Day 3 & 4

Day 3 quite touristy. We saw the Casa Gorordo, referred to locally as the old Spanish house. It was built during the colonial era and features very pretty courtyard huge veranda, and some Spanish glamour of the old days. Than we visited the Magellan’s cross – apparently brought to Cebu by Ferdinand Magellan; and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño - the country's oldest church and the only Roman Catholic Basilica in the Far East. I got to observe how religious the Pilipino are, a very interesting experience. Also around that area, which is the most touristy in the whole city, I saw the other side of Philippines, namely the poor little begging kids who will sing for you to get some change. Regardless their miserable situation, they still keep the happy spirit and smile for the photos like professional models. To end the day well we went out for drinks to the penthouse lounge bar at the top of a 5*hotel and admires the view of the city by night.

On the Christmas morning, or shall I say afternoon when we managed to get our 3 letters out of bed, Kim took me for a little adrenaline booster – the Skywalk. Basically it’s walking around the Plexiglas sidewalk around the 38^th floor of a hotel wearing a funky jumpsuit and full harness. When we got home it was time to meet more of the family and have Christmas dinner. I loved how they included me in the family, shared funny stories and fed me. I think I will need to have a food detox for some time – can’t handle the Pilipino food any more – really good but just too much … Anyways, Christmas Pilipino style: casual wear, but mostly red (the color you wear for Bday and Christmas traditionally), no gifts (so that you don’t have to worry about that and join the crazy consumerism spirit), and food. Lots of food. And even more food: roasted pig, grilled chicken, Spanish paella, etc. etc…

Anyways, I wish everyone a very merry Christmas, may all your wishes fulfill and your plans come true! Stay healthy and enjoy the life - Pilipino style ;) Maligayang Pasko!!

Tomorrow the fun shall begin: Island hopping and the Bohol island the next day. J Stay tuned ;P

Travel tip: When in Cebu, don’t miss the skywalk – it’s really cool! But if you get to the Regent Hotel early, you can get a package deal including lunch and spa session for 880PHP (compared to 550 PHP for the walk itself including a Tshirt and snack). Spa includes foot spa, full body massage or diamond peel. Have fun!

p.s. photos added into the same picasa album.