Leisure

Lady Cyclists Hit the Road and Slopes of Cebu. P.2

We continue our conversation with some of Cebu’s lady cyclists…

Please describe one of your memorable bike rides? Who joined you? Where did you reach?

Blinky de Leon. Event Host, Product Endorser & Influencer

“One of the most memorable bike rides I ever had was when my friend Jessicah and I joined the Active woman virtual challenge. We both decided to do it together and take the 100km ride from Ayala to Moalboal in just one day. It was a really fun and thrilling journey. The fulfillment we had as soon as we finished it prevailed over the physical exhaustion. Our training prior to the race really came in handy. It’s one thing to finish the race, but really proving to yourself that you can do it is very empowering, especially for us women. “

Yumz Mariot. Branding and Marketing Consultant

“My most memorable ride to date was my second which I decided to take after realizing there is more scenery than what the main highway brings. I took an off road route at the nearest Barangay and just kept pedaling. There I saw a farm which I thought was planted with corn. I took a stop to look closely and found my first encounter with Batad [Sorghum]. The farm owner was just in the vicinity and was friendly enough to tell me what it is. I immediately checked on Google and found this information: “Some of these species are grown as cereals for human consumption and some in pastures for animals.” I shared photos of that ride on Facebook and asked for more information about the plant and learned it is called “Dawa” in the dialect and is used to cook “Budbud Kabog”, a local delicacy. “

Prime Sarino. Digital Media Creative

“There were plenty of memorable bike rides I did last year. Most of it were long group rides. The most remarkable would be the Pangamihan climb in Toledo and my Round north ride. The Pangamihan route consists of uphills (around 2k elevation) off road trails, river crossings and heat. The view at the top was definitely the treat. It was one for the books. They say it’s one of top bike routes to try for mountain bikers here in Cebu. And then, I definitely enjoyed the Round north backpacking ride with a few of my friends. We covered around 302 km, and navigated the coastal route. Trip to the beach was refreshing.”

More to come with these ladies in part 3…. Zen

Leisure

Cebu Food & Wine Festival 2023 – Calendar of Events

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.

Entertainment

Imagene Bar Opens, Overlooking the City

Enjoying some down time with a cocktail drink in hand among friends and a great view of the cityscape doesn’t get any better at the newly opened Imagene Bar. If you’ve been meaning to find the right after-hours place, then head no further than Imagene Bar – a cozy enclave tucked along the hill-side of Nivel Hills on Cebu Veterans Drive.

On the menu you’ll find over 60 drinks and cocktails as well as some delectable Bar Chow put together by Imagene Bar founder Eugene Dy who’s been serving up bottled cocktails online with a mobile event bar after a stint at the Spago in Marina Bay Sands Singapore.

Imagene Bar accommodates up to 80 guests and is open Tuesdays to Sundays. Bar hours are from 5pm to 2am but it’s best to make reservations on weekends.