It’s the holidays and the air is definitely festive.　Surviving last year’s　devastating super-typhoon Odette which hit Cebu and its neighboring　islands last December 16, the indomitable local spirit is determined to　celebrate this year. The　holidays in Cebu are one of the longest in the　country as it reaches the Sinulog Festival 　elebrated every third Sunday　of January and up to Valentines Day in February!

Here’s a list of our recommendations for this　issue…

Dining and Shopping

There are several big malls in Cebu, but　if you need less buzz and ample parking,　head to Robinson’s Galleria. The Christmas　spirit is alive and well the moment you　enter the glass doors. Dining options　include ramen, a dessert place, Denny’s,　the Bohol-based eatery The Buzzz Café　with native selections, and many more.　They also have an excellent food court on　the 4th level. The Robinson’s Supermarket　and department store are the anchor stores. At the lower level, you can find spots for pampering — nails and eyebrow shops, and Kizuno Beauty, a Japanese salon with the best facial services in town.

City Escape 

Most of us love to escape the bustle of the city but not everyone can leave town easily. Asmara Urban Resort & Lifestyle Village is where locals head to enjoy country club vibes with sports and leisure activities, dance lessons, dining options, good music and a full bar. Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Road, Banilad Cebu City • FB: Asmara Urban Resort & Lifestyle Village • www.asmaraurbanresort.com

Fruit Market Prutasan ni Adan sells local and imported fruits. What started as just a fruit stall has expanded to sell packed meals, salads and desserts. They carry a good variety of local mangoes, bananas and melons as well as plums, cherries, grapes and other seasonal imported fruits. The crowd favorite is their Mixed Fruit in a Cup priced at P99 only. Tancor 1 Residences, Villa Aurora Kasambagan, Cebu City • FB: Prutasan Ni Adan • www.prutasanniadan.com • Open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm

Wine, wine and more wine!

Locals enjoy their glass of wine for any occasion, and several shops carry a good selection. Recently, Metro Ayala Supermarket at Ayala Center Cebu, opened a huge wine cellar, and as expected from this giant grocery chain, the prices are competitive. Members of S&R also get a good selection of wine. For local delivery, we recommend Ralph’s (Viber number +63/ 919.813.5617), or visit Terry’s and Bibendum at Streetscape Mall in Banilad if you prefer a tasting.