​The tropical climate of Cebu can be overwhelming at times. While it does rain every so often, the heat of the sun can be quite unforgiving when it is shining at its full glory. But, the beaches of the island do offer a welcome respite for residents and tourists alike. In addition, Cebu has a number of cold springs where locals and visitors can take a breather from the tropical climate of the island. One of these cold springs is the Guiwanon Spring in Tabogon.

Tabogon

Tabogon is a town located in the northern coast of Cebu. The name of the town was supposedly derived from “tabog,” which means busy in Cebuano. It refers to the golden days of the town when it was once a bustling farming area. Tabogon was once called “agoho,” which is a kind of tree that is abundant in the area. The agoho is a large tree with thick foliage. 

Guiwanon Spring

The Guiwanon Spring is one of the hidden secrets of this unassuming town in the northern part of the island. It has become one of the preferred destinations of residents of the town as well as those living in Bogo City and Sogod.  The waters of the spring are so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom. It also makes it rather enticing for anyone who visits the place. You can even see the spring itself in the pool. 

​The Guiwanon Spring is located close to the coast, which adds to its unique appeal to its visitors. The place has remained relatively undeveloped. There are some cottages for rent and steps leading to the pool of the spring. You may have to bring your own food if you want to stay the whole day at the Guiwanon Spring since the place has no food kiosk. Overnight stays are not possible since the place has no provisions for it. The branches of a huge tree at the spring are also used by some locals as their diving platform. 

Getting to the Guiwanon Spring

You can reach the Guiwanon Spring by getting on a bus headed for Tabogon at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. If you are not familiar with the place, make sure to tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at the spring. Since it is located close t the main road, it only takes a few minutes for you to reach the place after getting off from the bus. 

​The Guiwanon Spring is just one of the relatively-undeveloped natural attractions you can find in the town of Tabogon. While it is mainly a farming town, it is gradually attracting the attention of nature-loving tourists looking for something new in the island of Cebu.

Have you visited the Guiwanon Spring of Tabogon already? Tell us about the experience on  the comments section below.

​Every town and city in Cebu offers its own delicacy hat is both unique and tasty. But, Dalaguete does not offer just one or two delicacies. This southern Cebu town offers five special delicacies that visitors can taste if they find themselves in this part of the island. One of these delicious delicacies is the podrida. 

Dalaguete

Dalaguete was once a small quiet farming town located in the southern part of the island. But, it came into the limelight after people became health-conscious. Aside from being the Vegetable Basket of Cebu, the town is also home to the highest peak of the island. In addition, the mountain barangays of the town also has a number of natural attractions that have piqued the interest of thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. 

Podrida

The podrida of Dalaguete is a bite-sized pastry that is shaped like a volcano. But, it is more than just a simple pastry since it comes stuffed with a fruity filling, normally nangka or bantiyong jelly. When it is viewed from different angles, this tasty treat looks like a miniature volcano. The moment you take a bite at it, the treat erupts with its delicious filling. The pastry is perfect for travelers who want to have a quick snack while on the road.

Other Delicacies of Dalaguete

Aside from the podrida, Dalaguete also has four other delicacies. These delicacies include the town’s versions of the well-loved bibingka, torta, and tostado. One of the more popular delicacy of the town is the banana meat, which is essentially a deep-fried banana filled with spicy ground meat. 

​Downtown Cebu was once where everything happens in the city. While many businesses have already set up shop in different parts of the city, the place still attracts a good number of businessmen looking for great deals. In addition, downtown Cebu is still home to a number of hole-in-the-wall restaurants where you fill your tummy to the brim without burning a hole in your pocket. We came up with a list of five places where you can have a good meal in the downtown area at a reasonable cost.

Mingnan Chinese Cuisine

Mingnan Chinese Cuisine is a hole-in-the-wall eatery located close to Santo Niño Basilica. The place offers authentic Chinese food at a very reasonable price. The place has become one of the go-to places of people looking for a good meal in the downtown area at a reasonable price. 

They offer a meal with two viands and one cup of rice for PHP50. You can choose from the food items on display at the counter. You can also order lomi or dumplings from the food servers at the place. The lomi is priced at PHP50 and is prepared on each order. One order of ten dumplings cost PHP80. Mingnan Chinese Cuisine is located at the corner of Osmeña Boulevard and Plaridel Extension.

Manila Foodshoppe

Another place in the downtown area that has attracted the attention of food lovers in Cebu is the Manila Foodshoppe. Similar to a number of restaurants in the city, the Manila Foodshoppe is already an institution in the food landscape of Cebu. The place offers Chinese dishes that have piqued the taste buds of Cebuanos. 

