Ask any jaded traveler on his favorite destinations, and chances are Cebu is one of them. Adjudged several times by prestigious global publications as among the best islands in Asia and the world, this province boasts of a rich diversity of nature, adventure and culture, and everything in between.
At the central part of this exciting archipelago is the tri-cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu where most of the daytime and nocturnal tourist activities take place. And despite suffering heavy beating from supertyphoon Odette in December last year, these resilient cities are back on their feet and have been luring local and foreign tourists for several months now.
And despite being a natural tourist magnet, tourism players are not resting their laurels in promoting this gorgeous getaway. Just recently, the Department of Tourism Central Visayas regional office, bai Hotel and leading carrier Cebu Pacific hosted a media tour to the all-too familiar place to keep it a top-of-mind destination even during this lean travel season.
With 15 daily flights from Manila, and regular flights from 21 domestic destinations across the archipelago, Cebu Pacific has made the Queen City of the South a next-door neighbor where you can breeze in at any time of the day.
And for the proverbial home away from home, a hands-down choice is bai Hotel in Mandaue City which is strategically-located between the airport, and the commercial centers and Old World attractions of Cebu. Named after the Visayan word “bai”, a term of endearment to a close friend, this four-star hotel is a gracious host and companion to travelers seeking a gracious home in the south.
According to property general manager Alfred Reyes, the hotel prides itself in being “Your Host in the South” which pampers visitors with safe, comfortable and memorable stays.
And much like a good old friend, the amiable hotelier and stalwart of the hospitality, said that bai takes the extra mile to its guests and customers by exceeding their expectations.
A member of the renowned Worldhotels, this landmark 23-story hotel boasts of 668 well-appointed luxe rooms and a roofdeck infinity pool overlooking the metropolis, the mountains and the seas.
Its claim to fame is its vaunted food outlets which are among the most sought-after in Metro Cebu, topped by Cafe bai, which known for its extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. The flagship restaurant offers more than 25 food sections of local and international dishes, with each station showcasing chefs with live cooking so guests can witness the art of dish preparation.
The luxe hotel also takes pride in its fine-dining restaurant, Marble+Grain Steakhouse for meat lovers, Ume Japanese Cuisine, and Wall Street Coffee and Bar and Twilight Roofdeck and Bar for snacks and in-between meals or after-dinner cravings.
Reyes noted that bai was accorded he 2021 Agoda Customer Review Award, and the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the DOT Safety Seal certification because of its stringent health protocols at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Just a few minutes away is Cebu’s heritage district whose allure never fails to lure even frequent visitors. The observance of the Quincentennial of Christianity last year and enhancements to the iconic Magellan’s Cross, the city’s antiquarian charm remains an integral part of the southern sojourn.
The poster images of Plaza Independencia and Fort San Pedro have become more magnetic these days with the people’s preference for open and green spaces to be away from the madding crowd in enclosed buildings.
On Sundays, there is a strong probability of seeing the Fort’s checkered past come alive as historical reenactors of the La Liga Cebu roam around the Spanish-era fortress in their battle regalia, doing military drills, snapshots with visitors, and rendering pep talks about the Philippine Revolution in Cebu and the elaborate uniforms close to the original.
For beach bums and aquasports aficionados, an interlude with the sea should not be missed. Blessed with long coastlines, powdery shores and crystalline water, Mactan is veritable hub of water activities such as island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing, among others.
With the recent opening of the 8.3-km Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), the country’s new longest bridge and first tollway in the Visayas, the spotlight has been trained on Mactan’s smaller and more enigmatic half, Cordova town.
Often overshadowed by its bigger twin, Lapu-Lapu City, the municipality is a tourism gem hiding from plain sight with its idyllic islands of Hilutungan, Caohagan at Nalusuan which have some of the richest marine life in central Cebu.
Near the foot of the bridge is the 10,000 Roses Café dotted with LED lights which is a mesmerizing nocturnal sight. Nearby is the Mangrove Propagation and Information Center, a corporate social responsibility of CCLEX which is anchored on ecotourism and appreciation of the vast mangrove forest.
With masterful blend of old and new elements, Cebu and bai Hotel will always be your gracious host in the south.
Image credits: Bernard L. Supetran, Antho Marino and Bernard L. Supetran