Hello all the way from the Queen City of the South! If you want to dive deep into history and immerse in diverse culture, Cebu is the place to be. It is home to Basilica del Sto. Niño (also known as Sto. Niño Church), the oldest chuch in the Philippines and dates back to 1565. Nature lover? Head down south to Oslob, you can see and swim with the majestic whaleshark (Butanding). Go on an exciting canyoneering adventure in Badian then trek and jump into Kawasan Falls. Drop by Malapascua or Bantayan, bask under the sun and witness the arresting and picturesque view. 

     It all sounds so wonderful, right? But what else should you really know before coming here? To save yourself from the unwanted hassle, read on. Here are some tips from a person who has lived here for 26 years (and counting)!

1. Cebu city has been booming. More buildings, more people and therefore, more cars. We rank number one in the worst places to drive in list, according to Waze. Why? Because the traffic situation has gone into overdrive! Good for you if you're, like me, the kind of person who likes walking. Monday, Wednesday and Friday are the worst days to commute because the cars hardly move and jeepneys are overloaded. So bring comfy footwear just incase...and walk if you must. You'll save yourself much more time. Traffic is most heavy at 7:00-9:00 am and at 4:00- 7:30 pm a.k.a rush hours. Taking a taxi will cost you because the meter keeps rolling while you're stuck in one area for minutes...even hours. Another option is to take a motorcycle (habal-habal), they take you to your destination faster than the other forms of transpo.

2. Generally, vehicles here are not so pedestrian-friendly. Cross quickly but cautiously and then they'll give way. I personally think these kinds of drivers should be re-oriented because they think they own the road. Oh, and take the overpass. It's there for a reason. Just saying!


3. Rainy season might not be the best time to come here. In the city, especially Mandaue and Talamban areas, floods are prevalent...and it's becoming really bad. They turn into rivers..in a jiff!:) Although this has been happening for a long time, people have managed to just find humor out of the most terrible situations and just smile their way through. I don't even know if the officials in these areas are doing anything about it.

4. We locate places by using landmarks and street names instead of building or house numbers. My Russian student asked me about this one time because among all the places he's been to, Cebu is the only one without such system. What should you do then? Get familiar with the landmarks, should you need to get to an unfamiliar place, ask someone who LOOKS reliable. (follow your gut. LOL) GPS is not commonly used either. Let me give you an idea. This happened to me before and to think, I'm from Cebu myself!

A.
Me (asking about the city pound): Maayong hapon, asa ni dapita ang cebu pound? (Good afternoon.  Where is the city pound?
Guy: Naa dapit sa katayan luyo anang mga balay. (It is near the abattoir, behind those houses.)

B. On the way to Badian
Lawrence: Asa ni ang Matutinao church? (Where is Matutinao Church?)
Guy: Didto unahan...duol na lang. (Just over there *pointing*. You are already very near.)

C. 
A: Where is Robinsons Mall?
B: It's in Fuente.
A: Where is Fuente?
B: Near Mango Ave. / Jones Ave.

Get the picture?

5. It might not be the best idea to give money to street children. They swarm around you and it tends to do more harm than good. If you want to help out a bit, give food instead of money.

6. Sport your jewelry at your own risk. Cebu is predominantly safe but spare yourself the trouble. Snatchers have eyes as sharp as that of an eagle's. They know when it's a fake!


7. If you must get drunk, don't bring a lot of money with you. Hang on to your keys or better yet, leave them in the front desk of your hotel. Bring enough money...or one secure credit card. I live in the heart of the night life here in Cebu, Mango Avenue. It's three minutes away from my place and seeing terribly wasted people in the streets isn't new to me. Remember, some people take advantage of the situation.

8. Lastly, *dum dum dum dummmmmmm!* If you're thinking about getting laid, leave your stuff in a safety deposit box. We have news going around about how hookers get your valuables while you are drunk in bed. Passports are not an exception.


     So that's about all of it! I hope I didn't keep you from visiting my city. Just a heads up for you guys! Set aside the worries for Cebu has captured the hearts of many and hopefully it be the same for you. It's never a bad idea to play it safe, though! Enjoy! :)