Cebu Update

In town for the Sinulog Festival? Local MICHELLE VARRON suggests some stopovers to complement the big celebration

It’s mardi gras season again as Cebu celebrates its annual Sinulog Festival. Experience the island like you never have before by exploring its coolest shops, newest adventures, and most happening places as it offers a mix of familiar places and cool, new haunts.

Globetrotter’s Closet

A boutique put together by the eclectically stylish Loida Montesclaros, Virus is a stylist’s haven as it offers a collection of unique pieces that the owner has acquired during her travels. There are no cookie-cutter looks here. Pick from a collection of pieces from resort wear to cocktail dresses to accessories. Expect good deals for limited stocks—ensuring you’re the only one looking that hot. Unit 4, Chatswood Avenue Building 2, Hernan Cortes corner, A.S. Fortuna Streets, Mandaue City; +6332 239 7461

Chillout Cruise

Cebu’s requisite gondola ride, Islands Banca Chillout Cruises, lets you experience the city from a unique vantage point. Look forward to sailing into the sunset on a pimped-up version of the banca (outrigger boat). Those onboard are provided with an iPod dock, big white beanbags, an expansive sundeck, restroom, Internet access, drinks, and complimentary towels. As you sail across Mactan Channel, be on the lookout for views of the Liloan lighthouse, Marcelo Fernan Bridge, Mactan-Mandaue Bridge, and the Cebu City skyline. Cruise prices are at Php 295 per person, inclusive of one drink. Islands Banca Chillout Cruises departs 5:30 p.m. daily. The cruise lasts one and a half hours. To book, visit www.islandsbanca.com

Sheldon the Rockstar Chef

Coriander is not just top Singaporean advertising gun turned chef Sheldon Jaga’s favorite spice, it’s also the name of his eclectic Asian restaurant, The Coriander. The low-key connoisseur will absolutely love this place. Imagine spruced-up versions of Singaporean Hawker’s fare. Notable on the menu are Sheldon’s own Indian family recipes and artisan gelato—they make small batches of fresh gelato from locally sourced ingredients. But for the lucky ones, Sheldon’s crazy, rockstar personality has him whipping up spontaneous dinners at

some customers’ request.  The Crossroads Mall, Banilad, Cebu City; +6332 268 3510; +63906 949 4000; the_coriander09@yahoo.com

Unleash Your Inner Geek

Goombah

Are you a closet geek who harbors hidden memories of 8-bit music, Atari, Nintendo and arcade? Have no fear for Goombah is here. In this arcade and old school gaming restaurant, the crowd is young and hip, which only means one thing: what’s old is new again. Need a pause amidst your game? Try their reputedly delicious chicken wings. 1/F Banilad Town Center, Banilad, Cebu City; +63917 620 8681

Brews with a View

Introducing a gourmet coffee shop with an attitude… and altitude. Mr. A Café, located on Nivel Hills, is a charmer with its stunning view of the city and, of course, great brews. The weather can get a bit chilly, so snuggle up. Nivel Hills, Busay, Cebu City; open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

A Taste of History

Classic Filipino dishes, travel-inspired cuisine using local ingredients, and local comfort food—these are Café Elysa de Parian’s pride and joy. Located in the historical Parian District, Café Elysa de Parian is just a stone’s throw away from the Yap-Sandiego ancestral home, the Jesuits’ House, the Casa Gorordo Museum, and the Cebu Heritage Monument Park. Founded by chef and sommelier Stephen Aznar, it’s exceptional selection of wines complements the lovely menu. Come for the Cebuano dishes—humba with tausi (pork shanks braised with blackbeans), pancit de Parian (shrimp and pork sautéed with fresh local salty egg noodles) and tangigue ceviche (diced fish cooked in local lime juice). 30-A Zamora Street, Parian District, Cebu City; open daily except Monday; +6332 414 9265; bellespicestaz@yahoo.com

The Expat Connection

If you’re tired of the unruly weekend crowd, Willo’s Restobar is a good alternative venue to hang out with friends and meet people. Willo’s owner Emily is always around with a warm smile and genuine hospitality. Good food, Wi-Fi connection, and weekend DJs keep this small bar a favorite expat watering hole. Door #2 TP Building, AS Fortuna St., Mandaue City; +6332 268 0292; +63917 727 4562; emilyv72@yahoo.co.uk

Cebu’s Premier British Pub

Joker's Arms

Trivia fans, listen up! Join the excellent crowd at Joker’s Arms Trivia Night. On Tuesdays, resident teams pack up the pub’s cozy wood interiors and vie for the Nerds of the Year official title. A.S. Fortuna Street, Bakilid, Mandaue City;  +6332 505 3193; www.jokersarms.com

Wine Revolutionaries

D+B’s Freedom of Wine Movement, a regular event featuring select brands sold at D+B, has changed Cebu’s wine scene forever. Look forward to their personalized service. An occasional date place, their second floor offers a nice and cozy private bar. Unit 1, The Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City; +632 233 0832; +63933 158 5770; info@dplusbwine.com

A Taste of the Familiar

Whether you visit its original location or its latest branch along Maria Luisa road, The Veranda’s homey party vibe offers a fresh take on Saturday night drinking. Well loved by locals, its new branch with an updated menu is fast becoming the weekend ‘it’ place. Ma. Luisa Road, Banilad, Cebu City; +632 520 3399

Casual Party

Formo

Formo’s laid-back party ambience, popular dance music, and affordable food and drinks always draw the crowd. Their Friday nights are always packed followed by Saturdays’ Disco Deluxe that rakes in the retro vibe. Here, devoted patrons let their hair down after a long day’s work during Happy Hour from 6 to 10 p.m. To booze up, order a Below Zero beer or mojito and pair it with their flavorful pica-pica specialties. 1/F Banilad Town Center, Banilad, Cebu City; +6332 416 1990; +63 917 7100 400; FORMO.Cebu@gmail.com; www.formocebu.multiply.com

White Hot: Treff

Treff, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino’s main bar and lounge, liberally exudes a mellow vibe. Don’t forget to dress urban chic, which is what its interiors —an all-white bar with glass walls and table, leather lounge sectionals, plus Lucite Philippe Starck chairs—proudly show off. Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, Salinas Drive, Lahug; +632 232 6888; www.waterfronthotels.com.ph/

Party at the Penthouse

If you want to take up your Cebu bar-hopping activity up another notch, Penthouse is the place you’re likely to end up in. “Pent,” as it’s fondly called by locals, cranks up the dance club scene and the intensity on every weekend party. The rules are simple: drink and dance till you drop as international DJs mix with a great crowd. 3rd Floor, CJRS Point, Asiatown IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City; +6332 231 3284; +63922 826 7670; www.thepenthousecebu.com