Cebu's Popular Danggit

They say that the original and authentic Danggit can only be found in Cebu City. That's why whenever someone visits Cebu, danggit will be one of their "pasalubong". But the question is, where can you exactly find them. Before we went to Cebu, my supervisor which was born there, told me "good luck finding danggit." The first thing that came to my mind was, "what!!!?? good luck??? is it that hard to find???". Every time we step out of our inn, we try to look around and see if we could see some danggit on the street of maybe have some hints that we're getting close. On our last day, my mom asked me to come with her to buy some "pasalubong". The first thing we did was go to the public market. We didn't know where it was so we took a jeep, keeping an eye on the inner streets then we decided to get off and ask for direction. Lucky for us, the market is just a block away. The market was located near the pier. Even though we found the market, were still not sure were to find danggit. We ask this "manong"  that was passing by carrying a sack of something and asked him where we can find the stores of danngit. He pointed us at the near end of the market and instructed us to turn right once we saw a street. We thanked the man and head on. Immediately after turning right, we saw this one store of the danggit.

I looked around looking for another store but all I could see was some fresh fish stand and more vegetable stand. So this means that this was the only danggit store in the market of Cebu.

The price of danggit per kilo is now Php600 and with the dried pusit (squid). I know the price is ridiculously high, but it is sure to be worth it. We bought a half kilo of danggit and a 1/4 kilo of squids. Now the only problem we had was how are we going to conceal the smell of it. Wrapping it with paper and lot's and lot's of plastic should somehow do it.

After our market visit, we bought some Otap, dried mangoes and some more home made treats of Cebu to take home.

Going around Cebu

Being in an unfamiliar place but seemingly familiar environment makes you a little confident that you can always figure out your way around. Cebu City is like any other cities here in Manila, particularly the inner part of "Maynila". It is very crowded with people and lot's of jeepney that have different signage of different part of the province. One of the best thing that can help you when you're travelling is trusting you instinct.

If you are unsure of the exact location of the place you want to visit and a little scared of taking chances with the jeepney and a lot walking, a taxi is always the best way to go around. Just tell the driver the place and it is a 98% guarantee that they know it.

This is one of the main transportation in Cebu City. If you're adventurous and have the great instinct when it comes to distance, you can take on of these. Almost every jeep goes around in the inner part of Cebu, just don't forget to read the sign. If you're a little unsure if the jeep's destination, you can always ask the driver or the barker.

They also have this mini buses that goes around between major cities.

Foodie: Zubo Chon Lechon

During our stay in Cebu, my mom has been telling us that we should try Cebu's Lechon, the one without sauce. I told her that is it the same with Chick Boy's cebu lechon. She said "no" and that it was way better. She told us that she found an article about it on one of the in-flight magazines and that she remembered that it was located somewhere called "magallanes st." .... not sure if that's the one. The first night of our stay in Cebu, before deciding to call it a day, we tried to look for it. We even ended up asking the police about cebu's lechon but they kept pointing us on a different one. Tired and hungry, my ended up eating at McDonalds then head back to the inn. Morning came and we immediately departed for our trip to Bohol. When we came back to cebu from bohol, my mom insisted that we should look for it again. My brother and I agreed to look for it. We asked these one security guard to one of the hotels if he knows a place named Zubo Chon. We told him the street and pointed us to the right direction. He told us that it's on a "Mango 1" compound, across the "Mango 2" and that we can easily spot it because they had a sign on the side of the street. So we walked for a few minutes then finally found it.

I was like, what!!! when I saw this

We take a looked at the Menu and was a bit confuse which is which, If I remember it correctly, everything has Zubo Chon -_- , even Dinuguan. When we saw the part with price per grams, we guessed that it's probably the lechon and we were right. We ordered about 1/2 kilo I think and some adobong kangkong for veggies. While waiting for the order, I took some shots inside the restaurants.

