2012 Travel Series No. 3: Part 1 - Bicol: Legazpi, Donsol, and Masbate

DAY 1 - Bicol Express Adventure (Legazpi, Cagsawa, and Daraga in Albay & Pilar and Donsol in Sorsogon)

Unlike my previous travels, I was more prepared for this one since it was my first time visiting Bicolandia and this time around I was determined not to burn my ticket.  I arrived in the airport almost 1 and 1/2 hours before schedule - too excited.

Upon checkin, I requested (coupled with my sweetest devilish smile) for a window seat.  I was given 1F - 1st row, Wow!  Zest Air was unusually on time.  Flight was 11:40, by 11am boarding was already complete.  To my surprise, the flight was nearly full but I was the only one sitting in the front row, so I had 6 seats all to my disposal.  I took advantage of my extreme luck as I did a photo shoot 25K above sea level.

It was a fine day for cloud photography

Various cloud formations are such a delight to the eyes

I had my first glimpse of Mt. Mayon from my vantage point.  I was asked by the stewardess to move to the left side of the plane so that I could capture Mayon as we land.  Wow!  I was really feeling extremely lucky.  As the plane prepares its landing, my camera I began shooting.  It was exhilarating.  I ignored the "fasten seat belt" sign as I shifted from left to right of the front row (pasaway talaga) :-)  I could see other passengers staring and just glaring with envy :-)

First sight of Mt. Mayon in the horizon.  Luckily I had the entire first row .
 I had full vantage point from both directions - left and right side

TIP: Make sure you request for a seat on the left side of the plane to get the best vantage view of Mt. Mayon as the aircraft lands.

Mt. Mayon in its full glory.  It's such a joy to see God's wonderful creations.

I wasted no time, I had to shoot as many pictures as I can.  Outside the airport, one can take a taxi, a van, or a tricycle...I took a tricycle and asked the driver how much it would cost to get to the ViewPoint - Lignon Hill (I found out afterwards) - 50pesos.  And how about Cagsawa, I asked.  We closed the deal at 300pesos, city tour - tourist style.  Best deal - Airport to Lignon Hill, to Cagsawa, to St. Gregory Cathedral (all these in 1 hour and 30 minutes).  Taxi offered 2500 (city tour of Legazpi plus ride to Donsol).

First stop, Ligñon Hill, is just outside the gates of the airport near the run way.  This hill, has lush vegetation and offers a full view of Mayon and Legazpi city.  It's no easy climb so the tricycle driver suggested that I take a motorcycle ride up the top for 20pesos.  Entrance to Lignon Hill is 20pesos.  10 minutes and a few shots after, I was trekking down hill.  There are trails but I did not bother to check them.  The hanging bridge is also closed.

The runway, Ligñon Hill, and Mt. Mayon

Entrance to the Ligñon Hill.  Fee is 20pesos.  Make sure have a ride going up.  Going down is a breeze.

The view of Mt. Mayon from Ligñon Hill

The hanging bridge, the runway, Legazpi City, the sea, the mountains, the sky.

Next stop, Cagsawa ruins.  7kms. (about 15 minutes) from the airport is the infamous Cagsawa Church bell tower ruins.  The road leading to the site was washed away by recent rain and flooding.  Hence, only motorbikes and tricycles were allowed to enter until the gate of the ruins.  Too bad for the high class tourist in air-conditioned cars and vans as they have to walk a kilometer under the scorching heat of the sun.

Cagsawa Chull Bell Tower

Entrance to the ruins is 10pesos.  Inside is the famous bell tower, stone walls of the original church (used as picture frames) and in the background is Mt. Mayon.  High school kids help take pictures.  Just don't forget to tip them.  The kid who helped me even taught me a lesson in exposure.  My 50pesos tip was worth it.  Got me self some good shots.

Mt. Mayon from Cagsawa

Always covered by clouds whenever I attempt to take a picture

From the rear of the ruins

Native crafts - colorful hats- are sold outside the entrance of  the Cagsawa ruins

Some more colorful crafts for sale

TIPS:
- Take a tricycle ride, this is much cheaper and it allows one to have a feel of the place.
- Do not worry about having your picture taken in Cagsawa as there are high school kids who are willing to help get professional looking pictures for you.