​The crowd favorites at the Manila Foodshoppe are their noodle dishes. They also offer great-tasting buttered chicken and steamed rice. In addition, the siopao of the restaurant was recognized as the Best in Cebu for 2015 by Sun Star Weekend. The Manila Foodshoppe is located along Manalili Street, Cebu City.

Doming’s Ngohiong

When people talk about ngohiong, the name Doming’s usually comes to mind. Doming’s Ngohiong has made a name for itself as one of the best ngohiong places in the Queen City of the South. In fact, some people even say they offer the best ngohiong on the island. Its original location in the side streets of Guadalupe attracted Cebuanos who love good food. Despite is remote and hard-to-reach location people still go to the place. Its popularity may be the reason why they opened a branch in downtown Cebu. They may have wanted to bring their product closer to the market.

​Aside from its signature ngohiong, Doming’s Ngohiong also offers manok Bisaya (native chicken), liog (chicken neck), and atay-batikon (chicken liver and gizzard). All of these are paired with the puso (hanging rice). Doming’s Ngohiong is located at the ground floor of the M. Gotianoy Building along V. Gullas Street, Cebu City.

Snowsheen Restaurant 

Long before the big-name restaurants established themselves in Cebu, there was Snowsheen Restaurant. Old-time residents of Cebu may remember the restaurant as the place where their parents brought them for a nice family dinner. It was also the place where couples go out for a date. The restaurant offers a good selection of Chinese dishes that can satisfy anyone’s culinary cravings.

​The main draw of Snowsheen Restaurant is their pancit canton, which is something people keep on coming back for. The siopao of the restaurant is another best seller at the place. The restaurant also offers the Lumpia Shanghai, Beef Steak, and Shrimp with Green Peas, among others. Snowsheen Restaurant is located along Osmena Boulevard, Cebu City. 

Visayan Restaurant

The Visayan Restaurant is another institution in the restaurant industry of Cebu. The place has been serving great-tasting Chinese dishes for more than six decades. Cebuanos and visitors from other places in the Visayas and even in Mindanao may have fond memories of the restaurant. These visitors would normally drop by the restaurant whenever they are in town. 

​The special pancit canton is the main draw of the Visayan Restaurant. Some even describe it as the best pancit canton in Cebu. It comes in different variations, including squid, beef, and chicken pancit canton, among others. Aside from this noodle dish, the restaurant also offers fried wanton, beef with broccoli, and pork liver with vegetables. The Visayan Restaurant is located along V. Gullas Street, Cebu City.

​Being the center of trade and commerce in the city, the downtown area of Cebu attracts businessmen from all over Visayas and Mindanao. The area has also become a culinary paradise with a good number of hole-in-the-wall places waiting for any foodie to discover. The five restaurants on this list are just some of the hole-in-the-wall places where you can have a good meal in downtown Cebu.

What are the other restaurants you have visited in downtown Cebu? Tell us about them on the comments section below.

​Dalaguete is known as the Summer Capital and Vegetable Basket of Cebu. But, this southern town is also home to a number of natural tourist spots that have gradually attracted the attention of travelers all around the country. One of these natural attractions in this southern Cebu town is the Obong Spring.

Dalaguete

Dalaguete is a major supplier of vegetables to different parts of the island. Locals say they produce around sixty tons of vegetables every day. The vegetables make their way to the different towns and cities of Cebu. In addition, the cool climate in its mountain barangays has made the town one of the go-to places of tourists looking to escape the warm weather, especially during the summer months. 

Obong Spring

The Obong Spring is a natural spring offering a cool respite from the heat of the sun for locals and visitors alike. This cold spring is located close to the coast along Dalaguete. Due to this, there are instances when the freshwater would mix with salt water when the tide is high.  The cold water flowing from the spring is protected by large rocks. 

The place where the spring is located also has some century-old dalakit trees, which is supposedly where the name of Dalaguete came from. Some locals are even brave enough to use these trees as their “diving boards.” The locals sometimes call the place “tubigan,” which comes from the Cebuano word for water. 

​The Obong Spring is one of the favorite places of locals looking for a place to cool off over the weekend. The place is well maintained and is gradually gaining popularity as a tourist spot in this southern Cebu town. The place also has some basic amenities to make the stay of tourists more comfortable. There are some cottages available for use at minimal fee and dressing rooms were also built at the place. An entrance fee is collected for the maintenance of the place. 

Getting to the Obong Spring

Your journey to the Obong Spring of Dalaguete starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you should get on a bus headed for this southern Cebu town. Make sure to tell the driver or conductor that you are going to the spring. The trip will take around three to four hours depending on the traffic. 

