second major city in the Philippines, Cebu suffers from the same problems as Manila, though to a lesser extent.

Most new arrivals will want to race straight from the airport to the ferry or bus terminal on their way a more scenic destination.

When departing, should either pass straight through or book accommodation within 4km of the airport/ferry terminal to minimize the impact of 1 hour+ traffic jams.

The travel time between Cebu airport and Cebu ferry terminal can be up to 1 hour 20 minutes for a taxi.

Expect to see large amounts of poverty and pollution. Despite this the city's infrastructure is quite developed, with numerous shopping malls, pharmacies, convenience stores, travel agencies, and fast food chains.

Many of these are open 24 hours. Cebu is by no means a good looking city and there isn't much to see, but it can be a fun especially if you get to know it a bit. The downtown area around Colon is very crowded and reminiscent of some Latin American cities.

The uptown area around Fuente Osmena is much more relaxed and an popular area to stay with visitors. Besides these areas, the city is a sprawling mix of mainly slums with some nice neighborhoods and glitzy shopping malls.

The language spoken in Cebu City is Cebuano, which is also known as Bisaya. With about 20 million native speakers, it is the mother tongue for more citizens than any other and local and regional newscasts are broadcast in Cebuano.

Since before the time of Magellan's visit, Sugbo had been a world trade centre and many speak English as a second language as well as or better than Tagalog.

Sometimes, they also speak in Taglish or Tagalog when they cannot find the appropriate word to use. Youth speaks English with a Cebuano accent, often interchanging i and e as well as o and u while ones from older generations can barely converse in it.

Old people often speak excellent English from US colonial days. Some people will also understand a little of Ilonggo or Waray. The Chinese minority speak Hokkien, a minority of expatriates and immigrants speak their own languages.

Although the national language of Filipino based on the Southern Luzon dialect of Tagalog is technically an official language and taught in schools, it is somewhat resented in Cebu as it is seen as a symbol of the unfair domination of the Central Luzon region.

Filipino nationals and permanent residents and anyone who stays over one year. must pay the Philippine Travel Tax of ₱1,620 before they can be issued a boarding pass.

Domestic flights: included in airfare. International flights: (750 pesos per person).

Mactan-Cebu International Airport, this is the international and domestic airport is a modern alternative to the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and passport control and baggage handling is fairly fast and efficient.

There are numerous direct daily flights to and from China, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and scheduled flights to Thailand.

The airport serves several seasonal charter flights to China, Korea, Taiwan and other nations.

Mactan Cebu International is also the main domestic hub outside Manila with a variety of flights around the Philippine archipelago such as to Manila, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Clark.

As well as Roxas, Pagadian, Siargao (Surigao), Zamboanga, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Camiguin, General Santos, and Tacloban, Masbate among others.

Visitors from North America, Europe, and the rest of the world may fly first to Dubai or Singapore or Hong Kong or Seoul or Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo or Taipei or Shanghai to catch a flight to Cebu.

If you don't mind braving the horrendous traffic and the cacophonic noise of Manila, you will get a faster connection to Cebu, for there are now 28 flights daily between the two cities or almost two flights every hour.

There are also flights to Cebu from Clark or Davao or Kalibo International airports, from which there are further flights on discount airlines to Malaysia,Singapore,Hong Kong,Korea and other points.

Facilities and amenities at the airport include a shopping center, duty-free shop, souvenir shops, cafes, business centers, food shops, communication facilities, banking facilities, car rentals, hotel and resort reservations, and beauty and health services.

Grab and Uber apps are a great way to get into town or the ferry/bus terminals, since they offer a fixed price expect P200-P350, immediate departure and skip the long lines for normal taxis.

The airport is on Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu city. It takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour or more to get to the actual city of Cebu. If you are staying at one of the nicer hotels they usually can send a free van to pick you up at airport.

If you forgot to ask for this you may find that the van of your hotel is there to pick someone else up and you can hitch a ride if there is room.

Cebu airport To Cebu City Center and vice versa by MyBus MyBus is a new service for passengers coming from and going to the airport comfortable but still with a fixed, cheap fare.

The modern, air-conditioned Bus leaves roughly every 20 minutes from 6am at the SM City Mall going to the airport until 8pm. From the airport the busses start at 7am to 9pm. Fixed fare is ₱25.

Saves you from paying a metered taxi for just being in traffic jams at least until you are more to the city center. From SM City Mall, you can catch a normal metered taxi.

Cebu airport To Cebu Ferry Terminal Allow 2 hours from leaving the airport to the stated ferry departure time to accommodate daily general traffic jams, port traffic jams, terminal security lines and ticket purchasing lines.

The fastest travel option is to order a Grab or Uber to the port, then buy the next available ferry ticket on the spot from the ferry companies right outside the port terminal.

The airport information desk has ferry timetables but these are not reliable, so confirm using the airport wifi.

If port traffic is bad, simply get out around 500m early and walk your luggage past the near-stationary traffic to the actual ferry terminal.

Cebu City's domestic port is the country's busiest. Cebu City is home to almost 80 percent of the country's passenger vessels.

The country's largest shipping lines, namely 2GO, Cokaliong, Lite Shipping, Trans-Asia, Robie shipping, Medallion transport, Fast Cat, George & Peter Lines all have ferries from Cebu.

