​With summer fast approaching, people are starting to look for places where they can rest and relax away from the city. But not all can afford to leave the city due to some professional commitments. Due to this, they look for a place close or within the city where they can take a dip or simply rejuvenate themselves without having to travel far. One of these places is Cebu Westown Lagoon.

Cebu Westown Lagoon

Cebu Westown Lagoon is a resort located in Metro Cebu. The resort features manmade lagoons and Jacuzzis where guests can soak away the stress they feel after a week at work. Since it is situated close to the boundary between Cebu City and Mandaue City, the resort is perfect for people who want to take a break over the weekend without having to travel far from the city.

Facilities

The main attraction of Cebu Westown Lagoon is the manmade lagoon where children and adults can have fun. The area also has loungers where you can lie down after taking a dip in the lagoon. The resort also has pools for both adults and children. Huge waterslides add to the fun and excitement while enjoying the pool of the resort. Adults will also love the heated Jacuzzis of the resort where they can soak away their troubles while enjoying a refreshing drink.

​Cottages are also available for rent if you are not planning to stay the night. The place has small and big cottages that can fit around 16 and 25 guests, respectively. While there is no corkage for most of the food and drinks brought to the place, the resort does charge corkage for lechon and alcoholic drinks. The resort offers five types of rooms for guests who want to stay overnight at the place.

Rates and Fees

The entrance fee to the Cebu Westown Lagoon is at PHP300 for adults and PHP200 for kids. Room rates start at PHP4,800 for the Deluxe Room and go up to PHP9,800 for the Family Room. The resort also offers lockers for rent for people who want to keep their belongings safe. The locker fee is at PHP100. Cottage rental starts at PHP500 for the small cottage and goes up to PHP2,000 for the bigger cottages.

Getting to Cebu Westown Lagoon

Cebu Westown Lagoon is located to UC Med, which is accessible through the jeepney with the route number 01K. But, riding a taxi to the resort is a more convenient way to reach the place.

​Cebu Westown Lagoon is a revitalizing oasis located in the middle of Metro Cebu. It offers a refreshing alternative to people looking to find a place where they can take a dip while staying in the city.

When the Americans came to liberate the Philippines during World War 2, many Japanese soldiers fled Leyte when General Douglas MacArthur returned. Some of the soldiers reached Cebu during their retreat. Due to this, it is not surprising that a Japanese grave marker can be found in the northern town of Carmen.

Carmen

Carmen was once a quiet northern town people pass by whenever they take a trip to the north. This mainly agricultural town is experiencing a rebirth as tourism is gradually becoming one of the industries of the town. Carmen is home to a number of tourist destinations, including the Mangitngit Falls, St. Benedict Monastery, and the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park.

Japanese Grave Marker

The Japanese Grave Marker is situated on the property of the parents of Ranulfo Ybañez. According to Ybañez, some elderly Japanese men visited their place in 1975. They wanted to trace an event that happened during the Second World War. The Japanese men were supposedly soldiers who landed in the barangay during the war. One of their comrades was badly wounded and left in the area. He later succumbed to his injuries. 

A memorial was set up at the place where the Japanese soldier died. One of the markers bore the name of the Japanese soldier who died, Koji Oomiya. It also indicated the date he died, on January 31, 1945. The back of the marker also shows the name of the person who set it up, Hideo Oomiya, on October 2002.

The marker is now one of the stopovers of some Japanese tourists visiting Cebu. These tourists were veterans and their families. There was also an instance when three busloads of Japanese tourists dropped by the place to pay their respects to their fallen countryman. 

Getting to the Japanese Grave Marker

​The Japanese grave marker is located in Barangay Dauis Sur in Carmen. You can get to the place by getting on a jeepney or bus headed for the town of Carmen. Just tell the driver to let you off at the area where the marker is located in the barangay. It is a two-minute walk from the highway.

The Japanese grave marker in Carmen shows the devotion of the Japanese to those who died during the war. It also shows the respect they have for these fallen soldiers who fought in a war far from their homeland. 

​When it comes to caves, Cebu has no shortage. Caves can be found in nearly all parts of the island from north to south. One of the more famous caves is the Balay sa Agta in Agao. While it is one of the biggest cave systems on the island, there is a much lesser known yet similar-sized cave system in Minglanilla, the White Cave.

