​Cebu has among the best beaches in the world. But, the island also has a number of waterparks where you can have fun under the sun without having to deal with salty water. We came up with a list of some of the waterparks you can find on the island of Cebu.

Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark

Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark (formerly the Imperial Palace Resort) is a five-star resort located in Mactan Island. It is considered as among the best waterparks in Cebu with its six swimming pools and three waterslides. The resort also has its own beachfront. 

The day use rates at Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark range from PHP1,500 for local children (5 years old and 12 years old) up to PHP4,000 for foreign adults. Children under 5 enter the resort for free. The one-day use ticket includes use of the waterpark, lunch buffet or dinner set menu, use of the lockers, towel, changing and shower room. The pools and waterslides are open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. 

Sky Waterpark Cebu

The Sky Waterpark Cebu is the only waterpark in Cebu that can be found on top of a building. The waterpark is located on top of J Centre Mall. The waterpark features an infinity pool, children’s play area, swim up bar, and a great view of the city. The guitar shape of the main pool is an affirmation to the guitar industry of Cebu. 

The Sky Waterpark Cebu is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM and rates start at PHP750 for children 5 to 12 years old. The waterpark also offers promos that include stays at a nearby hotel. The waterpark is located on the 6th floor of J Centre Mall. 

Hidden Valley Wave Pool Resort

Hidden Valley Wave Pool Resort is a wave pool located on top of a mountain. It is one of the hidden gems of the southern town of Pinamungajan. The wave pool at the resort is the first of its kind in Cebu, and is its main attraction. The resort is connected to the Hidden Valley Mountain Resort.  

Day use of the wave pool is at PHP150 for adults and PHP125 for children 3 to 6 years old. Cottages are also available for rent starting at PHP600. 

Tubod Bukid Resort

The Tubod Bukid Resort is an extension of a popular resort in Minglanilla, Tubod Flowing Water Resort. It features the longest waterslide in this part of the archipelago. The waterslide is 125 meters or 411 feet long. It starts at the side of the mountain and goes down to the pool. Guests will have a great view of the town of Minglanilla as they go down the waterslide. 

The Tubod Bukid Resort is located right across Tubod Flowing Water Resort. It is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day. The entrance fee is PHP220 for adults and PHP110 for children 8 years old and younger.

These waterparks can be excellent options for locals and visitors to Cebu who may want to have fun in the water without having to deal with the saltiness of the sea. Have you visited any of these waterparks already? Tell us about your visit on the comments section below.

As the month of October approaches, stories of the supernatural kind will likely come out. So, we came up with another list of creepy places in Cebu based on some other-worldly experiences of people who visited these places. 

Museo Sugbo

Before the Museo Sugbo was established in 2004, it was used as the provincial jail of Cebu. The place was originally called the Carcel del Distrito and was designed by Domingo de Escondrillas. Many Katipuneros were held in the prison during the Spanish period. It was later used as a stable by the Americans before it was used as a prison by the Japanese during World War 2. After the Americans defeated the Japanese, it was once again used as a prison. 

When it was converted into a museum, some guards reported some supernatural experiences at the place. These include strange people walking around before vanishing into thin air and bottles being knocked over in some of the galleries. There were also sightings of people wearing Japanese clothing at the place. 

Cebu IT Park

Cebu IT Park may be the main hub of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry of Cebu, but the place has its share of stories of the supernatural kind. Long before the first building was built at the IT Park the place was used as the main airport of Cebu. But, after the airport was relocated to Mactan Island, the old Lahug Airport was abandoned. It remained abandoned for a very long time, and may have been made the home of supernatural beings.

Some of the ghostly stories at the Cebu IT Park include people waking up to an unseen force inside a sleeping lounge, a long-haired lady entering a locker room and not coming out, as well as the sound of laughing children in empty offices. 

Moncado Hotel

The Moncado Hotel is located in Sudlon II, which is situated on the mountains of Cebu. It is a three-storey wooden structure that was built to serve visiting members of a group known as the Moncadistas. The members of the group are the followers of Dr. Hilario Camino Moncado. The hotel was established by General Federico Jayme, who died in one of the rooms. The hotel is now dilapidated, but still accepts guests.

