Valentine’s Day normally sees an increase in sales of chocolates. While there may be promotions offered by some shops, prices may also increase, particularly among imported chocolates. If you have a budget to follow, finding reasonably-priced chocolates to give to your loved one may be challenging, especially if you will pair it off with flowers or a stuffed toy. But fret not since there are a lot of delicacies in Cebu that you can give instead of chocolates. 

Peanut Browas

The Peanut Browas is one of the many homegrown delicacies of Cebu. These popular treats are Cebu’s version of the Lady Fingers and are made using the same methods established by Lola Pureza. These peanut-flavored treats always evoke a feeling of Old Cebu. You can easily find Peanut Browas in pasalubong centers and groceries all over Cebu.

Toasted Mini Mamons

Another proudly Cebuano delicacy is the Toasted Mini Mamons. The crunchy texture of these delicacies is scrumptious to the taste. Similar to the Peanut Browas, the Toasted Mini Mamons are also made based on the strict standards set by Lola Pureza. They come in bite-sized pieces and are available in many pasalubong centers and supermarkets in Cebu. 

Butterscotch

The Butterscotch is a toffee-like confectionery made of sugar and butter. The distinctive taste of the Butterscotch of Lola Pureza comes from the molasses and muscovado sugar it uses. These two ingredients give it the right amount of sweetness and its chewy consistency, which enhances its already enjoyable taste. You can also find the Butterscotch in different pasalubong centers and groceries all over metro Cebu.

Chicharon

This sinfully scrumptious delicacy has tickled the taste buds of Cebuanos and visitors to Cebu for generations. While there are many versions of the chicharon, everyone agrees that the best one can be found in Carcar City. Made of pork rind boiled in water filled with salt and other spices, the Carcar chicharon can be eaten as a snack or as one of the viands in a meal. It is even being used to enhance the flavor of some Cebuano dishes. Even as the best place to buy the chicharon is in Carcar, you can still find them in many supermarkets and pasalubong centers in Cebu.

Masi

The masi is a homemade treat that has become one of the most sought-after treats from Liloan. It consists of glutinous rice with a filling made of sweet peanut paste. While it can be found anywhere in the country, the masi of Liloan is arguably among the best. You can find this treat being sold at the plaza of Liloan or along the road in the town. It can also be bought at a pasalubong center in Liloan.

Torta 

Another Cebu delicacy you may want to give is the torta from Argao. This sweet and tangy pastry is one of the sources of pride for the people of this southern heritage town. Even as it uses the same basic ingredients as the torta in other places, the Argao torta uses tuba or fermented coconut rather than yeast. The tuba gives the torta of Argao its distinctive flavor that has captured the taste of many Cebuanos. The best place to buy the torta is in Argao, but it is also available in a number of supermarkets all over Cebu.

Bibingka

The bibingka is a native delicacy that is popular among Cebuanos and visitors to Cebu. There may be many versions of this delectable treat, but the bibingka from Mandaue is hands-down among the best Cebu can offer. Even longtime residents of Cebu, who are now living in other parts of the country and the world, still long to have a bite of the bibingka from Mandaue. You can easily find the Mandaue bibingka at stalls along the roads of Mandaue as well as some groceries and supermarkets in Cebu.

Buko Pie

The buko pie may be available in a number of supermarkets and groceries in Cebu, but the buko pie of San Fernando is considered among the best in Cebu. The San Fernando buko pie makes use of young coconut meat and is typically sold hot and fresh. They may be smaller compared to the usual buko pie you find in a supermarket or grocery, but they taste better.

Pintos

The pintos is a delicacy from the northern city of Bogo. It is made of ground milk that is mixed with butter and margarine. The special variant of this treat uses margarine instead of butter. It has become so popular in Bogo that the city named its annual festival the Pintos Festival. While it is only available in Bogo, there are instances when it is brought to the Queen City of the South through a food expo.

Masareal

Another delicacy that originated from Mandaue City is the masareal. This sweet peanut delicacy is made of peanuts and sugar syrup. They are shaped like a rectangle and are enjoyed by both children and adults. These sweet, nutty treats are available in many groceries and pasalubong centers all over metro Cebu.

These are just some well-loved delicacies from Cebu that you can give to your loved one for Valentine’s Day in case your budget is tight. You can also give it if your significant other does not really like chocolates. 