Minglanilla

The southern town of Minglanilla was once called Buat before the Spaniards came. It was called Buat since it was the place where settlers would lay to dry (buwad or buat) their fresh catch. The name was changed to Minglanilla when the Spaniards arrived. It is also known as the Sugat Capital of the South since the Sugat or meeting is a big socio-cultural event in the town. Every Easter Sunday, the Kabanhawan Festival is held in the town. 

White Cave

White Cave is one of the caves in the Campo Siete of Minglanilla or the Seven Caves located in the town. It is the biggest cave system among the seven. The entrance to the cave has a size three times bigger than the facade of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. The cave is called White Cave since it has a chalk-like material on its entrance.

​The White Cave can be reached by trekking around one hour and thirty minutes through a river. But it is advisable to avoid this route when the weather is not good. The cave is home to a number of animals, including bats, monkeys, swifts, and snakes. 

Getting to the White Cave

There are two routes to getting to White Cave. The first route passes through Tabunok in Talisay City while the second route is through Barangay Cantabaco in Toledo City. Whichever route you will take, it is advisable to always have a guide with you to avoid getting lost.

​White Cave is just one of the many caves you can find in Cebu. If you are planning to explore these caves, it is always important to remember to take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time.

Cebu is blessed with a good number of natural tourist spots. Many of these places have been commercialized and tourists sometimes arrive in droves. In these places, you can find some suitable accommodations if you want to stay the night. There are even stores selling just about anything, albeit at a higher price. But, there are still a few that have remained untouched. These are off-the-beaten-track natural attractions are sometimes free of any developments made by man. But, they are also not easy to find. One of these places is the Lapnis Spring.

Lapnis Spring

​The Lapnis Spring is one of the natural springs you can find on the island of Cebu. It is located in Barangay Butong, Ronda. But, it is not easy to find this cold spring since there are no markers leading to the place. It is advisable to ask for help from the locals so you can reach the spring. 

The spring itself was supposedly destroyed when a typhoon hit the southern part of Cebu several years ago. But the water coming from the spring may continue to flow. To find the spring, you would have to ask for help from the locals. You may even reach the general location of the spring.

Getting to the Lapnis Spring

Your journey to the Lapnis Spring starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you have to get on a bus headed for Ronda. Tell the driver to let you off at the town. From the center of the town, you can ride on a motorcycle for hire to Barangay Butong, the jump-off point to the spring. This is where the adventure begins since you have to ask the locals for directions to the spring.

​The Lapnis Spring may have been destroyed during a typhoon that passed through the southern part of the island in the past. But, this does not mean the water flowing from the spring has already dried up. You may find some remnants of the spring in the area where it once flowed. 

Have you visited the Lapnis Spring of Ronda already? Tell us about your adventure in the comments section below.

​The pasta is not the only Italian dish that has taken root in Cebu. The humble pizza has already become a part of the diet of Cebuanos. One international pizza restaurant even celebrates the Pizza Day every year and offer unlimited pizza as a part of the celebration. 

The following are 5 more places you can eat pizza in Cebu.

New York Pizza Depot 

New York Pizza Depot Pizza Buffet offers an unlimited pizza buffet. The pizza comes in five flavors namely: Cheese, Hawaiian, Supreme, Mediterranean, and Pepperoni.  Aside from the pizza, their buffet also includes unlimited French Fries, Pasta, Chicken, and Rice. Customers can also get unlimited tea with an add-on fee. New York Pizza Depot is located on the ground floor of APM Centrale Mall across SM City Cebu. The price of the Pizza buffet at New York Pizza Depot is at PHP199. 

Wasted Chef

Wasted Chef is a hole-in-the-wall place located along Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City. The place is owned by Ian Sekong with some friends as his partner. Wasted Chef has a laid-back ambiance with its rustic décor. They make use of chopping boards for plates. Similar to the New York Pizza Depot, Wasted Chef offers unlimited pizza to their customers. While they serve two types of pizza each night, their pizza actually comes in different flavors, including Aglio Olio, Pesto, and Cebuano pizza with chorizo toppings. Their unlimited pizza is priced at PHP250, which also includes pasta, burger sliders, shrimps, shawarma, and bottomless iced tea. 

