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Bisita sa Parian experience kicks off this Friday

Pick and Pay at the Bisita sa Parian. The nifty little tongue twister is also an invitation to a one-night only bisita (visit) to the historical district of Parian, once the center of society and culture of Old Cebu.

The Cebu Heritage Monument (Photo by Snapholic/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, June 2013)

Pocket activities surrounding the Cebu Heritage Monument are available starting 6pm to 11pm on Friday, September 11, just in time for Cebu City Tourism Month. PICK from the following:

Tartanilla time! Take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride around Parian’s festive Bisita night and catch glimpses of the outdoor performances from the Sandiego Dancers, Children’s Joy Foundation Rondalla and eskrima (or arnis, a Visayan martial art). This uniquely Visayan carriage is distinguished by its two rows of seats arranged across each other, a back entrance, and distinctive design element by its maker. It fits only a maximum of 4 per ride, PAY only P25 per adult (minimum 2 adults per ride), children under 12 ride free.
Museum-hop. Two museums within walking distance from each other are open until 11pm just for the day. The Yap-Sandiego house is widely considered the oldest Chinese house built outside China and houses the Hispanic antiques of the present owner. In the garden, Café Rafael serves Cebu lechon (whole spit-roast pig), chicharon (pork crackling from the town of Carcar, famous for the delicacy), pusô (hanging rice), torta (a pastry made with egg yolk and tubà or coconut wine), sikwate (hot cocoa), and other Cebuano delicacies. A few steps away is the Jesuit House of 1730, the oldest dated house in the country, discovered relatively recently hidden in plain sight inside a working warehouse and houses the well-curated Museo Parian sa Sugbo. PAY entrance fees at P50 for adults and P15 for students.
The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House (Photo courtesy of PR Works/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, June 2013)
Selfie with history. Stop for a quick selfie or self-we with mimes dressed as historical characters pivotal in Cebu’s history: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, a Spanish friar, Spanish soldiers, the king of Cebu Rajah Humabon and his Queen Hara Humamay. Click, load and hashtag #ThousandJourneysCebu! PAY nothing, but donations are encouraged.

Pick one or all of these adventures, and join us in an evening of time travel. #LakbayLingaw with us and make Cebu your Gateway to a Thousand Journeys this September!

CEBU CITY TOURISM COMMISSION

For walk-in guests:
A booth manned by the CCTC staff will be stationed at the yellow Lim Bon Fing Bldg. (beside the Yap-Sandiego House) from 6:00 p.m. on Friday.
For bookings:
6332. 412 4355, 63. 917 790 9175, 63. 906 309 3461
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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

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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!