With a couple of days left before Valentine’s Day, people may be scrambling to find a good place to have lunch or dinner with the loved ones on this special day of the year. People living in Cebu are lucky to have a wide range of choices when it comes to places where they can spend this special day with their partners. We came up with another list of places you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner with your loved one.

Delice Recipes

​Delice Recipes is a good place to watch the city light up the sky as the sun sets over the horizon. Located in Busay, the restaurant is close to Tops Lookout. The restaurant has an alfresco area where you can have a romantic evening with your loved one. The bar is located in the indoor dining area where you can have a drink or two with some of your friends. 

Delice Recipes has a good selection of dishes that can tickle the taste buds of its customers. These dishes include appetizers such as the Chicken Liver Pate and Homemade Spanish Chorizo & Mushrooms as well as their Roasted Pumpkin Soup. Salad options include Greek Salad, Asian Salad, and Nicoise Salad. Customers can also have Braised Lamb Shank or Peruvian Steak for dinner. The prices of the menu items start at PHP150 for the Roasted Pumpkin Soup up to PHP1,200 for the Angus Rib Eye Steak. Delice Recipes is located at the Tops Property, Busay, Cebu City.

Dolce Café 

Couples looking for a place far from the stress of life in the city even for one day may want to check out Dolce Café. The posh interiors of the café make it an ideal place for lovers to spend their Valentine’s Day afternoon. Similar to other places located on Nivel Hills, the café also offers a panoramic view of the city.

While Dolce Café offers a good selection of cakes and pastries, they also have a wide variety of snacks and meals for its customers. The buttercakes of the café are among their bestsellers, including the mango, ube, and classic buttercake. Snack and meal options include their Angus Cheese Burger, Pork Belly, Fish Burger, and Chicken Wings. Prices of their menu items are between PHP100 for their Chocolate Cake and PHP280 for the Angus Cheese Burger. Dolce Café is located in Panorama Heights, Nivel, Cebu City.

Bellini Champagne Bar

While the main draws of Bellini Champagne Bar are their drinks, they also offer a suitable variety of pizza, snack, and dinner items. Customers can also choose from a good variety of hors d’ oeuvres or bar snack items offered by the restaurant. Prices of the menu items offered at the Bellini Champagne Bar start at PHP200 for the Hot Crisp Calamari up to PHP850 for a double order of the Shrimp Cocktail. Bellini Champagne Bar is located in Panorama Heights, Nivel Hills, Cebu City. 

Halo Restaurant

​Halo Restaurant is the in-house restaurant of St. Mark Hotel. Located in the heart of uptown Cebu, the restaurant offers home-cooked-style food items for its customers. The restaurant is ideal for couples looking to fill their stomachs to the brim due to the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner offered at the place. 

Halo Restaurant gives customers a taste of Cebu with its wide selection of food items, including the Lechon Kawali, Grilled Pork Belly, and the Bisayang Manok of Dumanjug. In addition, the place also has a suitable variety of other Filipino favorites, including the Pochero, Sizzling Sisig, and Fried Calamari. Prices of the menu items are between PHP160 for the Bird’s Nest Soup and PHP280 for the Grilled Pork Belly. Halo Restaurant is located on the second floor of St. Mark Hotel, Queen’s Road, Cebu City. 

Simply J’s Café and Restaurant

​Simply J’s Café and Restaurant is a cozy family-style restaurant offering Pinoy home-cooked meals along with Asian-inspired dishes. The name of the restaurant is based on the names of the members of the family that owns the place. All of their names start with the letter J. A part of the restaurant has a buffet layout, which has proven to be popular among its regal customers. The restaurant also has a cozy area for customers who want to order a la carte. 

Simply J’s Café and Restaurant a variety of Filipino and Asian-inspired dishes, including the Chorizo, Crispy Pata, Crispy Calamares, and Asian Mandarin Salad. The menu items at the restaurant start at PHP99 for their Pork Barbecue up to PHP300 for the Caldereta. Simply J’s Café and Restaurant is located along Escario Street, Cebu City.

​Aside from Christmas, Valentine’s Day is another special day for couples who want to keep their love alive. Due to this, they take time to find a way to ensure the day is unforgettable for their significant other. In addition to a special breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they also try to find the best gift for their loved ones. These gifts may be as simple as a love letter to as grand as jewelry. We came up with a list of gift ideas you may want to consider giving our loved one for the day of hearts.