Third stop, St. Gregory Church of Legazpi.  The church is pretty much restored in and out.  Gone is its rustic beauty.  I'll visit Daraga Church in my next visit.

The main church of Legazpi - St. Gregory's Cathedral

After 1.5 hours of city touring, I decided to head on to Donsol.  The only problem, no vans were travelling since it was Good Friday.  Luckily, I managed to catch the last jeepney ride from Daraga to Donsol.

TIPS:
- Legazpi City houses the Central Bus Terminal.  However, there are more jeepneys plying Donsol in Daraga, which is about 3 kilometers South of Legazpi.
- Don't make the mistake of hopping on a ride to Sorsogon if you intend to go to Donsol.  Sorsogon travels south while Donsol is on the West side.
- Jeepney ride will take about 3 hours (1.5 hours of stopping along the way).  Fare is 60 pesos.  Public vans go for the same price.  On my return from Donsol to Legazpi, I rode a motorbike for 500pesos that took only 45minutes (see Day 2).

En route to Donsol, we were stopped as there was an ongoing procession (since it was already 5pm).  It was an added treat as I took pictures from the top of the jeepney.  Got me self the vantage point again.

Images from the procession in Pilar Sorsogon, en route to Donsol

2012 Travel Series No. 3: Part 2 - Bicol: Legazpi, Donsol, Masbate

DAY 1PM - DAY 2: More adventures and missed-adventures (Donsol, Masbate, and back to Legazpi)

I reached Donsol about 6:30pm.  The jeepney stopped at the town plaza.  I was told to take a tricycle ride to Dancalan beach where most of the resorts and hotels are concentrated.  More importantly it is where the DOT building is where one has to register to go "butanding" watching.

My luck seem to have ran out as all the resorts were fully booked.  The tricycle driver offered his home but I decided to stay at Giddy's resort.  The only hotel in town that accepts credit card and the only accredited dive shop (facilities and training).  I settled in for a dormitory room (1 bunk bed) in a room with a shared toilet and bath downstairs.  I may have been the only solo flight tourist in town that day as I had the room all for myself.  It was a better deal than getting a single room for 3Kpesos.

Giddy's Resort and Hotel - this is the only resort that accept credit card payments in the whole of Donsol

 I forgot that I have not eaten the whole day ( I had very light breakfast, no lunch, no merienda).  8pm I was dead hungry.  I checked the hotel menu and it contained the same expensive, continental dishes.  I opted to eat at the "carinderia" (canteen) beside Giddy's and had the best ginataang tulingan, laing, and dilis, and a 500ml of mineral water, all for 100pesos only.

For 100 pesos - 1 serving of rice, ginataang tulingan, laing, gatang dilis, one 500ml mineral water...not bad!

The following morning, I woke up very early as I was told I might be able to register if I was early.  I was very much surprised to see the crowd of people from all nationalities (it was like the gathering of the UN) waiting to register.  My reliable tricycle driver (from last night), Teng, went asking all his friends if I could be accommodated - to no avail.  I did not insist since there were people who have been in the waiting list since Thursday.  It was not fair.  I decided to go on island hopping instead.  The only catch, one boat cost 7K.  I negotiated for 2 islands, half day tour at 3500K. But to no avail.  I realized later on that the islands were far apart, hence, the price.  I was about to leave when a group of 4 (a family) graciously let into their pack.  I paid 1400 for my share of the boat (since there are 5 of us) and 100 pesos for registration, 1500 all in all.

Visitors preparing to go whaleshark watching. 

This was the closest I got to a whaleshark..not bad :-)

Souvenirs. Will get one when I finally get the chance to swim with the gentle giants.

Arriving in Ticao Island for some snorkeling

The itinerary was for about 7 islands.  First stop, was Ticao island for some snorkeling and shark feeding.  The ride was nearly an hour and a half.  I was in doubt if we can visit all the 7 islands.  Ticao has a small cove that offers snorkeling, kayaking, and yest jetski activities.  On the right side of the main beach is a small beach where baby sharks are often seen.  At that time, there were two cuties but were to shy to much the stinking smell of the nearly rotten fish used as bait.