When the food arrived, first thing I did was take some pictures. :)

Zubo Chon's Cebu Lechon

and told my mom and my brother to drink some pineapple juice after we eat. So, as I watched my mom and my brother tasting the lechon, all they said was... "uhm.. sarap". I look at it closely inspecting for something unusual from the usual look of a lechon since I'am not very fond of it before I tasted it. First thing that I noticed that it doesn't look pale or under cooked. It looked perfect, perfect enough for me to try it. I tasted eat and chewed slowly to savor the flavor and ingredients. I tasted some large amount of rosemary that probably eliminated the taste of raw pork, some hint of ginger I think and other herb and spices that's common for cooking. As the food depleted our tummy became bloated. After finally, eating my mom's craving, we headed back to the inn but dropping by first a convenient store to buy some pineapple juice.

Magellan's Cross

My mom told me that one of the proof you can have that you've been to Cebu is have a picture at Magellan's Cross. On our first day on Cebu, after eating lunch, freshen up and rested awhile in our hotel, we headed to the monument. We took a taxi because were not exactly sure where it is.

Outside Magellan's Cross -- this is my brother

The Cross of Magellan
From time immemorial this spot has been set aside to commemorate the erection of a cross. When King Humabon of Cebu and his Queen, Sons and Daughters, together with some 800 of their subjects were baptized by Father Pedro Valderrama. This hallowed site was improved in 1723 by Rev. Juan Albarran, prior to San Agustin and in 1834 by Rt. Rev Santos Gomez Maraňon, Bishop of Cebu. The image of the Sto. Niňo found by the expedition of Legaspi in a House near the present side of the Cathedral of Cebu is venerated by the faithful in the nearby church of San Agustin.

Magellan's Cross

Magellan's Cross
This cross of Tindalo Wood Encases the original cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan on this very site April 21, 1521

The paintings on the ceiling of the monument

When we arrived there, we saw some old ladies and a group of tourist having some kind of "novena" --- it's kinda like a series of prayer in one session. 

Outside the monument, was a small park with trees and across the street is the Municipality of Cebu.

After some picture taking, we walked around the park and the church beside it. I couldn't take some shots because some beggars and standing by the street and they might snatch the camera.

Pacific Pensionne House

Months before our actual trip in Cebu, I have looked for cheap inns and hotel to stay at. Most of the hotel requires one night advance deposit to secure your room. It will be ideal to do that during peak season in Cebu, which may mostly happen during the Sinulog Festival. During our stay in Cebu, we checked-in at the Pacific Pensionne House. My mom kept reminding me that It will be ideal to get a nice and affordable inn to stay in for the night, since we will be out in the city most of the time.

We booked a two standard room. One for my brother then one for my mom and I for only Php700+ peso/room. Equipped with a double size bed, 2 pillows, air conditioning, a tv with some cable channels, a bathroom (you have to request for a pale and dipper), a table and chair, some hangers inside the cabinet and towels with shampoo and soap and toilet papers.

Room was okay for sleeping if you are out all day. The only problem we had encountered was the security card and the thingy where you put it on keeps breaking. The thingy and the card controls the door key and electricity inside the room. They had to change a couple of times for the electricity work. The funny thing is, it was only our room. My brother's thingy security worked just fine. Even though we had some misfortune in our room, all in all, our stay in the Pacific Pensionne was great.

For room rates and amenities, visit their site at:

http://pacificpensionne.com/index.php

Foodie: Tsiboom!!!!!!!!!!!

After exploring the Lapu-Lapu Shrine, we felt more hungrier than before. We took a jeep from the Shrine and trusted fate that it will take us were we needed to go which is to Mandaue City. Bothered by the long jeep ride, my Mom and I tried to look around to look for clues to see exactly where we are. Still trusting the instruction of the cab driver, we waited for it to stop on a terminal. Finally, we saw a terminal. The Mandaue City Park Mall. We got off the jeep and went inside the mall to have a quick restroom break. Afterwards, we went looking for a place to eat. My mom saw this restaurant that says something about native foods. So we went inside and had a looked on their menu. We didn't expect that the food here is super awesome.

Make sure you visit

We ordered their version of Paksiw na Tanigue , Sizzling Bangus, Bicol Express, Pork Binagoongan, unlimited rice and Iced tea.  Oh yes, were hungry.

