Spending a brief weekend in Cebu may not be enough time to experience everything the Queen City of the South has to offer. But here are some budget-friendly ideas to uncover the historic and new hotspots, diverse food scene and maximize your 48-hour adventure.

by RAINE BALJAK

CHECK IN AT GOLDEN PRINCE HOTEL & SUITES for a taste of truly unique Cebuano hospitality. A 45-minute drive from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and 30 minutes from the Port of Cebu, the conveniently located Golden Prince Hotel is a walk away from the business hub of Cebu Business Park and the premier shopping mall, Ayala Center. Offering modern comforts, style and value, its facilities include meeting and conference rooms, Le’Mon restaurant for all-day dining, the Hercules Gym and Fitness, and a business center. 

START YOUR ADVENTURE BY WALKING DOWN THE STREET TO THE ANTHILL FABRIC GALLERY and discover how Filipino weaving traditions are kept alive today. The social and cultural enterprise supports their partner weaving communities across the Philippines by providing sustainable livelihood and market access for their beautiful products. Anthill stands for Alternative Nest and Trading/Training Hub for Indigenous/Ingenious Little Livelihood Seekers, whose mission is to preserve and promote the Philippines’ weaving industry. Tour the gallery to learn some of the rich stories behind Anthill’s weavers such as the Daraghuyan Bukidnon Community who perform a thanksgiving ritual before any part of their hand-weaving process starts. Anthill is located at Pedro Calomarde Street corner Acacia Street, Gorordo Avenue and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.

IF YOU’RE ON A HUNT FOR SOMETHING FAR REMOVED FROM LECHON, CHECK OUT SHAWARMA GOURMET CEBU. Serving authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean comfort food, this casual dining restaurant has an extensive menu with staples like hummus, the eggplant-based baba ganoush, tabbouleh and falafel to name a few. Be sure to order their signature beef or chicken shawarma or try the kebabs. Vegans and vegetarians will be happy to choose from a selection of plants-based dishes with halal foods also available.

House blend iced teas and fresh smoothies, with dairy-free versions, are your go-to thirst quenchers on hot and humid days. Shawarma Gourmet Cebu is at Escario Central Mall and opens daily from 10am to 12 midnight for dine-in, take-out and delivery.

ENRICH YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF CEBU’S PAST THROUGH A GUIDED TOUR OF THE CENTURY-OLD CASA GORORDO MUSEUM. Built in the 1850s, Casa Gorordo is the former residence of the first Filipino bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo and family in the Parian district where many of the city’s prominent Chinese traders settled then.

A classic reflection of a Spanish dwelling of a bygone era, the balay na tisa (house with tiled roof) stands as a silent witness to the history of Cebu. Acquired in 1979 by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), Casa Gorordo was restored, enhanced and later opened as a museum in 1983, showcasing elaborate antique furniture and family memorabilia. The house museum was declared a “National Historical Landmark” by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 1991. Casa Gorordo is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

ENJOY THE DRIVE FROM OLD CEBU TO THE NEW BY ENDING THE DAY AT BRIGOLS RESTO, home to the country’s spiciest sisig. Located across Cebu Doctors’ University in Mandaue, the restaurant was established over the pandemic by Joshua Brigoli, a physical therapy student who moved to Cebu from San Francisco. After many friends complained that “spicy” in Cebu was just not spicy enough, he opened a restaurant serving the Hella Halang Sisig which has the hottest peppers known to mankind – Carolina Reapers and Ghost Peppers. Be sure to sign the digital waiver before biting into the challenge. If you manage to finish the dish, you’ll have a story worth sharing with your friends or family. For those not up for the spice, there’s a variety of silog dishes or have a “munchie” with their Spam Musubi.

Operating hours are Monday to Saturday from 10am to 9pm. 

BEFORE HEADING BACK TO THE CITY, VISIT SERENITY MOUNTAIN CAFÉ for a panoramic view of Busay’s spectacular landscape. The fresh mountain air, cool breeze and remarkable vistas provide the best atmosphere to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Walk next door to the newly renovated Liel’s Kitchen that serves up modern Japanese cuisine. It has easy access from their ample parking area. 

Both restaurants are part of the Serenity Farm and Resort complex in Barangay Malubog, Busay which has public and private guest rooms and entire houses for rent which can accommodate up to 35 people for day-use, overnight group stays and catered events. If time permits, venture further to other popular mountainview sites like Terrazas de Flores, Temple of Leah, Tops, Top of Cebu, and Mountain View Nature’s Park.

ESCAPE THE CITY ON YOUR SECOND DAY AND UNWIND AT THE TRANQUIL HEIGHTS OF SOUL SIERRA. In the highlands of Babag 1, this refreshing oasis will leave you renewed amidst its lush greenery, unique natural landscape and a pond alive with koi. Discover holistic wellness with Kymberly Muego, who offers private reiki, crystal and sound healing sessions, cacao ceremonies and tarot readings.

This feel-good space also holds yoga classes, retreats, sacred circles, and other healing workshops for the mind, body and spirit. Dine at The Garden for a delicious range of nourishing meals, creative vegan options and healthy drinks. Start your journey to self-love and #discoverwellness at Soul Sierra, open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 10pm.

DON’T MISS OUT ON A CHANCE TO VISIT THE NEARBY FORT SAN PEDRO located in Plaza Independencia. Established in 1565 as the first Spanish military defense structure, the oldest and smallest fortress in the country was originally made of wood and was later replaced with stone in the 17th century. The triangular fort, whose two sides face the sea and one fronting land, now houses a museum with well-preserved Spanish artifacts and documents.