• Moncado Hotel: A Charmingly Eccentric Cebu Historic Site
    Travel

    Moncado Hotel: A Charmingly Eccentric Cebu Historic Site

    In the heart of Cebu’s Sudlon National Park, there live a strangely beautiful colony. Free from the stress and temptations of modern-day life, this colony, or often labeled as a cult, has been thriving and living harmoniously in Cebu’s highlands for decades. And, like most naïve Cebuanos, I didn’t know that the Moncadistas and their epicenter, Moncado Hotel, exist. While I saw a bunch of Moncado Hotel pictures, I thought it was a former military base or a remnant of the Second World War. But, after a little research, I got a sneak peek into the history and culture of the Moncadistas. Intrigued and beguiled, I gathered my friends, and…

  • Sirao Garden: Photogenic And Perpetually Evolving Cebu Attractions
    Travel

    Sirao Garden: Photogenic And Perpetually Evolving Cebu Attractions

    What’s so special and nice about Sirao Garden? Why do so many people find it enthralling, and amazing? I had been asking those questions way back in 2016. When it opened years ago, I was one of the many locals who were engrossed and intrigued by the viral photos of Sirao Flower Farm. And, with enthusiasm and optimism, we drove all the way to Sirao, Cebu to admire the vivid celosia flowers of Sirao Garden. Sadly, Sirao Garden was a major letdown, as far as I’m concerned. And, truthfully, I thought that this new Cebu attraction wasn’t going to last for a year. As I was exploring the farm, all…

  • Balamban Cebu And The Fruitless Pursuit Of Adventure
    Travel

    Balamban Cebu And The Fruitless Pursuit Of Adventure

    A fearless confidant will, no doubt, surprise you. With an insatiable appetite for adventure, an adventurous friend will entice your wanderlust, and encourage you to explore unsung places. And, more importantly, this intrepid person will push you out of your comfort zone, adding more color and spice to your life. From exploring international cities to hitting local towns like Balamban, Cebu, my risk-taking buddies had surely infused a heavy dose of adventure to my life through a smorgasbord of surprising escapades. But, sometimes, having them around can feel like more of a curse than a blessing. Sure, they are a whirlwind of fun and excitement, but they can also lead…

  • Fort San Pedro: A Beguiling Game Changer In Philippine History
    Travel

    Fort San Pedro: A Beguiling Game Changer In Philippine History

    Somewhere, inside my mind, a different version of Cebu exists. Energetic, diverse and youthful, this personal adaptation of Cebu dazzles with an endless string of mesmerizing attractions. In fact, it beckons thousands of travelers annually, thanks to its majestic waterfalls and photogenic peaks. But, unlike our universe’s Cebu, my version barely has any Spanish churches and historic sites, like Fort San Pedro. Instead, it boasts a wondrous blend of eye-catching Hindu temples, colorful mosques and elaborate stupas. With a mosaic of ethnic communities, this fictional Cebu somehow reminds me of the multifaceted Singapore and Bangkok.   And, there are no famed Spanish-era Cebu tourist spots here, such as Basilica del…