Zee Lifestyle Directory May 2017

C E B U ’ S

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C I T Y

G U I D E

Vol. 8 No. 3 MAY 2017

PLATES The best halo-halo in town FEATURE Exciting things to do in Mandaue City Beach, please!

GELATISSIMO With the summer season kicked in, taste the world’s best gelato.

ON THE SPOT

FUELED UP In moments of writing, this is a rare one where I’m almost lost for words.

Barely over a year ago, I started working for Zee Lifestyle then eventually began writing more in Zee Lifestyle Directory. Just like how summer kicked in with the temperature rising and filling the air with a recharged energy, I am honored to be filling in the blank pages of this directory as its editor, starting this issue. Here we have Gelatissimo as our cover, showing us how to beat the sizzling heat.

For a number of reasons, writing about Cebu excites me. It’s vivid, vast, and strange. Of course, it’s also way beyond beautiful.

But beyond scribbling, this directory as my new notebook will perhaps be like taking a nap where consciousness fades and like a poem, draws me out of myself—allowing me to flip through the pages and wander.

Have any great memories of Cebu? We’re here to bring them all back to you. Starting this month, get a dose of snapshots of what’s up in Cebu—travel destinations, food trips or random photos. Just don’t forget to follow us on Facebook (@zeelifestylecebu), Instagram (@zeelifestyle) and use the #zeelifestyle and get a chance to be featured.

Enjoying the cool and clear seawaters of Bantayan Island.

e co lors, the dept hs, The lines,the cur ves, th t in Badian. canyons are nature's ar

@carlotherivera

Vol. 8 No. 3 MAY 2017

managing editor CARLO RIVERA copy editor JANET ALFAFARA creative director EDWIN JAVIER JR. layout artist JEAN LIM staff writer KATRINA LABRA advertising AMY UNDALOC

ing t he ball oons dur A man sells e Sinulog Fest ival. of t h celebrat ion

The Magel lan' s C ross is an of Cebu's great indeli ble mar k hist or y.

ZEE Publications Inc., 888 Plaridel St., Umapad, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines 6014 Tel. No. 6332. 328 4163 • 415 8597 Cel. No. (0908) 810-1812 • (0920) 970-1394 www.zeelifestylecebu.com © All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

The sun beautifully sets on this spot just near the Sta. Fe Port in Bantayan Island, Cebu.

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ON THE COVER Gelatissimo photography Arnauld

of the C arcar C it y is one The Green House of Cebu. struct ures in South most phot ographed

In 1521, explorers led by Ferdinand Magellan planted a wooden cross, which became Cebu's first symbol of Christianity. Now, the Magellan's Cross is housed inside a chapel beside the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.

DID YOU KNOW?

MELTING POT

Among the many unique ice creams that have emerged in the country, Gelatissimo defies everyone’s conventional concept of the familiar frozen dessert.

by Carlo Rivera photography Arnauld

Now that the summer season has kicked in, the heat is expected to intensify even more as the temperature rises during this long hot spell. The sweltering heat comes with not only one, but many options to try to beat it—it may be jumping into the pool’s refreshing waters or simply staying indoors away from the scorching sun. But there's no denying, nothing cools you down on a sizzling day quite like frozen dessert does. Thanks to Gelatissimo’s gelato.

The decision to bring in the Australian gelato brand to Philippine soil nine years ago proved to be the sweetest venture for Affogato Corporation, the master franchisee of Gelatissimo in the country. Starting with its first branch in a mall kiosk, the gelato has been well received by the Philippine market. They have since grown to seven branches, four of which are here in Cebu while three are in Manila.

Gelatissimo’s frozen creations are softer, smoother, vibrant and pleasing to the eyes, and

what makes them truly special is because they come with no artificial colors and flavors. Their gelato makers are busy churning freshly made gelato in-store daily, creating them with only the finest ingredients.