The hotel is located in the hinterlands of Cebu. It has been dubbed as a “haunted house” by outsiders, but the members of the group are friendly and accommodating to visitors. The members of the group are known for wearing their beards and hair long. 

Dormitory along Ramos Street

Ramos Street is located close to the business and entertainment district of uptown Cebu. Due to his, the place is normally lively, even at night. Many of the structures along the street have at least two floors. But, there is supposedly a dormitory along the street where a number of ghostly apparitions have been spotted. 

According to the stories, there is a room in the dormitory where a spirit makes its presence felt. Even with the stories of ghostly apparitions and doppelgangers circulating in the dorm, many of its residents have yet to experience them. 

Fort San Pedro

Fort San Pedro is the oldest fort in the country and is one of the top tourist spots in the Queen City of the South. It was built by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi when he arrived in Cebu. The fort was originally made of wood before it was renovated and the wood was replaced with stone. Being over four hundred years old, the fort witnessed significant events in the history of Cebu.

​Some people who visit the fort have reportedly experienced some paranormal activities. While these experiences are unverified, it may not be far-fetched since the fort is already over four centuries old.

​Many festivals in Cebu are expressions of gratitude by residents for the blessings they receive each year. But, in some places, the festival is more than just a simple expression of gratitude. One of these festivals is the Kabkaban Festival of Carcar City.

Carcar City

Carcar City is home to many Spanish and American era structures as well as mouthwatering delicacies like the chicharon, ampao, and lechon. In addition, the city is also known for being a manufacturer of reasonably-priced yet high- quality shoes. Carcar may have been one of the oldest towns in the country, but it is a relative young city since it only attained cityhood in 2007. 

Kabkaban Festival

The Kabkaban Festival is celebrated in honor of the patroness of the town, St Catherine of Alexandria. The ritual dances during the festival were once performed to drive away evil spirits and omens.  But, this has taken a more positive note these days since it is now focused on attraction tourists into this city in southern Cebu.

The term kabkaban comes from “kabkab,” which is a type of grass that grows in the area. The kabkab was used in the dance rituals to drive away evil spirits. The festival now focuses on providing glimpses of different periods in the history of the city. It also highlights the different products of Carcar City.

Activities during the Kabkaban Festival

One of the highlights of the Kabkaban Festival is the parade and street dancing competition. The theme of the festival changes each year, which is reflected by the costumes of the participants. The participants of the competition represent different sectors of the city.  In addition to the parade and street dancing competition, variety shows, games, and an agro fair are normally held during the festival. A beauty pageant is also held as part of the festival.

​The Kabkaban Festival of Carcar City is celebrated every November 24 and 25 of each year. So, if you find yourself in this southern Heritage City on these dates, you may want to check out the festival and see how Carcaranons celebrate their annual festival.

Have you experienced the Kabkaban Festival already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​Carcar City may be known as a heritage city, but there’s more to this southern city than historically-significant structures. It is also home to a national park that has attracted the attention of nature and adventure enthusiasts all over the archipelago. The Guadalupe Mainit Mabugnaw National Park covers an area of around 57 hectares. The park features hot and cold springs along with the Mainit Mabugnaw Cave. 

Carcar City

Carcar City is located around 40 kilometers from Cebu City. Aside from being the Heritage City of Cebu, Carcar City is also the shoe capital of Cebu. The city is the best shoe manufacturer on the island. This southern city is also home to the famous Carcar lechon and chicharon. 

Mainit Mabugnaw Cave 

The Mainit Mabugnaw Cave is one of the caves in the Guadalupe Mainit Mabugnaw National Park. It is the highlight of the national park. The cave features a large entrance that some people may find quite imposing. It also has numerous sub-caverns that have remained unexplored. 

​The Mainit Mabugnaw Cave also features stalagmites and stalactites several feet tall. In addition, you can find huge boulders strewn along the floor of the cave. The ceiling of the cave also has holes that allow visitors to explore the main cavern during daytime. Thrill-seekers can also have their adrenaline fix through the rappelling activity offered inside the cave. 

​Similar to other caves around the archipelago, the Mainit Mabugnaw Cave also has its own share of stories of the supernatural kind. The locals say the cave is haunted, but this has not discouraged people from visiting the place.

