When in the Tropical Paradise of Cebu

 

Ah, Cebu. Also known as the Queen City of the South. Its capital is the first and oldest capital of the Philippine Islands. The famous explorer, Ferdinand Magellan landed there and eventually, how do you say it, perished. All thanks to this guy named Lapu-Lapu! Clap unless you side with Magellan (boo). It is found in the Visayas region of the country and operates as a province. It consists of 1 main island and 167 other islands and/or islets. The capital city is aptly named Cebu city. You would think, for an island in the middle of an archipelago, the place would be full of beaches and relaxing travel spots. But much to the traveler's surprise, it has the second-largest metropolitan area in the country only behind Metro Manila. Traveling to Cebu, you would get the best of both worlds. And yes, I did just quote Miley Cyrus there. Cebu combines concrete with the jungle; the beach with the aircon; desk spaces with hammocks. There are plenty of travel spots to see in Cebu. And today, we'll explore that. 

So you're heading to Cebu in the Philippines but you're not sure where to go. We get it, we hear you! We all have different ways of going on a vacation. Thankfully, there are loads of exciting activities here, especially in historically rich ones like Cebu. Here is a list of activities and attractions you might want to consider on your trip to Cebu, the queen city of the south – may it be historical or a beach one. 

Walk down Colon Street

You may have heard of Colon Street as the heart of Cebu's tourist shopping and business activity, but this very strip of untiring vendors and overlapping jeepney tunes also offers a deeply rich heritage walk. Beneath its commercial exterior lies the story of 16th century Philippines during the earliest Spanish settlement. Go on an adventure and hunt down the lamplight-markers detailing the significance of the districts' structures and urban artifacts.

Aim Sky High with The Crown Regency

A few hours away from the country's oldest street stands the country's tallest hotel tower, boasting a full theme park above a fantastic view of the Queen City of the South. The Crown Regency is a haven for the thrill-seekers with coasters winding 38 floors high, extreme zip lines, and a translucent glass floor on which you get to experience walking around the edge of a building!

Witness the Temple of Leah

The Temple of Leah is found in the mountains of Busay in Cebu. Started construction in 2012, it quickly became a famous attraction on the island due to its grandeur and uniqueness. There you'll find a towering seven-story building inspired by ancient Roman architecture. It boasts granite floors, a marble fountain, Grecian-style statues, and doric columns. Much like the Taj Mahal, it was built to commemorate Leah Albino-Adarna, the late wife of Teodorico Adarna, and his undying love for her. Leah's collection of antiques, art, and books are displayed there and you'll truly be blown out. 

Get Upclose and Personal with Butterflies

For those wanting a refresher from the cityscape, the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary is hidden in the heart of the city. With a small entrance fee, you can walk through a mini rainforest, get intimate with exotic species of butterflies, and get a tour around their onsite art gallery and museum. June, the mating season, is best for bringing a camera and capturing all the exciting colors and beautiful life that abounds.

Take Pictures at Sirao Flower Garden

Get a taste of Amsterdam's fairytale flower fields in the mountain barangay of Sirao. What started as a couple's All Souls' Day preparation has grown to become one of the city's popular tourist attractions. Teeming with hundreds of flower species and complementary pictorial paraphernalia, Sirao Flower garden is perfect for all your Instagram needs!

Simala Shrine and Magellan's Cross

The Simala Shrine, once a chapel, is now a castle-like structure found in the hills of Sibonga, Cebu. It is home to the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist and is frequented by tourists because of its amazing structure and beauty. Another religious area you'll find in Cebu is Magellan's Cross. The cross, in a holistic sense, marks the birth of Christianity in the country. It is placed in the area where Magellan and his crew landed and is believed to be where he planted a cross upon arrival. 

Dance at the Sinulog Festival

Finally, a trip to Cebu would not be complete without a firsthand experience of the country's biggest and most colorful festival. Every third Sunday of January, a celebration of the Santo Niño brings together Cebu's finest street performers, cultural exhibits, beauty pageants, and street fairs. Most of all, "Sinulog," which translates to "like a wave" is a traditional river dance ritual, rhapsodic to a rich drum sound and the people's cheer. Cap your experience by taking a night walk from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and passing by Magellan's Cross.