Aside from the artisanal gelato that Gelatissimo is known for, its new café has expanded to offer delicious cakes and pastries, amazing gelato shakes, indulgent sundae and some dessert creations for those looking to satisfy their cravings. Also, barista-crafted coffee using Gelatissimo’s signature house blend is served at their cozy dine-in areas where bright and colorful accents are an awesome contrast against neutral shades of black and white.

Currently, Gelatissimo offers 32 gelato flavors ranging from classic favorites to the specialty ones, including sorbets and sugar-free options for the health conscious—giving an endless number of exciting combinations. With its wide selection of gelato, you can’t help but smile as you

enjoy scoops of their irresistibly creamy all-natural dessert while sharing moments with the family, catching up with old friends or making new ones.

As new flavors are introduced every month, visits in Gelatissimo are always made more exciting. To celebrate its favorite season, a limited “Endless Summer” series has been released. First is the Budgie Smuggler—a delicious mango gelato packed with crunchy coconut and white chocolate pieces; Beach Babe, a peachy Bellini meets zingy Mimosa—it’s a summer cocktail in gelato; and Little Nipper is a childhood classic of peanut butter gelato spread with yummy berry jam.

With people craving for something frosty in the blazing summer heat and Gelatissimo’s offering of a whole range of old-school classics to quirky flavors, choosing one is just half the fun.

Gelatissimo Branches at: Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, SM Northwing Cebu, Streetscape

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HOMETOWN HIGHLIGHTS

We ask Cebuanos about their favorite places in Cebu, and why they think they’re the best on the island. Whether they’re obvious choices or obscure destinations, they are a refreshing step off the beaten path.

CHADY PANTALEON make-up artist

DINING DIMENSION The Lantaw Native Restaurant in Busay because of its overlooking view of the city lights.

URBAN JUNGLE Ayala Center Cebu is my favorite place in the city, everything is there plus it's cozy and just near my house.

IT'S HALO-HALO TIME

It’s summer, definitely. Temperatures rise expectedly every single day. As the season calls for measures to neutralize the heat, it's the best time to call the star dessert of summer.

HAPPY HOUR It would be Grand Royal Spa. I can relax and pamper myself the whole day.

NATURE CALLS Canyoneering in Badian is off the bucketlist, explore the beauty of waterfalls through this as well.

ICE CASTLE With many branches around Cebu, Ice Castle’s halohalo is the talk of the town for its fresh and delicious ingredients as well as its yummy presentation.

Ayala Center Cebu, Raintree Mall, Crossroads

MUST TRY Pig and Palm for their eggs benedict. It's to die for.

(All photos are from the wires)

BEACH, PLEASE

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MELTON'S Hidden along Katipunan Street, Melton’s halo-halo has been tested and proven throughout the years.

Their famous version of halo-halo comes with two scoops of ice cream and is sold at only P60.

Katipunan St., Labangon, Cebu City

When it comes to beaches, everything is just one-ride away in Cebu. This month, Zee Lifestyle Directory picks some of the perfect beaches for a great summer getaway.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL MACTAN ISLAND CEBU What we like: A Mediterranean-inspired beach hangout. Cool off the summer heat at their private white sand beach while sipping champagne, and have sunset cocktails at the Ibiza Beach Club.

Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu BLUEWATER MARIBAGO BEACH RESORT What we like: A 110-meter beachfront of white sand and blue waters befitting its name, a private island, and three swimming pools—the beach getaway possibilities are endless.

Maribago Blue Water Resort PLANTATION BAY RESORT AND SPA What we like: A tropical paradise, with manmade freshwater and saltwater lagoons that snake

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around the sprawling 11-hectare property.

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa CRIMSON RESORT & SPA MACTAN What we like: A sprawling sixhectare beach resort and spa with 40 luxurious private villas. Laze the day away at their infinity pool, or enjoy the pristine beach and swim with fish at their marine sanctuary.

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan SHANGRI-LA’S MACTAN RESORT & SPA What we like: A favorite luxury destination acclaimed for its facilities, food and service. Features include a pool, long stretches of fine white sand leading to clear blue waters, and a beautiful marine sanctuary.

