Buzz
Cebu and Manila stand as captivating hubs within the Philippines. While the capital, Manila, pulsates with perpetual motion, Cebu exudes an aura of antiquity and wilderness.
Embarking on a 7-Day Tour of the Philippines: From Cebu to Manila
Arriving early on a flight to the Philippines, I swiftly connected to a Manila-bound journey from Cebu. As dusk descended upon the 225 km-long archipelago, one might think there's little left to behold after a day's weariness. Yet, the twilight hour unveils Cebu in all its breathtaking splendor.
The First Glimpse of Cebu
The twilight hour in Cebu resembles a hive of activity, with Jeepneys buzzing through the crowds, each one adorned with unique colors and decorations, adding vibrancy to the lively streets.
The vibrant hues, the diverse people with their unique life stories, all rise and fall within the confines of this Jeepney.
Similar to the vintage Lambretta scooters of old Saigon, these Jeepneys ferry laborers, albeit with a denser crowd.
I used to despise traffic jams, finding the time spent aboard such vehicles utterly futile. I'd rather leisurely stroll down the street, finding it more productive.
But not today; I'm grateful for the congested roads that slowed the bus down, allowing me to comfortably capture the scenery of Cebu outside.
The hastily taken sunset photos from the bus as it traversed the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge en route to the city center. Catching a fleeting glimpse of Cebu amidst the fading afternoon was enough to overwhelm and stir emotions.
There Lies an Ancient Cebu
The second day in Cebu proved to be an exciting adventure as the group journeyed through the city's most ancient landmarks. While many flock to the islands when visiting the Philippines, Cebu's rich cultural tapestry offers a much more intriguing choice.
Santo Nino stands as Cebu's oldest church. I arrived at Santo Nino amidst preparations for a ceremony, adding to the lively atmosphere. Outside Santo Nino stands Magellan's Cross, attracting many Catholic devotees who come here to pray.
Leaving Santo Nino behind, we proceeded to the fortress of Fort San Pedro. Erected as a defense against external aggressors, the fort is now a preserved historical site, complete with its own art chambers. If you're fond of medieval architecture, this place is a must-visit.
Cebu is also home to some of the oldest houses in the Philippines. Here, I had the chance to visit the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House and Casa Gorordo. Each house exudes a distinct charm. Yap-Sandiego boasts Chinese influences from the outside in, while Casa Gorordo leans more towards Western aesthetics.
Island Hopping in Cebu
On the third day in Cebu, I had an exhausting yet exhilarating day filled with youthful exploration. The island hopping excursion took me to three stunning islets near Mactan Island, all within close proximity to Cebu City.
This excursion encompasses three charming and picturesque islets around Mactan: Hilutungan, Nalusuan, and Caohagan. What I love most is that each island boasts unique features that must be experienced to fully grasp the essence of Cebu's seascape.
Hilutungan, an island admired from afar, is home to stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life.
Unfortunately, I only had an hour to snorkel in these waters. The local guide scattered breadcrumbs, attracting a swarm of small fish around me.
Nalusuan offers a different ambiance compared to the first island. At the dock, you can also dive and observe fish, with simple swimming lessons available.
However, the most beautiful spot on the island lies beyond the dock. As you leave the boat and traverse the island, you'll reach a sandbar stretching over 100 meters into the sea. The water is crystal clear and breathtaking.
Here, hammocks are set up for relaxation amidst nature. Remarkably, despite the considerable influx of tourists, there's no litter to be found.
Caohagan marks the final destination with its local houses and expansive stretch of sand. A sandy shoreline extending into the sea reminds me of my trip to Diep Son. The sand here is exceptionally white, and the sea resembles a clear well.
This tour can be purchased from any tour vendor in the city for as low as 1,790 pesos, departing daily. It's advisable to go on weekdays for a quieter experience and moments of beach solitude.
Manila Ignited
Manila is often defined by its amalgamation of urban areas forming the mega-city of Metro Manila, comprising Manila City, Quezon City, and the central financial district of Makati, housing over 12 million inhabitants. Metro Manila is the most developed area in the Philippines and one of the most dynamic urban regions in Southeast Asia.
What to do in Manila? There are countless fascinating activities waiting to be discovered.
First, witness the sunset by Manila Bay. An ideal spot is from the SM Mall of Asia. It boasts a skywalk where you can enjoy the most beautiful sunset views alongside the MOA Eye.
To find European architecture, head to the Intramuros district in the heart of Old Manila. Here, you'll find distinctive Spanish colonial-style buildings.
Don't miss exploring the small alleys leading into the courtyards of these houses; they'll make you feel like you've wandered into beautiful ancient Spanish cities.
Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, located in Intramuros, offers buffet dinners with historical Philippine-themed dances. It's an experience not to be missed. The Spanish cuisine here is particularly delicious, blending seamlessly with Filipino flavors.
Transportation in the Philippines is fascinating, reminiscent of Vietnam yet with a touch of Thai style. Jeepneys and Tricycles are the most common modes of transportation in Manila.
Jeepneys resemble Vietnam's motorbikes, but longer and capable of carrying more passengers. Just wave down a Jeepney, state your destination, and the driver will pick you up and drop you off at the specified location for a predetermined fare.
Tricycles, on the other hand, operate similarly to taxis, albeit with a different vehicle design. Be prepared to haggle as they often quote high prices.
As per Ly Thanh Co/Zing news
***
Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourDecember 28, 2017