Visit Fort San Pedro

Cebu has a rich history and Fort San Pedro is there to remind the people of the place's past. The original fort was made out of wood then it was later replaced with stone to fortify the place from Muslim raiders. From a place of keeping people away, it now wants people to stay. A museum is found inside the fort preserving Filipino-Spanish history.  

Beaches and water activities

Surprise! An island has plenty of beaches. Cebu is teeming with them and they're beautiful. Check out Pescador Island, Lambug Beach, Panagsama Beach, and many more. Go Island hopping at Mactan where there are beautiful islets to hop on to. You'll also find all sorts of water activities there with the main highlight being whale shark watching in Oslob. 

Whether you're looking for an extremely exciting adventure or a serene return to nature, the city of Cebu has got it all for you. And if you're looking for beaches, there are plenty there to enjoy. It's an island after all. So, go visit Cebu now. Also, it's worth mentioning the new projects in Cebu by the DPWH headed by the Infrastructure Czar Mark Villar such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in cooperation with Metro Pacific Corporation and the Metro Cebu Expressway connecting Naga to Danao. Travel with ease and enjoy what Cebu has to offer with these projects. 

Denmark’s Famous Dishes

 

Denmark, aside from being the happiest nation worldwide, there are also other things that make Denmark a wondrous place to live in. This small Scandinavian town has been a very famous town for its people and the beautiful places it has. A lot of people have been invested in finding more about the town’s culture and just about everything it. We cannot deny how interesting the town is especially with the hundreds of castles and palaces it has. With the ambiance of fairytale-like life, it is no doubt why people put their efforts and time to get to know more about Denmark. But aside from its timeless beauty, what people may now know of when it comes to Denmark is that it is also home to delicious food. Danish food is something you won’t want to miss on because it will surely give your tastebuds an experience of a lifetime. If you’re planning to go to Denmark, here are some of the dishes that are definitely worth a taste.

Smørrebrød

Photo from saveur.com

One of the most famous food from Denmark is Smørrebrød. It is a traditional Danish-Norweigan type of food. Smørrebrød is an open-faced sandwich usually composed of buttered rye bread and combinations of different meats, cheeses, and other garnishes. The usual toppings of this food include pickled herrings, the cheese you can put can be whatever you prefer, some people like to add cucumber, tomato, boiled eggs, and pork liver paste. The meat you see in this dish is typically thinly sliced. Sometimes, instead of meat, smoked salmon is used as an alternative. Mayonnaise and mixed peas are also included in the toppings. It is danish tradition to pass the dish around the table as well as to pass the dish of toppings. This dish is commonly served during traditional events of the danish people.

The Danish hot dog

Photo from towhatplace.com

If you are a hot dog enthusiast and you haven’t taken a taste of some Danish hotdogs, then you are missing out on the ultimate hotdog experience. In Denmark, you can see hotdog stands in places because these hotdog stands are known as cultural institutions. The good thing about hotdog stands in Denmark is that they are not hard to find and are very accessible since they are almost everywhere. They offer both traditional danish hotdogs and modern hotdogs. Danish Hotdogs are typically served with varying condiments but one combination of condiments remains a classic: a creamy curried remoulade sauce, freshly pickled cucumbers, and crispy fried onions. These condiments are usually seen in Danish cuisine and are certainly delectable to the taste. This trio brings out the most amazing flavors and is life-changing. Locals often dip their fries in the mixed condiments on the hotdog because of its yummy taste.

Karbonader med Stuvede Grønærter (Fried Meatballs with a Vegetable Stew)

Photo from voresmad.dk

This dish was inspired by French cuisine, it became a huge success in the year 1950s among Danish people. The ingredients of this yummy meal are a flat meatball of minced pork and veal, it is rolled in an egg, and is dipped with flour and bread crumbs. Best served with boiled potatoes or potatoes fried in butter. The dish can also be served with butter sauce, which is famous for the younger generations. Because of the ingredients, a lot of adults find this dish to be a little unhealthy but still cannot resist eating them once in a while for a good time.