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa Refer to our map on page 7 for the locations of these places!

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MONBIS Famous for the ice cream-like consistency of its halohalo, Monbis only sells one type of halo-halo, the special kind. Aside from the usual ingredients, theirs come with crushed graham crackers, rice crisps and ube-flavored ice cream, is then drizzled with chocolate syrup and garnished with Stick-O wafer stick.

Barangay Tisa, Cebu City

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KUYA J There’s a new halo-halo in town and it’s from Kuya J. Different from your usual, they use milky ice which actually makes their halo-halo taste like a milky sorbet. It's not watery and does not melt easily.

Ayala Center Cebu

TRANSIT If practical and light is your travel motto, Hedgren’s “Transit” carryon trolley steps up to the challenge. This trolley’s integrated features will move you through security with ease and fit the overhead compartment of most airlines.

Transit conveys a subtle sophisticated edge that

travellers have come to love. It has flat branded top and side carry handles all matched to their case color. Light and durable, the contemporary hard shell cases are made from 100% virgin polycarbonate and feature Hedgren's scratchresistant DNA-grained pattern. That is what you call jet-setting with a style. It also features a recessed ID tag so you can put your information but not totally displaying it to the public.

Adjustable tie down strap to cinch down clothes and gears.

Its easy access (carry on) is ideal for your weekend getaways or business trips.

Hedgren is available at SM Cebu, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM Clark, Eastwood Mall, SM North Edsa, Uptown Mall, SM Megamall, and SM Mall of Asia. Hedgren is also available at The Travel Club and Bratpack stores nationwide.

hedgren.com

Hedgren Philippines

@hedgrenph

@HedgrenPH

SHARI SAYS HI

by Shari Quimbo @sharinuh

THE ART OF THE HOP Make sure your next boating trip goes swimmingly with some (hopefully) helpful little reminders.

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for excuses to spend weekends at sea. And although Cebu is an island with several beautiful beaches just a short drive away, locals are often confronted with two options—having to book a room at a resort in Mactan to enjoy their shoreline, or driving at least two hours to the nearest public beach (which can get pretty crowded, if you’re unlucky).

The third option, I feel, is the one we city-folk overuse: the favorite Sunday activity of island hopping.

Just a short drive across the bridge leads to an entire day on the water, jumping from one spot to another— and if you’re really barat (read: cheap), you can just ask the boatmen to stop in the middle of the ocean instead of docking on the many islands.

It’s relatively easy, yes, but it’s not THAT easy.

I’ve done it often enough to know that there will be a few issues that will come up, whether that’s in terms of provisions or of company. Here’s a short list of the things I believe you should remember to take care of before hopping onto the boat.

1. Confirm and re-confirm your headcount.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has friends who cancel at the last minute, so before you book a huge boat, make sure your friends give a first RSVP. (And if you’re worried they might flake on you, ask them for their share of the payment so they have to show up)

2. Buy ice in the city. I’ve spent too many Sunday mornings driving around the 7-Elevens in Mactan, because they’ve all run out of ice. Save yourself the headache, and pack your cooler with ice before you

cross the bridge.

3. Eat breakfast, and resist the urge to rush your tagay (drink rounds). As much as downing that rum coke is tempting when you’re looking out onto the horizon, doing so repeatedly on an empty stomach is a recipe for passing out before noon. Trust me, I know this from experience.

4. Don’t forget a knife. Do not underestimate having a good kitchen knife onboard. From slicing up the cooked pork belly to moving hot charcoal around, it’s something that too often gets left behind, but would actually be the most useful to have around.

5. Have fun. I mean, when you’re jumping from the boat into the shimmering blue waters, how could you not?

EXCITING THINGS TO TRY IN MANDAUE

One of the three highly urbanized cities of Cebu province, Mandaue City proves there’s more than meets the eyes.

STROLLING AT PARKMALL What’s nice about this mall is you can bring your pets with you inside and spent quality time with them. Just ask for mall’s information for more details on how.

