Of Ngohiong and Puso (A first re-encounter of Cebu)

May 24, 2006

Honestly, I have never stayed in Cebu this long since 1994 (I was a kid then).

Last January, I was shocked at Cebu’s progressive skyline. The last time I remember was that there was no such thing as Cebu Business Park, IT Park or even SM City Cebu!

Maybe I’m just used to Iloilo’s atmosphere of laidback yet moving atmosphere or Davao’s rustic yet progressive charms. It was a shock.

I find it expensive to stay in the city so far since I haven’t adapted to the Cebuano’s way of urban life. Stressful with the first few days. I have to go home to Mactan every 11PM! Waahhh!!!!

I went to Cebu to search for job opportunities. Its a reality that there are more jobs here than what I have preffered to settle with: Davao.

Reigning Queen City

Cebu is now the second most important metro in the country. Boasting its scenic landmarks and a better peace and order situation than Manila, it is poised to become the nerve center of Visminda.

Cebu’s downtown is mired with narrow and irregular street patterns. Being the oldest city in the country, this was the major problem of once Cebu.

Go uptown through Jones (Osmena Ave) and you’ll pass by Fuente Osmena then straight ahead to the Capitol. The uptown is much spacious and comfortable. With tree-laned streets and less congested traffic. Although there are no freeways in Cebu, it sure on its way since traffic here "sucks" sometimes. Going from Mactan all the way to Cebu through Mandaue would take you more than 30mins.

In fairness with the malls, Ayala Center, SM, The Gaisano Malls to name a few, are spread throughout the city, accommodating the Sugbuhanon’s needs.

Heritage Proudly Kept

Cebuanos take pride of their ancestor’s legacy. Landmarks such as the Basilica Minore and Magellan’s Cross and a number of old edifices in the downtown area exists. Although sadly, some of the buildings in the downtown area are decayed by the ravishes of time, nature and progress. Some of them were delapidated, others famed for its infamy.

01K/04M/21H…Code what?

For a first timer in Cebu, surely it is cofusing to go around the metro. If you ask someone, they’ll gonna refer you to codes unfamiliar to hear, maybe CIA or the military intelligence perpetrated it? hehe! Anyway, i see convinience with this codes as you have to know the labirynth that is Cebu. 04M has a different route than 04L, although they are "Lahug" jeeps but pass on different routes. See? It would take time to know the jeepney routes and codes here in Cebu.

Ngohiong and Puso?

Hungry and on tight budget? Try ngohiong, a lumpia like viand with meat and veggies topped with spicy sauce. Another are the Hanging Rice of Cebu or locally known as Puso. These are rice that are wraped in palm leaves and seen dangling on the city streets. It comes cheap.

I’m gonna try other street food faves here in Cebu.