Getting to the Mainit Mabugnaw Cave 

You can get to the Mainit Mabugnaw Cave by getting on a bus headed for Carcar City. Once you reach Carcar, you can get on a motorcycle for hire headed for the national park. After reaching the entrance to the national park and paying for the admission fee, you can follow a trail going to the cave. 

​Carcar City has a lot more to offer to its visitors. Aside from the Spanish and American era structures, you can also drop by some of the natural tourist spots of the city. The Mainit Mabugnaw Cave is just one of these natural tourist spots where you can commune with nature while having a little bit of fun. 

Have you visited the Mainit Mabugnaw Cave already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​Cebu is home to numerous festivals where residents have the chance to give thanks to the blessings they receive each year. It would not be surprising if every town on the island has its own festival. These festivals are typically celebrated on the feast day of the town’s patron saint. One of these festivals is the Binuyocan Festival of Malabuyoc.

Malabuyoc

The town of Malabuyoc is located in the southern part of the island. Its name supposedly came from the Cebuano term “buyoc,” which means to bend down heavily. The name is based on a story indicating that the town was once abundant in many fruit-bearing trees, like mangoes, cacaos, and lanzones, among others. Some of these trees apparently had so much fruits that they would bend down due to the weight.

Binuyocan Festival

The Binuyocan Festival of Malabuyoc is celebrated in honor of the patron saint of the town, San Nicolas de Tolentino. It is held on September 9 and 10. The festival is highlighted by a dance competition, which is typical of many town festivals on Cebu. The participants of the competition are students from different elementary and high schools in the town. 

​The pomp and pageantry of the Binuyocan Festival attracts visitors from all over the island. In addition, it is also one of the times when residents of the town who are already working in other places would return to spend time with their family and friends. The festival also shows the friendliness and warmth of the locals who would welcome visitors to their town for his momentous occasion. 

Getting to Malaboyuc

Your journey to Malabuyoc starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you can get on a bus headed for the town. The trip will take around four hours depending on the traffic. There are numerous options for you if aim to stay in the town for a few days in your visit.

​Cebu does not have any shortage of festivals. Just about every town on the island has its own festival that is normally celebrated on the feast day of their patron saint. The Binuyokan Festival of Malabuyoc is just one of these festivals that bring together the residents of the town.

Have you experienced the Binuyokan Festival already? Tell us about your experience on the comments section below.

​The bamboo or kawayan is a common sight in the rural areas of Cebu. Since it is adaptable, it has become a major source of income for many residents in the southern town of Alegria. To pay homage to this flexible and handy plant, the town celebrates the Kawayan Festival every year.

Alegria

The town of Alegria is located on the southwestern coast of Cebu. It was once a barrio of neighboring Malabuyoc. During this time, it was known as Tuburan.  The town was established in April 1850 following a petition by leaders of the barrio. The name was later changed in September 1850 to avoid confusion with barrios in Bogo and Balamban with the same name. 

Kawayan Festival

The Kawayan Festival is a way for the residents of Alegria to promote the humble bamboo. It is one of the major sources of income for the town. Kawayan is the Cebuano term for bamboo. Numerous events are held during the festival, including a street dancing competition. 

​The Kawayan Festival of Alegria started in 2006 when former Governor Gwen Garcia encouraged towns to hold their own festivals to spur tourism. The festival was made to coincide with the fiesta honoring the patron saint of the town, St. Francis Xavier. The town celebrates the annual fiesta every December 2 and 3.

​Similar to many festivals on the island, the street mardi gras is the highlight of the Kawayan Festival. It attracts both local and foreign tourists who eagerly wait for this part of the festival. The participants of the event wear costumes inspired by the kawayan or bamboo. These costumes portray the culture, history, and livelihood of the town.  The participants dance along the major streets of the town. The parade also features floats showcasing the bamboo products the town produces. Among these products are bamboo beds, home decors, and furniture made of bamboo. 

Getting to Alegria

You can reach the town of Alegria by getting on a bus headed south at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. You should get on the bus passing through the Bato/Barili route since it will pass through the town. You can tell the driver or conductor to let you off at the town.