Large passenger ferries with a capacity of 1,000 passengers ply the more distant routes such as Manila, Calbayog, Iligan, Ozamiz, Masbate, Iloilo,Dumaguete, Dipolog, Tagbilaran, Butuan City, Surigao and Cagayan de Oro.

Medium-sized vessels such as the roll-on/roll-off (roro) types ply nearer destinations.

Ormoc, Naval, Maasin, while fast ferries Weesam express, Oceanjet, 2GO fast Cat transport passengers to and from neighboring islands in two hours or less depending on the destination.

Online Booking: 12Go Asia provides online booking for ferries and flights going to Cebu City, mainly from Manila.

Do as the locals do and catch a colorful jeepney. Unfortunately, there is no website or literature describing where they go. You can either figure out their routes from destinations printed on the side of the jeepney or ask for help.

They are available 24 hours and cover most of the city. Fares cost ₱7 if travelling between points within Cebu City and more if going to Mandaue City or Lapu-Lapu.

Beware of pickpockets, they will sit next to you on the jeepney and slowly slide their hands into your pockets, so you don't notice.

Main terminals for jeepneys are at Ayala, SM mall and along Colon Street. From there, you can reach almost all of Cebu city.

You can board a jeepney when it's parked at a stop or by flagging one down as they drive past. You can pay your fare anytime onboard but it's suggested you pay when alighting.

If the fare collector is far away, you can pass your money to other passengers and ask them to pass it to the collector.

Don't be afraid of asking other passengers to pass your money as this is part of jeepney etiquette. As such, you are expected to help other passengers pass money.

When asking the driver to stop, you simply tap a coin on the metallic railing on the roof, knock on the roof with your knuckles, or simply say lugar lang or stop please in English.

Since the driver rarely announces the current location of the jeepney, you should know how your destination looks like before boarding.

Remember never to stick any body parts outside the jeepney and watch out for pickpockets. Keep in mind that pickpockets outside can also pickpocket you by reaching through the open windows which have no glass.

Buses are also available but these tend to ply exclusively along the north-south route. There are two major bus terminals as the name implies for direction of travel - North Bus terminal at Mandaue and South Bus terminal.

Ceres Bus lines operates regular bus services from these terminals and are considered the safer alternative to the smaller privately operated bus lines. there are buses from Cebu city going to and from Bacolod and Dumaguete

Metered taxis are omnipresent in Cebu City, with Grab and Uber also available via mobile app to offer fixed-rate fares.

To avoid overcharging, choose a white taxi that has the price written on the side, and insist the driver use the meter.

If you know the route that helps to avoid the taxi going the long way, but taking different routes is normal in order to avoid Cebu's horrendous traffic, so don't be surprised if the driver doesn't go the way you expected, it could be because of traffic and not him trying to rip you off.

Most drivers are honest, and even if they overcharge you, since it's so cheap, you probably won't lose much, as long as you're going by the meter.

You can and should report improper taxi behavior to the Department of Tourism in Cebu by phoning +63 32 254 2811.

Always insist on a metered fare as a negotiated fare will almost always be much higher.

If you know the city and need to go a long distance, it may be worth paying a negotiated fare so that the driver doesn't take the scenic route or you become victim of an uncalibrated meter.

Late in the evenings, there could be taxis driving with an uncalibrated, inflated meter.

Most trips around the city should not cost more than 100 ₱. The fare from the airport to most of central Cebu should be 200-250 ₱ depending on whether you use the white or yellow cabs.

Yellow cabs are cabs that solely work to and from the airport. If it is your first time in Cebu, or you are not sure where you are going, it might be worth spending the extra pesos just for the safety and security of an airport licensed cab.

However, if you know where you are going, and how much it should cost, a white taxi is the cheapest option.

If you know the name of the building, establishment, area or street you wish you reach, taxis are still the fastest way to your destination. Most drivers know where almost everything is.

If the driver is pleasant, a 10-50 ₱ tip is warranted, especially if he loads or unloads your bags. Most drivers do not have, or will tell you they do not have change, so be ready with 50's and 20's when going on short trips.

It is best to avoid the Private taxis as they take advantage of tourists and charge 5-10 times the normal fare. You will find these taxis at the some of the high-class hotels.

They are normally owned by the hotel to make money and may charge 500 ₱ for something that should cost 60 ₱. Some hotels make it hard for other taxis to pick you up at their premise and you may need to walk outside to save money.

Another place where private taxis are common is the airport. To avoid them, simply ask a porter for help and for a metered taxi.

Downstairs at the exit for arrivals, there is a booth that will flag down a taxi for 70 ₱, but you can also go up the ramp and there are a large number of metered taxis waiting for you.

You can also wend your way upstairs to Departures where many metered taxis are available. Fare down town to Ayala or SM Malls should be around 150 ₱ on the meter.

You may be offered an inflated price from the driver, sometimes three to four times the cost of the actual trip.

If the driver is trying to avoid turning on the meter just say, meter lang. This is Tagalog but it works throughout the Philippines. Don't travel unless the meter is used; not using the meter is illegal, and you can report it to local officials.

Both airport accredited - yellow and normal - white taxis are available at the arrivals area of the airport. After you exit the arrivals hall, turn right do not cross the road and walk about 30m to the taxi stands at the end of the building.

There is many motorcycle rentals available throughout the Island. If you dare it will help you getting around and even save time not being stuck in traffic.

