

Ask almost any Filipino- they love this stuff.ġ1. Perhaps the most popular Jollibee treat, however, is the Halo Halo- a desert smorgasbord of red beans, cubes of jello, white coconut, shaved ice and flan. Fried chicken comes with a fried egg, rice and coffee hotdogs are topped with cheese and they offer a spam sandwich with mayo. Internationally recognized by world-renowned chefs like Anthony Bourdain, this place is not to be overlooked.Īt a glance, you might think that some of their menu items are strange and that the combinations are unconventional- but just go with it. The most beloved fast-food chain in the entire country is Jollibee. Jollibee Source: annamatic3000 / Flickr Jollibee You can view 17th century relics in the museum or visit the library filled with books covering modern subjects of all kinds. Have a walk though the church halls to see ancient paintings, gorgeous archways, stained glass windows, and overall, a piece of architecture that is awe-inspiring. This Catholic Church holds a regular mass where families and children come to show their faith. “Mercy and Passion” are the tenets of Basilica del Santo Nino, founded in 1565, which still bring many locals here to worship on a daily basis.

The oldest Catholic Church in the Philippines is located right here in Cebu! Basilica del Santo Nino Source: cb_agulto / Flickr Basilica Del Santo Nino You’d be surprised what you can learn about a country by just sitting still.ĩ. Bring a drink from the food court and just people watch for a while. And if you’re lucky, there will be a live band playing somewhere within the vicinity.ĭon’t be in such a rush to get out of there just yet! Ayala Center Shopping Mall is surrounded by beautiful green landscapes that make for a nice place to relax. They’ve got big brands like H&M and local brands for you to browse. From classic Filipino dishes to their ever-popular fast food chains, every bite will be better than the next.Īfter you’ve got your fill, have a walk around to look at the clothing and shoe shops. Going to the shopping centers in the Philippines is a cultural experience in itself, starting with the food.Įvery great shopping mall around these islands has a food court that you must try. Ayala Center Shopping Mall Source: Kim David / shutterstock Ayala Center Shopping Mall This is a wonderful place to spend the day. There is a restaurant, café, public washrooms, and even hotel rooms. You can see for miles and miles from the viewpoints all around the park. There is also a play place on land that really puts the ‘jungle’ in jungle gym as it is surrounded by lush greenery.įor the parents, you’ll be awestruck by the tropical views of rolling hills covered with undisturbed jungle life. For the kids, there is a water playground! Let the kids run wild in the shallow pool with slides and stairs. Here is another great place to come with your family as Mountain View Nature Park has something for everyone. Mountain View Nature Park Source: Mountain View Nature Park You may even join in on Sunday mass where you’re sure to be greeted with kind ‘hello’s and smiles from Filipino locals, mildly surprised to see you.ħ. You can leisurely stroll through the cathedral taking in the impressive architecture. More specifically, this cathedral stands as a history lesson of how Christianity came to plant such deep roots in a country whose previous religion had deeper ties with Hinduism and Buddhism.Ĭebu Metropolitan Cathedral is a nice change of pace from other tourist attractions, as not as many tourists know about this site. Unlike many other cathedrals and churches in Cebu that give you a window into Filipino culture, the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral focuses much more on the history of religion in the city. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Source: Constantine Agustin / Flickr Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral I must warn you though: this mall is huge! There 4 quadrants with plenty of food, shopping, and benches that will quickly kill time. Not to mention, SM Mall is located directly on the coast that offers gorgeous, unobstructed views of the water- perfect for a family photo. There is an ice-skating rink, children’s playground, and arcade where you can rack up tickets to win all sorts of prizes. SM Mall is a great place to take your kids to get out of the heat for a couple of hours with lots of activities. If you want to experience life as a local, step into one of the most popular shopping malls in Cebu. SM Mall Cebu Source: walterericsy / shutterstock SM Mall Cebu