Grydestegt Kylling med Skilt Sauce og Mormor Salat (Pot Roasted Chicken with Gravy, Rhubarb Compote, and Granny Salad)

Photo from foodfanatic.dk

Grydestegt Kylling med Skilt Sauce og Mormor Salat is a classic Danish summer dish made with fresh potatoes, rhubarb, and hovedsalat, or butter lettuce, from the summer kitchen garden of the Danish people. What makes this a crowd favorite is that its entire chicken roast is seasoned with salt and pepper before it is fried until totally soft in a large skillet teeming with delicious butter. The chicken fluids are combined with cream to make a gravy. The flavors burst in your mouth into every bite. Small potatoes, cold rhubarb compote, and mormor salat, granny salad, are served alongside the entrée. Mormor Salat is a salad made with a lightly sweet dressing of cream, sugar, salt, and vinegar or lemon juice spread over a roughly sliced lettuce leaf. Its simplicity is what makes it the absolute best and because of this, the locals keep coming back to this delicious meal.

Frikadeller med Brun Sovs, Kartofler og Surt (Meatballs with Gravy, Potatoes, and Pickled Vegetables)

Photo from voresmad.dk

Frikadeller is a very famous and traditional Norwegian dish. It has also been the favorite of many locals as it is packed with delectable yet healthy ingredients. It is composed of Swedish meatballs made of minced pig or pork and veal, including eggs, finely chopped onions, milk, and, if desired, bread crumbs. What makes the mixture unique is that is formed into golf ball-sized balls and is fried till golden brown in butter or oil. Finally, they are topped with a sauce created from pan fluids and served with boiled potatoes. The meatballs can also be served with pickled gherkins, cucumbers, and red cabbage, as well as a cold potato salad dressed with mayonnaise and chopped parsley. They can also be served in a bun with mayo and pickled red cabbage.

Brændende Kærlighed Med Kartoffelmos (Burning Love with Mashed Potatoes)

Photo from chefspencil.com

This is a dish for the ones that have a special soft spot for mashed potatoes. It is also one of the famous danish dishes in the country. Aside from their love for mashed potatoes, pork is also one of the favorites of many. Pork became a staple of Danish cuisine in the 18th century, and this classic supper dish dates back to that time. To preserve bacon, it was salted and smoked during the time. The meal is simply seasoned with salt and pepper and consists of fried diced bacon and diced onion. It comes with mashed potatoes and pickled beets on the side. From its name, you will surely experience a burning love for this dish.

Denmark: A Place to Experience

 

Denmark. A place is full of charm and cultural heritage. This place is mainly influenced by European culture—basting beautiful castles and infrastructures in every place you visit. Denmark’s unique charm gives off a certain funk into it—that unlike other European countries—this is oddly Denmark.

Green cities, green sky. Denmark is known as an eco-friendly country. Fewer cars, more to bicycle trips. The fact that this is widely accepted in Copenhagen speaks the beauty of its nature inside of it. On top of this, Denmark always radiates comfort and home-like as if returning from your hometown. With its delicious food and nostalgic aroma, Denmark is always a go-to place to travel in!

Not only in terms of food and historical culture—but the people in Denmark also exhibit a friendly culture. Being treated as special, the smiles and joy people in this place give are enormous—that it could be infectious. 

If you want to travel to Denmark, then read this to find out more about this beautiful country. The go-to sites you can visit, and why it is overly popular in Denmark are all located in this blog. Thus, let us tackle which places to see, whenever you visit the European haven, Denmark.

 

Nyhavn, the stellar postcard

One thing about Nyhavn in Copenhagen, it is overly popular. From countless images and postcards—it seems like you have already traveled here even if you still have not. Strolling through the streets of Nyhavn—its colorful aroma is certainly a refreshing sight to see. Nyhavn is now a charming place for tourists to venture in, filled with beautiful food and outstanding sceneries, Nyhavn is only located in the rear of Amalienborg Palace—a once stretch of dockland surrounded by colorful and refreshing houses, restaurants, and ships. It must be completely odd to read it in text, but if you travel here, you might feel more at home!