Once outside the city limits you will find curvy mountain roads and beautiful scenery driving alongside the ocean.

In the far south, close to Oslob Whale watching and the ports for taking a ship over to Dumaguete you can rent Motorcycles and Scooters at SanCebMotoRent in Santander/Cebu.

The immediate Cebu city area is best seen briefly, or bypassed entirely, on the way to fantastically more picturesque destinations such as the network of islands and dive spots to the north and south of Cebu.

However, the daily traffic jams sometimes mean that you will be safer getting back to Cebu city a few hours early, in which case you'll have time take in some of the city sights:

Basilica of Santo Nino or Basilica of the Holy Child, Osmena Boulevard. A large and venerable church that traces its history to the founding of the convent of the Santo Nino de Cebu in 1565.

It contains a statue of the Santo Nino or Holy Child that regarded as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines.

The statue was presented by Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana during the baptism of King Humabon and his wife Queen Juana on April 14, 1521.

The natives of Cebu were formally Christianized by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Father Andres de Urdaneta on April 27, 1565. However, as they found the natives hostile, the village was set on fire.

Later on, in a burnt-out house, a soldier named Juan Camus found the statue untouched. This was proclaimed a miracle. The statue, adorned with gold and precious stones, is in a glass case to the left of the altar.

The church sees a constant stream of devotees praying at pews in the sanctuary and in front of statues of saints.

The Basilica del Santo Nino Museum, open Tue-Sun 08:00-11:45, 13:30-16:45 contains the vestments used to dress the Santo Nino and jewellery offered to the Santo Nino for use during his feast on the third Sunday of January. 10 ₱.

Casa Gorordo Museum, 35 Lopez Jaena St. Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00. A well-preserved Spanish colonial mansion constructed largely of wood, set in a pleasant, manicured garden.

The lower floor has a collection of old tools, and an A/C room that has changing displays such as art exhibitions. The more interesting upstairs level was the former living quarters of the Gorordo family.

It features lovely carved wooden furniture and a wide patio. The kitchen is particularly interesting, as it contains a traditional dirt stove, a wooden food safe, and a traditional dish drying rack fitted to the outside of the window. Adults: 70 ₱. e

Colon St. Brave the cacophanous traffic to see the oldest street in the Philippines with some nice worn-out classical buildings dating back to the American Era.

At night, this street transforms into a market with good buys everywhere. Be wary of pickpockets though.

Fort San Pedro or Fuerza de San Pedro. The smallest Spanish outpost in the Philippines during the colonial era.

It has a small museum showcasing the wreckage and treasures from the sunken San Diego galleon from Mexico. The area is scenic with the newly renovated and open-air Plaza Independencia at the entrance. P30.

Lapu-Lapu Monument, Lapu-Lapu, Mactan Island. Lapu-Lapu was a local hero who fought Ferdinand Magellan during the historic Mactan Landing in 1521.

In this little park is a statue of Lapu-Lapu, an obelisk commemorating Magellan, and a plaque explaining the history of the site. The area is surrounded by booths selling tourist trinkets and t-shirts.

A few minutes' walk away is Shangri-La Mactan Hotel Resort and Spa, which is a tourist spot in its own right. The compound is a large park where visitors, even if they don't stay in the hotel can roam the huge reception and its environs.

Check out the beach, the chapel, the spa and the various restaurants.

Life-size statues of popes, Stations of the Cross and Mysteries of the Holy Rosary in Danao City.

Magellan's Cross, Plaza Sugbo, off Magallanes St between the Colegio de Santo Nino , south of the Basilica of Santo Nino and Cebu City Hall - if you approach the Basilica from Osmeña Boulevard.

Walk through the courtyard of the Basilica and the Colegio to reach the Plaza. An octagonal building decorated with murals containing a large wooden cross that commemorates the Portuguese conquistador Ferdinand Magellan who planted a wooden cross upon converting the original inhabitants to Christianity.

A plaque states that the visible wooden cross contains the original cross, but some historians say the original cross was reduced to firewood by local inhabitants when the Magellan fleet headed elsewhere.

Take time to appreciate the various candle sellers who dance around during worship and while selling the candles.

Dance with the smoothest criminals in the world Experience the life behind the prison bars and dance with the smooth friendly dangerous criminals in the Philippines. You can mingle and take pictures with them.

You don't have to worry since peace maker guards and jail police are around. Still your life is in your hands.

Free performances and bus. The Inmates performances are held every last Saturday of the month. Registration starts at 12 noon. No i.d. required. Doors open at 3:00 p.m., and the performance lasts about an hour.

A taxi to the prison should cost approx. 130 pesos from the city center. Motor bike drivers wait outside the prison to drive visitors home after the show for about 150 pesos depending on the destination, roads are narrow, and the motorbike ride may be a bit scary.

In December 2015 the performance was not full, so coming early may not be necessary. Performance is free, however a donation to the prisoners is appreciated.

Cebu Provincial Museum or Museo Sugbo, a short taxi ride from Fort San Pedro. The museum is housed in the former Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, which was once the Carcel de Cebu.

Its four Spanish-era buildings made of coral stone contain artifacts relating to the history of Cebu. It is only a short taxi ride from Fort San Pedro.

Crocolandia. Witness different sizes of crocodiles, snakes, deer and birds.

Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum, is a musically-themed museum in Cebu City, Philippines that pays homage to the musical heritage of Cebu. This museum is operated under the Tipiganan sa mga Handumanan sa Kanta ug Kinaiyang Sugbuanon or Treasury of Memories Foundation.

It is located along V. Gullas St. former Manalili and D. Jakosalem St. Cebu City, which used to be the old building of The Freeman Newspaper and now houses Cebuano and Visayan musical treasures and memorabilia.

Provincial Capitol, which is particularly scenic at night, is by far the largest provincial Capitol building anywhere in the entire archipelago. Its original design is a miniature of the White House and was built during the American Era.

Heritage of Cebu, at Eastern end of Colon St is massive and particularly detailed monument showcasing the heritage of Cebu from the old Spanish to the American colonial era.

Taoist Temple. Visit the temple for a unique look at the island's Chinese heritage. The Chinese make up a significant part of the population, with much of the locals having full, half or part Chinese ancestry.

Biking - Go to Tops, which sits literally at the top of the Mt Busay, for an unobstructed view of the entire city at night. Entrance to the garden is 100 pesos per person. There are a few shops and restaurants along the way.

At one time taxi drivers charged a whopping 500+ pesos for the ride to Tops but the price has doubled to a ridiculous and non-negotiable 1000 pesos! The best way to experience Tops is by mountain bike.

This is a world class climb and on any given day, Cebu's bikers are humping the 45 minute to 1h trek filled with switchbacks and views better than you see actually at the very top. Ask your hotel where you can rent a mountain bike.

They will have to ask around a bit, but it's worth it. If you are going up by taxi, make sure they will take you back down. Taxis are few and far between from Mt Busay and it's a long way down.

Another option is to take a motorcycle ride or habal-habal from JY Square which you can reach by a jeepney. There is plenty of motorbike drivers who will offer you the drive.

Price should be something around 100 pesos per person. Be sure to negotiate with the driver and especially make sure there is no waiting charge.

Drink, Eat, Laugh and Party - Cebu city is one of the cities which won't miss the party scenes at night, being a major city of commerce and finance in the Philippines; the development of bars, clubs and other commercial establishments are at a fast rate.

Take a break from the hectic busy urban life, take a laugh, comedy bars are common in the Philippines and usually Sarcasm the lowest common of wit as most people would say is the common specialty of comedians, don't get pissed at them if they make fun of you, smile back and just get along.

Comedy and disco bars, coffee shops and restaurants are found in Gen. Mexilom Ave., Fuenta Rotunda and Osmena Blvd.

Ride a Tartanilla, Head to Cebu's old quarters in Carlock St and try riding a horse drawn carriage called a tartanilla. Remember to negotiate with the driver before taking a ride.

See the scenic view of Cebu City's skyline - The Marcelo Fernan Bridge or Second Mactan Bridge offers some interesting views of the city at night, and is even picturesque from below. Arrange for a taxi to take you there.

Shop, Cebu City is well known for two spacious and modern malls outside Manila. SM City Cebu and the Ayala Center Cebu are the most famous and luxurious shopping centers at the heart of the city.

Boutique shops, mini-malls, themed malls, fine and alfresco dining include ParkMall, Banilad Town Center, among others.

Study English, Cebu is one of the most famous and popular places for study English in ASIA. You can see a lot of students arriving in Cebu to study. One of the biggest school is QQEnglish.

Sinulog Festival, The island of Cebu gets especially busy on the third Sunday of January due to the Sinulog Festival. It is the local way of honouring the Child Jesus.

Main thoroughfares around the city are blocked for an all-day and all-night loud and colourful street party. Don't forget your dancing shoes!

Swim and Sun, Mactan is actually the popular place when it comes to beaches which is just minutes away from Cebu City and is where the Airport is located. But despite it's popularity, Mactan is a poor choice for travellers who are looking for a real beach experience.

One would be hard-pressed to call any beach in Mactan a paradise. That is unless you enjoy fenced off, for-pay, mostly man-made muddy swim holes. Two ironies are at work on Mactan.

If you really like beaches, you are only about 90 minutes from great beaches, world class beaches examples include Moalboal and Alona in Panglao, Bohol, those are closer to the ones you see on postcards from the Philippines.

For a real beach experience, visit nearby Bantayan Island. It is accessible by plane from Mactan Cebu Airport or through Hagnaya Port, 3 hours by car from the city where it is around an hour ferry ride to Sta Fe port of Bantayan Island.

Day trips to Virgin Island can be arranged with your resort as well.

Snorkeland bird-watching, The island of Olango and its 6 small satellite islands are ideal for snorkelling as well as observation of migratory birds.

Scuba Diving, Near the city of Cebu there are plenty of good and cheap diving places from coral reefs to shipwreck.

It is also one of the cheapest places in South East Asia to get your Open Water Diver certificate. Most dive shops are located on Mactan Island.

Xtreme Rides, Just a few blocks away from Robinson's Mall is the Crown Regency Cebu which is the tallest building in the city. Adventure seekers may head to the top floor to experience a breathtaking view of this modern city and its environs.

You may also opt to join in the Xtreme Rides that literally puts you on the edge of the city, or you may walk around the edge of the building, don't worry, safety cables are attached to experience this once in a lifetime experience. All of these you can enjoy for a small fee.

Abellana Cebu Sports center & public swimming pool, 179 RR Landon road (off Osmena Blvd). 09.00-17.00. full size outdoor swimming pool 50m by 25m has ten lanes. 20/30 pesos.