​The Kawayan Festival may have started off as an answer to the call of a former governor to Cebu, but it has become one of the most-awaited events in the town of Alegria each year. It gives the people of the town the chance to take some time off from the daily grind and have fun while promoting the humble yet dependable kawayan or bamboo.

Have you witnessed the Kawayan Festival of Alegria already? Tell us about the experience on the comments section below.

​Cebu has numerous delicacies that have tickled the taste buds of residents and visitors alike. Some of these popular delicacies available in Cebu are the Peanut Browas, Butterscotch, and Toasted Mini Mamons, among others. The recipes of some of these delicacies have been passed on from one generation to another. There are also some delicacies that are relatively new, but have caught the fancy of locals and tourists. One of these delicacies is the buko pie of San Fernando.

San Fernando

San Fernando was once a part of Naga before it was established as a separate town through a royal decree in 1858. This southern town is home to a number of resorts and tourist spots, including the Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort, Singli Mountain Resort, and the Bacalla Campsite.

Buko Pie of San Fernando

The buko pie of San Fernando is not the usual buko pie you may find in supermarkets and groceries in the city. While these delicacies are smaller than the usual buko pie, they taste as good, if not better than the ones you normally see in the city. They are made using young coconut meat, and are typically sold hot and fresh. 

​The main ingredient of the buko pie is sourced from Barangay Ilaya in San Fernando. Since they are smaller, they are wrapped individually and sold in boxes containing ten pieces. You can also buy them individually. Residents of this southern Cebu town supposedly started selling the buko pie after someone brought the recipe for this delectable delicacy from Laguna. They started making their own buko pies and it has become one of the sources of income for the people of San Fernando. 

Getting to Taste the Buko Pie of San Fernando

You can get to taste the buko pie of San Fernando by simply getting on a bus headed south. Once you reach Barangay San Isidro, you will get to see vendors selling this appetizing delicacy along the side of the road. Each box is sold at PHP100. You can also buy the buko pie individually at PHP10.

​Have you tasted the buko pie of San Fernando already? Tell us about your experience on the comments section below.

​When the word burger is mentioned, images of a fast food restaurant normally come to mind. But, there’s more to burgers than the ones you can find in these restaurants. There are some places offering more than just your run-of-the-mill burgers. These places offer gourmet burgers at a reasonable price. One of these places is 21 South Burger.

21 South Burger

Located along E. Sabellano Street, 21 South Burger opened in February 2017. The place is probably the only restaurant offering gourmet burgers in the area. The place has a good variety of burgers on its menu. These burger items include the Classic South Burger, Chicken Burger, and a humongous burger they call The Beast. All their burgers come with their own home-made Parmesan Fries. 

​They make their own patties as well as their own buns. Due to this, the burger you get is not an ordinary packed burger patty you normally see in a supermarket or grocery. They also add a special in-house sauce into their burgers to enhance the taste. Their Parmesan Fries is just that, French fries sprinkled with parmesan cheese. 

While 21 South Burger is not air-conditioned, it is quite airy. But, people go there for their burgers. They have at least four tables that are good for four people. The place also has a small nook for those who want to have a quick bite before heading off to work or home. 

Prices and Operating Hours

While the burgers at 21 South Burger are more expensive compared to the ones you can buy in a fast food restaurant, the taste more than makes up for it. Prices of the burgers start at PHP99 for the Classic South Burger. The Bacon Mushroom Burger is priced at PHP129 while the Double Double burger costs PHP149. The Beast is priced at PHP179. You can also order extra Parmesan Fries for PHP25. All of the drinks at the place are priced at PHP12. 

​The place is open from 4:00 PM and close at around 10:00 PM or when their stocks for the day run out. They are open every day. 

Getting to 21 South Burger

The place is located close to the entrance to Pleasant Homes Subdivision in Punta Princesa, Cebu City. You can get to 21 South Burger by getting on a jeepney headed for Punta Princesa. Once you reach the intersection close to the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes or the Lourdes Church, you should get off. You can opt to ride a tricycle or walk to the place. It is around 10 to 15 minutes away from the corner. 

