It is still fresh in my childhood memory my very first plane ride going to Cebu city. Little did I know, the marvels and beauty of the city was rich with culture and diversity of people unified with prosperous devotion to the little Jesus, Señor Santo Niño. Since then, I considered the Cebu to be my “happy place” because it really uplifts my soul whenever I visit the city.

I was able to have a brief stay in the metro since I studied there for a couple of years and I learned more about the different social practices, together with their annual tradition which is held every 3rd Sunday of January, the Sinulog festival. It is an event that a lot of tourist and locals are looking forward to. The festival vibe can be felt all over the city with matching banderitas, which is visible in almost every corner of the streets and the never ending Sinulog theme song which is played in every malls and household. Also, during the culminating day of the festival, people take the party in the streets full of joy and shouting “Pit Señor!” it feels like everyone is your friend during that day. Procession and fluvial parades for the dear Santo Ñino is also observed and practiced. Indeed, I can say that it is the mother of all festivals in the country.

Heritage and landmarks are also very rich in the city. Magellans cross is one of the tourist attractions within the city which is located just outside the Basilica Menor  de Santo Niño, the said church is the most visited as well since it houses the little Jesus with flocks of devotees visiting. Moreover, the Temple of Leah which is situated in Busay attracts the tourist since it gives you the feeling that you are in Greece, with its magnificent palace inspired by Greeks plus the view which gives you a glimpse of the entire Cebu city. The Colon street is the oldest yet busiest streets in the metro catering almost every people’s need. The bustling crowd can activate your adrenaline that gives you the hype to shop til you drop vibes.

Lastly, each one of us wants to have a peaceful, quiet, and relaxing vacation right? Away from the city, the beaches of Cebu can never be counted out! I felt the aura of Boracay in the island of Bantayan its more peaceful, with less tourist, and cleaner. It feels like you own the entire island! The beach sand is simply the best with sparking clean sea water. The place is the true definition of tranquility with in thy self. Going down south of the city is where you can situate the whale sharks. Oslob holds the place for its whale sharks tour which awes the tourist every time they see and bond with. Good thing that these mammals are also friendly to the people and also selfie ready. 

Everyday I am thinking when will be the next time I can visit my “happy place” due to this pandemic but I am keeping a positive thinking that all of this will end soon and I can experience the joy that Cebu city brings in me. See you soon Sto. Niño! Viva Pit Señor!