Many visitors skip Mandaue in search of other interesting things to see and do. Here, we give you a few reasons to explore this neighborhood. 

6:00AM

Start your morning with the typical Cebuano breakfast staple of puto maya. This glutinous rice steamed with coconut milk, mildly flavored with ginger, wrapped in banana leaves and shaped into triangles is traditionally served alongside a hot cup of sikwate, a richly dark chocolate beverage. The delicious breakfast duo can be found at the Mandaue market as early as 5 in the morning. The local vendor has small stools for you to enjoy this while watching the morning rush unfold. For coffee regulars, there’s Starbucks and McDonald’s nearby to get the morning jolt.

7:00AM

Walk on over to the National Shrine of St. Joseph located at the center of Mandaue City. Founded in 1638 and considered one of the oldest churches in the country, it holds the oldest icon of Saint Joseph and life-size statues of Jesus Christ with the twelve apostles celebrating the Last Supper or the Señor de Cena. Faithful parishioners begin their day with the 7:30 morning mass.

9:00AM

Right outside the church is the Mandaue City Hall, commonly referred to as Mandaue Presidencia. Serving as the city’s seat of power, this iconic neo-Greco style building is a heritage site protected by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Stroll around the small park and visit the city’s public library.

11:00AM

Take a break and make your way to Orange Brutus just within the vicinity of the city hall. This proudly homegrown Cebuano fastfood establishment has been around since the 80s and is known for its sizzling burger steak and mango shake. Or hop into a cab and proceed to the J Centre Mall along A.S. Fortuna Street where several dining establishments are located including the popular Nonki Japanese Restaurant for the freshest sushi in town.

2:00PM

Not far off is Profood Gallery Gift Shoppe, a one-stop souvenir store and pasalubong outlet for local delicacies. The gallery showcases various processed fruit products especially Cebu’s much-loved dried mangoes, under the Philippine Brand. Try their other dried tropical fruits, purées, fruit preserves and concentrates. 

3:00PM

After food shopping, check out more good buys and take a 10-minute taxi ride to Parkmall. Located in the North Reclamation area, the first pet-friendly mall in town is not a large one but has a little bit of everything — bargain shops, a supermarket, salon, money exchange outlet, a pet store and multiple al fesco dining restaurants. Don’t leave the place without getting a seated massage by visually impaired masseurs at the mall’s second floor. A 30-minute massage goes for only P110 and P220 for an hour session.

5:30PM

Cross the road and enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset from bai Hotel’s Twilight Roofdeck Lounge + Bar. Chill music sets the mood while some nights feature a live band and acoustic music. The hotel’s other outlets are Marble+ Grain Steakhouse and Ume Japanese Cuisine, both on the ground floor. If Filipino food sounds good for dinner, cross the street once again to Chika-an sa Cebu at Parkmall or try Buffet 101 for international fare at the nearby City Time Square.

8:00PM

For after dinner drinks, head out to Oakridge Business Park for tapas and wine at Bar Pintxos, the local outpost of the popular bar from Manila. Locals hang out at their outdoor area, as a precursor to nightlife.

11:00PM

For a full night out, the clubs to hit are The Sentral Cebu located at the Norkis Cyberpark along A.S. Fortuna Street or Rue Cebu at Meerea High Street on Ouano Avenue.

TOP PICKS!

There’s more to Mandaue than just factories… As a highly urbanized city, it has hidden locales worth visiting. On this page, we share some of our favorites.

1. STAYCATION

To really appreciate the city, a staycation at one of the premier hotels is in order. bai Hotel, whose name comes from the vernacular word for “friend”, is the ideal place to stay. With over 600 spacious deluxe rooms and suites with upscale facilities, this contemporary hotel has seven stylish dining outlets to choose from making it a culinary destination within the metro. A steakhouse, a café with all-day buffet, a Japanese restaurant, a rooftop bar with a stunning city and harbor view, and more. With a staff that’s efficient, accommodating and friendly, you won’t want to leave anymore. Located at the North Reclamation Area, there’s a mall just across the street.

2. MASAREAL

If you haven’t heard, much less tasted this local delicacy made of boiled peanuts made famously in Mandaue, then you’re missing out as a nut lover! A bar of masareal is a favorite dessert or snack for Cebuanos. Since 1998, a family corporation under the helm of Jun Carbonilla has been creating this sugary concoction under the  label, Mandaue’s Nutricious, now packaging it in foil sachets. Their product line has expanded to include peanut butter, polvoron and a well-awarded malunggay pan de sal, a nutritious version of the popular Filipino bread, and a lot more. Their packaged products are available at most souvenir shops and major groceries. Or you can visit their factory located at San Antonio Street in Looc, Mandaue City by sending them a message at their FB page under Mandaue’s Nutricious. 

3. STREET FOOD

A good old-fashioned barbecue spot serving Cebuanos for 26 long years, Matias’ Inato Foodhaus started with a little stall and is now almost an institution. Located along A.S. Fortuna Street, this is the go-to place for the tastiest hot-off-the-grill pork and chicken barbecue on skewers, pork belly and Cebu chorizo. Or try the balbacua–a rich, thick and delicious Filipino beef stew seasoned with different spices. Matias’ also has outdoor seating which makes eating Cebuano street food a more pleasant experience.

4. SOUVENIR SHOPS

When going pasalubong shopping, places to check out in Mandaue are Mandaue’s Nutricious, Profood Gallery Gift Shoppe and Parkmall Mall for local products.

5. CHOCOLATES

No, they are not made in Mandaue. But this shop called SMR Chocolates is worth visiting as they carry an extensive list of imported chocolates and candies, some at marked down prices. Perfect for filling up loot bags for your kids’ birthday parties, or simply giving in to your sweet tooth cravings. Located at City Time Square 2, North Reclamation Area, Tipolo, Mandaue City

6. MOVING AROUND

There are several modes of public transportation in the form of jeepneys and buses in major thoroughfares of Mandaue, or the motorcabs plying the minor roads. But for those who prefer an easier drive, Cebu Easy Rent-A-Car is located at Salome’s Pension Building on A.C. Cortes Avenue (FB: Cebu Easy Rent-A-Car Transport). They offer self-drive or car rental with a driver for their fleet of vans, SUV or sedans.

7. KARAOKE

Sing your hearts out and discover who’s the best diva with a microphone. This family KTV has spacious private rooms for small gatherings and a big room for up to 30 people. Sing, dance and eat all night long with your family and friends. Located at City Time Square, Tipolo, Mandaue City, from 1:00 pm to 12 midnight on weekdays and until 2 am on Friday and Saturday.