Love Letter

If you find it a challenge to express your love verbally to your special someone, you may want to consider writing him or her a letter. Writing allows you to compose your thoughts and tell them what is really in your heart. You may write it on special stationery from a local bookstore. So you will not use up all the sheets, you can write a draft on a different paper before transferring the final text into the stationary. With advancements in technology, the art of writing letters by hand is gradually being left in the past. So, a handwritten love letter is extra special since the giver has taken his or her time to carefully express his or her feelings. 

Cebu Delicacies 

You may also want to consider giving your loved some of the best delicacies available in Cebu. Cebu delicacies will be a perfect gift for your loved one if he or she is not from Cebu. You may want to consider the Peanut Browas, Toasted Mini Mamons, and Butterscotch. Aside from allowing you to show your love, these delicacies also allow you to show your pride for true-blue Cebuano products. These delicacies were produced based on the strict quality standards set by Lola Pureza. They follow the tradition of delicacies from the heritage town of Argao in the southern part of Cebu. You can find these Cebu delicacies in pasalubong centers and groceries all around Cebu. 

Flowers, Stuffed Toys, and Chocolates

Flowers, stuffed toys, and chocolates have become synonymous with Valentine’s Day. You can normally see these items on display in department stores all over metro Cebu. In addition, they also offer promotions or discounts for bulk orders of these items. While these may sound cheesy for some, they still allow you to express your love for your special someone during Valentine’s Day.

Serenade

If you have a good voice, a friend who plays the guitar, and the guts to sing in public under the window of your loved one’s house, you can try serenading her. The harana or serenade is a tradition typically practiced in the rural areas of the country in the past. While this is gradually going the way of the dinosaur, it is still a good way to make the day of hearts special for your significant other. If you are not confident of singing skills, there are some gadgets available that will help you improve your singing voice and avoid making a scene outside the house of your loved one.

Personalized Jewelry

For those who have no issues with spending, personalized jewelry may be a good gift to give on Valentine’s Day. You can buy something you know your partner likes and have it engraved before giving it to him or her. Many jewelry stores normally have promotions during the month of hearts, so you may have the chance to get a good deal on the jewelry you want to give to your partner. 

​While Valentine’s Day is one of the special days couples look forward to each year, we should remember that you do not have to spend too much to make this day memorable for your loved one. The most important thing is what you want to give comes from the heart. 

The day of hearts comes but once a year and people normally look for a place where they can celebrate with their loved ones. While there are many places in Cebu where you can have a special dinner on Valentine’s Day, many of these places will likely be fully-booked. So, we came up with another list of places you can consider spending having a romantic evening with the love of your life.

Fabio’s 

​If you are thinking of having a romantic dinner up on a mountain, Fabio’s is a good option. This quaint little restaurant is located in the mountains of Busay, offering its customers the chance to get away from the pandemonium in the city. The ambiance of the place allows couples to enjoy a romantic evening amid the sounds and sights of nature.

Fabio’s offers a good mix of appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, sandwiches, and rice meals. But, their main crowd drawer is their pizza. Their food items are priced from PHP155 for the Cheesy Fries up to PHP285 for the Provence Special Pizza. Fabio’s is located along Veteran’s Drive, Busay, Cebu City. It is close to Crate Café. 

Soho Park

​For couples looking for a cozy place within the city to spend the day of hearts, Soho Park may be a place they can consider. Soho Park is a casual dining restaurant located in the Cebu IT Park. The simple interiors make the place where couples can have a relaxing lunch or dinner on Valentine’s Day. 

The place has a suitable selection of soups, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and steaks. In addition, this restaurant also offers mouth-watering rice meals. The menu items at the place cost between PHP85 for the Pork Steamed Rice and PHP1,250 for the USDA New York Strip Steak. Soho Park is located at the ground floor of the Asia Premier Residences at the Cebu IT Park. 

Marisse Patisserie 

​Couples looking to spend the afternoon together may want to visit Marisse Patisserie. Marisse Patisserie is a newly-opened pastry shop located at 32 Sanson by Rockwell. This Instagram-worthy pastry shop is a product of the passion of its owner, Marisse, who comes from a family of culinary enthusiasts. 

A suitable variety of cakes, tartlets, rolls, and breads await couples looking for a quaint place to have afternoon snacks together. The prices of the menu items at the place start at PHP45 for the Ube Milk Bread up to PHP1,500 for the Cookie Dough Cheesecake. Marisse Patisserie is located at 32 Sanson Road, Lahug, Cebu City.