Cebu City has many shopping malls, the biggest being SM Seaside. SM City Cebu, which is a four-level shopping mall with a huge department store, supermarket, movie theater and over 200 shops and restaurants.

A more upscale shopping mall is the Ayala Mall, it also has a large department store, two supermarkets and a movie theater, and it offers more restaurants and stores that appeal to tourists.

These are modern buildings with lots of western goods in addition to local stores. There are other, older and smaller malls dotted all over the city, such as Colonnade Mall, Robinson's Mall, E-Mall, Gaisano mall and Cebu Parkmall.

In addition to this there are many stores and places to stop. One nice place is the Colon part of the Old Downtown.

If you need to fix something there are hardware stores in all of the malls. Cebu Home and Builders Center along AS Fortuna-Mandaue, Mactan near old bridge and Cebu Parkmall is the home depot style that carries the most complete line for finishing and building materials.

There is a large warehouse store called Landers Superstore, located near Ayala Mall that offers a lot of imported products. Another great place to buy household goods on the cheap is Unitop, which have four stores in Cebu.

For furniture the two best places to go is Sun Gold and Mandaue Foam, just remember to ask for at least 10-20% off the price.

If you want to buy groceries, the Metro and Rustan's Supermarkets in Ayala Mall are well stocked, local and imported products.

For a low-price supermarket the best are Colonnade in Colon and Mandaue and Fooda Saversmart along Maxilom Avenue. if you need household goods Kaking Discount Store lower ground floor 138 mall Colon street has all you need at lower prices.

HSBC Bank Taft Ayala Bldg. Cardinal Rosales Avenue. Cebu Business Park near Ayala mall 24-hour ATMs. has the only ATMs in Cebu city without a 250 fee for Overseas Bank cards. it also has the only ATMs where you can take out up to p40.000 per use.

Alco Foreign Exchange Shop 108 Rain Tree mall. General Maxilon Avenue. 0pen 08.30-17.00.has some of the best foreign exchanges rates in Cebu city

Fully Booked, Level 2, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park. A modern bookshop with a good selection of imported fiction and non-fiction books, and a smaller collection of books about the Philippines. There is an in-shop cafe.

National Book Store, Visit this chain of bookshops located in Ayala Center Cebu, Mango Cebu and SM City Cebu for good deals on local and foreign books, academic texts and stationery.

Book sale stores in Elizbeth mall, Robinsons mall, Sm City. used books and magazines from the UK & US from 20-120 pesos

The great thing about Cebu is that, while being an island paradise, on the one hand, it's also a sophisticated city, with a wide range of pretty decent restaurants to choose from.

Street-food abounds in Cebu and is amazingly cheap. You can buy all sorts of Philippine delicacies from the many street stalls scattered around Cebu City.

SuTuKil, An acronym for sugba (grilled), tula or soup-based/with broth, and kilaw - raw, soaked/pickled in vinegar. This is a popular term for ordering a selection of fresh seafood and meat from the market and cooked any way you like it in an eatery.

When in the islands, one of the things people crave or think of is fresh seafood. Now what if you could get fresh seafood, cooked like you wanted and have a nice view overlooking the water?

On Mactan island, connected to Cebu, in the Lapu Lapu area are a group of rough cut restaurants dedicated to satisfying those cravings.

The place neighbors the Lapu Lapu monument and take note there is a tendancy for scouts to lead you into the restaurant area and lead you to their restaurant, but feel free to take a look at all of your options before deciding.

Look at the seafood on display to see what you plan to have cooked and make your decision based on that. But if you are also going for ambiance along with good food then be sure to check out this place.

One of them is at the very end on the right side, if you are facing the restaurants called Manna SuTuKil.

The staff are friendly, the food prepared well. It’s a little pricey, but you are paying for the fresh seafood and the ambiance.

Lechon, Roasted suckling pig. The whole province of Cebu is known for its lechon which is known to be the best in the Philippines.

Cebu has Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Continental, fusion, and of course local restaurants. It also has other international cuisines like American, Spanish, Thai and Indian.

For tourists, the two best areas to find great restaurants are Ayala Mall and IT Park. Ayala Center Cebu recently opened a modern extension called The Terraces with an abundance of food choices adjacent to Marriott Hotel.

It also has two grocery stores with large sections of food imported from the rest of the world. The IT Park has over 20 great restaurants and most of them are open 24 hours a day. Both of these eating areas offer free WiFi.

On the other hand, SM City Cebu also opened an extension to the main mall called SM Northwing with more than 10 choices of local and international cuisines.

Alberto's Pizza, B. Rodriguez Ave. opposite Vicente Sotto Hospital. Offers a good and rather affordable locally made thin crust pizza.

Robinsons Fuente Food Court, B Rodriguez Street, Lower ground floor near the supermarket. 10.00-20.30.

Our Place Restaurant & Pub, cnr of Pelaez and Sanciangko Sts near colon. Popular for its British & European and american food and cold beer. our place was established way back in 1978. cheap prices.

RR Restauant Rossland food Fiesta, V Rama Avenue, next to Cebu mountain bike and near fooda Guadalupe. Well known by expats who live in Cebu for their good cheap food and cold beer. 08.00-22.00. meals from 30. cold beer from 35.

