Northern Exposure

directory CEBU’S #1 CITY GUIDE Vol. 4 No. 5 June 2013

The

Food Issue

INSIDE

UP NORTH Danasan Eco Adventure Park, Camotes, Malapascua, Papa Kit’s Marina and more OLD CEBU WALKS Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, Jesuit House and more

Northern

Exposure

ALEGRE BEACH RESORT Sitting on the north shore of Cebu for 20 years, Alegre celebrates with a newly renovated restaurant that features local dishes in a style that’s world-class.

ALEGRE BEACH RESORT

EDITOR’S NOTE

NORTHERN EXPOSURE: ALEGRE BEACH RESORT The Northerners When I was younger, my family would spend every other weekend in Bantayan Island, which meant lots of hours spent driving through the northern towns in the hours of daybreak before going on a ferry that would take us to the beautiful island. One such trip led to a stopover at Alegre Beach Resort, which to my young eight-year-old eyes seemed like the most picturesque sight. Now more than ten years later, Alegre still retains its idyllic seaside charm—something that the weary city folk will definitely appreciate.

There’s more to discover up north though, whether you’re a beach bum or an adrenaline junkie. Make your drive up is packed with activities, and make sure to take the new coastal highway for a quick and scenic route.

Back in the heart of the city, heritage sites are perfect for an afternoon of culture and history.

The drive up to Alegre Beach Resort is considerably shorter and smoother, with the new northern coastal highway that takes cars from Mandaue through a scenic route that comes out in Liloan. The road is a welcome detour from the busier thoroughfares of the cities and towns you’d usually have to cut through to head up the island—in turn making the north a more accessible and appealing destination.

In fact, the drive made Alegre seem closer to the city than ever before. “It’s definitely made it more convenient, both for guests who live in the city and for the guests who fly in, because it cuts trips to the airport in half,” says the resort’s general manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin.

It’s a good thing too, because Alegre is a premium piece of vacation property in the north, sitting atop a hill that looks out onto the white sandy coves of the beach. Currently, the resort’s 42 rooms sit on just seven of its 40-hectare area, but this year will see a planned expansion. “We’re looking to add 48 rooms and villas combined, and another specialty restaurant.”

For the time being, Alegre has its own restaurant—a pavilion that overlooks the sea. Furnished with pieces from Carlo Cordaro, the dining outlet seems to blend in with its picturesque surroundings. In fact, even the indoor dining room seems to spill out into the outdoors with 180-degree glass walls to

SHARI QUIMBO Editor

directory

Vol.4 No.5 June 2013

Publisher Jacinto E. Ramos Managing Editor Shari Quimbo Creative Director David Jones Cua Layout Artist Edwin Javier Jr. Photographer Raymon Rebojo and Jay Maico Nuñez Advertising Amy Undaloc, Lorlaine Yutico and Paula Giron ZEE Publications Inc., G/F PDI Bldg. Gov. Cuenco Avenue Cor. J.Panis St., Banilad, Cebu City, Philippines Tel. No. 6332. 234 2636, 415 8597 www.zeelifestylecebu.com © All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

ON THE COVER Alegre’s newly renovated dining pavilion COVER STORY Photography Dan Douglas Ong

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Pochero Bisaya with Saging, Camote and Mais; Guso Seaweed Salad

maximize the view. On one end of the pavilion, a private dining room is furnished in Kenneth Cobonpue pieces. “We wanted to keep the character very Cebuano,” says Lyza RoaSarion, the resort’s marketing communications manager. “It’s all pieces that are distinctly local, so it matches the menu that we’re featuring.”

The menu itself is a dynamic thing, with items that change depending on the ingredients currently available. “Part of the philosophy of Alegre is keeping everything very fresh,” says Dottie. “It’s always things that we can get from the neighboring communities or what we grow ourselves in the area. Another thing we do to add variety is our specials, for when the local fishermen

Tamarong Kinilaw sa Bagol served with Flat Bread

have a particularly special catch for the day.”

