…his chronicles and travels
The Philippines
Mactan–Cebu International Airport’s Terminal 2 was completed in 2018 in order to accommodate the ever-increasing tourist traffic to Cebu. The terminal’s architecture is considered to compliment the resort nature of the Cebu area and heavily uses exposed timber in the ceiling.… Read more
When traveling in The Philippines, one will encounter many strange sights, sounds, and smells – many most likely not present in your home country (much like the tropical weather). Along with the beach fronts, azure waters, and local cuisine, it’s all part of the Filipino experience and style.… Read more
Not far from Ayala Center Cebu is an area of a few city blocks designated IT Park due to the concentration of high-rise housing and IT offices for both local and international companies. Built on the site of an old airport, there are a few different condo and hotel options due to the traffic of IT workers in this area and the internet speeds are usually exceptionally fast.… Read more
Further into the mountains is the Top Hills vantage point which allows unparalleled views of Cebu City. From the Seaside area to Mactan Island, pretty much the entire city is visible. As usual, there are choices of snacks available and even fresh barbecue.… Read more
Another attraction in the hillsides is the Cebu Taoist Temple completed in 1972. While there is no entrance fee, there is a physical price to pay in the 81 stairs that must be climbed in order to get up the front path to the temple.… Read more
High in the hills surrounding Cebu City is the Temple of Leah, a shrine dedicated to Leah Villa Albino-Adarna by her husband (mother and father of Filipino celebrity actress Ellen Meriam Go Adarna). Built in classical architectural style, the temple evokes thoughts of ancient Greece or Rome and is a somewhat unexpected site to find in The Philippine Islands.… Read more
Near SM Seaside mall is the Cebu Ocean Park aquarium which has many aquatic exhibits as well as an outdoor bird show featuring various species of parrot. There are also activities such as swimming with manta rays, a fish spa (where small fish pluck the dead skin off of your feet), and sea walking/trekking in an diving helmet.… Read more
SM Seaside City Cebu is the crown jewel mall of Cebu City. While Ayala Center and SM City are more centrally located and more established, SM Seaside is newer and absolutely massive (the third largest mall in The Philippines, and the tenth largest mall in the world).… Read more
Upon arriving to the Philippine archipelago in 1521 while leading a Spanish expedition, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan presented a small wooden statue of an image of the Christ Child to some locals as part of their baptism and conversion to Catholicism.… Read more
Known locally as Virgin Island, Silion Island is about a 45 minute pump boat ride away from the Santa Fe area of Bantayan Island. Since it’s a little off the beaten path there is still plenty of good snorkeling with lots of tropical fish to swim with.… Read more