Kayu - Kitchen + Bar

​If enjoying fusion dishes is your idea of spending Valentine’s Day for your loved one, you may want to consider Kayu - Kitchen + Bar. The dishes at the restaurant only use the finest and freshest ingredients available in the market. Owned by the son of Marisse of Marisse Patisserie, Izzy, Kayu - Kitchen + Bar gives its couples a place where they can spend the day of hearts away from the crowds while remaining within the city. 

Kayu - Kitchen + Bar has a good selection of appetizers, entrées, desserts and breakfas items. The menu items at the place are priced between PHP170 for the Crab and Spinach Omelette and PHP1,390 for the Kayu Skillet. Kayu - Kitchen + Bar is located at 32 Sanson Road, Lahug, Cebu City. It is close to Marisse Patisserie. 

Marble + Grain Steakhouse

​Steak lovers may find comfort in the arms of their significant other while having a slab of mouthwatering steak at Marble + Grain Steakhouse. This is an upscale and stylish restaurant offering among the best steaks on the island. It is one of the restaurants of the newly-opened Bai Hotel.

​Marble + Grain Steakhouse serves USDA prime beef, lamb, poultry, and pork dishes. The prices of the menu items at the place start at PHP1,450. While this may be quite heavy on the budget, the restaurant also conducts promotions where customers can have a good meal at a reasonable price. Marble + Grain Steakhouse is located at the Bai Hotel at the North Reclamation Area, Mandaue City.

​While pizza is a traditional Italian dish, Cebuanos have taken to it like fish to water. You can see this all over the metro where pizza places of all shapes and sizes are popping up all over the place. While many of these pizza restaurants started in the nation’s capital, there are also some that were established by Cebuano residents. This is the second list of a series of pizza places you can fill your pizza cravings in Cebu.

Pizzeria Michelangelo

Pizzeria Michelangelo offers authentic Italian pizza prepared by Chef Massimo, a true-blue Italian. The restaurant uses high-quality ingredients and fresh produce for its pizza offerings, which is a part of the mission of Chef Massimo in introducing a taste of Italy to Cebuanos. Aside from pizza, the menu of Pizzeria Michelangelo also includes pasta, soups, and salads, among others. The prices of the menu items at Pizzeria Michelangelo are between PHP220 for the Aglio Olio e Peperoncino and PHP525 for the Hola Hola Pizza.

Ryan’s Pizzarelli House

Ryan’s Pizzarelli House is another homegrown pizza place offering this Italian dish. The restaurant is known for its R. Fratelli Pizza and Calzone, which piqued the interest of food lovers in Cebu. The place is located in the same area as a number of hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Cebu. The prices of the pizza offered at the restaurant start at PHP280 for the Gladiator Calzone up to PHP380 for the Ryan’s Pizzarelli Special Pizza. 

Fabio’s Kitchen 

If eating pizza while enjoying the view is your thing, you may want to check out Fabio’s Kitchen in Busay. Located close to Crate Café, the place offers a place where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Aside from pizza, Fabio’s Kitchen also offers pasta, soups, salads, sandwiches, and rice dishes. The prices of the menu items at Fabio’s Kitchen are between PHP95 for the French Onion Soup and PHP295 for the Special Provence Pizza. 

Cabanas Pizza and Barbecue Haus

Cabanas Pizza and Barbecue Haus is a newly-opened pizza place located along Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City. Despite being new, the place has already received rave reviews for the pizza they are offering to their guests. Aside from offering pizza, the restaurant also offers barbecue, beef and chicken dishes, as well as seafood and appetizers. The place also has a small stage where bands entertain customers while they have lunch or dinner. Prices of the items on the menu of Cabanas Pizza and Barbecue Haus start at PHP50 for their Peanuts up to PHP250 for the All Meat Pizza.

Craver’s Crib

Craver’s Crib is a hole-in-the-wall pizza place located in Guadalupe, Cebu City. The restaurant was established in April 2016 and has built a good number of regular customers who considered their pizza as among the best homemade pizza in Cebu. The pizza offerings at the restaurant are priced between PHP130 for the Couple 9-inch Hawaiian thin crust pizza and PHP295 for the Mikee’s Meaty special thin crust pizza. 

