The cultural wanderer’s guide to Cebu

Established in 2013, Cebu-based Qube Gallery has brought local artists to the forefront of the art industry while also participating in international art fairs such as Art Kaoshiung and Art Tainan in Taiwan, Tokyo International Art Fair in Japan, and Art Apart in Singapore, among others.

For its latest exhibition, Qube presents The Brut Collective, an internationally recognised group of designers committed to shedding light on the contemporary design landscape. From August 17 to 31, The Brut Collective will showcase the works of Reb Belleza, Ron Lopez Davis, David Kaufman, and Sandino Martin.

Nicknamed the ‘Taj Mahal of Cebu’, the Temple of Leah was built by Teodorico Soriano Adarna out of love for his late wife, Leah Albino-Adarna. The grand temple contains multiple spots that tourists will be pleased to see, such as a library, an art gallery, a museum, and more. By the mausoleum stands a three-metre-tall statue of Leah surrounded by angels, lions and gladiators. Its unique blend of greco-roman, renaissance and art deco architecture makes it a sight to behold and should not be missed when you’re in Cebu.

Also see: The cultural wanderer’s guide to Baguio, Benguet

Built in 1998 by the Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration, the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist—also known as the Our Lady of Lindogon Shrine or the Simala Shrine—is a popular Catholic pilgrimage site that attracts thousands of visitors each year. It’s believed that during the dengue outbreak in 1998, the statue of the Virgin Mary would shed tears, healing those afflicted by the disease.

Situated in the quiet municipality of Carmen—an hour’s drive from Cebu City—lies the Cebu Safari & Adventure Park. From lions and tigers to various species of birds and apes, it has everything you’ll ever want to see from a massive zoo. Aside from the diverse fauna, the 170-hectare estate is also home to over one million different variations of orchids, with future plans of developing a winter wonderland to house arctic animals like penguins and seals.

Perhaps the most important thing to do for any adventurous traveller, Cebu’s wonders extend beneath the surface. There are plenty of diving spots to explore but for something truly unique, Moalboal offers vibrant coral walls and massive schools of sardines that surround you in a silver chamber. If you’re looking for something more exciting, Oslob allows you to swim with whale sharks. You can do this all year round so you can get a bit lax with your planning.

When you’re weary from all the adventures to be had in Cebu, make sure you try their local delicacies to nourish you. Their pride and joy come from their lechon. While popular all over the Philippines, Cebuano lechon is unique as it’s often served without any accompanying condiments. It’s best paired with pusô—sticky rice cooked in coconut or pandan leaves—which can also be eaten on its own.

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