It’s an arrangement that works well for Alegre and the communities nearby. “We source locally as much as possible,” Dottie explains. “We’ve identified the markets in the neighboring towns. So it works both ways— we get it fresh, and the local community gets good business.” In turn, the resort’s restaurant is able to use the best ingredients to recreate local favorites. “We serve it the way locals serve it. We’ve had foreign guests who aren’t used to having fish served as a whole. We’ve also gotten a lot of good feedback about our pochero, with some Cebuanos saying it can even compete with the old Abuhan. Our way of promoting the northern Cebu dining

The day’s catch can be cooked in various ways, like steamed in banana leaves.

experience is by providing them with a dining outlet that serves food that you’ll enjoy—if you’re Filipino, then you can associate with it, and if you’re not, it’s something unique that’ll allow you to experience the culture.”

For guests looking for a different kind of memorable experience, Alegre also offers full-service coordination for events at the resort. From large outdoor parties with 120 guests to intimate weddings with just the couple and their witnesses, Alegre is happy to provide you with whatever you need. “It’s just a matter of how they want it and what they want us to do,” says Dottie.

“We’re very flexible when it comes to events or birthday parties on the beach. For the

Fresh catch of the day

menu, they can make personal requests like lechon or roasted calf. We recognize that people who want a beach wedding are looking for something very special and memorable. We help them keep it precious.”

Barefoot beach weddings aside, Alegre’s charm is that it remains remarkably natural even in its efforts to expand and keep up with the times. “The owners saw the potential of the place,” says Dottie on why they chose to schedule their expansion for this year. “We already have a product that we know we can enhance. The sea, the view—we don’t want to destroy it, we want to preserve it. It’s all about building to enhance what we already have.”

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DATELINE CEBU

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Borussia Located in the quiet town of Sogod, Borussia keeps with its private surroundings by being inconspicuous from the main road—you will have to follow a short, grassy alley to reach it. The restaurant and deli serves authentic German cuisine and a variety of bread baked by a certified master baker in Germany. Because the bungalow is home to a couple, being served in their pantry or garden has a very personal touch to it. Try the beef roll served with red cabbage and mashed potato, fricadelli (meat balls) and goulasch at affordable rates.

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Danasan Eco Adventure Park With caves, fresh water springs, waterfalls and a man-made lake, activities are not scarce in this 133-hectare park. Let the thrillseeker in you have a go at trekking, caving, rapelling, camping, ziplining or even horseback riding. Danasan Eco Adventure Park also takes pride in having the first wakeboarding facility in the Visayas. There is an entrance fee of Php25, with additional fees for each activity. The park is an hour’s drive away from the city, in the municipality of Danao.

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Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Fishing is a means of livelihood in Cebu, so it makes sense that it would also be a form of recreation at Papa Kit’s in Liloan where there

is an abundance of milkfish and tilapia. The P100 entrance fee is consumable for food and fishing, and the restaurant can cook your fresh catch for you to enjoy on the spot. Another favorite attraction is the 800-meter zipline that runs to and fro a nearby island.

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Camotes Island Camotes is known for pristine beaches that offer a hideaway from the city’s hustle and bustle.

It is also the home town of Lake Danao, the largest lake in Visayas and Mindanao that you can admire from a picnic blanket or go boating in. If you feel like engaging in risky business, take a dive off the cliff at Mangodlong Rock Resort, where the jumps vary from 30 to 50 feet to the sea level. Don’t leave without trying local fare like camote chips and camote suman, their key ingredient being the root crop (sweet yam) the island is named after.

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Malapascua It’s no secret that Malapascua is a world-class diving spot frequented by locals and tourists alike. The tiny island famous for its beautiful coral reefs is only twenty minutes away from Monad Shoal, where most advanced scuba divers prefer to go. It is the only site in the world where deep water thresher sharks and manta rays can be sighted on a regular basis.

