Mactan Getaway

Mactan may just be about 62-square kilometer small, the size of Newark, yet this small island off the shore of Cebu plays a significant role in the colorful Philippine history. If we travel back in time, Mactan created a stir when Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan docked on its shores in 1521 while on search for the “spice island”. The local chieftain then, named Lapu-Lapu, refused to bow to any king or foreigner, which led to a bloody battle and eventually to the death of Magellan. Beyond history, Mactan is a major player in Cebu’s development as well as of the whole country. This tiny bit of coral island is the gateway to the Visayas region of the Philippines. An international airport is found in Mactan along with several factories and manufacturing plants that comprise of the Mactan Economic Zone Area. Its capital is the Lapu-Lapu City, formerly known as Opon which has progressed to a bustling city in this small island. Major hotels and resorts were recently built in Mactan, making it an ideal getaway place which is isolated from the city’s hustle and bustle yet just a stone’s throw away from the services the metropolis can offer. Among these hotels are Plantation Bay Resort, Shangri-la’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa and the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa. A major attraction in the island is the Mactan shrine where the statue of Lapu-Lapu, who is considered the first Filipino hero, is found. Within the shrine compound are also located the Magellan Monument and the Magellan Shrine, which give a detail how on that fateful day the local tribe has defeated the Spaniards. Also in Mactan is the biggest Pasalubong (literally means a memento gift from ones’ travels brought to loved ones waiting back home) Center of the Islands Souvenir. Shirts, accessories, slippers, and native delicacies that speak of Cebu could be found in this souvenir shop. There are also guitar factories and stalls selling various home decors made of shells. Tourists drop by these stores before they leave for home to take with them keepsakes of Cebu and of the Philippines. How about you, what Mactan memory would you take with you?

Quick Tips:

If you are staying in a hotel, arrange with your accommodation any transport service from the airport to the place where you will be staying. Although cabs are available at the airport, there are some taxi drivers who overcharge. Mactan, especially its capital, Lapu-Lapu City, is just a small area. Cross the bridge and you will find yourself in the bustling cities of Mandaue and Cebu in the Cebu island. If you want to buy native delicacies, better drop by the souvenir shops in Mactan and in Cebu rather than the more expensive stalls inside the airport. Money changers are not hard to find. But check the exchange rate before visiting the place so you will have an idea how much to spend. For convenience, you can go to a mall which can offer you all kinds and goods and services that you would need. Learn a few Cebuano phrases. Although Cebuanos are the best English-speaking Filipino people in the Philippines, they would appreciate you trying to learn their language. Start out by saying “Maayong buntag” to say “Good morning”. Check the Internet for some Cebuano words and phrases and some information on Mactan and Cebu.

Best Way To Get Around:

In Lapu-Lapu City, there are jeepneys that can bring you to the neighboring island Cebu at a very minimum price (approximately P6.00 to 7.00 or US.14). But only take the jeepneys if you’re not carrying too many stuff and only when you are confident to take this unique public transport. Taxis are metered and can be found in major public areas. If you prefer to get a firsthand feel of the city, you can do some walking. On the other side, there are tricycles available that can take you to smaller alleys and streets. But if you want convenience and protection from air and noise pollution, then you can always take the taxi.

The international hotel chain Shangri-la recently built Shangri-la’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa that has become a favorite among tourists. It recently hosted the ASEAN Summit, accommodating heads of states and government officials from the region. International and national media were housed in Shangri-la for various global events held in this hotel.

Shangri-la is popular among travelers and health buffs because of its Chi Spa which has been highly acclaimed internationally. It is isolated from the hotel giving Spa goers a relaxed and serene environment. It has two pools, the main pool found at the center of the hotel grounds and the Ocean Wing pool which is nearer the seaside. Apart from these pools, Shangri-la offers a great beach front where one can snorkel and parasail.

When it comes to feasting, Shangri-la Mactan serves the best foods. For breakfast, a wide array of choices at Tides’ buffet could really fill one’s eyes and gustatory taste, as well. A bit limited version is available at Acqua, which is an Italian Restaurant. While Tides gives a great view of the main pool, Acqua has a fresher perspective as it looks out to nearby Ocean Wing Pool and the sea. At night, you can hang out at Cowrie Cove with a great open air bar and restaurant along the seawall, beautiful ambience and look with its wooden planks and water-themed designs It might be a long walk from the main hotel building to Cowrie Cove.