Persian Palate Restaurant, Mango Sq mall Gen Maxilom Avenue. Well known for Friday and Saturdays all you can eat buffet. Indian and Persian food. allday breakfast for only 145. 11.00-22.00 all you can eat 195.

Joe's Chicken Inato, Cospel Building V Ranudo Street. 08.00-21.00. meals from 99.

Giuseppe's, Marie Luisa Drive, Banilad. Authentic Italian restaurant.

Hola Espanol. Spanish cuisine in the Philippines. Try their Paella Negra, and other paella varieties.

Mang Inasal, 2 Mango Ave. Mango Sq General Maxilom Avenue. 07.00-22.00. Famous for their Barbecue Inasal Chicken. Lumpiang Togue. Halo-Halo.

Chowking, Mango Sq. General Maxilom Avenue, Near Fuente. 6am-23.00. Chinese food. pork chao fan. Chinese style fried Chicken. Meaty Wonton Mami. Halo halo meals from 50.

Mooon Cafe. Is a local restaurant located at the Terraces in Ayala Mall as well as in Guadalupe not far from the Capitol building. Its specialty is Mexican "inspired" food and ambiance, but they serve a wide variety of options.

Little Saigon Big Bangkok. Is a local restaurant located in the residential neighborhood of Guadalupe,and specializing in authentic thai and vietnamese street food. moderate.

STK ta bay, #6 A. Climaco Street, Cebu City, Cebu. The specialities are panga or BBQ'd tuna jaw, Suglaw with gata, mixed seafood kare kare, grilled scallops, crispy pork. Tourists raved about spicy calamari, buttered scallops and various shrimp dishes.

Spice Fusion, It has branches in Banilad Town Center and SM Cebu. They offer a wide selection of Southeast Asian food.

Tajimaya Yakiniku, Lahug End of Crossroads Mall. Serves Japanese cuisine.

Postrio Bakery and Cafe, Cebu-based bakeshop and cafe

Chedz Designer Cakes, Cebu-based bakeshop specializing in designer birthday and wedding cakes

La Marea, Cebu-based bakeshops specializing in cakes

Leonas Cakes and Pastries, Cebu-based dessert and pastry shop with several outlets in Cebu. Try their banana walnut cake.

Dessert Factory, Dessert restaurant in Ayala Center Cebu

Cebu La Fortuna Bakery. Try their masi, a Chinese Filipino sweet product of crush nuts and sugar wrapped in rice paste. This is their only excellent product; the others may not be worth much for a try.

10 Dove St, in the village of Santo Nino. The owner converted a garage like structure into a cheap, sandwich bistro. Real star are her fantastic cakes, very fresh, served by the slice from old-fashioned cake platters.

Mango Avenue and Mango Square is where the bulk of the nightlife is located. The typical venues are nightclubs, bars and karaoke boxes. There is also a variety of girlie clubs lined up on Mango Ave leading up to Mango Square.

There are also dispersed clubs and local-frequented bars off the beaten track. Ask a taxi driver of their whereabouts.

J Ave. Formerly Juliana's, a large dance club in Mango Square, is crowded every night of the week. 100 ₱ entrance fee that includes one free beer of your choice. A local beer will cost you only 50 ₱ (Red Horse).

The more expensive drinks are around 280 ₱. The music is a mix of hip hop and electronic music and it can get pretty loud and bumping. Excellent bar staff. This establishment is especially popular with young Japanese and Korean tourists.

Great place for meeting friendly non-prostitute Filipina women, but that's not to say that there aren't working ladies here.

El Gecko Resto Bar, Gen Maxilom Avenue corner D Jakosalem Street, has breakfast from 9am. and happy hours from 11.00-18.00. beer only 50. open every day from 09.00-2.00am.

Crossroads is an array of shops and restaurants that offer an alternative nightlife to IT Park which is just nearby.

Most visitors are probably booking a first or final night of accommodation close to their airport/ferry terminal, and should base themselves within 4km of the terminal to minimize the impact of daily traffic jams.

Visitors staying longer should strongly consider IT Park, which a relatively nice area just next to downtown Cebu city, nearer to the airport/ferry, and offers decent nightlife. The Cebu downtown area is unsafe to walk at night and useful primarily for the bus station.

Sanjose Pension House, 131 Rahmann Street, 10 min walk from ayala or Robinsons malls. checkin: any time; checkout: 12 noon. Budget hotel. All rooms with cable TV, air-con. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms. ₱599 (s/d).

Mc Sherry Pension House, Pelaez Street in quiet lane next to the hotel de mercedes. checkin: from 6am; checkout: 12 noon. nice size rooms all with own bathroom and cable tv. free wifi. can also pay by the month for 15,000 fan double 500. a/c double 600.

Aysha-Lily Cebu Guesthouse, 211 Mango Ave. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 12:00. Not the cleanest, but OK. Fan room was smelly, aircon room was better.

All rooms have shared bathroom - fan rooms with cold shower, A/C rooms with hot. Common area has cable TV. There's an affordable little restaurant in the compound. Free Wi-Fi in all areas. Double fan room ₱545, double A/C ₱775, dorm ₱350.

Tropical Hostel Cebu, 1571 2/F Bldg 2, MJ Cuenco Avenue, Mabolo, in between Ayala and SM malls. checkout: 12:00. Nice place, clean and new; friendly and helpful staff.

Has common areas and fast, free wifi in all floors. There is also a cheaper fan dorm. dorm ₱330.

