A sure item that occupies a slot in every tourist’s list of things to do is to bring home an interesting, foreign item – whether an article of clothing, a trinket or an artwork; something more than just the customary refrigerator magnet, keychain and “somebody who loves me went to _____ and got me this shirt” shirt.  On Gorordo Avenue in Cebu City, there is a shop named Anthill Fabric Gallery that sells unique and indigenous products that tourists are sure to love.

Fascinating finds in Anthill Fabric Gallery are colorful sheets of fabric, hand woven by different Filipino tribes, loomed from homegrown materials.  Aside from intricately designed fabrics, there are a lot of one-of-a-kind items, such as recycled paper baskets, terracotta necklaces and hand-painted bangles.  All these are handmade by local out of school youth, urban and rural communities.  It is the Anthill group’s aim to support and advocate handiwork from native craftsmen as a means of giving livelihood to them and preserving the weaving tradition in the Philippines.  This principle inspired the shop’s name: Alternative Nest and Training Hub for Ingenious/Indigenous Little Livelihood Seekers.  So, whenever you make a purchase at Anthill Fabric Gallery, not only are you bringing home with you a lovely trinket, you are also helping uplift a local, weakening culture.

Other bohemian items on the shelves are clothing, jewelry and bags sourced from travels to neighboring Asian countries, such as India, Japan and Korea.  There is a café inside the shop, where guests can enjoy a cup of Cordillera coffee, locally grown coffee on the Mountain Province up north of the Philippines, and lemon grass juice, akin to the typical iced tea.

Anthill Fabric Gallery is located on Pedro Calomadre St. cor Acacia St, Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City.  All photos are property of Anthill Fabric Gallery.

Golf and diving enthusiasts will be happy to spend their vacation at the Casa Del Mar Golf & Dive Hotel.  While it is not uncommon to find a golf course in the premises of a hotel, it is actually unique to find a beach resort with a golf course and a diving center.  Guests are treated to a 150-hectare manicured golf course that is designed by no less than Gary Player.  Since it is located in a beach resort, the ladies can have a grand time getting a tan on the shore while the gentlemen work on their putts.  Golfers are rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of the beautiful sea.

If you are into diving, or if would be interested in trying it out for the first time, the waters that surround Casa Del Mar Golf & Dive Hotel are guaranteed sites of resplendent marine life.  Be sure to dive with the experts for your own safety and enjoyment.

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• Island & Sun Beach Resort
•  Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
• Abaca Boutique Resort and Restaurant
• Pulchra Resorts
• Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa

Hilutungan Island, Cordova

Island & Sun Beach Resort appears to be floating in the middle of the crystal clear waters of Cebu.  Using stilts as primary foundation, it is cleverly built on a stretch of powdery white sand, surrounded by the azure seas.  Enjoy watching the horizon change from one majestic color to another right in your suite and see different birds in flight as they try to catch fish for dinner.  There are different activities to while the time away: fishing, scuba diving, para-sailing and sunset cruises.  For your convenience, tours can be arranged by the Island & Sun Beach Resort staff.

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Marigondon, Mactan Island

Nothing promises plush slumber other than luxurious feather pillows that are a favorite of Plantation Bay patrons.  For a more comfortable stay, butler services are available at your beck and call.  You can never go wrong with Plantation Bay Resort and Spa as it has been awarded twice by the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine to be among the Top 100 Resorts in the World and once by Asia Spa for being “One of the Top Ten Family-Friendly Resorts in Asia”.  Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is an expansive 11.4 hectares of tropical paradise designed after the dazzling life in a colonial plantation.  Numerous water activities are offered at the resort for the guest’s enjoyment.  You will surely love the themed dinners set every night, complete with signature delicious food and cultural show.

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Barangay Maribago, Lapu-lapu City

Even the most indulgent guests will be pleased to find out that there is a 7-star setting world-class hotel that is priced at 5-star rates in the exquisite island of Cebu.  The design of the room is a play on the colors of the sun, sand and sea, complimenting one another.  The hotel is both luxurious and functional, which serves both the leisure and the business tourist.  For the children, there is a themed waterparked that is sure to fight any possible kind of boredom that they may encounter during their vacation.  It features 5 unique, themed pools, a pirate ship and thrilling slides.

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San Isidro, San Fernando

There is only one inspiration that led to the birth of Pulchra Resorts: nature.  Nature is possibly the most inexplicably beautiful thing, both in its simplicity and complexity.  The management of Pulchra Resorts aims to bring the majesty, serenity and beauty of nature to its guests and develop in them a newfound appreciation for what has been around all along.  All suites and villas are elegantly themed around calming, neutral colors.  The wide doors that lead to the verandah give an astounding sea vista.