El Ronnie’s Pizza

El Ronnie’s Pizza is another hole-in-the-wall pizza place situated a stone’s throw away from the University of the Philippines – Cebu. They offer a good selection of thin crust pizza that caters to the different tastes of their customers. It is the first branch of the restaurant in Cebu. Their pizza flavors include the Shawarma Pizza, Garlic and Cheese, El Ronie’s Garden Special, and Hungarian Bacon Pizza, among others. Prices of their pizza start at PHP49 for the nine-inch Garlic and Cheese Pizza up to PHP565 for the 24-inch Shawarma Pizza

Euro Hub Pizzeria

Euro Hub Pizzeria offers Italian-style pizza and pasta. The dough used for the pizza is fresh and homemade. The restaurant is actually a spinoff of Euro Hub Café & Bar, which is located right across the pizzeria. The pizza offered at Euro Hub Pizzeria includes the Al Pesto, Diavola Italian Sausage, Mexicana, Salami, and Tropicanav. The prices of the pizza start at PHP270 for the 12-inch size of the Margherita up to PHP480 for the 15-inch size of the Tarantina. Euro Hub Pizzeria is located at Piazza Elesia, Talamban, Cebu City.

Café Racer

Café Racer is a hip dining spot located in the Mandaue City side of the North Reclamation Area. While it is popular as a place where bikers hang out, the restaurant also has pizza on its menu. They offer their own version of the Chorizo Pizza and the Garlic & Mushroom Pizza. The pizzas are priced at PHP140 and 160 for the Chorizo Pizza and the Garlic & Mushroom Pizza, respectively.

​In the past, a pack of store-bought noodles cooked at home was good enough to satisfy the noodle craving of many Cebuanos. This has changed in the past decade or so as more ramen places have started offering their own versions of this well-loved Japanese dish. The following is a list of places offering the best ramen in Cebu. 

Ramen Yushoken

Ramen Yushoken is considered as among the best places to get your ramen fix in Cebu. Koji Tashiro, also known as the Son of the Ramen god, trained the staff of the place. Due to this, it was not surprising the place is among the best ramen place in metro Cebu. Ramen Yushoken is located at the Oakridge Business Park, AS Fortuna St., Mandaue City. They are open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day.

168 Ramen House

Located at the Crossroads in Banilad, 168 Ramen House offers a good selection of ramen dishes to its customers. Many customers of the place recommend the tonkotsu ramen of the place. Aside from being great-tasting, the ramen of 168 Ramen House is also reasonably priced. Located at the Crossroads Mall along Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, 168 Ramen House is open from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM. The ramen house also has a branch at Mango Square Mall along Gen. Maxilom Avenue, which is open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

Q-Bay Restaurant

Q-Bay Restaurant is another restaurant offering ramen in the Queen City of the South. Customers at the place recommend the spicy ramen, which they described as the best in Cebu. Q-Bay Restaurant is located at the ground floor of Skyrise 4 of the Cebu IT Park. They are open from 5:00 PM to 12:30 AM. 

Tongara Ramen

People who tried the ramen at Tongara Ramen are all in agreement that the place offers one of the best ramen in Cebu. Their ramen are all made from scratch and served in big bowls. The Tongara Tantanramen received a lot of rave reviews from people who were able to taste it. People who tried the ramen is located at the Escario Central along Escario Street. They are open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Rai Rai Ken

Rai Rai Ken has been in the market for a long time. It was originally established in Japan in 1910 and reached the Pearl of the Orient in 1993. They offer authentic Japanese dishes, including the ramen. One of their crowd favorites is their seafood ramen. Rai Rai Ken has a number of branches in Cebu, including SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, and Robinsons Fuente.

​These are just five places where Cebuanos would visit each time they have some raving for a piping-hot bowl of ramen.

While Cebu is known for its beaches, it is also a good place for anyone looking to go on a culinary journey. Since Cebuanos are known to be picky when it comes to food, it is not surprising that Cebu offers a good number of dishes that can tickle the taste buds of foodies who were lucky enough to set their food on the island. The following are some food options food lovers can consider if they want to go on a culinary journey in Cebu.

Appetizer

Similar to many places in the country, Cebu also has its share of delicacies that tourists can bring home with them after their visit. One of these delicacies is the Peanut Browas. The Peanut Browas are bite-size peanut-flavored delicacies that were conceptualized during the time when Cebu had a flour shortage. Its rich peanut flavor can easily catch anyone’s fancy. Sold in boxes consisting of packs of the delicacy, the Peanut Browas has consistently titillated the senses of both residents and visitors to the island. 

Main Dishes

​When it comes to the main dish, the first thing that comes to mind is the Cebu lechon. Cebuanos take pride in the lechon that they would say of the lechon needs lechon sauce, it is not Cebu lechon. The Cebu version of this sinfully-delicious dish is already tasty that you do not need lechon sauce when you eat it. 