Parkmall

Visitors coming to Cebu City by plane actually get to Mandaue first, after Mactan, of course.

But a passing sight only reveals too little for this place. What with its term the “bridge city,” the city is simply to be passed through—like a bridge. Mandaue, however, with all things one should try, is an exciting and significant destination itself.

SKYWATER PARK CEBU Get drench and see the Cebu skyline in the country’s first and only waterpark facility above the ground and on top J Center Mall along A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City.

Skywaterpark Cebu

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LAST SUPPER’S LIFE-SIZED STATUES In the National Shrine of St. Joseph, Mandaue’s parish church one can see the life-sized statues of the different apostles during their Last Supper.

National Shrine of St. Joseph Centro, Mandaue City MANDAUE’S NIGHT LIFE The nightlife in the city is very flourishing, different bars open as early at 8 and closes early at 2am. Join the fun and party all night at LIV Superclub or at The Sentral.

PASALUBONG Mandaue is known not only being the city with the biggest beer plant, but also with its different delicacies that’s sure to satisfy. Try the masareal made of ground peanuts and sugar, their native rice cake bibingka and tagaktak—a crispy, thin, triangular-shaped cake that’s made of grounded rice and sugar.

(All photos are from the wires)

MAY 2017 MAY 2017 SONGS OF SUMMER 2017 All Wednesdays of April to May plan your love dates already—whether they’re with a real person, yourself, or with music.

Ayala Center Cebu Cebu Business Park 22 Tango Records MAY 14 COLOR MANILA CHALLENGE

CEBU-MANDAUE-MACTAN MAP

The most colorful run returns in Cebu. Prepare to run and be better than yesterday! Grab exclusive prepaid cards at Runnr Ayala, Ceu or SM Tickets at any SM Cinema outlet.

Cebu Business Park

MAY 20 SUMMER SUNSET Close your summer season wit hit fun and exciting party.

From sunrise, the fun continues even the sunset. For tickets please like visit their Facebook page at SUNSET CARNIVAL. Sugbo Grounds South Road Properties, Cebu City MAY 26 GABII SA KABILIN 2017 It’s that time of the year again to revisit Cebu’s rich history through Gabii Sa Kabilin.

For ticket inquiries, call (032) 411-1767.

MAY 27-28 BON ODORI: JAPANESE SUMMER FESTIVAL Immerse more of the Japanese culture through this Japanese festival.

Experience variety of Japanese food, drinks, art and dance with some Japanese communities in the city.

Sugbo Grounds South Road Properties, Cebu City

GETTING TO & AROUND CEBU • The regular jeepney fare is Php 7 to 20 depending on where you’re headed.

• Flagdown for taxi in Cebu is Php 40.

• The most popular destination in Southern Cebu is Moalboal and Bantayan Island in the north.

• If you ‘re exploring down south, you can head to Cebu South Bus station (near Elizabeth Mall in the downtown area) or if you’re heading north, you can ride from the Cebu North Bus station in Wireless St. along the Reclamation Area.

• The climate of Cebu is tropical.

• Banking hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays.

• Department stores and shops open at around 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• There are shuttle rides from Ayala Center Cebu to several hotel and resorts in Mactan.

For more information and assistance, drop by the Turista Desk at the ground floor of Ayala Center Cebu.

AIRLINES

SPAS & SALONS

SILKAIR (SINGAPORE) PRIVATE LIMITED 7F Pioneer Bldg., Cardinal Rosales Ave., Cebu Business Park 6332. 505 7871 www.silkair.com

BEAUTY AND BEYOND FACIAL AND SLIMMING 2/F Streetscape, Maria Luisa Rd., Banilad, Cebu City 6332. 236 7432 Beauty and Beyond Facial and Slimming

NUAT THAI FOOT & BODY MASSAGE G/F 4J Building, General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City G/F JESA ITC Building, General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City 6332. 412 6549, 266 5280, 511 1135

CALAYAN MEDICAL GROUP Block 88, Oakridge Business Park, A.S. Fortuna, Mandaue City 63. 917 595 6221 www.calayanmedicalgroup.com

SHEENA BEAUTE CENTRE VCMC Building, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City 6332. 254 1818 Sheena Beaute Centre

SPEAKING CEBUANO FOR DUMMIES Thank you!