The simplicity in the resort’s design is a manifestation of Pulchra Resorts’ objective to work in hand with nature, rather than overshadow it.  What sets it from most hotels is its gym, which offers basic Tai Chi demonstration, which is a soothing type of martial arts that incorporates movement with discipline.  Lowest rate of $330 for the Lagoon Suite is inclusive of welcome lei, drinks and fruit basket, good night sweets and daily breakfast.

Link: pulchraresorts.com

Abaca Boutique Resort and Restaurant offers an opulent hideaway to people who would want to escape the daily grind.  The resort primes so much on tranquility as evident on the small number of rooms available – six suites and three villas.  The overall design of the resort is Asian-inspired with tasteful ethnic and tropical touches.  From your suite, you are treated with a breathtaking view of the ocean, greeted by the gentle rays of the sun and invigorated by the tropical scents of the lush foliage.

Your stay is highlighted with 24-hour butler services, wireless Internet, 100% cotton and silk linens, spacious spa-styled bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs and other luxurious amenities.  The villa is double the size of the suite, 110-120 square meters of sophistication that comes with a 24” iMac for your Internet needs.  The cheapest suite is priced at $320, which includes roundtrip airport transfers, night cap cocktails, gourmet breakfast and welcome drinks.  Abaca Boutique Resort and Restaurant also has Nanny’s Quarters in the vicinity, which has a private, air-conditioned room, cable television and bathroom facilities.  Kids, aged 3 to 10 years old, also have their own space where they are taken care of with fun-filled activities facilitated by the resort’s staff.

Link: Abaca Boutique Resort and Restaurant

Mango Park Hotel (General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City)

Wouldn’t it be such a great deal to be able to get a decent room right in the middle of all the action for as low as 1,500 pesos per night?  Businessmen and tourists prefer to stay at Mango Park Hotel due to its proximity to major establishments, malls and bars, the delicious breakfast buffet and very courteous staff.  It has free Wi-Fi internet so it’s easy to stay in touch with people at work or at home.  Greet the sunrise in the pool area as you get ready for a busy day in the beautiful city of Cebu.

Cebu Rajah Park Hotel (Fuente Osmena, Cebu City)

The best thing about Cebu Rajah Park Hotel is the quality of service you get from very thoughtful and polite personnel.  You wouldn’t feel like you’re staying in a budget hotel because guests are treated like rajahs.  You may choose to explore the city by foot since most establishments and historical places are easy to access from the hotel.

SDR Serviced Apartments (Barangay Matumbo, Pusok, Lapu-lapu City)

For as low as $46 per night, you can get a fully furnished one-bedroom loft – with a spacious living room, bedroom, toilet and bath, balcony and a state the art kitchen.  It is common knowledge that hotel food is expensive almost all of the time so you’d be happy to know that you can scour the market for the freshest produce and cook it right in your own apartment.  SDR Serviced Apartments also offers tours to its guests so you can book you whole itinerary in one go.

Sugbutel Bed and Bath (Don Gothong Centre Boulevard, Cebu City)

Backpackers will be happy to know that there is now a hostel in the capital, which is hard to find since backpacking is not very popular in the Philippines, unlike in Australia and Europe.  Rarely a year old, Sugbutel Bed and Bath features high-class amenities, such as Wi-fi internet, modern and comfortable beds and elegant fixtures.  To celebrate its first anniversary, Sugbutel Bed and Bath offers a generous rate of 99 pesos per night – a very, very good deal, indeed.

The Orchard Cebu (A.S. Fortuna Street, Bakilid, Mandaue City)

Two things: modern chic and very affordable.  While most budget hotels understandably offer subpar facilities and equipment, The Orchard Cebu does not scrimp on its amenities.  For as low as 1,950 pesos, enjoy the luxury of an LCD cable TV, hot and cold shower, bath tub/Jacuzzi, mini kitchen and IDD/NDD telephone.  An overnight stay comes with a complimentary buffet breakfast.

It was constructed under the orders of Governor General William Howard Taft to illuminate the way to as far as 17 nautical miles. It still stands proudly, 106 years after its construction, even after playing a significant role during World War II. The Parola is one of the few remaining lighthouses that showcase the simplicity of American architecture. Aside from its utilitarian function, Bagacay Point adds a charming touch to Liloan, attracting tourists and locals for great photo-ops. It has also starred in many tv commercials and music videos.