There is also a Japanese World War II wreck near Malapascua.

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Casa del Mar Golf and Dive Hotel San Remigio boasts of having the longest shoreline in Cebu.

A great place to enjoy one of its white, sandy beaches is Casa del Mar Golf and Dive Hotel. The Meditteranean-inspired resort offers similar amenities with city hotels such as saunas, conference rooms and water sports activities.

Tee off and practice your swing with friends at nearby Verdemar Golf Club. Casa del Mar is also conveniently a timeshare vacation spot for avid travelers.

NORTH PHASE What goes up is bound to come down but with destinations to visit in Northern Cebu, you’re likely to linger a while longer.

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HISTORY LESSON

Take an afternoon in Cebu to walk through history. Ka Bino Guerrero and his Old Cebu Walks gives tourists and locals a tour through the heritage sites in the heart of the city.

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MAGELLAN’S CROSS Planted by Ferdinand Magellan’s men upon arriving in Cebu in April 21, 1521, the Magellan’s Cross is the symbol of the Cebuano’s acceptance of the Christian faith.

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BASILICA MINORE DEL STO. NIñO The most iconic church of Cebu, the Sto. Niño Basilica was built with coral stone and egg

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RAJAH HUMABON whites—in fact, early MONUMENT parishioners would offer eggs for weddings and Historically, tattoos were a symbol of baptisms to help build battles won, and this the church. homage to the famous STREET VENDORS Cebuano ruler shows just how powerful The array of local Rajah Humabon was delicacies, usually with his head-to-toe sold by vendors on body art. the street, is the best way to partake in CEBU METROPOLITAN the culture. Try the CATHEDRAL rosquillos, pinasugbo, masareal, tagaktak and Its construction funded by the King of Spain, chicharon.

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the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral was the seat of what was once the biggest diocese in the Philippines—with Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Leyte and even Guam once daughter dioceses.

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JESUIT HOUSE Located inside the Hotong Hardware warehouse, the Jesuit House is the only completely bahay na

bato in Cebu, and has an eccentric history that includes being the venue for Sergio Osmeña’s exclusive gentlemen’s club.

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YAP-SANDIEGO HOUSE Belonging to the ancestors of Val Sandiego, the YapSandiego House is an example of an individual effort to preserve history. Although not

completely restored, it features several antique furniture and details that chronicle old Cebu life.

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CEBU HERITAGE MONUMENT Created by local artist Eduardo Castrillo, the monument displays Cebu’s historical sites and events in one spot, including the churches, Battle of Mactan, St. Pedro Calungsod, and a Spanish galleon.

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SHOP TALKS

Whether you’re looking for popular brand names in an air-conditioned complex or want to get in the thick of it in a busy outdoor marketplace, Cebu’s got a place for you. Get your shopping bag ready and splurge!

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MALL RATS

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Ayala Center Cebu

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SM City Cebu

Although it hosts a wide range of boutiques, specialty stores and restaurants, Ayala Center Cebu is also a favorite haunt for The Terraces—its large 2008 redevelopment that brings the mall experience outdoors.

Eat al fresco at some of the best restaurants in the city after an afternoon of shopping.

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Opened in November 1993, SM City Cebu was the first large shopping mall in the city. With its collection of restaurants, foreign and local brands and an IMAX theater, it continues to be a favorite shopping and entertainment destination among locals—and with its location near the city’s port area, it enjoys a good amount of transient shoppers as well.

MARKET STOPS 3

Carbon

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Tabo-an

Although the Carbon Market was once the depot where coal was unloaded from the Cebu Railroad, it now has a completely different atmosphere as probably the biggest and most popular market in the city. Located in the bustling MC Briones Street downtown, the road is crowded with shoppers and vendors that sell a variety of wares—flowers, fruits and vegetables, handicrafts and souvenirs, meat, and even clothing.