Where do you get your pizza fix in Cebu? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

A few days into the month of hearts and couples are likely looking for a place where they can have a special dinner on that special day. While Cebu has a good number of restaurants to choose from, these places are expected to be full on the 14th. This is particularly true with restaurants located within the city since the February 14 is not a legal holiday. Anyway, we came up with a list of new and relatively-new places you can consider spending Valentine's Day with your partner.

The Pyramid

​The Pyramid has gradually picked up a good following after it opened at the Cebu IT Park on March 17, 2017. Its Louvre-inspired design makes it stand out among all the structures in the area. The place offers a good selection of food and wine for its customers.  You may think you will spend a fortune at The Pyramid, but the items on their menu are reasonably-priced. The place also offers promotions for special events and occasions, such as Valentine’s Day. 

The Pyramid offers soups, salads, burgers, steaks, pasta, and pizza, among others. Prices of their food offerings start at PHP145 for the Perfectly Roasted Squash up to PHP630 for the Ostrich Steak. The Pyramid is located along West Geonzon Road, Cebu IT Park.

Bharat Spice

​If your idea of a date on Valentine’s Day is eating authentic Indian food with your loved one, you may want to consider going to Bharat Spice. The place is unlike other places offering Indian food since it does not have the usual pictures of tourist spots in India or Bollywood tunes playing in the background. The food itself makes the place authentically Indian. They make use of ingredients similar to the ones you find in India. 

Bharat Spice offers a number of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, soups, kebabs, roti, rice, and biryani. The food items offered at the place are between PHP50 for the Roasted Papad and PHP550 for the Roasted Mutton. Bharat Spice is located along Jose Maria del Mar Street, Cebu IT Park.

Top of Cebu

​Couples looking to spend a romantic evening with a panoramic view of the city, the Top of Cebu would be the place to spend Valentine’s Day. Located in the mountains of Busay, the Top of Cebu is ideal for watching the sun setting over the horizon while waiting for the lights of the city illuminate the night. The place features a multi-level dining area, which allows guests to have a romantic evening with their loved ones.

The menu at the Top of Cebu offers a good selection of Filipino and international dishes, including Adobo Flakes, Spring Rolls, T-Bone Steak, and Osso Bucco ni Lola. Prices of these dishes start at PHP60 for the Balut ala Royale up to PHP1,200 for the Porterhouse Steak. The Top of Cebu is located in Busay, Cebu City. It is situated right beside Tops Lookout. 

Providore Cebu 

​Couples looking to get away from the crowds in many restaurants without having to go far can consider spending Valentine’s Day at Providore Cebu. The restaurant is the in-house restaurant of the Summit Galleria Hotel, Cebu. Providore Cebu also provides for all the food and beverage needs of the hotel. The place also offers artisanal food items guests may want to bring home with them. 

Providore Cebu offers a good selection of Filipino and international dishes, including salads, pasta, sandwiches, and grilled items. The place also has a buffet for couples who may want to fill their stomachs to the brim on this special day. The menu items at the restaurant are priced between PHP150 for the Bacon Clam Chowder Soup in Bread Bowl and PHP695 for the Decadent Bone Marrow Burger. Providore Cebu is located on the ground floor of Summit Galleria Hotel, Cebu. 

Cocina de la Casa

​Cocina de la Casa is an unassuming restaurant located close to the center of the city. Its homey ambiance belies the elegant culinary creations of Chef Stephen Aznar who brings a wealth of experience with him. The menu items at the restaurant are based on the age-old recipes of his first mentor, Nena Garcia. Aside from showcasing Cebuano heritage cuisine, the restaurant also serves as a mini-gallery featuring the artworks of a number of talented Cebuano artists. 

​Cocina de la Casa mainly offers Filipino cuisine, particularly Cebuano dishes. In addition, the flair of Chef Stephen also reveals itself on the dishes offered at the restaurant. Some of the dishes offered at the place include Local Cheese in Basil Infused Oil, Prawn and Pomelo Salad, Pan Seared Emperor Beam, and Nena’s Tripeless Callos. Prices of the items start at PHP125 for the Curried Squash Soup up to PHP695 for the Loma de Bacalao with Japanese Rice. Cocina de la Casa is located along A. Morales Street, Cebu City. This is the street behind Harold’s Hotel.

These are just five places you can consider spending a romantic lunch or dinner with your loved one during Valentine’s Day. 

Long before smartphones, PCs, and video game consoles became a common sight in many Cebuano homes, children used their imagination to keep themselves occupied. The games they used to play allowed them to exercise and use their creativity to win. The following are more games Cebuanos used to play when they were kids.

Tabanog

The word “tabanog” simply means kite. It was one of the favorite pastimes of Cebuanos during summer. These kites or tabanogs came in different shapes and sizes. From a simple, diamond-shaped tabanog to a more complicated dragon-shaped tabanog, these were a common sight all over Cebu when summer vacation starts. While flying the tabanog was fun, Cebuano kids made it competitive by pitting their own kites with others. 

Luthang

Cebuano kids can be quite creative when it comes to keeping themselves occupied without having to spend too much. One of the results of this creativity is the luthang. The luthang is a toy gun made of bamboo. It consists of a barrel and a plunger and used wet balls of paper as their pellets. The pellets are fired through air pressure. This toy evolved when kids started using the tube of a pen instead of bamboo. Even as the game was fun, it was played during a time when small scrapes and scratches were merely shrugged off by kids, and parents considered these to be a part of growing up. 

Chinese garter

Chinese garter was a game played by elementary girls and used an ordinary garter that was around three yards long. The game required flexibility, coordination, and balance. At least three players were needed for the game. Two would be holding the garter horizontally while the third player would try to cross over the garter without tripping. The game starts with the garter held at a lower level and would gradually go higher as the game progressed. 

Takyan

While the girls have the Chinese garter, the boys have takyan. Takyan was a game where players would kick a shuttlecock for a specific number of times. The shuttlecock was made of a washer with feathers or plastic straw rope attached to it. There are times when a candy wrapper would be used instead of feathers or straw rope. 

Pusil-pusil

Pusil-pusil is the Cebuano version of cops and robbers. It is a very simple game where two teams would try to find the members of the opposing team and “shoot” them by shouting “bang.” Their “gun” was simply their fingers with the index finger or pointer finger acting as the barrel. Some would play the game using wooden “guns.” The game was played at a time when life was simple and kids were innocent and simply wanted to have fun with their friends.

If you are planning to teach your kids these games, you may want to prepare something for them to much on if they get hungry. You can consider giving them a pack or two of the Peanut Browas, Toasted Mini Mamons, or Butterscotch to tide them over until dinnertime. 

​Chicken has been a part of Cebuano cuisine since time immemorial. The presence of roasted chicken stalls in the metro is a testament to the love of Cebuanos for chicken dishes. Aside from these stalls, Cebu also has a number of places offering other chicken dishes, including restaurants offering chicken wings in different flavors. The following are some places where you can find flavored chicken wings in Cebu.

21 Dubs Flavored Chicken Wings

21 Dubs Flavored Chicken Wings first opened its doors to the Cebu market in 2015. Managed by culinary graduates, customers can expect at 21 differently-flavored chicken wings on their menu. These flavors include Buffalo, Jalapeno Cheese, Tomato Salsa, Pesto, Honey Garlic, and Garlic Parmesan, among others. The original location of the store is at the Maria Cristina Arcade along Maria Cristina Extension, Cebu City. The place currently has branches at Sugbo Mercado at the Cebu IT Park, SM Hypermart Lapu-Lapu, and Maroo Arcade in Mandaue City. 

Fowl Mood Diner

Fowl Mood Diner is a sister-restaurant of 21 Dubs Flavored Chicken Wings. Similar to its older sibling, the place also offers a wide variety of flavors for their chicken wings. Fowl Mood Diner has 16 flavor offerings for their chicken wings, including Chinese BBQ, Hawaiian, Mango Jalapeno, Teriyaki, and Spicy BBQ. Fowl Mood Diner is located at the Maroo Arcade in Mandaue City. 

Bad Boys Wingz

Bad Boys Wingz first opened its doors to Cebu in front of B.R.I.G.H.T.  Academy, and it proved to be a successful venture that attracted the attention of food lovers in Cebu. Their chicken wings were described as among the best Cebu could offer. Their chicken wings come in different flavors, including Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Honey BBQ, and Angry Buffalo, among others. Aside from its Talamban location, Bad Boys Wingz opened a second branch at The Greenery in Mabolo, Cebu City.

New York Buffalo Brad’s Hot Wings

New York Buffalo Brad’s Hot Wings may be a newcomer in the chicken wings landscape of Cebu, but it is gradually gaining a good following among foodies in Cebu. This fast food restaurant offers a variety of flavored chicken wings to customers looking to try something new in the Queen City of the South. Their chicken wing flavors include Classic Buffalo, Lemon Pepper, Honey Mustard, Garlic Parmesan, and BBQ Lime, among others. New York Buffalo Brad’s Hot Wings is located at the Garden Block at the Cebu IT Park.

