This Week in Cebu (January 8 to 14, 2018)

Locals and officials in Cebu prepare to celebrate Sinulog 2018 this week.

By: Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon | January 08, 2018

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Police forces brace for the Sinulog crowd by tightening security measures. While the city will be where the action is, there are also places in the neighboring towns worth checking out. These include a food park in Consolacion and a flower garden in Argao.

Increased security for Sinulog

Last year’s Sinulog arch along Fuente Osmeña Boulevard (Image: Golden ABC, Inc.)

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 will deploy more than 3,000 policemen for the Sinulog celebrations this year. Increased police visibility is expected along the entrance and exit points of streets near the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. Additional policemen will also help enforce the liquor and street party bans along Sinulog parade routes. As part of tighter security measures, policemen will also roam beach resorts and other tourist spots in Cebu to keep an eye on the activities of local and foreign tourists.

Tambayan sa Lacion Food Park

Tambayan sa Lacion, a one-stop shop for dining and entertainment (Image: Tambayan sa Lacion Food Park)

Locals and tourists can go on a food trip at Tambayan sa Lacion Food Park . Opened in April 2017, the 2.1-ha. food park offers visitors a place to eat, listen to music, and socialize. Here, diners can have their fill of favorite Cebuano carinderia (local eatery) dishes like larang (fish stew) and nilat-an nga baboy (pork soup). There’s also international fare like shawarma, maki rolls, dumplings, as well as desserts and refreshments.

Tambayan sa Lacion is open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily.

Garden of Helen

Colorful LED roses light up Garden of Helen in Argao. (Image: Juan Bandiala)

Flower gardens like Sirao Flower Garden and Terrazas de Flores Botanical Garden were a hit among tourists last 2017. Another flower garden which opened last December is Garden of Helen in Sumaguan, Argao. Like 10000 Roses Café in Cordova, the place features 500 LED roses but this time, in various colors. The place also has an infinity pool, a kid’s playground, and cottages. Entrance fee to the garden is PhP50.

Garden of Helen is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Boneless lechon belly

Slabs of lechon belly are slow-roasted on an open fire. (Tatang’s Boneless Lechon)

Lechon (roast suckling pig) is typically enjoyed whole, but one way to have lechon with a twist is eating the boneless version. Innovative lechon makers have come up with boneless lechon by deboning the pig’s belly, and filling it with spices and special ingredients before roasting in open fire using charcoal. Prices for boneless lechon belly start at PhP640 per kilo. Travelers who want to bring boneless lechon for pasalubong (take-home gift) can buy it from Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly, Zubuchon, and Tatang’s Boneless Lechon.

Party in Paradise Tattoo Expo

One can get inked at Party in Paradise Tattoo Expo. (Image: Party in Paradise Tattoo Expo)

Tattoo enthusiasts and professionals can join the Party in Paradise Tattoo Expo. The event will take place from January 12 to 14 at the Cebu Trade Hall of SM City Cebu. The event will feature tattoo artists from the Philippines and around the world. Polish tattoo artist Karol Rybakowski will headline the event. Participants can compete in various tattoo competitions or attend lectures to enhance their skills.

Party in Paradise Tattoo Expo is open to the public. Tickets start at PhP300 and can be purchased at the door.

Sinulog security tips from police

Huge crowds during Sinulog prompt police to tighten security. (Image: Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD)

Local police officials have cautioned the public to be vigilant this Sinulog. They have advised people not to carry jewelry and expensive gadgets, especially in public places. They also recommend first-time visitors to have the contact number of the police station closest to them.

To raise security for the event, the police has already identified crime-prone areas. They are also considering using signal jammers should President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo attend the event.

Rafting in Kawasan suspended

Guides and operators can no longer offer bamboo rafting in Kawasan. (Image: Dane and Magnet)

One of the major tourist attractions in Kawasan Falls is bamboo rafting, which allows tourists to come close to the mouth of the waterfall. However, Badian Mayor Carmencita Lumain has put a halt to rafting activities following a complaint lodged by a Singaporean student. In an executive order dated December 27, 2017, Lumain decreed the indefinite suspension of rafting activities on all levels of Kawasan Falls starting January 1, 2018. The only water activities allowed in the area are swimming with a life vest and canyoneering.

About Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon

Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon is the current content supervisor for the Visayas region of ShoppersGuide Marketing, Inc. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree from UP Cebu. She has previously worked for a business process outsourcing company, a community newspaper, and a global technology company. When not writing, she putters about in the kitchen, baking or testing new recipes.

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