Daghang salamat!

Good morning!

Maayong buntag!

Good noon!

Maayong udto!

Do you understand English?

Makasabot ka og English?

Good afternoon!

Maayong hapon!

How much does this cost? Tagpila ni?

Can I haggle?

Pwede muhangyo?

How much is the fare?

Tagpila ang plete?

Where can I ride a bus/taxi? Asa dapit makasakay og bus/taxi?

Good evening!

Maayong gabii!

FAST FOOD

MANNY AND PIE CALAYAN CLINIC 3/F Seaview Wing, SM Seaside City Cebu 63. 917 821 4463, 6332. 256 2879 Manny and Pie Calayan Clinic

JOLLIBEE Various branches in Cebu 6332. 254 2268 www.jollibee.com.ph

Jollibee Philippines

ABOITIZLAND

FASHION DESIGNER

THE OUTLETS AT PUEBLO VERDE MEZ II, Basak, Lapu-Lapu City 6332. 411 1610 The Outlets at Pueblo Verde

THE PERSIMMON PLUS

MJ Cuenco Avenue, Mabolo, Cebu City 6332. 411 1623 The Persimmon Plus (Official)

ALAZAS ATELIER One Paseo, Maria Luisa Road, Cebu City 6332. 260 8006 Alazas Atelier

BOHOL HOTELS & RESORTS

KEW HOTEL J.A. Clarin St., Tagbilaran City, Bohol 6338. 501 0730 info@kewhotel.com.ph www.kewhotel.com.ph/tagbilaran FORK IN THE ROAD 6332. 411 1610

LEVI'S OUTLET STORE 6332. 236 9920

NIKE FACTORY STORE 6332. 236 9057/ 236 9020

OAKLEY 6332. 416 9724

DONG JUAN 6332. 286 5826

MR. COFFEE 6332. 268 3982

PAN DE MANILA 63. 922 959 9775

TEQUI-LA-LA RESTAURANT & BAR hello@tequi-la-la.com

TARSIER BOTANIKA Km. 16 Hoyohoy Tawala, Panglao Island, Bohol 6338. 510 8472 reservations@tarsierbotanika.com www.tarsierbotanika.com

SOUTH PALMS RESORT PANGLAO Barangay Bolod, Panglao Island, Bohol 6338. 502 8288 info@southpalmsresort.com www.southpalmsresort.com

HOTELS & RESORTS

CEBU PARKLANE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL North Escario Street, Cebu City 6332. 234 7000, 6332. 411 7000 info@parklanehotel.com.ph www.parklanehotel.com.ph

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HOTELS & RESORTS

ALPA CITY SUITES Hernan Cortes corner F. Cabahug St., Mandaue City 6332. 422 7171, 238 1668, 63. 917 635 8154 www.alpacitysuites.com

HAROLDS HOTEL Gorordo Avenue corner Rosal St., Lahug, Cebu City 6332. 505 7777 www.haroldshotel.com.ph

PLANTATION BAY RESORT & SPA Marigondon, Mactan, Cebu 6332. 505 9800 www.plantationbay.com

ALTA CEBU VILLAGE RESORT AND CONVENTION CENTER Tugbungan, Pilipog, Cordova, Cebu 6332. 496 7399, 496 7812, 496 7881, 513 2088 www.altacebu.com

MARIBAGO BLUEWATER BEACH RESORT Buyong Maribago, Mactan, Cebu 6332. 232 5411 www.bluewater.com.ph

RADISSON BLU CEBU Serging Osmeña Boulevard corner of Juan Luna Avenue, Mabolo, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 402 9900, 6332. 505 1700 www.radissonblu.com/hotel-cebu

BAYFRONT HOTEL CEBU Kaohsiung Street, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City 6332. 230 6777 www.bayfronthotelcebu.com

