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Long Weekend List: Things to Do on Mactan Island

Make your long weekend worthwhile with this itinerary full of culture, fun and food.

Ah, long weekends. The perfect opportunity for some rest and relaxation. Who doesn’t love them? We sure do! And with two long weekends this month, we’re more than excited to take advantage of them.

But first, where to go? North, South — whatever direction you choose, Cebu surely has something perfect for you. For those who don’t want to travel too far, then Mactan Island is just the right place!

Mactan Island is a popular leisure destination for locals and tourists alike. The island boasts a myriad of offerings, the most popular one being their different beach resorts that cater to different crowds. Mactan also serves as the jump-off point to the surrounding islands, perfect for island hopping.

On top of these, Mactan has a rich historical background. It is widely-known to have been the place where the historical 16th-century Battle of Mactan occurred. This was where the Spanish expedition, led by Ferdinand Magellan, were defeated by the valiant chieftain Lapu-Lapu and his men. Until today, this victory is celebrated by the locals of Mactan as the “Kadaugan sa Mactan” (“Victory in Mactan” in English) every 27th of April.

DAY ONE – SATURDAY

In the morning, head on over to the Mactan Shrine in Punta Engaño where you can see for yourself the monuments erected to commemorate the Battle of Mactan. There you can find the Magellan Shrine, a large memorial tower built by the Spaniards in honour of Ferdinand Magellan. The spot is believed to be where the Portuguese explorer was killed.

Adjoining Magellan’s Shrine is the Statue of Lapu-Lapu, also built to honour him. The native chieftain is hailed to be the first Filipino hero who defied foreign rule.

By the time you’ve taken your fill of history, you must be hungry. Perfect, just in time for lunch! Close to the Mactan Shrine are restaurants that offer Sutukil-style food. Sutukil is a combination of the words sugba, tuwa and kilaw which mean to grill, to stew and to eat seafood raw, respectively. Ingredients are laid out on tables for the customers to choose from. You may just tell the personnel how you want your food to be cooked.

Mactan is also popular for its guitars. The island is home to the Alegre Guitar Factory, one of the biggest guitar-making businesses in Cebu. You can check out the guitar-making process right after lunch, and even get yourself a sleek guitar while you’re in the area.

After walking out of Alegre Guitar Factory (and with a brand-new guitar in hand), make your way to Cordova, where you can visit the trendy 10,000 Roses Cafe. Take your fill of selfies and #instagrammable photos of the roses to your heart’s content. You can even have an afternoon coffee at their cafe, where its interiors are just as aesthetically pleasing as its exterior. The cafe is an ideal location to watch the afternoon sun sink down the horizon.

Before you know it, night has already fallen and you’re eager to have dinner. The iconic Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant is quite literally a stone’s throw away from the 10,000 Roses Cafe. Enjoy their scrumptious native Filipino cuisine as you stare across the dark waters and appreciate the view of mainland Cebu. We recommend their: Crispy Pata, Bibingka with Ice Cream.

 

DAY TWO – SUNDAY

Spend your second day in Mactan at the JPark Island Resort and Waterpark. Formerly known as the Imperial Palace Resort, this place is popular among Cebuanos and foreign tourists.

Fun meets luxury when you take a dip in their many pools or take a ride down their exciting waterslides. The resort also has a beach if you’re up for some saltwater activities. They offer diving, snorkelling and kayaking. What’s even more exciting is that they can take you parasailing over the blue waters. Just take your pick among the many activities available for you to choose from — you have a whole day, after all.

When it’s dinnertime, head over to Scape Skydeck located at the rooftop of the Azon Residences Condominium in Pusok. This restaurant boasts delicious meals paired with a breathtaking view of the islands of Mactan and Cebu. We recommend their: Scape Skydeck Hamburger, Beef Salpicado and Truffle Pasta. Cap off your night with one of their many drinks, perfect for finishing a sumptuous meal.

 

DAY THREE – MONDAY

On your third and final day vacationing in Mactan, go island hopping! The Philippines is an archipelagic country with 7,641 islands and Mactan Island is one of the perfect places to begin your island hopping adventure. You can easily rent a boat to go island hopping.

From Mactan Island, you can reach the neighbouring islands of Pandanon, Nalusuan, Hilutungan, Caohagan and the Olango Island Group.

Mactan sure has a lot of places to visit, don’t you think? Enjoy your long weekend in Mactan!

Lifestyle

Find Your Summer Spirit in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Breathe in the tropical atmosphere, as you find summer joys through sight, sound and taste at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu. Poolside fun during the day, spent serenely and luxuriantly—a refreshment in hand. While the evenings are for outdoor family movie nights, with the ocean waves rippling in the background.

Summer is all of that, and more! Plan an extraordinary weekend with an array of exciting activities that await your arrival. Discover your #ShangriLaSummerSpirit from 15 July to 30 August.

Tiki Bar at Buko Bar

Epicurean Delights by the Pool

Keep yourself fueled up as you splish and splash with the whole crew. Take a quick break from all that summer jazz with Mediterranean and Polynesian-inspired bites exquisitely crafted for your palate. From rice balls and pastas, ice creams to sliders—indulge in tastes and aromas that transport you to a world of endless, golden summers.

Mediterranean Selections at Acqua

A Whimsical Touch

Make it a colourful summer for the kids! Let them explore their own version of paradise with whimsical floaties, sure to keep them happily afloat. Your little ones can now freely kick and play in the water with fun and fascinating, animal-shaped inflatables.

Pleasant Sundowner Tunes

Bid the sun adieu and embrace the sunset hues with live acoustics at the Main Pool from 4pm to 6:30pm.

Tiki Cocktails at Buko Bar

Champagne Bar at Acqua

A Toast to an Endless Summer!

Unwind and savour the tropical vibe as our expert mixologists craft refreshing Tiki cocktails and serve chilled bottles of exquisite champagne by the pool! With a backdrop of swaying palm trees and stunning ocean views, sip on delightful beverages and toast to unforgettable summer moments in paradise.

Family Outdoor Movie Night

Gather your nearest and dearest for an enchanting evening as we set up a large outdoor screen by the pool under the starry night sky. Cozy up as you enjoy a family-friendly movie that will delight both those who are young and young-at-heart at Treasure Island from 7pm to 9pm.

Surrounded by lush greens, let the experience bring you to a world of joy and laughter, creating cherished memories for you and the family. For more information on Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, you may contact (032) 2310288. You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/ #FindYourSummerSpirit #FindYourShangriLa

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inside

LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show

Dame Judy Dench (center in white) with gallery owner, Jerry Sibal, Edwin Josue, writer Eva Gullas and artist James Doran-Webb.

The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.

Princess Kate Middleton walking the booths at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Dame Judy Dench, who owns several of Webb’s pieces in her garden, with James Doran-Webb and Jerry Sibal discussing the works of James.

One of the flower arrangements competing at the show.

The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.

One of the floral gazebo displays recycled chairs and salvaged materials.

Shops at the Chelsea Flower Show are mostly from sustainable materials.

What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.

The impressive dragon of James Doran-Webb

***

The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!

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Leisure

Club Serena: A ‘Serene Luxury’ Experience in the Heart of Cebu’s Diving Mecca

photography by GPA Art and Photography

A three-hour drive, or more, depending on traffic, the fishing town of Moalboal in the southwest of Cebu Island is an extremely popular destination for divers and weekenders who love the white sand and pink sunsets. It is also a favorite place to stay for expats looking for a laid-back life of endless coffees or cocktails.

Thankfully, the big chain resorts haven’t discovered it and places to stay are mostly small family-run resorts. But if pampering is what you are looking for, there is only one hotel to book in Moalboal. Club Serena Resort is a 1.7-hectare beachfront property perched above coral rocks, presenting a unique union of luxurious accommodations and a host of activities to be enjoyed. This hidden gem is reached through a dirt road away from the main highway. Fronting a wide swath of white sand beach, it is an easy walk past several smaller resorts to reach the main town.

Recently renovated by noted architect James Jao, the new Club Serena has 17 rooms, three swimming pools, a restaurant, and a beachfront event space, all designed with modern Filipino aesthetic. On the drawing board are more rooms to be added, an expansion of their modern dive shop, and their popular Kids’ Club program. Their food outlet, Mira, offers all-day dining, favorite among visitors and locals, as well as the growing expat community that has settled in Moalboal. 

Club Serena offers diving courses for adults and kids by their resident operator, Seven Seas Aquanauts Phil. Corp, a PADI 5 accredited diving facility operating since 1988. For a complete list of the courses and their rates, please call (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307.

The resort encourages above-water activities as well, and they have several paddle boards and kayaks available for guests to use.

For rates and more information, visit www.clubserenaresort.com or email sayhello@clubserenaresort.com or (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307. You can also visit their Facebook page for updates.

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