Fish and corals abound but in the deeper portions of the island.

15 minutes I wanted to go off but since I am travelling with another party I had no choice but to wait for them to finish their lunch.  It was nearly noon when we left.

Plunging into the cold waters of Ticao Island.

Pretty and sexy blue starfish

TIPS:
- Make sure you bring a good pair of fins and snorkeling set.  This can be rented at 150pesos for mask and tube, and 150pesos for fins
- Bring food and water as there are no stores within any of the islands to be visited.  There is a Binalot stall in front of the DOT office
- Bring extra bottles of fresh water, you'll need them on your way back to wash your eyes from salt water

And yes!  There is a Binalot stall in the heart of Donsol Sorsogon

The trip to Catandayagan falls was a little over an hour.  It was beginning to make sense to me why the fee was pegged at 7K per boat since travelling from one island to the other takes time.  Along the way, several limestone islets (similar to Puerto Princesa) greets you.  Lush with greens.

The long route to Catandayagan Falls

All I know is that we were visiting a waterfall in San Miguel Island in Masbate.  I thought we were to trek to see the waterfall.  But lo and behold, Catandayagan waterfalls spills its water into the open sea.  It was a wonder.  The feeling was both of awe and exhilaration.  It was like having Cristina Falls but in the open sea.
I immediately took a plunge - no vest, no mask.  I was simply too excited.

The view from a distance seems like nothing extraordinary

Right underneath the falls is a small cave where one can swim to enjoy fresh water.  However, it is not for the novice swimmer.  One can easily get washed away due to underwater current coupled with the heavy splashes and downpour of the waterfalls.

But once you get closer, you'll be amazed as to how majestic this place is.

The Catandayagan Waterfalls made up for me not having been able to bond with the "Butandings" of Donsol.  The whale sharks can wait for another time.  But the Catandayagan Waterfalls was simply the best of the best from all of my travels so far.  I hope that more and more people to get to visit it and appreciate its  wonder and glory.

Raring to dive...no gears.

It was another 2 hours ride going back to the shores of Donsol.  Tired and exhausted but very much happy and fulfilled, I rented a motorbike (with a driver) for 500pesos back to Legazpi to catch the 6pm ride (via Philtranco) to Manila.

TIPS:
- The buses are located in the Central Bus Terminal in Legazpi (near Gaisano Mall)
- Buses usually leave for Manila starting at 5pm until 8pm.  Check out the different bus companies for fares.
- A 27 seater Philtrancto coach bus cost 1100 a seat from Legazpi to Cubao (it's the most comfortable ride one can get).  It has a toilet too.

NEXT ADVENTURE: Iloilo and Guimaras Island Province with my family.  April 13-15, 2012

2012 Travel Series No. 2: Part 3 - Cebu: Cebu City, and Mactan & Olango Islands

Day 2 - Island Hopping, The Adventure Begins!

I was mobbed by gangs of boatmen as I alight from the motorbike.  Ended up agreeing to renting a boat for 2200pesos to visit two islands - Olango and Sulpa.

TIP:
There are a lot of operators in the Pier.  Do not be like me who does not know how to negotiate and haggle.  So I ended up getting a Titanic all for myself :-)  I found out late that rates start at 800pesos. Price vary depending on the number of islands you wish to visit and the size of the boat.  Transact wisely!

So there I was with my titanic, everyone in the Pier staring at this crazy tourist renting a gigantic banca (good for 30) people all for himself.  The plan was to visit Olango and Supal Islands.  I didn't care as long as I get to see fish, corals, and take some underwater pictures.  That was all I needed :-)

The Titanic...with 4 crew...and 1 passenger

 First stop was Olango Island.  It just took us 15 minutes to reach this marine sanctuary.  There is a 100peso fee and camera fee of 50pesos.