Cross over the wooden bridge from Cowrie Cove and you’ll find a wonderful venue for wedding receptions or cocktails, the Ocean Pavilion. Triangular in shape, the Ocean Pavilion is air-conditioned and has glass doors for a beautiful view of the green landscape. Ocean Pavilion has a driveway where golf carts can bring guests from the hotel building.

Lastly, Shangri-la has complete facilities: a business center, function rooms for meetings, large and medium-sized ballrooms, gym, and videoke rooms. I would say that my stay at Shanri-la Mactan was a wonderful one with the commendable facilities, great staff, luxurious rooms, and breathtaking views.

When it comes to shopping for souvenir items or delicacies to take home with you, Islands Souvenirs in the Philippines would have something available for you. It was founded by the young entrepreneur Jay Aldeguer, who is a native of Cebu. His little shop has blossomed and can now be found in major cities and malls throughout the Philippines. So successful was the concept that it has now its Islands Souvenirs shops in Singapore, Macau, Japan, and the USA. Islands Souvenirs’ bright and neon-colored shops are very attractive to tourists. Its Pasalubong Center in Mactan must be the largest there is. A big colored drawing of a girl in Hawaiian skirt greets visitors to the shop.

Main souvenir items found were shirts and shorts and other stuff you use in the island, like slippers and bags. There were also little desk decors, home trimmings, and fashion accessories like necklaces and bangles made of shells or native materials. You can also buy key chains, magnets with Cebu landmarks and Cebu travel guides. The other half of the store was dedicated to native delicacies. From dried mangoes to dried fishes, you name it, you can find all kinds of local food products of Cebu in Islands Souvenirs. Their stores in the malls don’t have these products but the big Pasalubong Center in Mactan has everything.

Before the only means to cross the Cebu Strait was through a small boat that will take one from the ports of Mandaue to the ports of Mactan. Then the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge was built. I remembered passing through this bridge when I first came to Cebu in 1997. Now, a decade after, another bridge is passable to get people to transport from Mactan to Cebu. The second bridge is the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, named after a statesman who came from Cebu. The Marcelo Fernan Bridge is much longer than the first bridge. It looks more modern in architectural and engineering design. Cables are place on either side of the bridge just like the European suspension bridges. From the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, motorists can see the wonderful view of both islands. With the construction of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, traffic has become bearable especially for those coming and going to the airport. Transfer of goods and services has also become more convenient compared to the time when only a single bridge existed.

Ever heard the story how the figure of the Holy Child Jesus, or Santo Niño, found its way in the Philippine shores? It was said that the figure was given as a gift to the wife of the local chieftain. Then, when a fire struck it was said that the figure was found unburned and still intact, a miracle that was instrumental in the conversion of the local tribes into Christianity. The said figure is believed to be the same figure that is kept inside the Sto. Niño Basilica. Locals and believers from other towns, islands and countries flock to the Cathedral to visit the Sto, Niño which is also a miraculous one.

During its feast day, usually celebrated with a Sinulog Festival every first month of the year, people would paint themselves black to symbolize the early Filipino aborigines, known as Negritos or Aetas. A figure of the child Jesus is paraded in the main streets of Cebu hyped with some street dancing. Every year the clothes of the original Santo Niño figure is changed and the clothes worn during the past year is placed on the replica that is shown on the altar. So, you want to visit the century-old icon of the Holy Child Jesus? Say Viva Pit Señor Sto. Niño!

Another landmark in the city of Cebu is the Magellan’s Cross, just a stone throw away from the Sto. Niño Basilica. Magellan’s Cross is called as such because it is the original wooden cross that Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan planted when he arrived in Cebu. Because of the effects of time, weather and other external factors, it could not be avoided that the wooden cross would be subject to wear and tear. To preserve this historic landmark, the original cross was cast with wooden planks. At present, the cross is housed in a small octagonal shaped structure. It has wide windows that let light shine through.

The ceiling has a narrative painting of that fateful day with Magellan, along with Spanish soldiers, planted the cross on that same spot. This landmark is relevant to the Filipinos because it signified the locals’ conversion to Christianity. Because of the arrival of the Spaniards, the Philippines has become a significant mover in the Christian faith. In fact, the country remains to be the only Catholic nation in Asia.