 

The Adventure Garden, Tivoli

Inspired by Dinsey theme parks—Tivoli in Copenhagen is another isolated case. This adventure-themed garden has always left people looking forward to visiting this beautiful garden. Filled with rides, and other huge attractions, the trip will be worth it—as it is filled with activities and astonishing scenery, everywhere you see. This place is mostly known to the world as Tivoli became one of Denmark’s pride, with fireworks glistening on its sky every night. Moreover, summer might be the best time to visit as countless bands perform providing people with free concerts, on Friday nights. A TGIF, huh?

 

Palace of National History, Frederiksborg

Moving onto the history of Denmark, Frederiksborg is an infrastructure created by Christian IV in the 17th century. Garnering its name of historical value and prestige, this giant castle has now turned into a museum and became Denmark’s National Museum in 1878. This place completely caters to all effects from Denmark’s cultivation of historical heritage—this was truly a peculiar sight to visit. However, if you are genuinely interested in European history, this place can be the perfect tourist spot for you. With its painted portraits and beautiful photography, it will represent Denmark’s cool perspective on arts and crafts.

 

A trip to 19th Century: Den Gamle

If you wish to travel back, visit Den Gamle and experience Denmark—however in the 19th century. This outdated infrastructure was dated since the mid-19th century. Divide into three neighborhoods, it will completely represent the life in Denmark during the mid-19th century, the 1020s, and 1970s respectively. Less than a competition, this place is rather an epitome of Denmark’s rich architecture and landscapes. By introducing this until today, it will easily represent Denmark on how life had changed in Denmark, even now.

 

LEGO House, Billund

If you are traveling with your kids and they find all the other things listed here boring, LEGO House might save you. This family attraction can be visited in Billund—making all family in ages enjoy. These big peculiar LEGO bricks are particularly arranged in a gigantic piece, building an entire dinosaur with LEGO pieces. Kids will surely love this, and the admission fee is not even that expensive. In other words, this tourist spot can be visited even without an admission fee. Moreover, if you choose to pay for the fee—you can be designated into Experience zones and colors—depending on the activities that uncover.

 

Astonishing Panoramic View of Rundetårn

This round tower is not the same as others as it propels a beautiful panoramic view of Denmark. Unlike other establishments, this may not be that tall—however, this beautiful observatory always takes the cake between tourists. There is a viewing platform reached by a spiral ramp and a glass floor 25 meters above the ground that can make you see the exteriors and interiors of Rundetårn. If you ever wonder what is Denmark’s bigger picture, then visit this observatory and see it for yourself.

 

Denmark is the full experience

With all these places mentioned above, they are only similar to one thing: Denmark. Thus, all these cultures and places mixed into this one tourist hot pot are available on Denmark’s behalf. Itself is the full experience for wishful travelers. So what are you waiting for? The spark of wanderlust must have stroked by now, after reading all these places, are you eager to visit Denmark now?

If you wish to travel to a country that exhibits culture, history, and picturesque scenery, you must give this place a try. Europe has always been known to be culturally rich, not only with food, and history but also with its comforting and homey people—that are always ready to greet you with a smile.

That is the sole importance of traveling and what places to consider in traveling. Usually, tourists ask this, “is it worth my time?” and trust me, every inch of this place is worth everyone’s time. Not only time but appreciation and effort. Since as much as tourists see this as a beautiful display, this is a type of treasure that Danish people cherish forever.

So what are you waiting for? Put Denmark on your travel list now!

How to Be Safe When Traveling in the New Normal

 

In these trying times, we can’t afford to compromise safety. With all the lives stolen in the world, we cannot be complacent enough to just let loose. But we also cannot be too uptight to the extent that our mental health is in its detrimental state. It’s important to take a breather and get an escape. Of course, with everything that’s going on in the world, even just by staying at home, it can still make you lose your mind. The anxiety and stress we feel from fearing for our health and the health of the ones we love is something we cannot overlook. When we dismiss these mental health issues, it can lead to worse and worse things. This is why a lot of people opt for a shortvacation just to keep their minds off things and keep their mental health in check.