MARCO POLO PLAZA Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Apas, Cebu City 6332. 253 1111, 253 8910 www.marcopoloplazacebu.com

SHANGRI-LA 'S MACTAN RESORT & SPA, CEBU Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City 6332. 231 0288, 6332. 231 1688 www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort

CEBU CITY MARRIOTT HOTEL Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City 6332. 411 5800, 6332. 411 5801 www.marriottcebu.com

MOEVENPICK HOTEL MACTAN ISLAND CEBU Punta Engaño Rd, Mactan, Cebu 6332. 492 7777 www.moevenpick-hotel.com

THE HENRY HOTEL No. 1 Paseo Saturnino, Ma. Luisa Rd., Banilad, Cebu 6332. 520 8877 www.thehenryhotel.com

CRIMSON RESORT AND SPA MACTAN Seascapes Resorts Town, Soong Lapu-Lapu City 6332. 401 9999 www.crimsonhotel.com/mactan

MONTEBELLO VILLA HOTEL Banilad, Cebu City (at the back of Country Mall) 6332. 231 3681 wenda.artiaga@montebellovillahotel.com www.montebellovillahotel.com

SOLEA MACTAN CEBU RESORT Wahing Street, Barangay Alegria, Cordova, Cebu 6332. 517 8887 info@soleamactan.com www.soleamactan.com

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RESTAURANTS & COFFEE SHOPS

TAVOLATA Cuisine: Italian Design Center of Cebu, A.S. Fortuna, Mandaue City Tel. No. 6332. 505 6211

ABACA BOUTIQUE RESORT+RESTAURANT Cuisine: California-Mediterranean Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City 6332. 495 3461

ABACA BAKING COMPANY Cuisine: Neighborhood Bakery and Café Crossroads Mall | Robinsons Cybergate | Paseo Arcenas Ayala Terraces Cebu 6332. 262 0969, 888 6414

BO’S COFFEE Various branches in Cebu 6332. 412 2932 boscoffee.com

Bo's Coffee

THE ORIGINAL PINO FILIPINO RESTAURANT Wilson St., Lahug, Cebu City 6332. 232 0939 Pino Restaurant

GINZA JAPANESE RESTAURANT J. Panis St., Banilad, Cebu City 6332. 232 5406 www.ginzarestaurant.ph

PIZZERIA MICHELANGELO 1 Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Rd., Banilad, Cebu City 6332. 236 4297 Pizzeria Michelangelo Philippines

KAYU: KITCHEN+ BAR Sanson Road, Lahug, Cebu City 032. 406 3095 www.kayu.ph

ROW'S BATCHOY HOUSE F. Ramos St., Cebu City 63. 917 717 7084, 917 911 1292 Row's Batchoy House

LAGUNA GARDEN CAFE/CAFE LAGUNA Ayala Center, Cebu Business Park 6332. 231 0922, 63. 922 233 8602 www.cafelaguna.com

THE MACTAN ALFRESCO Mactan Circumferential Rd. Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan, Cebu 6332. 232 2020 www.themactannewtown.com.ph

NONKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT A.S. Fortuna St., Banilad, Mandaue City 6332. 422 3159 Nonki Japanese Restaurant

ZUBUCHON Various branches in Cebu 6332. 239 5697 zubuchon.com Zubuchon

MAYA MEXICAN RESTAURANT Cuisine: Mexican Crossroads Mall 6332. 238 9552

PHAT PHO Cuisine: Vietnamese Cebu: Crossroads Mall | Robinsons Cybergate | Robinsons Galleria | Ayala Terraces (coming soon) 6332. 416 2442, 238 6825 Manila: Serendra BGC 2 | Power Plant Mall 632. 804 1646

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.THEABACAGROUP.COM

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Witness Live Lechon Roasting at

live lechon roasting Fridays and Saturdays • 11am - 2pm

cultural performances Friday and Saturdays • 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Mactan Alfresco, The Mactan Newtown, Newtown Blvd. Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu