CEBU


Cebu is the hub around which the Visayas revolves. It is the most densely populated island in the Philippines and is second only to Luzon in its strategic and economic importance to the country. Its language, Cebuano, is widely spoken throughout the Visayas and parts of Mindanao, and its capital, Cebu City, is a magnet for migrants from all over the region.

Heavily developed, particularly on its eastern coast, Cebu has a long, bare backbone of a central mountain range that has confined most of the population to the coastal fringe. Mining and logging have taken their toll on the forests, though with the right guide there are still a few opportunities for exploring mountains, caves and waterfalls.


The beaches at the northern tip of the island and on its southwest coast have the whitest sand and the most spectacular diving. To the north, the idyllic offshore islands of Bantayan and Malapascua are steadily increasingly in popularity, and deservedly so. To the south, Moalboal's Panagsama Beach packs a concentrated dose of dive centres and budget hedonism.

Mactan Island, a short drive from Cebu City, may be little more than an overdeveloped mudflat, but divers and bird-watchers still flock to Olango, a reef-ringed outcrop just off its eastern coast.

Text from:  Lonely Planet

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Alegre Resort in Cebu


August 2008


During my previous travel to Cebu, I stayed in Shangri-la's Mactan Island Resort. No complaints with Shangri-La Mactan here. I loved its sprawling gardens, their pools, various restaurants and comfortable rooms. Service is excellent as well.  I would definitely go back :)


This time around, I wanted to try Alegre Beach Resort located in Northern Cebu. It is two hours away from Mactan Airport. I didn't mind the distance as it was interesting to see small towns one after the other all leading to a winding coastal road. The entrance of Alegre opened to an unpaved road which ended at the main building. I could already see the sea from where I stood near the Front Desk. I instantly knew that this resort is promising!




view of the pool and the sea from the lobby




We then hopped into a golf cart to get to our cabana. Double doors opened to a cozy room with a huge marble bath. Ladies will especially love that management did not scrimp on space when they designed the bathroom!



our cottage

two queen beds, a couch and the marble bath in the middle


The first order of the day was to have lunch. We took it in The Pavilion with a perfect view of the sea. I can sit here for hours and just marvel at the sight before me. I like the quiet and the serenity. The food is good, by the way. Served in generous portions by Alegre's courteous staff.


view from the restaurant during the day

view at night

Alegre's huge halo-halo with fresh mango :)


The strip of white sand beach is short but is always kept clean. Rows of chaise lounge line the beachfront, perfect for sunbathing and reading.







Several hammocks lie suspended between tall coconut trees. Just to the right side is a seafood BBQ and bar. The privacy is a welcome departure from the usual beach party scene. I loved it :)




The resort has an on-site dive center.  For non-divers, there's snorkeling, kayaking, tennis, a game room and  the gym.  The pool is nicely lit in the evenings so night swimming is also recommended.  Alegre also offers spa services.



And before we said our goodbye to this beautiful resort, we saw a rainbow.  The sky was a gentle combination of pink and purple.  How pretty is that?



Alegre Beach Resort is highly recommended if you wish to get away from the busy city scene or deviate from the wild parties others Philippine beaches are known for.  It is peaceful and relaxing... just the right medicine for the tired soul :)

* * *

I was lucky to be traveling with a friend who hails from Cebu.  She became my personal tour guide, showing off some of the highlights that Cebu City has to offer:



Try the pasta, pizza and risotto at La Tegola -- one of Cebu's popular restaurants.
This branch where we dined at overlooked the Cebu City so it was pretty at night.

Went to TOPS - a popular sight-seeing spot offering stunning
views of the city.  This is one of 'tunnels' with kiosks available for dining.

Visit the Cebu Cathedral that dates back to the 1500s

IT Business Park has a lot of cafes and restaurants.  Yuppies thrive here.




We drove 3 hours to the southern part of Cebu to see another popular attraction -  Kawasan Falls.  There is a light trek involved from where the cars were parked.  We passed by small streams and crossed over bridges.








We only went to the first waterfall as we still had to go back to the city to catch our flight.  This was the biggest and the busiest of the three.  There were cottages built in the surrounding area, which could be rented for picnics.  One can also take a dip into the refreshing water.  Bamboo rafts can also be rented to take you under the waterfall for a cool shower!





* All photos are Skycab's own.