What sets Cordova, Mactan Island apart from all
the wonderful places in Cebu?
It was last January 17-20, 2016, when I had a chance to revisit Cebu
Province but this time, it was not only because I want to celebrate Sinulog
2016 but also to explore at least one place outside the city of Cebu. Although
the first plan of going to Badian for canyoneering and then spending a night at
the white beach of Moalboal was not materialized, still I was so happy that I have
experienced a great adventure in Cordova, Mactan Island. Here’s the whole story…
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At Cordova Tourism Office, Poblacion, Cordova, Mactan Island
My Travel Diary
January 17, 2016 –I reached
Mactan –Cebu International Airport from Laguindingan International Airport
around 9:50am. From the airport, I took a yellow Multicab located at the main
entrance to Savemore at a fare of 7 pesos and then from Savemore, I rode
another multicab to Poblacion, Cordova for 13 pesos.
After reaching Poblacion, Cordova,
I immediately went to my Aunt’s house, left all the unnecessary things and
headed straight to Cebu City proper where my high school batch mates were
waiting for me. It was the last day of Sinulog 2016 and as expected –heavy traffics
on some areas and a lot of queuing for public vehicles in and out of the city. So,
I decided to take a “pakyawan” on a motorcycle from Cordova to Cebu City for
200 pesos. Well, I don’t really have a choice but to take it so can reach the
city as soon as possible and thanked God –it was all worth it!
It was my third time experiencing
Sinulog but still it never gets old. Here are my Tips on surviving the Sinulog Festival, #thexuixuiWay
1. Sunblock, sunblock and sunblock. It’s really hot on the road so better protect yourself first and also;
if you have extra money it is advisable to buy Sinulog Starter pack like
Sinulog White T-shits but not necessarily with fancy designs, face paints and a
bottle full of water before hitting the roads and street parties.
2. Keep hydrated!
Bring always a bottle full of water.
This is a necessity. 3. Make sure there's a plenty of space on your
camera's memory card and the battery is full. Every moment with friends is a worth picturing for.
Sinulog!
Mag syagit ug Kusog! Viva Pit Senyor! Prititit! Celebrating the last day of
Sinulog 2016 with my High School Batchmates, #thexuixuiWay! *insert Christine
Cuay BTW
REFLECTION
Sinulog was surprisingly
organized this year. However, my heart saddened as I have observed that most of
the tourist and spectators were not after religious purposes but for fun,
simply for parties and enjoyment especially the youth. How I wish even the
youth, nowadays, knew the true essence of Sinulog festival, that they will
celebrate it confidently with a heart –colorful, loud and grandeur but with heart
full of sincerity and joy for Sr. Sto Nino.
SINULOG SIDETRIP –TEMPLE OF LEAH
Temple
of Leah is located in Roosevelt St., Barangay Busay Cebu City which is about
15-25 minutes away from the proper city (Ayala Mall-Cebu). It will be
inconvenient to take public jeepney going to this place so it is advisable to
ride on a taxi or a motorcycle. Motorcycle will cost you 100 pesos or 50 pesos
each person. You may call them through 233 5032 for more inquiries.
This temple was constructed in the year 2012 as
a symbol of undying love of Teodorico Adarna, father of actress Elen Adarna, to
his wife Leah Albino-Adarna. Indeed,#TempleOfLeah is a perf example of a place where love and art collide! BTW, it was just opened to the public last year but still lies unfinished!
 EXPLORING CORDOVA, MACTAN ISLAND
On May 22, 1863, Governor General Rafael Echague chose
the name Cordoba which means "stark nakedness and bare". Cordova
(also spelled Cordoba) is a third income class municipality in the province of
Cebu, Philippines and became a municipality in 1864.
WHERE TO STAY?
If you are in Cordova, the best place I can recommend where you can stay elegantly but at affordable cost is the Cordova Home Village, it is a resort that you can definitely call a home and everything will follow easily. 
This resort offers Island Hopping - specializes tours to the islands of Nalusuan, Gilutungan, Kawhagan, and Pandanon!
Also,
one way to get rid of a Sinulog hangover is not by saying, "I will never
drink again!" But of wakin' up in the morning with this view...
Thank
you Cordova Home Village Resort for making me feels like I am extremely
accommodated for my whole short stay! I will be glad if I will be given another
chance to stay here next time and probably try your island tours…
LET’S GO TO THE BEACH…
Beach
Resorts in Cordova aren’t as many as compared to the other municipalities in Cebu but they were
all cool and worth visiting in their own respects. Such as Alta Cebu Village
Resort, Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort, Cordova Reef Village Resort, Island Sun
and Beach Resort, Nalusian Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary and Villa Asela
Garden Resort.
Do
you know that Cordova also offers a fascinating spot for swimming all for free?
Yes, you read it right, it’s free! This is at a port going to Bohol and surely,
the waters here will leave you breathless. I’m with my cousins this time, so
kids 'Rya ready for a lil boating and fishing?
Cordova, Mactan Island: After hours of fishing,
I caught nothin' but a single starfish! Poor fisherman! Ha-ha To the next
resort, #thexuixuiWay please...
Finally,
let’s go back the title question, “what sets Cordova apart from all other
wonderful places of Cebu?” For me, there are only three words to answer this
and that’s, “Convenience, Luxury and Stillness!” Well, it’s probably true that
not many tourists and even Filipinos visit Cordova because it is kinda isolated
from the more famous beaches and tourist attractions in Cebu Island but because
of that, they were able to maintain tranquility, stillness and the true beauty
of nature despite that the location of just about 25 minutes away from crowded
areas of Cebu City! Definitely, you’ll never go wrong choosing Cordova as you’re
next destination when going to Cebu!
Been
there already? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments section or
message me on Facebook! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marklowillalmedaa
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