Arts & Culture

The six places to hang out in Mactan while you avoid the traffic

With the traffic situation getting in and out of the island being the way it is, maybe it’s best you stay in Mactan. If you’re not up for spending the entire day at the beach (although, admittedly, that’s probably a great idea), check out the dining destinations that Mactan’s world-class resorts have to offer.

8:00 AM – Breakfast buffet at Tides

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

10:00 AM – Stroll at the Mactan Shrine

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

12:00 NN – Lunch at Azure Beach Club

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

3:00 PM – Souvenir shopping at Islands Pasalubong Center

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

6:00 PM – Dinner at Palermo

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

8:30 PM – Drinks and a show at Ibiza Beach Club

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

by Shari Quimbo

^{Featured image from FoundersGuide.com}

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Arts & Culture

Kimsoy’s Canvas of a Lifetime in Full Display

There is nothing more fascinating than seeing an artist’s lifetime of work in one room. Such is the experience in Jose “Kimsoy” Yap’s third solo exhibit entitled “Kimsoy: Episodes of Mastery,” at Galerie Raphael Cebu. This serves as the truest form of homage to his enduring journey, showcasing works that span over decades.

The exhibit speaks greatly of Kimsoy’s evolution as an artist, with his shifting mediums and remarkable variety of subjects. His creations range from heartfelt portraits of individuals he encountered along his journey to detailed landscapes inspired by the different walks of his life. The room’s layout carries the weight of his years of craft with one wall lined with pastels, another with watercolors, and another with oil painting.

The exhibit transcends beyond just the commemoration of Kimsoy’s masterful periods. It wanders more into a sense of intimacy reflecting Kimsoy’s life’s journey—from his roots as a young boy in Negros Oriental, through his pursuit of greater artistic mastery in New York, to his prominence in Cebu’s art scene. All his work freehanded, created both with his left and right hand, depicts the ways in which we all leave traces of ourselves in our work and in the world.

The opening ceremony featured Ambassador Jose Mari Cariño, alongside special guests Ivy Ang Gabas, Paolo Li, Angbetic Tan, Laurie Bouquiren of the Visayas Art Fair, and Valerie Go of Galerie Raphael Cebu. The exhibit is open until March 21, 2025.

Arts & Culture

Art Fair Philippines 2025: A Celebration of Creativity

by Emcee Go

Art Fair Philippines 2025 transformed the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City into a dynamic showcase of contemporary and modern art. From February 21 to 23, art enthusiasts and collectors were treated to an eclectic mix of visual masterpieces, interactive installations, and thought-provoking exhibits.

This year’s fair features an impressive lineup of local and international galleries, including renowned names like Leon Gallery, Metro Gallery, Orange Project, J Studio and from Cebu, Qube Gallery.

Francis Dravigny’s woven artworks was one of the two featured artists at Qube Gallery’s well curated exhibition.

Qube Gallery’s Mariz Holopainen in front of Sio Montera’s abstracts.

Arts & Culture

Cebuano Pride: The National Museum of Cebu

Pride of Cebu

By Eva Gullas

photos courtesy of DOT

“With the National Museum of Cebu, the cradle of Christianity in the country, we open the doors to a temple in history and culture, inviting tourists and locals to witness our archaeological and natural treasures. The NMP-Cebu is not just a museum but a bridge to our past and a window into our future,” declares Christina Frasco, our Secretary of Tourism, at the ceremonial opening last July 28.

Located at the heart of the city’s historic port area, the former colonial Customs House, built in 1910, was transformed into an elegant edifice worthy of the city’s place in history. It was in Cebu where the Spanish conquistadors first landed in 1521 and where Magellan met his end at the hands of the local chieftain Lapu-Lapu. Starting August 1, the National Museum of Cebu will open its doors daily from 9 am to 5 pm except Monday.

Cebu City Tourism’s Neil Odjigue, Cembeth Hortillano and CCTC Chairperson Joy Pesquera

Worth checking is the first floor, where a few art pieces from national artists like Cebu’s own Martino Abellana, Fernando Amorsolo, and Jose Joya take pride of place. On the right wing are finds from archeological digs found all over the islands. Called Ang Karaang Sugbo or Old Cebu, they include a gold death mask and ancient vases from China. There’s also Kinaiyahan: Cebu’s Natural Wonders, which features an impressive wall containing the different layers underneath our soil. There is also a display case that interactively showcases the various elements around the area, like gold, copper, and gypsum. Another wing is Paglawig: Cultural Movember Across the Seas, showcasing the islands’ maritime history and sea bounty, including rare shells.

Museum Director Jeremy Barns, Maryanne Arculli, Andronik Aboitiz and wife Doreen, Amanda Luym

Some of the abstract art from the New York collection

It is on the second floor, though, where the museum shines. Up the grand staircase, guests are greeted by Elmer Borlongan’s massive Battle of Mactan, facing a facsimile of the Sta Maria galleon, Magellan’s flagship. Then on to a limited-time exhibit on loan from the Philippine Center New York Core Collection of 1974, a treasure trove of almost 90 paintings collected by former First Lady Imelda Marcos, including Ang Kioks, Sanso, Manuel Rodrigues, and many more representing both avant-garde and classic Filipino masters. The New York collection is only available until March 2024 and is not to be missed.

Writer Eva Gullas beside Elmer Borlongan’s Battle of Mactan

The National Museum Cebu has been years in the making, and this cultural milestone has finally been made possible under the new administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who famously said during the inauguration, “I am a museum fan, and I can stay in art museums for hours and hours.” He added, ” museums are considered valuable natural assets to a nation as they build a sense of community, document history, inspire creativity, promote tourism, and unite people through a shared heritage.” Kudos to the National Museum Board of Trustees, chaired by Andoni Aboitiz and Museum Director Jeremy Barnes, for this cultural gift to Cebu!