City view Pension House, Sanciangko St Brgy. Kalubihan, city view is on the 1st floor. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 12:00. All rooms are fully A/C with cable TV and private toilet and bath with shower. free wifi From ₱585.

Travelbee Inn, 231 Dionisio Jakosalem Street. checkin: 14.00; checkout: 12.00 noon. Rooms include phone, hot/cold shower, Cable TV & A/C, the hotel has a elevator and safety boxes. free wifi. free breakfast and laundry service. From ₱880.

Cebu Century Hotel, Corner Colon and Pelaez St. Budget hotel. All rooms with cable TV, hot water and A/C. from ₱740.

Robes Pension House, 41 R Landon Street. a/c double room with own bathroom and cable tv. free wifi. From ₱700.

Hey Fellas Guest House, 22-k General Maxilon Avenue, 10 min walk from ayala mall. checkin: 2pm; checkout: 12 noon. nice clean backpackers hostel. free wifi. fan dorm bed 250. a/c dorm bed 350.

Hotel de Mercedes, 7 Pelaez St, Kamagayan. From 880.

La Guardia Hotel, Osmena Boulevard. checkin: 12noon; checkout: 12noon. Free Wi-Fi. a/c rooms with own bathroom and cable tv From ₱700 (double).

Win's Pension House, Ranmann Street. checkin: 12 noon; checkout: 12 noon. a/c double rooms with own bathroom and cable tv free wifi. ₱15,000 per month.

Capitol Tourist Inn, Don Gil Garcia Street. checkin: 12 noon; checkout: 12 noon. a/c rooms with own bathroom and cable tv From ₱550.

Sugbutel Bed & Bath (Hostel), S Osmena St, North Reclamation area. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. 3-5 min walk from SM City Cebu Mall complex and close to Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

Hostel accommodation with A/C accommodation area free WiFi, 24 hr security with CCTV cameras, 24 hr back-up generator and entertainment area with wide screen LCD TV. Rooms for 2-8.

An upper bunk bed in a 8 bed dorm is ₱420, a lower bunk bed is ₱475. Also available bigger dorm rooms for 265-315 php, but be prepared, since the hotel provides blanket, pillow and towel for an extra charge. From ₱265.

Westpoint Inn, 297 Don Gil Garcia St, Capitol Site. Simple budget hotel with a/c rooms with own bathroom and cable tv. free wifi. From 780.

Cebu Guest Inn Address: Holy Family Road Brgy Busay. dorm bed From ₱275.

Le Village, 84, Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City. checkin: 2 p.m.; checkout: 12 p.m.. New clean hostel, with multiple dorms and a couple of private rooms. Still unfinished, renovations in progress.

₱370 for a bed in dorm room with fan, ₱500 - dorm room with A/C, ₱800 - private room with fan, ₱1300 - private room with A/C. Free Wi-Fi in common area. Well located within a ten-minute walk to the Ayala mall.

Fuente Oro Business Suites, 173 Gov. M. Roa Street, Capitol Site. inclusive of breakfast for 2. For more information, visit our website at www.fuenteoro.com. From 1,295 PHP.

Southpole Central Hotel, 6000, 29 Junquera St, Cebu City. A/C rooms, 35-45” cable TV, High Speed Internet Access. Some of its facilities and services are safety deposit box, Chill-out bar and basement parking. From US$40.

Alpa City Suites Hotel, Hernan Cortes St and F. Cabahug St, Ayala Access Rd. Daily and monthly packages available. From 3,600 ₱.

La Gloria Residence Inn, Corner Climaco and Borromeo Streets. This inn in Cebu offers rooms equipped with cable/flat screen TV, in-room internet access, telephone, remote-controlled air conditioning and hot and cold shower.

Some of the facilities and services offered in La Gloria Residence Inn are salon, spa, coffeeshop, restaurant, conference room with Wi-Fi and audio-video facilities, 24-hour security, Wii rental, laundry service and free Wi-Fi at lobby. Rates starts at 1,478.40 PHP.

Cityscape Hotel, Ayala Access Road cor. Hernan Cortes St. All rooms equipped with Air-conditioning, 32-inch TV with cable channels, Mini-bar, NDD/IDD phone, Wi-Fi Internet access, Hot and cold shower.

Some of its facilities and services are wimming pool, fitness room/gym, restaurant and 24 hr room service and help desk. Rates Start at 2,388.00 PHP.

Alta Cebu Resort, Tugbungan, Pilipog, Cordova. 3 mi from Lapu Lapu City, 4 mi from Mactan International airport. From US$49.

Rajah Park Hotel, Fuente Osmena. 8 story hotel with 89 standard and deluxe rooms. Most of the rooms have a view of Fuente Circle park. US$35 for the basic to US$100 for a huge suite.

SDR Serviced Apartments, Mactan Island, 3 minutes from the airport. All apartments have kitchen and cooking facilities. Smallest rooms are 36.5² m. They have great deals for long term guests.

Also have two bedroom loft apartments of 65.74² m. Include free internet, cable TV, DVD Player and a large refrigerator with freezer. From $35 for the studio.

Castle Peak, F. Cabahug cor. Pres. Quezon St, Villa Aurora Mabolo. Standard- 1188/2 ₱. Superior- 1388 ₱, deluxe- 1688 ₱. suite- 1888-2488 ₱, extra bed 400 ₱.