 

However, one thing we still have to keep in mind during traveling is that we are living in the new normal. The new normal wherein face masks and casual rubbing of alcohol are necessary. In face of a very chill environment, this is something that we may have the tendency to forget. But we shouldn’t. One mistake and it can cost not just life of your own but others as well. So if there’s anything you should prioritize in your trip, it’s to stay vigilant and stay safe. To remind you of the things that you should remember at all times when traveling, here is how to be safe when traveling in this new normal.

 

A Mask is Still a Must.

If you’re traveling overseas, some countries don’t require you to wear face masks any longer. And in a way, that’s good. It adds comfort for you to truly enjoy your vacation. However, we must remember that comfortability may come with a lot of risks. While it may be non-compulsory, you may still give it a go, just to be sure. Especially in congested places, where you are surrounded by a lot of people, you may want to consider it since the virus is an enemy we cannot see nor touch. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

 

In countries or places that do require face masks, this may be easier for you to always be reminded of the pandemic. This gives us the idea that the virus is still here and that we must always be protected from it. If you are going to a place where the COVID cases aren’t as slow, double-masking is a good idea. This is to be extra sure that you are safe. Following all safety precautions never goes to waste. So even if there are times that you feel not-so-comfortable, remember that it is best to be uncomfy today than to be uncomfy in a hotel bed.

 

Don’t Neglect Your Alcohol

Alcohol has been a necessity that we always bring along everywhere we go. And this is because alcohol destroys germs and bacterias. A 2020 study shows that alcohol does kill the Coronavirus which of course helps prevent catching the feared virus. In everywhere you go, before you touch any surface, make sure to spray some alcohol first. We don’t know the germs and bacteria that could be on the surface of any public property item. Whether it be the elevators, doors, or seats. We cannot say for sure what place is actually safe. The only place we can assure ourselves that is safe is our home because we know the people inside and the whereabouts of everyone. In public places, it’s best to keep it safe, spray alcohol wherever you are, and avoid touching anything.

 

Even when touching someone’s hand, you still shouldn’t forget about alcohol. Like said earlier, the virus can’t be seen or felt. This allows the virus to enter your body before you even know it and before you can prevent it. In the people we meet, we have no idea where they have been and which people they met before you. To prioritize your safety, put some alcohol on and keep doing it until you get home.

Get Tested

When you travel, one of the prioritized safety protocols to take is to get tested. This shows the importance of getting tested for the virus. When your tests turn out positive, it’s important not to panic and to assess yourself. If you don’t feel anything then you may be asymptomatic but you still have to check your health, most especially, your oxygen levels. But if your test turns out negative, this doesn’t mean you should be complacent. Some countries still require you to stay in quarantine despite a negative test result because not all tests are 100% accurate. Regardless, testing is still an important protocol to follow.

Stay in Quarantine

One of the reasons why COVID cases decrease is when people isolate themselves from each other. This is because when the virus does not find a host after 14 days, it dies on its own. This is the reason why every time the cases surge in countries, health professionals suggest another lockdown. Take your 14-day quarantine seriously because you must always remember that it is not only your life at stake but also other people’s lives. People who have families to feed. Some people fail to take quarantine as seriously as they should. Some don’t finish the 14-day quarantine because they want to wander around the place right away. This causes, of course, a breach of law but also harm to their own health as well as others. You may be out of the room for a short time, but your fun will never be tantamount to other people that you may have affected and the law you did not obey. Quarantine may be slightly boring but remember that it is your simple role to take part in helping countries overcome the pandemic. While the whole world is facing great trouble, this is the least you can do out of respect for the place you are in and out of respect for its resident. 

The Best Tourist Attractions in Iceland

 

Iceland is famous for being the world’s 18th-largest island. It is a Nordic island nation that is surrounded by great volcanoes, glaciers, and everything beautiful. It has been known to be one of the most admired travel destinations all across the globe. People from different countries, regardless of how far, travel every mile just to see experience the beauty of Island. Many of Iceland’s volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, ice fields are truly breathtaking that makes every traveler want to see it in their own eyes. With the area being one of the world’s most active volcanic areas, it is no doubt that Iceland is a big contributing factor as to why the Earth is an astounding view. If you plan to go to Iceland, there are alot of amazing places you should never miss out. These are the places wherein you’ll get assured that your trip to Iceland is a memorable one you won’t ever forget. Here are the top tourist attractions in Iceland.