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Cebu is popular for its various selection of buwad or dried fish, and there’s no better place to get a good stash to take home than at Tabo-an Market. From danggit and dilis to posit and even dried mussels, Tabo-an’s vendors have baskets piled high with the salty delicacies—a visual treat for its contrasting colors. Fair warning though: the fishy smell sticks to your clothes and hair, so make sure to schedule a trip back to the hotel for a shower right after.

LOR LIKES

Looking for the right souvenirs to bring a taste of Cebu back home? Lor Yutico enumerates her favorite local delicacies and why they deserve a place in your carry-on for the trip back home.

TITAY’S ROSQUILLOS Named for being shaped liked roscas (ringlets), Titay’s rosquillos are a staple in souvenir shops, and can be enjoyed dipped in coffee or the local hot chocolate or playfully worn on each finger. Besides the famous golden brown biscuits, Titay’s also provides a variety of goodies like the otap, galletas del Carmen, hojaldres, polvoron, sinudlan, binangkal, penato, caycay, banana chips, and bread and pastries.

(032) 424 8888, 564 2993 www.titays.com

Titay’s

R&M DRIED MANGOES Probably the most commonly requested Cebu pasalubong, the sundried ripe mangoes are a nutritious delicacy, with a chewy and sweet taste that makes it an enjoyable snack. R&M is one of Cebu’s most established dried mangoes brands, and offers different varieties to the classic—dried mango slices, dried mango chips, maringo (mango tamarind), mango chew, dried pineapple and dried papaya.

The latest innovation is a treat for the sweet tooth: the choco-mangga, which has the delicacy dipped in rich Belgian chocolate.

Highway 77, Talamban, Cebu City (032) 257 5738, 254 5777

Founded in 1997, Scented Petals Flowermix Shoppe provides unique and personalized floral designs for all occassions.

G/F JY Square Mall, Lahug, Cebu City Store hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm daily 032. 511 0064, 63. 920 842 2477 info@scentedpetals.com, www.scentedpetals.com

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June 16

June 7-16

Culinary Journey: Cocina del Siglo Treat yourself to arroz valenciana, pata humba, mechado, adobo de carajay, bangus salad with kesong puti, and more Filipino favorites, created under the guidance of Ms. Jessica Avila.

Café Marco, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu For inquiries and reservations, call (032) 253 1111 loc 8245 or email mpplaza@marcopolohotels.com.

June 14

Sungha Jung Live in Cebu The South Korean acoustic guitarist who rose to YouTube fame is on his Philippine tour.

Tickets start at PHP500.

JCenter Convention Hall 8:00 PM For tickets and inquiries, call (032) 266 8888.

Father’s Day: The Ultimate Experience Café Marco partners with BMW for the ultimate Father’s Day experience, with a feast at only PHP1,350 per person that includes free-flowing standard drinks and a free BMW test drive all the way to Tops for dad. Available for lunch and dinner.

Café Marco, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu For inquiries and reservations, call (032) 253 1111 loc 8245 or email mpplaza@marcopolohotels.com.

June 16

The Man of the Hour Get dad at all-you-caneat lunch or dinner buffet for PHP650 nett, with a glass of wine for the first 50 fathers. Then give him a day of pampering with an overnight stay for just PHP4,999 nett, inclusive of buffet breakfast for two, an hour-long body massage, buffet dinner for two, and five bottles of local beer at Kan-anan Restaurant.

Cebu Parklane International Hotel For inquiries, call (032) 234 7000.

June Monsoon

Enjoy weekends with family and friends with a room at the Parklane at just PHP2,000 nett throughout the month. And prove that school is definitely cool by getting a free iced tea with your buffet when you present your school ID at Manuel’s Restaurant.

Cebu Parklane International Hotel For inquiries, call (032) 234 7000.

SOCIAL CALENDAR JUNE 2013

Be part of the in crowd.

Insider Bar A.S. Fortuna Street, Banilad, Cebu City (032) 238 5915 insiderbar2013@yahoo.com

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THE THE

DIRECTORY

Panglao Regents in Bohol

The Mactan Newtown: Megaworld Corporation’s vibrant new master-planned township spanning 16 hectares in Cebu’s breathtaking island of Mactan.

GALLERY

RESORTS & HOTELS ABACA BOUTIQUE RESORT Punta Engaño Road, Mactan Island Tel No: 6332. 495 3461, 236 0311 email: reservations@abaca.com www.abacaresort.com Alegre Beach Resort Calumboyan, Sogod, Cebu Tel. No. 6332. 254 9800, 254 9811 254 9822 Fax no. 6332. 254 9833 www.alegrebeachresort.com CEBU CITY MARRIOTT HOTEL Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cebu Business Park, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 411 5800 Fax No. 6332. 411 5801 www.marriottcebu.com CEBU PARKLANE International HOTEL Cebu Office: Cor. Arch. Reyes Ave. and Escario St., Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 411 7000 www.parklanehotel.com.ph HOTEL ELIZABETH Archbishop Reyes Ave., Camputhaw Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 231 8000 www.hotelelizabeth.com.ph MARIBAGO BLUEWATER BEACH RESORT Buyong Maribago, Mactan, Cebu Tel. No. 6332. 232 5411 www.bluewater.com.ph MARCO POLO PLAZA Nivel Hills, Apas, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 253 1111 Fax No. 6332. 253 8910 www.marcopolohotels.com PLANTATION BAY RESORT & SPA Marigondon, Mactan, Cebu Tel. No. 6332. 505 9800 Fax No. 6332. 236 4821 www.plantationbay.com RADISSON BLU HOTEL CEBU Sergio Osmeña Blvd. cor. Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 402 9900 Fax No. 6332. 402 9999 www.radissonblu.com/hotel-cebu

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BOUTIQUE

SHANGRI-LA MACTAN RESORT & SPA Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City Tel. No. 6332. 231 0288 Fax. No. 6332. 231 1688 www.shangri-la.com THE HENRY HOTEL 1 Paseo Saturnino, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 520 7516 www.thehouseofcebu.com THE MACTAN NEWTOWN Mactan Circumferential Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan, Cebu Tel. No. 6332. 232 2020 themactannewtown@megaworldcorp.com www.themactannewtown.com.ph WATERFRONT CEBU CITY HOTEL & CASINO 1 Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 232 6888 Fax No. 6332. 232 6989 www.waterfronthotels.net

BOHOL Panglao Regents Park Alona, Tawala, Bohol www.panglaoregentspark.com 6338. 502 4080/4081 63. 926 317 8333/939 429 0668 The Peacock Garden Luxury Boutique Resort Upper Laya, Baclayon, Bohol 6338.539 9231, 63. 917 326 9000 www.thepeacockgarden.com The Bellevue Resort Barangay Doljo, Panglao Island, Bohol 6338.422 2222/6302. 771 8181 www.thebellevue.com

856 G Gallery Business Walls, 856 A.S. Fortuna St. Banilad, Mandaue City www.856ggallery.com Tel. No. 6332. 344 3039

SPAS & SALONS JESSIE GLOVA STYLE SALON 2/F Pacific Square, F. Cabahug Street, Mabolo, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 236 1808 Monday to Saturday:10:00am - 8:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am - 7:00pm

VIRUS BOUTIQUE A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City Tel. No. 6332. 239 7461 Banilad, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 520 6330 Mobile. No. 63. 917 633 6733

FASHION DESIGNERS DEXTER ALAZAS No.7 Villalon Drive, East Capitol Site Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 583 6105 Mobile No. 63. 923 887 8861 921 520 9695 By appointment

THE SPA AT CEBU #1 Paseo Saturnino, Ma. Luisa Road, Banilad, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 412 0888, 416 3888 10:00am – 12:00mn daily