​Fast food restaurants may be popular in the Queen City of the South, but there are also some restaurants offering gourmet burgers that have piqued the taste buds of many Cebuanos and visitors to the city. If you are looking for a no-frills restaurant offering great-tasting gourmet burgers in the city, you can consider visiting 21 South Burger in Punta Princesa, Cebu City.

​Have you tasted the burgers at 21 South Burger already? Tell us which burger you ordered on the comments section below.

​Spanish influence on Cebu is evident in the churches, old watchtowers, and Spanish era buildings you can find in many of the towns and cities around the island. While many of these old structures are mere shadows of their former selves, some have survived the test of time. Many of these structures are being preserved for the benefit of the future generations. The Baluarte Park in Aloguinsan is just one of the places where you can see some of these Spanish era structures.

Aloguinsan

Aloguinsan was once a part of Pinamungajan before the town was created in 1886. The town is known for the Bojo River Cruise, which has attracted the attention of many local and foreign tourists. In addition, Aloguinsan also boasts of some beaches that are frequented by both residents and visitors to the town.

Baluarte Park 

Aside from offering an excellent view of the Tanon Strait, the Baluarte Park in Aloguinsan is also home to the remnants of a Spanish era watchtower or baluarte. At the entrance, an arch welcomes visitors to the park. A pathway takes you to the remnants of the watchtower that was built to warn residents of the presence of pirates in the area. 

​Before reaching the watchtower, you will see a grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a small pond with a bridge along the path. There are also a number of gazebos at the park. These gazebos offer visitors a magnificent view of the sea and are situated in different parts of the park. 

​The watchtower or baluarte at the park are located at the center hill. It is a two-level structure made of coral stones and wood. They were part of a defense system set up by Fr. Julian Bermejo that stretched along the southern coast of the island. Metal posts connected with metal chains surround the watchtower to preserve them. 

Getting to the Park

To get to the Baluarte Park in Aloguinsan, you have to ride on a bus headed for the town at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. You should tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at the public market. Once you reach the public market, you can walk to the park. It is located behind the municipal hall. You can ask the locals, who will graciously point you in the right direction.

​Cebu may be famous for its magnificent white sand beaches and the lechon, but the island has more to offer to both local and international visitors. Cebu is also home to a couple of national parks that were established for the protection and sustainable utilization of our natural resources. One of these national parks is located in Carcar City, the Guadalupe Mabugnao Mainit National Park.

Carcar City 

Carcar City is well-known for its Spanish era heritage houses that have long piqued the interest of history and culture lovers. In addition, this city located around 50 kilometers south of Cebu City is also home to the famed Carcar lechon and chicharon. These two delicacies have tickled the taste buds of foodies all over the country. But, there more than meets the eye in Carcar City. It is also home to a number of resorts and a national park that was established in 1972, the Guadalupe Mabugnao Mainit National Park.

Guadalupe Mabugnao Mainit National Park

The Guadalupe Mabugnao Mainit National Park was established under Republic Act No. 6429 in 1972. It covers around 57.5 hectares, which include a watershed mountain reserve situated in the Mantalongon mountain range. The park is located in Barangay Guadalupe and is home to a hot spring, a freshwater pool, and a couple of caves.

​The park has attracted numerous adventure seekers who want to catch a glimpse of the beauty of nature at its best. The freshwater pool of the park is one of the popular destinations of locals, especially during summer. The water comes from an underground spring that is used as the source of water for Carcar City. Another popular destination of the park is the Mabugnao Mainit Cave, which locals refer to as Cave 3. The cave features huge stalactites hanging from the ceiling and is considered the highlight of the Guadalupe Mabugnao Mainit National Park.

Getting to the Mabugnao Mainit National Park

Your journey to Guadalupe Mabugnao Mainit National Park starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you can get on a bus headed for Carcar City. Once you reach the city center, you can hire a motorcycle to bring you to the Guadalupe Mabugnao Mainit National Park.

​The Guadalupe Mabugnao Mainit National Park is one of the many national parks in the country. These national parks are protected areas aimed at the sustainable use of our natural resources. We should also do our own part in ensuring this when we visit the park. It is important for use to remember the motto of the Baltimore Grotto, “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time."

Have you visited the Guadalupe Mabugnao Mainit National Park in Carcar City already? Tell us about your adventure on the comments section below.