Getting ready to plunge - Olango Island

 And I plunged.  Too my horror, I was being swept underwater.  Underwater current was simply too strong.  I had to content myself staying near the boat, holding on to a rope and did fish feeding nearby.  Surprisingly, the fish did not mind visitors. On the contrary it seemed that they have been waiting.  20 pieces of pandesal gone in minutes.  They eat like piranhas.

The fishes here seem to have been trained.  They never leave.

Within the one hour that we were anchored, the fishes never left.  It's like they've been trained to pose for the camera. :-)

Need to hold on. Underwater current was too strong.  Snorkeling was difficult

 I only got to see one specie of fish (I don't know the name).  Not like in Balicasag.  There is another island called Hilugtungan but it is a little farther and the boatmen said that underwater scenery is way better.  That'll be in my to-do list in my next visit.

Is that a "butanding"...ahhh...ME!

 Lesson learned here, don't buy a snorkeling mask made of plastic.  Don't buy Speedo as it tends to produce mist.  Get a mask made of glass or fiberglass.  I had to swap with the boatman as my Speedo mask was failing me.

Up close and personal with the fishies

 An hour passed and I had enough.  We were off to Supal Island.  I'd been warned that I won't be seeing fishes.  It was just a small beach for lounging and for a fee of 100pesos.  What the heck, I was there already so be it.

Tired! Next Island please

Coral

 To my pleasant surprise, I enjoyed Supal Island way better than Olango Island.  The water is clearer and more shallow.  No underwater current to worry about.

Supal Island, the islands of starfish and sea urchins...seabed is literally littered with sea urchins 

 The seabed is littered with starfishes (all sizes and colors), sea urchins (be careful, the sting will feel like being pierced with a needle).

This place seems to be a coral nursery

 The island also boasts of growing corals.  It seemed like the place is reviving itself, recuperating from the drawbacks of tourism.  Little corals are sprouting almost everywhere.  I saw a jellyfish, luckily I did not step on it and an albino crab.  Check out my FB page for more pictures

Tiny two-colored starfish...gigantic ones litter the seabed

 Thirty minutes after, I called it a wrap.  Fulfilled and happy that I managed to do what I came to do.

And...back to Mactan

TIP:
Make sure that you don't go sharing a boat with other groups.  It is better if you rent your own so that you can manage the time, specially for impatient travelers like me.

For the more upscale boat rental - with towels, lunch, and somewhat first class service check out - http://www.cebudiving.com/


NEXT blog: Swimming with the "butandings" of Sorsogon, communing with the Majestic Mayon, and exploring the Caramoan Islands.

2012 Travel Series No. 2: Part 2 - Cebu: Cebu City, and Mactan & Olango Islands

Day 2 - Gone is the frustration...The adventure begins

I planned on waking up at 6am but ended waking up at nearly 8. I've wasted precious time.  Took a shower, and caught a jeepney ride to Sto. Nino church.  I never fail to visit the Cebu Cathedral and the Sto. Nino Church whenever I am in Cebu.

The facade of the Cebu Cathedral...more masses in English than Sto. Nino Church

 A visit to the Cebu Cathedral is mandatory.  I spent a couple of minutes inside, uttered a prayer of thanks.

The blessed image of the Sto. Nino - Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino

The image of the Sto. Nino is known to cure the sick and give comfort to the broken-hearted.  There is always a long queue of folks wanting to get a closer look of the image and pray for petitions.  Mass is mostly in Cebuano.  Adjacent to the main building is the courtyard where one can sit back and relax.

The stadium like facility right in front of the church...mass was being held  outside during special occasions such as this one - "Araw ng mga Palaspas"

 Mass during special events, such as the stretch of the holy week, is celebrated in an amphitheater-like facility fronting the basilica.  This place gets packed during the Sinulog festival (feast of the Sto. Nino) in January.

The infamous structure that houses the Magellan's cross...located  on the left side of the Sto. Nino church just outside of the Sto. Nino Catholic School, fronting the Cebu City government building

 You've never been to Cebu if you have not seen Magellan's cross.  The building is right outside the Sto. Nino Catholic school adjacent to the Basilica.  Hence it is better to start off from the Cebu Cathedral then follow the street on your left (if you are fronting the church) and head towards the basilica and then Magellan's cross.