​The Obong Spring is just one of the places you can visit if you find yourself in Dalaguete. You may want to include it on your itinerary if you are planning to go on a tour around the southern part of Cebu.

Have you taken a dip in the Obong Spring of Dalaguete already? Tell us about your visit on the comments section below.

​Cebu is home to some of the oldest churches in the country. The presence of these churches reflects the innate religiosity of Cebuanos. This is one of the lasting influences of the Spaniards on Cebu. Aside from the Spanish era churches in the Cebu City, there are also a number of notable churches located in the southern part of the island. One of these churches is the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Malabuyoc. 

Malabuyoc

The town of Malbuyoc is located in the southwestern part of Cebu. It was once one of the barrios or barangays of the town of Samboan. During the Spanish era, a town is formed after it is assigned its own parish. Following the assignment of its own parish, Malabuyoc became a separate town in 1832 through the efforts of some residents in the area. 

San Nicolas de Tolentino Church

The San Nicolas de Tolentino Church is made of coral stones, which is similar to the church in the town of Samboan. Ornate bas relief works decorate the façade of the church. It also features a royal coat of arms to show that the King of Spain supported the construction of the church. This insignia is carved into the stone just above its main entrance. 

​Similar to many churches around the country, the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church forms a cross when the structure is viewed from above. It also features a bell tower that stands on the left side of the main structure. 

Getting to the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church

You can reach the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Malabuyoc by getting of a bus headed for the town. Since the churchis located along the main road, you can ask the driver or conductor to let you off at the church. The trip will take around three to four hours depending on the traffic. 

​The San Nicolas de Tolentino Church is just one of the many heritage churches you can find in Cebu. While it has gone through some renovations in the past, the church has remained relatively untouched since it was built nearly two centuries ago. Its presence also demonstrates the strength of the faith of the people of Malabuyoc. 

Have you visited the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church of Malabuyoc already? Tell us about the trip on the comments section below.

The beaches of Cebu are among the best in the world. These beaches allowed the island to cop the title as the second best island in the world next only to the island resort of Boracay. But, Cebu also has its share of cold springs that have attracted visitors from all over the world. These cold springs are located in different parts of the island. We listed six cold springs you can find in this island in the middle of the archipelago.

Mantawihan Spring

The Mantawihan Spring is one of the many springs you can find in the northwestern town of Tuburan. The name of the town actually comes from the Cebuano word “tubod,” which means spring. The Mantawihan Spring offers locals and visitors to the town a place to cool off when the weather becomes rather humid. The cool waters of the spring can soothe their tired muscles and revitalize them at the end of a week at work.

Cambuhawe Spring

Balamban may be known for its shipbuilding industry, but this town in the western coast of Cebu also has its share of natural attractions. One of these natural attractions is the Cambuhawe Spring. It is one of the more popular destinations of the town. The place is typically crowded with locals and visitors to Balamban during the weekend.

Molobolo Spring 

Another spring you can find in the town of Tuburan is the Molobolo Spring. This spring is the more popular natural spring among all the springs you can find in the town. A rectangular pool was built by the local government to serve as a catchment before the spring water flows out into the sea.

Obong Spring 

Dalaguete is home to the Summer Capital and Vegetable Basket of Cebu. But, this southern Cebu town also has its own cold spring, the Obong Spring. Since it is located close to the coast, the spring has a good mixture of salty and fresh water. The Obong Spring is a good place to soothe one’s muscles after trekking up the highlands of Mantalongon.

Uragay Spring

The Uragay Spring or the Uruguay Spring is located in the northern town of Carmen. The spring is one of the go-to places of the residents of the town when the weather gets too hot. It offers a refreshing respite from the heat, particularly during the summer months.

Guiwanon Spring

Similar to the Obong Spring, the Guiwanon Spring of Tabogon also offers a good mixture of salty and fresh water. The place is relatively undeveloped, which makes it ideal for nature lovers who want to take a dip in a cold spring. Since there are a limited number of cottages at the place, it may be a good idea to visit the Guiwanon Spring earlier in the day before the place gets crowded.

​The cold springs on the island are just one of the many natural attractions that have made Cebu appealing to the eyes of both local and foreign tourists. These natural springs offer a place where visitors can cool off after exploring everything Cebu has to offer. 

Cebu has a come a long way from where it was over a decade ago. In the past, there were only a few places where families can eat out in the uptown area of the city. We came up with a list of five restaurants offering good food for the whole family.

Casa Verde

Casa Verde is an American-style casual dining restaurant located along Lim Tian Teng Street (formerly Ranudo Street). The place started off as a cafeteria of sorts for the boarders of the owner.  It also catered to students living close to the area. The place eventually became a full-scale restaurant. Casa Verde has become one of the most popular restaurants in Cebu. They eventually opened three other branches in Cebu and two branches in Manila. 