​Aside from the Cebu lechon, another dish you may want to try while in Cebu is the bisnok of Dumanjug. Bisnok comes from “Bisaya,” which is the language spoken in Cebu, and “Manok,” which means chicken. The bisnok of Dumanjug has a distinctive taste due to the special spices used in cooking it. A purely organic native chicken is also used for the dish, which is fried before any seasoning is added. 

​The danggit is a dish that has a special place on the breakfast table of many Cebuano households. The danggit of Cebu has also become one of the pasalubong items many visitors to Cebu take home with them. While it is mainly eaten during breakfast, it can be eaten at any time of the day. The term “danggit” is actually the method of preserving the fish, which is either spinefoot fish or rabbitfish. Some Cebuanos also use the danggit to spice up some dishes they are cooking.

​While these dishes can be paired with a plate of rice, when you are in Cebu the puso is the way to go. The puso or hanging rice can be considered as one of the icons in the food landscape of Cebu. This humble dish makes it easy to eat rice without using any utensils. Wrapped in coconut leaves or “lukay,” the puso are sold in places where the Cebu lechon, lechon manok, and any other Cebuano finger food are sold. 

Dessert 

​Cebu is also known for exporting dried mangoes to different parts of the world. The dried mangoes of Cebu are sweet to the taste with a hint of sourness in them. This unique combination makes the dried mangoes of Cebu among the popular pasalubong items from Cebu, aside from the Peanut Browas, Toasted Mini Mamons, and Butterscotch. Aside from the dried mango, the mangoes of Cebu can also be made into a deliciously-fruity Mango Float. You

These are just a sample of the dishes you can try if you go on a culinary journey in Cebu. Which of these dishes have you tried? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

A date on Valentine’s Day does not always mean you have to splurge in order to make it romantic. While eating out on the day of hearts may be a nice, but a tight budget does not mean you cannot spend quality time with your loved one. Here are some places where you can have a romantic evening without having to spend too much.

Walk in the Park

Cebu may not have as many parks as the capital, but there are some places that have gone through a facelift to make them a good place to visit during Valentine’s Day. One of the places these places is Plaza Independencia. In the past, the park was a haven for bad elements before the city government decided to restore it and make it safer for residents and visitors. You do not have to spend anything other than fare to spend some quality time with your loved one at the park. You may also want to bring some food and have a small picnic at the park while enjoying each other’s company.

Date with History

Couples who love history and culture may want to visit some of the museums and cultural sites in the Queen City of the South. While you may have to pay for the entrance fee for these museums, it will be minimal. You can also take a one-day tour of some of the tourist spots in Cebu starting from Fort San Pedro and gradually work your way to Casa Gorordo. 

SRP Beach Side

If you have a vehicle, you may want to drive to the South Road Properties and spend the day at the SRP beach side. You can sit on the benches and simply hang out amid the cool sea breeze. The waves also have a calming effect, which makes it conducive to talk about life or anything under the sun. 

Getting Physical at Mount Babag

For adventure lovers, hiking up Mount Babag to the RCPI towers is a good way to spend some quality time together. Aside from exercising your muscles, you will also get the chance to motivate each other in attaining your goal of reaching the top, which is something couples should do to keep the love alive. You may also want to bring food and have a picnic on your way to the top.

Fun at the Mall

​The love month normally sees malls normally holding shows to entertain shoppers. These shows are typically free of charge, but you have to contend with a huge crowd waiting to see their idols live. If you don’t mind mixing up with the crowd to catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two with your loved one, you can head on over to the nearest mall and watch them perform live.

Valentine’s Day does not always mean you have to make your wallet lighter just to have some quality time with your partner. All you need to do is to be creative and think out of the box. Simply look for something the two of you love to do, and plan the day well. What is important is that you spend time together on this special day of the year.

Flowers and chocolates are the most popular gifts you can give your loved one. But have you considered looking for an unconventional gift that may be practical or fun to use? We came up with a list of delicacies you can give for Valentine’s Day, this list will feature some out of the ordinary gift ideas you may want to give your special someone to make the day of hearts memorable. 

Flash Drives

Technology has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade. This growth resulted to an increasing volume of information we can use for everyday lives. Due to this, a flash drive is quite a practical gift for your loved one. It can be used to store information, be it movies, music, and other things your partner may need or want for everyday tasks. You may even find heart-shaped flash drives to make it more memorable for him or her. 