Blue Lagoon, Grindavík

Included in the top 25 wonders of the world, Blue Lagoon Grindavik has definitely earned that spot for a reason. It is a geothermal spa in Iceland that lets you experience tranquility, peace, and relaxation. The Blue Lagoon is seen as a beautiful blue-colored body of water that is unlike anything else and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The water of the spa has a temperature of 39°C (102°F), all year round, regardless of what time of the month it is. It is located in southwest Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Another good thing about the Blue Lagoon is that it is close to the airport. With a drive of only 15 minutes long, you can already reach the Keflavík International Airport which is super convenient and perfect for tourists. It became a very famous tourist attraction not only because of its breathtaking view but as well as the nourishment that it gives to the body which benefits the skin the most.

Breidavik Beach

According to many locals, Breidavik Beach is the most beautiful and finest beach in Iceland. Located around Iceland and Europe’s point, it gives an amazing scenery of a long stretch of a white sand beach. Aside from that, it is also encompassed by an enormous glacier of cliffs. The uniqueness of the beach is something very interesting as there are sometimes mountain streams in the ocean. Some even consider the color of the sand as not white but golden. Its ambiance, especially during the day, may give off a tropical feel. If you are into birds, then this beach would definitely make you smile because it is an excellent area for birdwatchers. Numerous birds fly around the sky, all from different species, and they all come from their nests nearby. There is also a church by the shore that makes the place even more interesting and eye-catching. It’s not everyday that you see a church in the shoreline but Breidavik Beach is certainly one for the books.

Aurora Borealis

You have probably seen a picture of Aurora Borealis somewhere online, probably in Facebook or Instagram. It is famous for its Northern lights that you cannot see anywhere else but only in this specific and tremendous place. It is another popular tourist spot that people come from far lengths just to see. The Aurora Borealis is linked to a solar wind which may cause the appearance of lights. A Flow of ions radiate from the sun which is captured by the earth’s magnetic field along with atmospheric molecules that causes bursts of energy. Northern lights can be slightly unpredictable than tourists expect. Due to this unpredictability, hotel accommodations often provide their guests night predictions and add you to a list that informs you of when Northern lights appear. This makes sure that as a visitor, you don’t get too miss out. However, the Northern lights are only visible up to a certain time, so you better get going once you get the call so you get to experience the full experience of Aurora Borealis. If you really want the best and only the best experience, you can take a tour that takes you to the areas that gives you the best view to see the wonderful lights.

Vatnajokull Ice Caves

Vatnajokull Ice Caves is a cave of glaciers and is famous for being one of the largest glacier in Iceland. It is also known as the “Crystal Ice Cave” as the view features a crystal-like appearance. In the Vatnajokull Ice Caves carved by melt water, tourists are able to take an adventure in a unique excursion. They are given the opportunity to explore the ice caves of wonderful ice formations around them. These tours, however, can only be done during winter time as they can be dangerous in the summer season where there are possibilities of ice collapsing. Tourists can venture into these caves only with a trained and professional guide so that their safety is guaranteed and at the same time, they will be provided with more knowledge as the excursion takes on.

Askja Caldera

The Askja Caldera is a fascinating active volcano located in the central highlands of Iceland. It is the island’s largest ice field and has made many tourist want to travel to Iceland. The Askja is also one of the highest peak in the Dyngjufjöll. While yes, it is an active volcano, what is unique about this place is that you can take a dip in it if you are a brave one. Aside from being a volcano, it is also a geothermal pool that has a temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius. It is definitely a rare sight and if you love unique spots, don’t get too excited of its beauty, it can also open up a door for danger if you are not careful. The banks have the tendency to be slippery especially if the weather causes it to. Indeed, Iceland is a wondrous place and the Askja Caldera is only a small portion but adds the uniqueness Iceland is known for.