One of the best home made Iced tea ever!!!

These iced tea is super awesome. I'm not usually a fan of unknown made iced tea but this one, I'm speechless to how good it was.

Paksiw na Tanigue

I forgot the exact name of this food, because it's named in Cebuano, but if you ask what it is, it's their own version of "paksiw na isda" One of the best paksiw I have tasted. It's sour and the fish is fresh. If I'm not mistaken, it also has a hint of coconut milk which makes it a little sweeter. Definitely 2 thumbs up.

Pork Binagoongan

My mom and my brother was very fond of these dish. They said that it was the best Binagoongan they have tasted. Not too salty of not even fishy. For me it was ok, I was enjoying more with the paksiw. :)

Bicol Express

Their version of bicol express has some chopped string beans (sitaw) , chopped chillies and some pork. I was also enjoying this dish because it's not the spicy. Our fourth dish, the Sizzling Bangus, sad to say we didn't got a chance to take a picture of it. But, that bangus dish was simply mouth watering. Of all the food the we ordered that day, that one simply is the number one.

Looking for authentic food around cebu was a little hard. Or maybe we just didn't know where to look. We all decided to have a lunch at Tsiboom again before we leave for Manila. On our day of departure we ordered Adobong Pusit (without the ink), Lechon Kawali, Laing, Salt and Peppered Shrimp and unlimited rice and iced tea. :)

Adobong Pusit

They have 2 version of adobong pusit. One is without the squid's ink, the other one has. So I decided to order the one without the ink. The squid is so fresh and tender. Definitely a must try.

Lechon Kawali

Not just your typical lechon kawali. Liked I said, everything about this restaurant is so much yummier.

Laing

I also enjoyed eating this one, I'm a little picky when it comes to Laing, but this is also a must try. Our fourth dish, the Salt and Peppered Shrimp has no picture too. But, also a mouth watering dish for all the Shrimp lovers. It's fresh and crispy and yummy.

So if your planning to visit Cebu, make sure you drop by the Tsiboom Native Restaurant at Park Mall Mandaue City

Lapu-Lapu Shrine

On our way to Lapu-lapu shrine, my mom keeps asking the taxi driver on how to get around the city and how are going to find some hotels. ( Before we go to this trip, I already researched about the place where to find affordable hotels and what places to visit, but my mom what it to do it her own way, so I said fine, which ended up to disaster.) Our taxi driver became somewhat of a tour guide too, explaining our current location and the history of the place.

Welcome to Lapu-lapu Shrine

Tower standing at the entrance of the Shrine

Lapulapu

Here on 27 April 1521,  Lapulapu and his men repulse the spanish invaders killing their leader Ferdinand Magellan Thus Lapulapu became the first Filipino to have repelled the European Aggression.

According to some historian, Lapulapu did not physically killed Magellan in combat but rather one his soldiers. But during those time, soldiers don't get the glory and fame for killing a leader or someone popular, just their leaders. So some random soldier killed Magellan, then Lapulapu gets the glory. (no haters here)

The battlefield

Lapulapu

Outside the shrine, there was this a few souvenir shop that has cute  keychains and other stuff, and a lot cheaper too. After our shopping, we got on a jeep going to Mandaue City so we can catch a ride going to Cebu. Oh boy, Mandaue is awesome.... because of the Tsiboom :p

From Pasay City Naia Terminal 3 to Mactan-Cebu Airport

Our trip to Cebu was a result of my mom's impulse to book a discounted flight on Cebu Pacific Airlines. She asked me to book flight to Cebu, Puerto Princessa and Hongkong. Cebu Pacific offered discounted fare to fill up their seats. Our flight to Cebu was 7:20 AM in the morning. We have to be at the airport 3 hours before the flight.

Check - in Counter

Flight number

Bus that will take us to the plane

Boarding ....

Sights in the air.

Smogy Manila

Up in the clouds

Getting close

Arrival at Mactan-Cebu Airport

After arriving, we hired an airport cab to take us to Lapu-Lapu Shrine.