Southside Chicken Wings

Southside Chicken Wings is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant located in a residential area in Banilad, Cebu City. While it is the garage of the owner, it received rave reviews from customers who were able to visit the place. Their chicken wings come in a variety of flavors, including Buttermilk Wings, Crispy Adobo Wings, Chili Garlic Wings, and Cajun Glazed Wings, among others. Southside Chicken Wings is located along Humabon Street, San Antonio Village, which is located close to Montebello Villa Hotel. 

​The love affair of Cebuanos with chicken wings does not seem to end as places offering the dish continue to flourish. While the dish may play second fiddle to the world-famous Cebu lechon, it does appear that this dish is here to stay. 

​Cebu can be considered as a melting pot of different cultures. This resulted in the entry of various cuisines catering to different tastes of the residents of the city. While Spanish and Chinese cuisines have dominated the food landscape of Cebu, there are a number of other dishes that have established themselves on the island. One of these dishes is the pizza. 

The Queen City of the South has a number of restaurants where you can have a slice or two of pizza. Even as many of these places are mere branches of multinational companies, Cebu also boasts of a number of homegrown pizza places that have made a name for themselves in the food landscape of Cebu. The following are some places where you can have a slice or two of pizza in the Queen City of the South.

Handuraw Pizza

Handuraw Pizza is one of the homegrown pizza places in Cebu. It started off as the Handuraw Events Café where up-and-coming local acts can jam and have some fun. The place later developed its own line of thin crust pizzas. An old house along Gorordo Avenue was later converted into a restaurant, and Handuraw Pizza was born. While the branch in Gorordo Avenue was closed, they still have other branches in JY Square Discovery Mall, Canduman and the North Park in Mandaue, White Gold, and Mango Square. Prices of the pizza at Handuraw Pizza are between PHP218 for the solo size of the Handuraw Special and PHP398 for the Chicken Adobo Premium Pinoy Pizza. 

Da Vinci’s Pizza 

Another Cebuano pizza place, Da Vinci’s Pizza has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 2002. It is known mainly for their white sauce pizza, which is a departure from the usual tomato sauce for this Italian dish. The name of the place was inspired by one of the characters of the cartoon show, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The restaurant currently has several branches in Cebu, including Osmena Boulevard, Parkmall, Cebu IT Park, and Mactan Marina Mall, among others. The pizzas of Da Vinci’s Pizza are priced at PHP108 for the nine-inch Classic Cheese thin crust pizza up to PHP468 for the 16-inch Roast Beef pizza gusto. 

JCA Pizza

Longtime residents of Cebu are very familiar with JCA Pizza. It was one of the hole-in-the-wall places where you can find great-tasting pizza at a reasonable price. Even with the presence of big-name pizza places in Cebu, JCA Pizza was able to create a niche for itself in the competitive restaurant industry of Cebu. Many of their customers were students looking for a place offering affordable yet delicious pizza. Aside from its branch along Salinas Drive, JCA Pizza also has branches along Gorordo Avenue, in Talisay City, and Mandaue City. Prices of the pizza at JCA Pizza are between PHP105 for the Mini Magic and PHP260 for the Mignon.

Alberto’s Pizza

Similar to many homegrown restaurants in Cebu, Alberto’s Pizza was established by a group of friends looking to augment their income by establishing their own business. From simply delivering their pizza to their customers, Alberto’s Pizza already has numerous branches all over metro Cebu. The first branch opened in Mabolo, which was followed by different branches in a number of cities and towns in Cebu. The pizzas offered by Alberto’s Pizza are priced at PHP90 for the nine-inch Chizzo Trio up to PHP250 for the 11-inch Alberto’s Full House pizza.

Albur’s Pizza + Burger + Grill

​If you are looking for an oasis in the middle of the city, you may want to visit Albur’s Pizza + Burger + Grill. Located within a residential area in Mabolo, this relatively-new restaurant offers affordable yet delicious pizza, among others. The al fresco setting of the place sets it apart from a typical restaurant setup. The prices of the pizza at Albur’s Pizza + Burger + Grill are between PHP270 for the Sofia and PHP295 for the Berto’s All Meat Pizza. 

