As I had seen the cool historic sites of the city, I did some research on other things to do and didn’t find too much that was local. So I sort became a local. I decided to have a chill day and go see a movie. So far this city seemed very much behind the times and so I inquired on local cinemas. Alaya mall was the spot to go and so I hopped on a jeapney and headed down. I started noticing that the area slowly transformed into what I know to be a normal downtown area. Large buildings and skyscrapers finally appeared. It was only a 15 min ride.
The mall was unbelievably nice and clean. They had great alternative food options to the normal fast food junk. I had roasted chicken, salad and fruit salad for 205pesos or 4.69$usd. Pretty cheap for mall prices. I bought my ticket to see the movie in the 2 level cinema. Spider man 2. The cost was 185pesos or 4.20$usd for a non matinee first run movie! Awesome.
They even have Zumba every Wednesday out in the courtyard area..
It was so interesting as the streets had no trash cans anywhere and I would find myself carrying any trash I had for blocks until I found a store and even then I had to go to the bathroom to find a trash can, Even the fast food spots were missing any form of trash container. The top fast food joints were McDonalds, Jollibee, KFC and ChowKing. The norm is to leave your plates and garbage at the table when you leave and someone comes around to pick them up. So the streets were pretty dirty as people just throw the trash on the ground. At the mall, there were employees always mopping and sweeping. It was a little confusing. Even with this way of life, the locals always had a smile on their faces. These have been some of the most friendliest people I have ever met. People actually looked you in the eyes!! Amazing… haha
I had met a local girl whom actually lived in the next city over. She came into town a couple times and we did normal local stuff which was fun and chill. I knew I had to stretch my money until I got to Spain and so doing this was perfect. She didn’t come into Cebu City that often so it was fun for her as well. We went back to the BBQ place I found and I took her to Fort San Pedro. It has to be the most peaceful place in the city. At night people are jogging and walking around. I would think that there would have been more people out but maybe not on weekdays.
I had only booked my room at Hotel R Cebu for 4 nights and so I had found a room at Tune Hotel across the street from Ayala Center. There was a large supermarket that I frequented. I bought snacks and beverages for the room which really cuts down on food costs. The fish market was awesome!
I actually only went out to bars 2 nights during my stay in Cebu. I had brought a bunch of movies with me and picked up 6 dvds from the street vendors. I even spent a night or two mixing some music and getting more familiar with my dj mixing software. The company I plan to work for in Spain said I can dj on some of the booze cruises!! Can’t wait!
My local friend Reni and I went and saw Godzilla one night and grabbed some food. I had chorizo and squid which melts like butter in your mouth. Super delicious and only $3.50usd
It feels very relaxing not being a typical tourist like most foreigners running around like crazy people trying to see every damn thing they find in some tourist guide book. And they usually only see these places because they were told to. I have passed up many attractions in my time. So many of them tend to seem all the same to me after while. I like to try the food spots and see one of a kind places only special to that location. The closest beaches to swim in are at least 30min away. I am going to be in Boracay for 10 days so I didn’t even sweat it. My Poseidon in me is building up the excitement.
I have spent time trying to change a 100$ bill that has a tear in it. nobody would exchange it. They tell me it won’t be put into circulation. They have very strict rules on the quality of foreign bills. They advised me that Hong Kong will except it. Fine by me. I can pay my hotel there with it.
I did some electronics shopping here and found it to be cheaper than the USA. They have an Emall in Cebu which is loaded with vendors selling all kinds of cell phone accessories and other audio/video goodies. I picked up a new bluetooth speaker and an HDMI cable. They also do laptop and cell phone repairs on the spot. I noticed nobody here has cracked phone screens and now I know why. They also don’t really use iphones here so that is another reason…haha
I finally found the good 15 year aged Tanduay Rum. I’m taking it to Boracay with me.
I’m leaving today to head off to Iloilo. Another island that is on my way to Boracay. I am taking a 12 hour overnight ferry ride to Iloilo where I will spend 2 days and then a 6 hour bus ride to Boracay. Total cost is around $30usd and I have a bed on the ferry. I could take a flight for $70 plus bag fees. The ferry ride will be fun and saves me another night in a hotel. My last stop before on the way to the pier is Burrito Babes. A cool food joint that has gotten rave reviews by many travelers. I’m grabbing a burrito to go and will enjoy at the port while waiting for my ferry. Time to go!
UNWRITTEN CHAPTERS 