Remote work is now the new normal. It allowed us to create new careers in the comforts of our homes. Safety, savings, and a growing career? Yes, please!
But with the easing of quarantine protocols, wouldn’t you like to work while travelling for a change in scenery? Our setup allows us to become digital nomads. Digital nomads are remote workers who travel around without a permanent address.
With a stable internet connection and your trusty laptop, you can earn from anywhere. Imagine working while at the beach? Dreamy, right?
Not everyone is too fortunate though. Some are forced to go back to the office. So check this link if you’re looking for remote jobs online.
Why Go to Cebu?
Going back, Cebu might be one of the best digital nomad hubs you can visit for a quick travel escapade. The Queen of the South as they say! It’s one of the first cities in the Philippines. It has a rich history with numerous sites. It’s a beautiful metropolis for those who love cityscapes.
And if you’re into nature tripping or beaches, it has some of the best paradisiacal beaches, towering mountains, and even great diving spots in the world! Can I just say, the food is amazing as well! And it’s just a stone’s throw away if you’re a Filipino.
But where to go? Let’s start with Cebu City. Here are some travel spots you might like to go to in Cebu City.
Magellan’s Cross
The Philippines has a long-running civilization already before the Spaniards arrived. Ferdinand Magellan, the one who led the first voyage to circumnavigate the world, arrived at Mactan. And as the Europeans go over their imperialist ambitions, they seek for gold, spices, new routes, and land to expand their empire.
He befriended Rajah Humabon, the chieftain at that time. And as the days passed, they accepted Christianity. Magellan’s cross signifies that gesture and symbolizes the start of propagating the religion in the Philippines.
It now stands just outside Basilica Minore del Santo Niño located in P. Burgos St, Cebu City. Although, the one on display is just a replica because some Filipinos chip some of the wood from the original one believing that it has magical powers.
The original cross is encased inside a tindalo wood cross. Right now, some believed that the original cross is now destroyed because of wear and tear.
The beautiful Magellan’s cross should be the first on your list. And it’s quite near other historical sites in Cebu city.
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
Just near Magellan’s cross, you are yet to see one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu was founded in 1565 by Fray Andrés de Urdaneta and Fray Diego de Herrera. It’s the oldest church in the Philippines.
Pope Paul VI proclaimed it as Basilica in 1965, making it a symbol of the birth of Christianity in the Philippines. It was also declared the “Mother and Head of All Churches in the Philippines.
If you’re a devout catholic, or you just want to see Spanish church architecture, this is the place to be.
Fort San Pedro
Speaking of a blast from the past, Fort San Pedro has withstood a lot of battles in the olden times. Just a stone’s throw away from Magellan’s cross, Fort San Pedro will leave marvelling at the structure of this stronghold.
Fort San Pedro is the oldest triangular bastion fort in the country dating back to 1738. It was built under the rule of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first captain general of the Philippines. It was built to protect against Muslim raiders. But during the Philippine revolution, it was captured by the Filipinos and was made its stronghold.
Wander around the beautiful walls and appreciate the long history it witnessed for us.
Museo Sugbo
Another historical place in the vicinity, Museo Sugbo houses many relics from Philippine history. From the collection of political history galleries to archaeological finds from the famous San Diego shipwreck of 1600, you will find a bizarre throwback.
But prior to becoming a full-fledged museum, Museo Sugbo has an eerie past. It was called the Carcel de Cebu designed by Domingo de Escondrillas in 1869. It was proposed as the main prison in the Visayas region with its large area.
Though the plan did not push through, Carcel de Cebu housed thousands of criminals and prisoners for 135 years. Some of these were Katipuneros who were incarcerated without trial and were ultimately executed in the nearby Carreta cemetery.
During the American period, it was converted to a horse stable for a nearby hippodrome. But on the Japanese occupation, it was again reverted to a prison, where the Japanese Kempeitai or secret police tortured guerillas.
Entrance to the museum is minimal at around 30 to 75 PHP. Visit Museo Sugbo to learn from our history.
Temple of Leah
Dubbed the Taj Mahal of Cebu, the temple of Leah will leave you in awe when you see its towering structure. It has greek structural elements similar to the Parthenon inviting a Hellenistic feel on top of a mountain. But you might think, who is the temple made for?
In the most romantic of gestures, it was built by Teodorico Soriano Adarna for his late wife Leah Albino-Adarna. With a bronze statue erected in her memory, it shows off his devotion to his life partner. How sweet is that?
There’s a small entrance fee of 100 PHP, but the memories you will take are priceless.
Sirao Garden
Just a few minutes away from the Temple of Leah lies another destination you shouldn’t miss. For garden lovers, Sirao Garden will surprise you with its variety of flowers in different hues and colours. It also has installations like the humongous hand statue, windmills, statues, Bali-inspired installations, and more.
You will definitely take Instagrammable photos when you visit this wonder.
Sugbo Mercado
After your trip around the metro, why not savour the food that Cebu has to offer? And if you want to try out quite a lot in one go, check the Sugbo Mercado in Cebu IT Park.
Sugbo Mercado is a collection of food stalls and kiosks that will make you salivate after your tours. From Cebu Lechon, sushi rolls, bone marrow steak, ramen, authentic Thai food, and more, you’ll surely satiate your cravings by stopping by Sugbo Mercado.
Taboan Public Market
Now that we are talking about food, you must try Cebu’s delicacies! And as a city near the sea, Cebu has the best seafood you can find. If you want to try out Cebu’s famous danggit, dried squid, and other goods, it’s the best place to get your hands on them.
And there are also other delicacies like dried mangoes and Otap for your pasalubongs.
Carcar Lechon
Another foodie spot! Cebu is home to one of the greatest roasted pigs in the world. But what’s great about the famed Cebu Lechon is you don’t need sauces to enjoy it because it’s seasoned to perfection from within.
And arguably, the best Cebu Lechon is the one in Carcar Market. Carcar Market is roughly an hour from Cebu City. And it has its own Lechon section. Crispy Lechon skin and that tender meat are sure to die for.
Mactan Beaches
If you want a beach escapade, you can go to Mactan’s beaches. Mactan is not exactly in Cebu city but it’s just roughly an hour away from the Metropolis.
There’s a collection of both luxury and 3-star hotels that have their own beachfront and beach properties. You can frolic with your family and friends in the area. Or finally, have that work-from-beach vibe for your profile.
Take note, though, that there are a lot of beaches in Cebu. North Cebu has the Bantayan islands and South Cebu has Oslob, Sumilon Island, and more just to name a few. But it’s quite far from the city. So if you want a quick respite, Mactan is a great place for you.
Conclusion
Excited to visit Cebu City? With this guide, you can explore the Queen of the South with ease. If you like it that much, you can even stay for a long time. After all, you can earn money anywhere with remote work! Enjoy your travels!