Magellan's cross

 After 30 minutes, I was headed off to Mactan.  The plan was to get some breakfast and head off for some island hopping and snorkeling.  5 minutes in the road, I changed my mind and asked the cab driver to drop me off at the base of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge.  This bridge is the latest structure that connects Cebu City and Mactan Island.  The cab driver was hesitant at first and asked me if I really wanted to walk the stretch of the bridge.  I was adamant and replied with a loud - YES! :-)
The moment I got out of the cab, it drizzled.  I took it as a blessing of my crossing the bridge.  A minute after the drizzle stopped.  I was a tourist, I felt I was a tourist.  I may have looked like a stupid tourist but there I was traversing the stretch of the bridge. I even crossed halfway to take a better picture of the bridge.

Marcelo Fernan Bridge - Mandaue City side

 Cars, trucks, jeepneys, motorcycles were honking as if telling me that being in the middle of traffic was stupid and darn illegal.  But the hard headed me ignored them all, 1 shot, 2 shots, and 10 shots after I had enough.

From the other end of the bridge

 And so I thought.  When I reached the other side, I crossed halfway again. :-)  Now this is adventure in its truest sense of the word. :-)

Marcelo Fernan Bridge - Lapu Lapu City side

The bridge is about 1.3 kilometers in length and was built in 1999 to decongest the traffic in the Mactan-Mandaue bridge.  This is the shorter route to and from the airport.  The bridge was named after the former Supreme Court Justice who hailed from this city.

I was walking for about 3 kilometers when I felt my tummy complaining.  It was 9am and I haven't eaten.  The intention was to check-in first at Islands Stay Hotels.  However, there were no rooms available.  I recommend this hotel when you are in Mactan since it is very near the airport and there is a SaveMore and Starbucks nearby.  But most specially because ZUBU CHON Restaurant is housed in the same building.  Last year, the famous food adventurer, Anthony Bourdain came to Cebu to try out ZUBU CHON lechon, which he ended up calling, "Best Pig...EVER"!  It was OK not to have a room as long as I get to taste the new lechon Cebu, that is ZUBU CHON.

ZUBU CHON!

Can't wait for my Breakfast Meal Pritchon

 If you want a fresh serving of the lechon, you have to come in at 10:00am when delivery comes in.  Try their monggo, and many other delectable dishes.  Their best seller drink - Kamias Shake- is supposed to control cholesterol and helps in weight loss.  So you don't have to worry about the fats.  I did not manage to try it though...as my tummy will not be kind to something sour so early in the morning.

The placemat says it all.

Finally...breakfast.  Must try!

I've tried most of the Cebu Lechon brands and somehow they are all the same - DELICIOUS!  What's so special about ZUBU CHON?  I'm not so sure actually.  It maybe just the hype now but I would recommend it to anyone visiting Cebu to give it a try.  It's YUMMY!

Now that I'm full, I have to look for a place to stay.  The front desk personnel recommended Park Hill Hotel, walking distance towards the airport.  Park Hill is tucked in a cozy, peaceful, serene, subdivision.  This is way much better than Elegant Circle Inn in Fuente Osmena.  Room is for 900/night, ample space, with TV and Cable, hot and cold shower, towels, and other bare essentials.  I decided to take a nap.

30 minutes after, I forced myself out of the room.  I have to go snorkeling.  That was the intent of this trip anyway.  It was 11am.  I'd be burned black by the time I come back.  Sporting a terrible headache, I heavily hurled myself in a motorbike and went to the Pier near MovenPick (formerly Hilton Hotel).