LOHAS SKIN CLINIC Paseo Saturnino, Ma. Luisa Road, Banilad, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 416 1171 Mobile. No. 63. 933 363 2550 www.lohassc.com

Bluewater Panglao Resort and Spa Danao, Panglao Island, Bohol 6338.416 0695/416 0696 www.bluewater.com.ph

EXCELLENT LOCATION For Rent or Sale 44 sqm. apartment at Ethos Bloc in A.S. Fortuna Street 1 bedroom loft - fully furnished and brand new Php 25,000.00/month

BELO MEDICAL GROUP Level 1, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu Tel. No. 6332. 234 2356 Mobile. No. 63. 917 552 6986 www.belomed.com

Please call Lor at (032) 415-8597 to arrange viewing

CLUBS, VENUES & RESTAURANTS SumoSam

Darras+Bowler

La Maison Rose

Linea Restaurant & Lounge

Nonki

Maya

Ginza

Darras+Bowler Unit 1&2 Crossroads Mall, Banilad Cebu City www.dplusbwines.com Tel No. 6332. 233 0832 Go for: varied wine selection Price Range: PP La Maison Rose 371 Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 268 5411 Cuisine: French Specialty: beef bourguignon, French lechon Price Range: PPP SUMOSAM Lvl 1, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park Tel. No. 6332. 401 0643 Mobile No. 63. 917 795 7562 Cuisine: Japanese Opens from 11:00am - 11:00pm daily

A Cafe

Abaca

Maya Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City www.theabacagroup.com Tel. No. 6332. 238 9552, 238 9618 Cuisine: Mexican Specialty: pescado vera cruz, enchiladas de queso y pollo Price Range: PPP

Abaca Punta Engaño Road, Mactan, Cebu www.theabacagroup.com Tel. No. 6332 495 3461, 236 0311 Cuisine: Mediterranean Specialty: braised lamb shank, sea bass fillet, six-hour pork belly, chicken tagine Price Range:PPP

Ginza J. Panis St., Banilad, Cebu City www.ginzarestaurant.ph Tel. No. 6332 232 5406 Cuisine: Japanese Specialty: fish head, beef, fried rice Price Range: PPP

Linea Restaurant & Lounge E-Bloc, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City www.linearestobar.com Tel. No. 6332. 520 2299, Mobile. No. 63. 932 271 9926 Cuisine: international Specialty: pasta, pizza, salmon, grilled tilapia with curry Price Range: PP

Nonki A.S. Fortuna St., Banilad, Mandaue City Tel. No. 6332. 422 3159 Cuisine: Japanese Specialty: sushi and sashimi, tempura, ramen noodles Price Range: PPP

Laguna Garden Cafe

A Café Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City www.theabacagroup.com Tel. No. 6332, 505 5692 Cuisine: modern American food Specialty: burgers, sandwiches, salads, steaks Price Range: PPP Pizzeria Michelangelo

Laguna Garden Café/ Café Laguna Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park www.cafelaguna.com Tel. No. 6332. 231 0922, Mobile. No. 63. 922 233 8602 Cuisine: Filipino Specialty: kare-kare, lengua, paella, beefsteak Price Range: PP Café Georg G/F MLD Bldg., Banilad, Cebu City www.cafegeorg.com Tel. No. 6332. 234 0887 Cuisine: Asian, Mandarin and Filipino Specialty: fresh tomato and basil pasta, Singapore-styled fish Price Range: PP Pizzeria Michelangelo Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Rd. Banilad, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 236 4297 Hola España, Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City Tel. No. 6332. 340 5119 Cuisine: Italian Specialty: Biancanavy pizza Price Range: PP

PRICE RANGES: PPP = PHP 500+ per person. PP = PHP 500 or less per person. P = PHP 150 and below per person. Prices not including drinks.

INSIDE

CEBU

The latest coffee table book from Zee Publications Inc., features 27 stylish homes in Cebu.

Available in Fully Booked, Power Books and National Book Stores.

Or you can order via www.zeelifestylecebu.com

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