​Casa Verde offers value for money, which is ideal for Cebuanos who are always in the lookout for a good deal. Their serving portions are larger than life. In fact, they offer the Mighty Ton, which is a twelve-inch burger with a kilo of USDA tenderloin patty. Another best-seller at the place is their baby back ribs or Brian’s Ribs.  Casa Verde also has a good selection of other dishes, including the Tenderloin Tips and Eggs, Steak and Eggs, and Roasted Seasoned Chicken. 

Minnan Chinese Cuisine

The Minnan Chinese Cuisine along General Maxilom Avenue is a branch of the popular hole-in-the-wall restaurant located in downtown Cebu. The original branch of the restaurant is similar to a cafeteria where patrons would go to the counter and select the food they want. The second branch in uptown Cebu is more of a formal restaurant complete with waiters and waitresses. 

​From the name itself, Minnan Chinese Cuisine is a Chinese restaurant. They offer a good selection of Chinese dishes, including the Fried Sea Mantis, Curacha Crab with Tanghon, Black Chicken with Ginger, and the Minnan Lomi, among others.  The Minnan Chinese Cuisine is located at the ground floor or the JESA-TC Building right across National Bookstore.

Lighthouse Restaurant

The Lighthouse Restaurant along General Maxilom Avenue is considered as an institution in the culinary landscape of Cebu. The restaurant has hosted numerous family get-togethers and continues to offer among the best Filipino food in the Queen City of the South. 

​Among its specialties are the Kalderetang Kambing, Lengua, and Lechon de Leche. They also offer Talaba, Chicharon Kangkong, Sinuglaw, and Sinigang na Manok. In addition to its branch along General Maxilom Avenue, the restaurant also has a branch at the Gaisano Country Mall. Its branch in Banilad is ideal for reunions and family gatherings. 

Abaca Baking Company 

The Abaca Baking Company has made a name for itself in the restaurant industry of Cebu. Starting with its first branch at the Crossroads, the restaurant has attracted locals and visitors to the Queen City of the South with their wide selection of baked items. Aside from the Crossroads and Robinson’s Cybergate, the Abaca Baking Company also has branches in Paseo Arcenas in Banawa. Ayala Center Cebu, and Cebu IT Park.

​The more popular items at the Abaca Baking Company are their baked items, which are freshly baked each day. They also offer a good variety of sandwiches and salads. The Robinson’s Cybergate branch is located in the ground floor of the mall close to its entrance.

Abuhan Restaurant

Similar to the Lighthouse Restaurant, Abuhan Restaurant is also an institution in the food landscape of Cebu. In fact, locals typically bring visitors to the place for lunch and dinner. The restaurant offers Filipino food that has piqued the discriminating taste of Cebuanos. 

​The most popular dish at the restaurant is their Sizzling Pochero, which many have attested to be the best in the island. In addition, the menu of the Abuhan Restaurant also has the Pork Sisig, Buttered Chicken, Crispy Pata, and Chopsuey. The Abuhan Restaurant is located along Ramos Street, just a stone’s throw away from Robinson’s Fuente. 

​The food landscape of Cebu has indeed change in the past few decades. These days, Cebuanos and visitors to the Queen City of the South already have numerous choices when it comes to the places they can eat in uptown Cebu.

Which of these restaurants have you already visited in uptown Cebu? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​The natural wonders of Dalaguete came into the limelight recently as more people are visiting this southern town to be one with nature. Aside from the famous Osmeña Peak, the town also has a number of springs and caves. One of these caves is the Kulabyaw Cave in Barangay Mantalongon.

Kulabyaw Cave

The Kulabyaw Cave is one of the caves you can explore if you go up to the mountain barangay of Mantalongon. It is located close to the path going to Osmeña Peak. In fact some trekkers would pass by the cave on their way to the highest peak in Cebu. The main attractions of the Kulabyaw Cave are its nocturnal denizens. It is home to thousands of bats that fly in and out of the cave.  These bats have attracted both first-time trekkers and experienced hikers who aim to reach the top of the Osmeña Peak.

Natural Wonders in Dalaguete

Aside from the Osmeña Peak and Kulabyaw Cave, Dalaguete is also home to a number of other natural attractions. Many of these sites are situated in Barangay Mantalongon, including the Mag-alambak Forest and Kampakas Cave. The town also hosts some springs including the Obong Spring and the Gakub Spring. These natural attractions have contributed much to the increasing popularity of Dalaguete as an ecotourism destination.