Cebu Grand Hotel, Cebu Capitol Complex, North Escario St. 99 rooms. From US$36.

Cebu Midtown Hotel, Fuente Osmena. Ten storey hotel withs 200 rooms and views of the city. From US$39.

Costabella Beach Resort, Buyong, Mactan Island. From US$70.

Crown Regency Residences, V. Rama Ave Guadalupe. A/C rooms with coffee and tea-making facilities, 21” cableTV, full baths and living and dining areas. Some of its facilities and services are business centre, swimming pool, safe, basement parking. From US$53.

Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, Osmena Blvd. From US$80.

Crown Regency Suites and Residences, Maximo Patalinghug Jr. Ave. A/C suites with fully-equipped modern kitchen, in-room internet, and 21” cableTV, business centre, function rooms, swimming pool, gym and sports complex. From US$73.

Nalusuan Island Cebu Resort and Marine Sanctuary, Olango Reef, Cordova, Mactan. Aqua sports activities like wave runners, jet skiing, scuba diving, and water skiing. From US$30.

The Golden Peak Hotel and Suites, cnr of Gorordo and N Escario St. In Cebu's commercial and financial district, 30 min to Mactan International Airport.

140 guestrooms and suites with sat/cableTV, bath tub, A/C, telephone with IDD and NDD. WIFI free in the lobby or 150₱ for 24hours in room. Walk in special 1000₱ (Jan 2013), AC room, with hot water shower, bath, fridge, Cable TV. From 1,300 ₱.

Europa Mansionette Inn. 26 European inspired rooms each reminiscent of a European chalet. From US$29.

Escario Central Hotel, N.Escario Street, Cebu City. There are McDonald's, 7-eleven and Zubuchon just outside of the hotel. Quiet and safer area and easy to take jeepney to Ayala Mall or Osmena Circle. Red Room - 1500 ₱, Orange Room - 1800 ₱.

Alegre Beach Resort, Calumboyan, Sogod. From US$190.

Cebu Parklane International Hotel, Corner Archbishop Reyes Avenue and Escario Street. Cebu Parklane International Hotel claims to be a five-star hotel but does not really live up to that title.

Elevators are totally inadequate and you can spend 15 minutes waiting to get to your room when the hotel is crowded with conferences. Avoid.

Cordova Reef Village Resort, Cordova. Resort is surrounded by Camotes Sea in the east and Bohol Strait. It is located at the coastal town of Cordova. From US$150.

Island and Sun Beach Resort. On Hilutungan Island, Cordova. 25 rooms, 25 villas, all A/C with cableTV, refrigirator, bathub, private toilet and hot and cold water. From US$188.

Hotel Mövenpick Cebu formerly the Hilton Cebu Resort &: Spa. From US$250.

Hotel Elizabeth Cebu, Archbishop Reyes Ave, Camputhaw. All accommodation rooms have A/C, a private toilet and bath, cableTV, and mini-bar. WiFi, massage service, and a fitness centre/gym. From 4,000 ₱.

Despite widespread poverty and liberal gun laws, Cebu City is a relatively safe city by Western standards where violent crime is rare, particularly against tourists. Cebu is definitely safer than Manila.

Your biggest concern should be pickpockets and snatchers,and occasionally muggers when in downtown Cebu and on jeepneys. Many perpetrators are young children as Philippine law exempts them from jail time for petty theft.

Keep an eye on all persons sitting next to you when on public transport and use your arms to cover all pockets on backpacks you're carrying.

Parts of downtown Cebu can be unsafe at night, particularly along Colon Street and surrounding areas, Mango Square and the Fuente circle where most of the city's homeless live.

If you're male and look remotely foreign or tourist-like, you may be solicited by prostitutes and pimps once nightfall descends in those areas.

Be wary of men who suddenly approach pretending to befriend you. It is almost certain they want something from you, and it's certain you'll want nothing they have to offer.

Filipinos, particularly those living in urban areas, tend to be shy and don't approach random people for friendship or chit-chat.

Lastly, watch for vehicles when walking as traffic can be chaotic.

The island of Cebu, where Cebu city is located, is made up of various cities, small municipalities and town.

Bohol — Is another island located east of Cebu Island, popular for its Chocolate hills and tarsier.

Moalboal beach, bus 2.5-3h from south bus terminal / 115 ₱+10 terminal fee and tricycle to beach ~120 ₱

Danao, Liloan, Bantayan, Minglanilla — Visit them for beaches.

Oslob, good for seeing the whale shark near baragay Tanawan , look for blue painted whaleshark on a portal, bus every 30-60min, last ~3h from south bus terminal / 160 ₱. starting price for a basic fan room in this area is ~500 ₱.

Dolphin watching in the Tanon straight from Malabuyoc approx. 3hrs by bus in SouthWestern part of Cebu island, Dolphin watching cruises should be reserved at least a week earlier in summer when chances of seeing dolphins are much higher.

Best time is early morning so it is recommended to arrive by 6am or spend the previous night at Kawayan Marine, a small beach house which is run by the same local family which operates the dolphin watching.

The Cool Banana boat can accomodate 20 guests. Boat fees start from 6,000pesos for the 2~3hr trip.

Additional fees may be charged if you wish to park and go swimming or walking at white sands, an area near Bais, Negros famous for idyllic white stretches of white sand exposed during low tides.



Tourism Observer