The heritage sites of Cebu are not limited to the Queen City of the South and its surrounding cities and towns. There are also a number of heritage sites all over the island. A good place for history and culture buffs to explore is the southern part of the island. Aside from old churches and convents, these places also have structures built during the American period. One of the places visitors can educate themselves about history is the town of Boljoon.

Boljoon

The southern town of Boljoon is located around a hundred kilometers from Cebu City. The town has a rich cultural history dating to the time before the arrival of the Spaniards. Archeological excavations conducted between 2007 and 2009 showed burials dating back to the early part of the 16th century. Artifacts discovered in these burial ground include ceramics from China and Japan. This shows the town was already a thriving community. The town was once a barrio of Carcar before a parish was established in the area.

Heritage Walk in Boljoon

The rich heritage of Boljoon is still evident up to today. Many of the Spanish era structures have remained standing as local officials have been working to preserve them for future generations. The following are some of the heritage structures visitors can visit to have a glimpse of the rich history of Boljoon.

Nuestra Senora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church

The Nuestra Senora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church or Our Lady of Patronage of Mary Parish Church was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute in 1999. It was also identified by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure in 2001. Aside from taking care of the religious need of the people of Boljoon, the church also served as a fortress to keep the people safe from raiders. Construction of the church started in 1783 and it was completed in 1814 during the time of Fr. Julian Bermejo. 

Church Rectory

The rectory of the church can be considered as the oldest Spanish-era residential building in Boljoon. Located right beside the church, the rectory was shaped like an “L.” It was one of the biggest rectories in Cebu during the Spanish period. The structure used to host members of the clergy and important visitors to the town. It was completed in 1847 and was a typical bahay na bato. The ground floor of the structure was used as a storage area while the second floor was the living area.  It is now used as a museum. 

Church Belfry

The belfry of the church is another place where visitors can catch a glimpse of history. It does not appear to be well designed and simply looked plain. But, one notable thing about the belfry is it was shorter than the façade pediment of the church. One possible reason for this disparity is that it may have been built at the same time as the old church, which was destroyed in 1782 by pirates. The belfry was used as a lookout or watchtower to warn residents of the presence of pirates or raiders.

Balay Cirilio Sestoso 

Balay Cirilio Sestoso is the last remaining 19th-century house left standing in Boljoon. It is also considered as the oldest ancestral house in the town. The house was built by a former goberndorcillo of Boljoon, Cirilio Sestoso, in the 1880s. The rectangular structure features detailed ornamentation along the gutter. The Balay Cirilio Sestoso is a typical example of a house built during the Spanish period.

Catolica Escuela

Another structure built by the Spaniards was the Catolica Escuela. While it was built when Cebu was already under the Americans, it was used as a dorm for children who were preparing to take their first communion. These children typically come from barangays located in the upland area of the town. Aside from being used as a dorm, religious teachings were also conducted in the building. At one point in the past, it was also used as a school.

El Grande Baluarte

El Grande Baluarte is an imposing structure in the town of Boljoon. The two-level blockhouse was a part of the coastal defense established by Fr. Julian Bermejo to protect residents of towns in the southern part of Cebu. Aside from serving as a watchtower, the structure also featured cannons on the second level and a prison in the ground level. It also had a storage area for weapons and ammunition. The structure was called El Grande Baluarte sine it was the biggest watchtower on the island.

Baño sa Poblacion 

The Baño sa Poblacion was supposedly the place where the Spaniards first encountered the locals. The place features a gushing spring, which was attributed to the name of the place. Similar to other towns in Cebu, the name of Boljoon was also a product of miscommunication between the Spaniards and the locals. When the Spaniards arrived in the area, they asked for the name of the place. But, the locals thought they were asking for the name of the spring in front of them. So, they answered “bulho,” which eventually became Boljoon.

Other Attractions in Boljoon

Aside from these historically and culturally-significant sites, Boljoon also has a number of tourist spots where visitors can pass by after immersing themselves in the culture of the town. These tourist spots include the Kan-Amno Falls and Dayhag Falls. 

Taking a road trip to the south not only allows you to get away from the stress of life in the city, it can also be quite educational. The journey brings you to different heritage towns featuring structures that have withstood the test of time. If you want to have something to munch on along the way, you may want to bring with you a pack or two of Peanut Browas, Butterscotch, or Toasted Mini Mamons.