NOTE: Island hopping adventure next... :-)

2012 Travel Series No. 2: Part 1 - Cebu: Cebu City, and Mactan & Olango Islands

DAY 1 - Frustrations and misadventures

Last week was one long, tiring, and exhausting week.  Monday to Friday was toxic in the office.  PM, I had my final session of my Financial Engineering class in Ateneo immediately followed by a fellowship dinner in Barcino that lasted until 1AM (I missed another party in Magallanes).  The following morning I was late in my godson's christening (luckily the priest was more tardy than I was).  I was exhausted when I got home at 1pm. Took a nap as my head was starting to ache.  I woke up at 4pm realizing that I had a flight to Cebu to catch and I only had an hour.  With the speed of light I packed my stuff in 10mins, hopped into the car  by 4:15pm.  While I was speeding along C5, a red Mitsubishi lancer was trying to catch speed.  I thought, I don't have time to race.  I stepped on the gas and pulled away.  After a few meters, another car from behind, was flashing its headlights.  I thought it wanted to pass, so I stepped on the gas some more and sped away.  A few meters more, a motorcycle caught speed and I was thinking, "why is everyone trying to race with me today, of all the days when I have a flight to catch".  Finally, the guy managed to catch me and pointed on the tires of my car (my angel might have been singing hollies after his stubborn ward finally heeded the calls and the signs).  I pulled over.  Alas! - the rear right tire was nearly deflated.  I did not attempt to change the tire (I still don't know how until now) instead I drove a few meters more, saw a vulcanizing shop, and challenge a mechanic to remove the tire and put the spare in 5 minutes for 100pesos - he did it in 7mins so I gave him 70pesos :-) (it was actually the only loose bills I had).

I was speeding more than ever, missing three near-collisions.  At the back of my mind, I just wanted to go home and sleep but it's that same lazy thoughts that had caused me to burn so many tickets and would-have-been adventures, so I stepped on the gas some more.  My luck started to change when I reached the parking lot, it was like my angel had reserved a spot for me, directly fronting the terminal entrance.  I only had 20 mins left to reach the boarding gate.  I ran and ran, cut queues (avoiding the glare and the stare of those behind me). Had the manager of Ceb Pac print my boarding pass, a new counter opened and I was first in line to pay the terminal fee, threw my stuff into the last x-ray machine (I couldn't be bothered by the people in line telling me to move back to the end of the queue).  5 mins. to departure I finally reached the gate.  I was out of breath and all sweaty.  I collapsed not out of exhaustion but in finding out that the flight was delayed for another 30 minutes, what the #@$$!

I had no itinerary for this trip.  The only goal was to do snorkeling and island hopping in one or two islands in Mactan.  I reached Cebu City at 9pm, dead tired and hungry.  First thing I went looking for was a seafood restaurant.  I ended up in NeoNeo, a fast food, service was so lousy that even a glass of water took them forever to serve.  I walked out.  I went to my all time favorite restaurant - Abuhan.  I never miss to pay this place a visit whenever I am in Cebu.  Got me a big serving of pochero, pansit, and grilled tangigue.


The famous "Pochero", similar to Batanga's bulalo.  Abuhan Restaurant is located at F. Ramos St. across Holiday Hotel near Robinsons Fuente Osmena.  They are open 24 hours. Picture courtesy of http://www.freewebs.com/kanirag/Abuhan.htm

Next stop, a place to stay.  I usually stay in Sampaguita Suites (032-2533672/032-2535964) in Fuente Osmena near Mango Square.  However that night, they were scheduled to clean their water tank from 11pm-4am - No water for the night.  Cebu has every type of accommodation that caters to nearly everyone's tastes and preference.  Sampaguita Suites is highly recommended for light-budget travelers.

I crossed to Grand Prix Hotel, but all the single rooms were on hold.  I really needed to rest, so I decided to try Elegant Circle Inn (still within Fuente Osmena).  The verdict - I am never returning to this hotel.  From inside your room you can hear all the noise in the corridor.  The noise from the TV and the sounds inside the other rooms can also be heard from within your room.  Not a good place if you are to do "the deed" - (DISCLAIMER: I was behaved, very behaved).

