This Week in Cebu (March 27 to April 2,

2017)
Cebu is becoming increasingly urban, and modernization efforts are being made in
trying to keep up with the demands of this growing city.

This week, renovations are already under way to transform the Mactan airport into a
world-class facility, while plans for a more efficient transport system are being
developed. Other exciting developments like a new restaurant and unique water sports
make the city an ideal destination to visit for the summer.

Council pushes proposal for sea transport, railways to allay traffic

A view of the Mactan Channel with the Marcelo Fernan Bridge (Image:
Roadtrip / Backpack Travel Guide)

The Regional Development Council (RDC) is considering alternative means of

transportation like sea transport and a railway system to alleviate traffic woes in Cebu
City. To provide another means of transportation aside from land-based mass transit,
the RDC Infrastructure Development Committee is studying the possibility of using five
existing ports along the Mactan Channel for intra- and inter-island travel. This proposal
is now pending approval and funding from the Department of Public Works and
Highways.

Other plans to improve mass transportation in Cebu include a five-line, 25-km. railway
and the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

Renovation under way for Terminal 2 of Mactan airport

Faade of the Mactan airport (Image: Mactan Cebu Airport)

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2 is currently undergoing

renovations, which is set to make it the worlds first resort airport by mid-2018. Top
designers and architects, including international furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue,
were tasked with creating the new 65-square-meter building which will have a wave-
shaped design made of glulam wood, said to be a first in Asia. Solar panels will also be
installed in the terminal.
The construction of the new terminal will coincide with plans of MCIA management to
open more routes to Europe, Australia and other ASEAN countries in the next two years.

Bigiw paddling at Mactan

A bigiw sails across the sunset in Mactan (Image: Island Buzz Philippines)

Locals and tourists go to Mactan to take a dip at the beach, especially during summer.
But Island Buzz Philippines, a Mactan-based tours and adventures company, is offering
a unique water activity, which is not only a form of sports or exercise but also a means
to discover local heritage.

Buzzy Budlong, surfer and owner of Island Buzz, aims to revive the lost art of paddling
using a bigiw, a kind of small boat propelled by oars which ancient Filipinos used to
travel across the islands. Island Buzz holds basic bigiw paddling and sailing lessons at
Mactan Newtown Beach, as well as stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking classes.

All-day breakfast at Camden Caf

The white neon sign at Camden Caf (Image: Angelica Ann)

Eating a morning meal in Cebu usually means going to a breakfast buffet at a hotel or a
24-hour tapsilog spot. But standalone all-day breakfast places are slowly changing this,
including newcomer Camden Caf. Their menu includes different kinds of omelets,
Eggs Benedict, pancakes, and other breakfast and brunch fare. Aside from the food,
diners visit the caf for their white neon sign and Instagram-worthy industrial-chic
interiors.

Read: The Culinary Paradise of Cebu: Where to Begin? (Part 1)

Danggit and more at Taboan

Cebu is famous for danggit (rabbitfish or spinefoot fish), which tourists buy
as pasalubong (take-home gift) for family and friends. While this Cebuano delicacy is
available at most supermarkets, the Taboan Public Market is one of the best places to
buy dried fish at reasonable price points.

The market is accessible by taxi or jeepneys marked 04C, 17B or 17C. It is advisable for
shoppers heading to Taboan to wear simple clothes, as the smell of dried fish can stick
to ones clothing.

Read: Where Locals Shop: Top Makamasa Markets in Cebu

ATM skimming

Practicing ATM safety tips minimizes chances of skimming incidents.

The recent incident of automated teller machine (ATM) skimming which compromised
50 Landbank accounts in Cebu City has made the rounds of local and national news.
While the police have nabbed the suspects, it is still advisable for locals and tourists to
practice some ATM safety precautions to avoid falling victims to such schemes.

One of these is to feel the card reader and the PIN pad areas for skimming devices,
which should easily fall off. Bank clients should also choose an ATM in a well-lit area,
and cancel their transaction if they spot suspicious people nearby.