Power Bank

Another practical gift you can give is a power bank. While the latest smartphones have long standby time, you will never know when your battery will lose power due to heavy usage. This is especially true if your partner loves playing mobile games. These games typically use up a lot of juice in the smartphone. So, a power bank is a very practical gift to give on the day of hearts. 

Coupons

Coupons are very useful especially when you are tight on your budget. Aside from saving money, your loved one will also get to do fun things when the coupon becomes redeemable. You can compile the coupons and let your creativity work by putting them into a colorful folder and decorate it with stickers. 

Poetry on a Plate

If you are good in making poems, you may want to consider having your poems engraved into a plate. You can simply write the poem on a white plate. You can also have it engraved if you have the budget. This way each time your loved one has a meal at home, he or she will recall the day you gave the gift. 

Ukulele

A ukulele is another gift you may want to consider giving a ukulele. You may also want to include ukulele lessons so he or she will learn how to play this musical instrument. We will never know, your significant other will compose a song for you for the next Valentine’s Day.

Outdoor Survival Bracelet

If your loved one loves the outdoors, an outdoor survival bracelet is a practical gift to give. These survival bracelets are useful for outdoor and adventure activities. These five-in-one bracelets feature a paracord where you can find a compass, whistle, scraper, and a fire starter rod.

Passport Cover

​For people who travel out of the country often, a passport cover made of premium synthetic leather is a very useful gift. It protects their passport from wear and tear to ensure they do not have issues when they travel. You may even have it personalized by engraving the initials of your loved one on the cover.

Gone are the days when chocolates and flowers are the only gifts you should give your significant other. These are just some practical gifts you can give your special someone for Valentine’s Day. You can simply let your imagination fly when thinking of something to give on this special day of the year.

Valentine’s Day is a special day for couples who would spend some time together even for an hour or two. While couples should spend quality time together every day, February 14 has always been special for people with a significant other. People normally have a special lunch or dinner with their loved one on Valentine’s Day. But, you can be creative and have a unique celebration on the day of hearts with your loved one. 

Watch the Sun Set at Tops Lookout

If you want to watch the sun setting over the horizon while hugging your loved one tightly in your arms, Tops Lookout is the best place to go. The place has always been one of the go-to places for couples who want to spend a lazy afternoon up in the mountains without having to spend too much. The entrance fee of the place is PHP100. If you do not have your own vehicle, you can hire a motorcycle to bring you up to the place. Rates start at PHP150, depending on your negotiation skills. 

Celebrate Love at the Temple of Leah

When you think about love, the Temple of Leah stands out among the different tourist sites in the Queen City of the South. The Temple of Leah was built in 2012 as a symbol of the undying love of Teodorico Adarna for his wife, Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. It is but a fitting place for couples to visit the place to renew their love for each other on Valentine’s Day. Entrance fee to the Temple of Leah is at PHP50. They have a parking fee of PHP100 if your vehicle is parked within the premises of the temple. A shuttle service is available for those who do not have vehicles. Round-trip fare is PHP120. It normally parks at the Dessert Factory across JY Square Discovery Mall.

Take a Dip at Mountain View Nature’s Park

If you have had your fill of the beaches in Cebu, you may want to try spending Valentine’s Day up in the mountains of Cebu. One of the best places you can visit is Mountain View Nature’s Park. After going through a facelift, the place already features an infinity pool that looks amazing at night. The park is perfect for picnics and bonding activities with your loved one. The entrance fee at the park is at PHP100. Mountain View Nature’s Park has its own shuttle service, but it costs PHP400 per person with a minimum of 10 persons riding the van. You may also hire a motorcycle, which is at PHP25 per head depending on how good you are at negotiating.

Disconnect at Bacalla Woods Campsite

If you go to the south, there is another place where you can disconnect from the world and spend some quality time with your loved one on Valentine’s Day. The Bacalla Woods Campsite is a mountain campsite located in San Fernando, Cebu where you get to commune with nature and simply while the time away. The campsite also offers a number of adventure activities that you can enjoy with your significant other. The overnight fee at the Bacalla Woods Campsite is at PHP150. Hammock rental is at PHP100 while a tent costs PHP300.

Fill Your Stomach to the Brim at Koa Tree House

​For couples who love to eat, they may want to consider taking advantage of the lunch or dinner buffet at the Koa Tree House. The Koa Tree House is the hub for musicians and home for Cebuano comfort food. When it opened at the Rivergate Mall along Mango Avenue, the resto bar focused on offering good food at a reasonable cost. The lunch and dinner buffet without drinks start at PHP180. The buffet with crabs, shrimps, and drinks cost PHP300.