TIPS: (Exploring Cebu - A Beginner's Guide)
If you are thinking to visit the Queen City of the South, in solitude.  Here are some helpful tips:
DAY 1
1/ Book the first flight out of Manila (Saturday) - Ceb Pac and PAL have 3am/4am flights.  Book the last flight out of Cebu (Sunday) - Ceb Pac and PAL have 11pm/12mn flights.
2/ Book your accommodation in advance.  Research.  Sampaguita Suites offers single room occupancy at 680pesos.  Grand Prix is for 800+. No breakfast.  Something you need not worry since there are a lot of places to get one.  Book a hotel within the Fuente Osmena area.  The landmark is Robinsons, Cebu Midtown Hotel, National Bookstore, Shamrock Hotel.
3/ From the airport, take a cab straight to Sto. Nino Shrine.  This will kick start your city tour.  Fare should not exceed 200pesos (metered).
4/ Kick start your Cebu adventure by exploring downtown Cebu -> Sto. Nino Shrine (make sure you bring home a Sto.Nino), parallel to it is the Cebu Cathedral, on the other side of it is the infamous Magellan's cross.  Walk to the Pier, and you will find the Plaza Independencia.  Beside it is Fort San Pedro (similar to Fort Santiago in Intramuros).  Head back to Sto. Nino, and walk the stretch heading to Colon St. (the oldest St. in the Philippines) - it's like being in Quiapo, downtown Avenida in Manila.
5/ From Colon, take a jeepney ride to Fuente Osmena.  It should be lunch time by now.  Check out Abuhan Restaurant in F. Ramos St. (see above link).  Check in to your chosen hotel after lunch
6/ After lunch, from Fuente, find the road that leads to the Provincial Capitol. Head on to SM from there and Ayala afterwards.  You can skip SM, but don't skip Ayala.
7/ In Ayala, try the food court at the 4th floor - Cebu Lechon for merienda.
8/ Explore Ayala and the IT Park.
9/ Have dinner at Cafe Laguna (very much recommended)
10/ After dinner, freshen up and prepare yourself for some Cebu night life at Mango Square (5 meters away from Fuente Osmena).  There are variety of bars, some high end requires consumable entrance fee.  Mingle, make friends with the local.  Who know's it's your lucky night and you might end up finding a companion for the following day :-)...Take note that the Cebuano's enjoy Red Horse.  San Mig Light is for the lame and faint-hearted.
11/ You should be tired, exhausted, and drunk by 2AM
ALTERNATIVE: Visit Tops in Banilad.  This is a hill that overlooks Cebu City and Mactan.  Rent a cab and negotiate for a return trip.

DAY 2
1/ This will depend on what time you wake up.  Sampaguita Suites offers breakfast for a very reasonable rate.
2/ If you can't skip mass, head on to Sto. Nino Church.
3/ If you want to stay within the city, and do some more exploration, check out Crown Regency Hotel's Edge Coaster and conquer your fear of heights.  Prepare at the least 1500pesos for this adventure
4/ If you are a beach bum, take a jeepney ride to Mactan (it will require 2 separate jeepney ride going to Mactan).  Skip the cab, it's best to explore Cebu when you are commuting.  Ensure that you take the jeepney that will pass along Marcelo Fernan Bridge.  In Mactan, take a tricycle ride to Maribago Blue Waters (they offer day tour for 1300pesos inclusive of buffet lunch), Cebu White Sands (day tour at 1000pesos with buffet lunch, Shangri-la 3400 day tour with buffet lunch).  Laze on the sand, enjoy the sun, the sea, and the beach.
5/ Whether you opted to stay in the city or checked out the beach in Mactan, by 4pm head on to Lapu Lapu Shrine (near Shangri-la).
6/ Right beside Lapu Lapu shrine is the infamous "Sutukil" similar to the Dampa dining setup in Manila.  Sutukil is an abbreviation for Sugba (grilled), Tulaw (soup), and Kilaw (cebiche) using one fish. Prepare at least 500pesos for this feast.  Or head on back near the airport and try Cebu's Best Lechon - ZUBU CHON (highly recommended).  Or check out AA Restaurant (Fresh seafoods, meat, vegetables).
7/ After a hearty dinner, head on to the airport for your flight back to Manila.
NOTE:  There is a Starbucks and Island Souvenirs shop near the airport.  A Save More store is also within the same vicinity.  Do your "pasalubong" shopping here.