Getting to the Kulabyaw Cave

Going to the Kulabyaw Cave requires you to ride on a bus headed for Dalaguete at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Once you reach the town, you can hop on a motorcycle for hire to take you to the jump-off point going to the Osmeña Peak. If it is your first time to trek in the area, it is advisable to get the services of a guide.

​The natural wonders of Cebu played a significant role of the island being named as one of the best islands in the world. These natural wonders highlight the increasing popularity of ecotourism around the world. One of the places tourists can visit in Cebu is the Gakub Spring located in the town of Dalaguete.

Dalaguete

Dalaguete is known for a number of things, including being the main source of vegetables of Cebu City. It is also the Summer Capital of Cebu due to the cool climate in its upper barangays. Evidence shows that the earliest settlers in the area arrived between 500 and 800 AD. The town was once a visita of the vicarage of Carcar (formerly Siaro or Sialo). Dalaguete eventually became a town as a parish dedicated to San Guillermo was established in 1711.

Gakub Spring

The Gakub Spring is a natural cold spring that was developed and converted into a natural spring swimming pool. The spring is located in Barangay Banhigan, Dalaguete. The pool is situated within a mangrove area. The cool spring water is ideal for visitors who want to cool off after their trip to this southern Cebu town. The water is so clear you can see rocks at the bottom of the pool. 

​The Gakoub Spring is one of the top destinations of locals during the weekend. So, you can expect a good-size crowd at the place during weekends. But, the place may not be as crowded as the more famous Obong Spring. While there is no entrance fee at the place, their cottages have a minimal fee if you want to use them. 

Getting to Gakub Spring

The journey to the Gakub Spring of Dalaguete starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you should get on a bus headed for the town. Once you reach the town, you can have a motorcycle for hire to bring you to the Gakub Spring. The spring is located close to the Obong Spring.

​Dalaguete may be known as the Vegetable Basket of Cebu and home to Osmena Peak, but it does have a number of other hidden treasures tourists can visit when they find themselves in the town. One of these treasures is the Gakub Spring. 

Have you taken a dip at the Gakub Spring already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​Dalaguete has received a good amount of attention from local and foreign tourists in the past few years. Aside from the heritage structures of the town, it is also home to the highest peak in Cebu. It also hosts the barangay that is known as the Vegetable Basket and Summer Capital of Cebu. In addition, the town also has a number of natural attractions that may pique the interest of any nature lover. The following are some of the natural attractions of the southern town of Dalaguete.

Dalaguete Beach Park

The Dalaguete Beach Park is a public beach located in Barangay Casay. It features a white sand beach and cool clear waters.  Visitors have to pay an entrance fee of PHP7 and PHP15 for children and adults, respectively. The beach has the basic facilities of a resort, including cottages, shower rooms, and a parking area.

Mag-alambak Forest

The Mag-alambak Forest is a 48-hectare reforestation area that is being promoted as an ecotourism destination. Located in Barangay Mantalongon, it accessible through the Poblacion-Mantalongon Road. Visitors can join tours organized by the local government with farmers serving as tour guides.

Bandera Peak

The Bandera Peak is one of the three main peaks of Dalaguete. It features a trail that is suitable for the whole family. The peak was once used to house the communications equipment of the US military during World War 2. It features an unobstructed view of both Cebu City and Tagbilaran City. 

Kulabyaw Cave

Barangay Mantalongon also has a cave where thousands of bats fly in and out every day. The Kulabyaw Cave is located close to the trail going to Osmena Peak. It is also close to a unique formation of rocks in Barangay Tabon.

Obong Spring

Osmeña Peak may be the main attraction of Dalaguete, but this southern Cebu town also has its own natural spring. Since the Obong Spring is located close to the beach, it features a unique mix of fresh and saltwater. The spring is gradually becoming one of the popular destinations of Dalaguete. 

Osmeña Peak

The most popular destination of visitors to Dalaguete is Osmeña Peak. In the past, hikers needed to trek from the Mantalongon Public Market going to the jump-off point at the base of the peak. But, these days a motorcycle for hire can take you to the base. This makes the while trip shorter. Osmeña Peak offers a panoramic view of Cebu. You can see the island of Bohol in one side and the island of Negros on the opposite side. There is also a trail going to Badian from Osmeña Peak. 

​The mountain barangays of Dalaguete have a cool climate that earned it the title “Little Baguio of Cebu.” Aside from its cool climate, the town has a number of natural attractions that tourists can visit while they are in Dalaguete. But, it is important for visitors to do their part in ensuring these natural attractions are protected by leaving nothing but footprints, taking nothing but pictures, and killing nothing but time.