december-2011

trip journal
PHILIPPINES
KALIBO
AREA CODE (36)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, the best way
to get to the city center is by tricycle — it’s cheap
and the Kalibo version is larger than the ones in
Manila. It can accommodate six adults, including
the driver.
BY DAY Stroll along Bakhawan Eco Park at New
Buswang, Kalibo. A visit to the Aklan Museum
and freedom marker of the 19 Martyrs of Aklan
will complete your journey to the history and
culture of Akeanons.
BY NIGHT Unwind at fi ne dining restaurants and
cafés like Saylo, Café Latte and Kitty’s. For music
and band lovers, you could try hanging out in La
Senoritas and Mezzanine Café. Go to Q-Zone for
bowling after.
SLEEP A good night’s sleep in Marzon Hotel
comes easy for weary travellers. Its rooms are
clean and cozy, and come with wide-screen fl at
TVs. info@marzonboracay.com
BEST FESTIVAL The worldfamous
Sto Nino Ati-Atihan Festival
every third week of January.
BEST DINNER Taste the native
lechon in Kalibo at RML Restaurant
along Toting Reyes St.
INSIDER TIP A tricycle ride is
only PHP8 at any destination within
1km. You can also hire one for the
day as your private tour guide.
{ 204 }
WALTER VILLA
Lowell N.
Rublico
high school principal,
Paref-Westbridge
School
PHILIPPINES
CEBU
AREA CODE (32)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN At the Mactan Airport, it’s pretty
easy to hire a taxi service or even a private car
to take you to the city center. If you’re staying for
more than a few days, you can hire a car for that
time. There are metered cabs by the terminal too.
BY DAY Head north of Cebu to Liloan and enjoy
a fresh catch of seafood at Co Jordan’s Bangus
and Talaba Farm. While waiting for your food to
be served, hook the bait and discover the art of
fi shing. Drop by Lita’s Halo Halo for dessert.
BY NIGHT If you want to veer away from the
club scene, chill and unwind with some imported
wine and beer at the Urban Cellar. Its English pub
interiors give you that medieval feel while you
enjoy their deli and gourmet sausages.
SLEEP Have a comfortable stay at the Islands
Stay Hotel for as low as PHP850 a night. Their
branches in Mactan and uptown Cebu are near
tourist spots. www.islandsstay.com
Anya Lim
social
entrepreneur
BEST DINNER Visit Alejandro’s
Filipino Resto — home of the best
crispy pata in town.
BEST BUYS Shop at ANTHILL
Fabric Gallery to fi nd local crafts and
fabric by-products.
INSIDER TIP Let www.
zerothreetwo.com be your offi cial
city guide when you plan your
itinerary.