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Tides Restaurant
Whether you’re checked in at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort or you’re just in the mood for a hearty breakfast, the extensive selection at Tides is a stellar way to start off the day. From local favorites like danggit (dried rabbit fish) and suman (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves), intercontinental staples like waffles and bacon, or even a refreshing bowl of cold soba—you’re bound to find something here that’ll get your energy up for the rest of the day.
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu
www.shangri-la.com/Cebu
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The Lapu-Lapu Shrine
Stand ground at the (supposed) sight where the country’s first hero battled and killed Ferdinand Magellan, if only for the photo op.
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu
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Azure Beach Club
Enjoy the sea breeze and have your midday right on the shore at Crimson Resort and Spa. The selection of modern Asian cuisine explores various flavors and influences—like the rich Tandooris, the spiced textures of the Angus Beef Asian Burrito or (this particular writer’s favorite) the strong Garlic Noodles with Rock Scallops. And because you’re on vacation, why not wash it down with a cocktail? We won’t tell.
Crimson Resort and Spa
Seascapes Resort Town, Lapu-Lapu
www.crimsonhotel.com/mactan
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Islands Pasalubong
Make sure to bring home a little bit of Cebu by visiting the island’s most extensive offering of souvenirs. From colorful shirts to the packed delicacies of otap and rosquillos, you’ll find something here everyone back home can appreciate.
Mactan Marina Mall
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Palermo Restaurant
The newly renovated Italian restaurant at the Plantation Bay Mactan is a charming space to dine, its stained glass windows, dark wood furniture and quirky lamps create a charming ambiance. Start the meal off with some tapas—like the roasted bell peppers, calamari and Jamon Iberico—then pick a pasta or a steak for the main course. Being a carnivore myself, it’s US Rib Eye all the way, served with some of the most flavorful garlic potato wedges I’ve ever had.
Plantation Bay Resort & Spa
Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu
www.plantationbay.com
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Ibiza Beach Club
With their own in-house dancers, Mövenpick Resort Cebu’s seaside outlet features a different theme every night for its shows—retro pop, Latin American dances, and movie favorites are just some on the list. Their list of cocktails are equally as appealing, as does the selection of Manny O wines. Of course, if you’re more of a sweet tooth, there’s always the selection of Mövenpick ice cream to properly cap off the night.
Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu
www.movenpick.com/cebu
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by Shari Quimbo
Featured image from FoundersGuide.com
]]>The first time around wasn’t completely intentional: A companion and I had made plans to try out the resort’s nightly themed dinner buffets, but the terrible traffic of that particular Friday payday resulted in us missing it altogether. The night wasn’t a total waste, however, as opting to dine in Palermo instead made for a more intimate and wonderful dinner. Back then, the restaurant was decked in wood furnishings and red terracotta tiles, which, along with the red-and-white checkered tablecloths, gave off a rustic trattoria vibe.
Charming as it was, Plantation Bay decided to give Palermo a new and contemporary look to appeal to more diners. The result is a stylishly casual restaurant, with cool gray walls to balance out the warmth of the wooden accents. Lights were also significantly dimmed, in order to make the stained glass details stand out even more. All of these, general manager Efren Belarmino explains, were proudly Cebuano-made.

Palermo Restaurant’s new look (Photo courtesy of Plantation Bay Resort & Spa: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, March 2016)
As for the menu, it was heartening to know that despite the design overhaul, Palermo has retained some of its tried-and-tested favorites, along with the welcome additions of new items. The hot and spicy gambas were a crowd favorite while the roasted bell peppers were an interesting combination of soft and spicy sweet. The Jamon Bellota, made with free-range Iberian pigs fattened on acorns and cured for up to three years, also proved to be quite the hit. For the main course, there are options for pastas and steak. The blue cheese lover in me immediately went for the fusilli con gorgonzola. The macadamia nuts added texture to the otherwise creamy sauce with that unique blue cheese kick. Managing editor Shari Quimbo opted for the rib eye steak with potato wedges—a hearty dish that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. All of these went down quite well with our wine.

Fusilli con Gorgonzola (Photo courtesy of Plantation Bay Resort & Spa: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, March 2016)

The Banana Burnt Butterscotch Tart (Photo courtesy of Plantation Bay Resort & Spa: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, March 2016)
Everything was so rich and filling that it was hard to make room for dessert, although it’s quite the challenge to pass up on Palermo’s delicious treats. The banana burnt butterscotch tart, also known as the Triple B, was a deliciously deadly triple threat, with a mix of flavors and textures. The gelato alla menta—mint ice cream with chocolate chips in an almond basket—is also a must-try.
As far as Italian places go, there are a lot of choices within the city. But when you want to take the extra mile, you’ll find that Palermo in Plantation Bay is a hidden gem that’s worth the visit.
PLANTATION BAY RESORT & SPA
Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City
6332. 505 9800 | website
by Patty Taboada
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, March 2016. For full access to our current and back issues, subscribe via Magzter.