I’ve already lived on my own for a while when I impulsively decided to go to Cebu. Living solo wasn’t new for me but traveling solo was. My trip to Cebu in September 2023 was my first local solo trip. I wasn’t really scared since I’ve had my share of group travels in the past. It wasn’t like I was going through immigrations either, which is a whole different story I’ll be writing about next. For me, it was just like going out in Manila… with the beach as a bonus. I loved my workcation in Cebu.

Work…

I got the earliest flight in and the latest flight out for my 6-day workcation. I’ve already used all my VLs so I had to mix leisure with business. I did say it was an impulsive decision: I had a gift certificate for an airline that I planned to use for this trip, but turned out it only worked through telephone or in-person booking. I ended up paying in full. Frustrating but also, kind of funny. I was too excited, I didn’t read the fine print. I was just having a hard time at work, got my performance bonus, and my sister was going to the Cebu Art Book Fair, so I thought, why don’t I too?

Cebu was wonderful. I visited many cafes and was very productive during this trip. I even led a client call at the airport Starbucks. I’m sure you’re familiar with that cafe, so I’ll share the other quaint ones I visited.

Cafe Talk Library (first picture) at Escario Street near the Capitol is this Korean-inspired cafe housing little rooms where you can eat and hang out. It’s a cute concept worth trying out. Drip and Draft (second picture) at Streetscape Mall is a little less playful and a little more sophisticated. Enjoy your coffee and cocktails at this cozy place. Miau Cafe (third picture above and video below) at Bonifacio District was a pleasant surprise. I am a dog person; I don’t like cats much, but when I went in this cat cafe, turns out you can be both. The cats here are just adorable. Come in and have a cuddle. The last spot is not a cafe but the work lounge in Calyx Residences (fourth picture) in the Ayala Business District. Staying at the Hooga Home allows you to use the condo amenities such as this work lounge with a fantastic view of the city.

…cation

Of course, I couldn’t leave this island without a bit of sight-seeing. In this short excursion, I went to the historic and the picturesque. Founded in 1565, the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu houses the oldest religious relic in the Philippines, the image of Santo Niño, from 1565. It’s a huge complex with quaint pockets like in the first picture above. Come for a visit but be ready to face a crowd as this is a pilgrimage site.

The following day I went to Terrazas de Flores (second picture above and video below). It was very lovely. I am a sucker for anything floral. It is quite far from the city center so you will likely need your own car or hire a driver for the day, which is a bit pricey.

After strolling a while in this botanical garden, I stopped by a pretty restaurant, La Vie in the Sky at Tops Road. It’s a little shabby, which adds to its charm. Have a glass or two at the wine library (third picture above), and you’ll know what I mean. Watch the video below for a glance of this homey cafe.

Last, but certainly not the least, I spent a whole day at Shangri-La Mactan. What I love about this is not just the beautiful beach and pools (fourth picture above) but the wonderful eco trail (gallery below). Be sure to schedule a guided tour to know more about the plants growing around.

What do you think?

How was your first solo trip? Let me know in the comments.

Remember. Reminisce. Reflect.

Salamisim out.