Cebu’s finest isn’t on the menu

Sometimes, you visit a place for the first time, yet something about it feels strangely familiar.

The streets are new, the faces are unfamiliar, but there is an unexpected sense of belonging, as though you have been there before.

That was how I felt in Cebu.

I spent four days in Cebu, particularly in Mactan, to cover the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus.

It was a work trip, but somewhere between official engagements, short drives and conversations with locals, I found myself appreciating Cebu for reasons that had little to do with the summit.

I began to understand why Cebu was a fitting place to welcome international delegates.

When my mother first learned that I was going to Cebu, the first thing she told me was to wait until I saw Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

She seemed particularly excited about how I would react to it. When I finally arrived, I understood why.

The airport was spacious, beautiful and distinctly Cebuano. More than a building designed to accommodate travelers, it had character and a sense of identity that made arriving in Cebu an experience in itself.

Coming from Metro Manila, where airports can often feel overwhelming, I appreciated how pleasant the arrival was.

We stayed at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, conveniently located near the airport. The drive took less than 20 minutes, although the unusually light traffic may have helped. Our friendly Grab driver explained that classes had been suspended because of the ASEAN meetings.

The best of both worlds

One thing I particularly liked about Cebu was how naturally it balanced metropolitan life with the relaxed atmosphere of an island destination.

If you want the energy of a bustling city, Cebu has it. If you prefer the beach, the sea breeze and a slower afternoon, those are just as accessible.

Near our accommodation was Mactan Newtown, a convenient destination for practically everything we needed.

Restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and open spaces were all within reach. It was the kind of neighborhood where you could grab a meal, enjoy a cup of coffee or simply take an unhurried stroll.

What appealed to me was the convenience of having these places nearby while still enjoying the atmosphere of an island getaway.

Cebu offered the comforts of a growing metropolis without completely losing the charm of island living, and that, I think, is one of its greatest attractions.

Best explored through food

Of course, no visit to Cebu would be complete without talking about food. And Cebu certainly knows how to feed its visitors.

My friend and I had one simple goal outside our work commitments: explore Cebu through its food.

We were not looking for anything particularly fancy. We wanted to try different dishes, discover local favorites and experience where the city came alive after dark.

A quick search led us to Sugbo Mercado.

From Mactan, we traveled to Cebu City's IT Park, a journey that took about an hour.

As we entered the area, my friend and I immediately noticed how familiar the surroundings felt. With its modern buildings, restaurants and lively streets, parts of IT Park reminded us of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

But Cebu had its own rhythm.

At Sugbo Mercado, one of Cebu's popular open-air food markets, rows of stalls offered an impressive variety of dishes.

Japanese, Korean, Middle Eastern, Ilonggo and Cebuano cuisines were all represented, alongside grilled favorites, snacks, desserts and drinks.

Cebu's culinary appeal goes far beyond its famous lechon and danggit. Its food scene brings together different flavors and traditions, offering visitors a taste of both local favorites and cuisines from elsewhere.

Sometimes, the best way to experience a city is not through its landmarks but through the food people gather around.

And Cebu gave us plenty to appreciate.

The people make the place

But if there was one thing that made Cebu particularly memorable, it was not the airport, the beach, the restaurants or even the food.

It was the people.

Because of work, I have stayed in different hotels and accommodations, but I can confidently say that the staff at Crimson Mactan were among the warmest and most accommodating people I have encountered.

What impressed me was not some grand display of hospitality, but the smallest, most ordinary interactions.

A greeting in the hallway. A smile as you passed by. Someone offering assistance before you even had to ask.

It almost felt as though failing to greet someone with a cheerful "Good morning" would be a cardinal sin.

The staff were approachable, attentive and genuinely pleasant to talk to. Whether we needed assistance or simply had a question, someone was always willing to help.

Excellent service is something guests naturally expect, especially in an establishment that prides itself on providing a comfortable experience. But there is a difference between being trained to serve and making someone feel genuinely welcome.

What impressed me more was how that warmth extended beyond interactions with guests.

I noticed how the staff acknowledged their coworkers, how they spoke to one another and how they seemed to take pride in what they did.

There was a sense of mutual respect in those everyday exchanges, something that made the atmosphere feel less transactional and more personal.

And perhaps that is what makes hospitality meaningful. It is not simply about treating visitors well, but also about how people treat one another when there is nothing to gain from the interaction.

That warmth was not limited to the resort. From our friendly Grab driver to the people we encountered during our brief explorations, Cebu left us with the impression of a place where making others feel welcome comes naturally.