The Ultimate Pampanga and Cebu Getaway
With the new flights from Clark International Airport in Pampanga and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu, Metro.Style went on a culinary and cultural adventure traversing these two thriving cities
After almost two years of staying at home and making sure we adhere to safety protocols whenever we go out for our errands, leisure travel is now easing its way to our “new normal” lives.
As more local destinations start reopening to tourists, the Department of Tourism is confident that they’re ready to jumpstart the comeback of traveling. They have launched new tourism circuits that aim to invite visitors to different provinces around the Philippines while securing health and safety while on the road.
With this, DOT puts the spotlight on Central Luzon and Central Visayas, making flying between both locations possible via new flights available almost daily via Clark International Airport in Pampanga and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu. Metro.Style was invited to try this travel circuit firsthand—and we list down places where you can visit, have fun, and rekindle your wanderlust!
We went around Pampanga and Cebu to experience a culinary and cultural journey. With the former as the culinary capital of the Philippines, many must-visit restaurants are now welcoming back tourists to sample on their proudly Kapampangan dishes that one will only taste in the province. Meanwhile, the latter thrives in it being a coastal city and province—but you’ll soon learn that there are also other things that are yet to be discovered here!
Pampanga
From unique offerings that excite the taste buds of foodies to historical sites and artist centers, Pampanga is one of the easy to access provinces that will satiate your thirst for both adventure and cultural immersion. All you need is your car, your road trip buddies, and you're off for a great day trip or two!
What to do in Pampanga
What to do in Pampanga
Where to eat: Kusinang Matua ng Atching Lillian
It’s not a complete Pampanga trip without stopping by Atching Lilian Borromeo’s quaint dining spot. Must-tries are her Traditional Adobo, Carabao Tocino, Antigung Morcon, and Mexican-inspired Tamales, among the long list of her classic heirloom menu. Of course, don’t leave without a bite of their famous San Nicholas cookies paired with their yummy Tsokolate Batirol!
Where to eat: Kusinang Matua ng Atching Lillian
Where to eat: Cuisina Manuela
Another popular restaurant in Pampanga, Cusina Manuela boasts of their signature local cuisine. They are best known for their empanadas; however, their main courses like sisig also offer a mouthwatering experience. What’s more, the restaurant also has exotic dishes on the menu, like the adobong kamaru (crickets) and betute tugak (frogs).
Where to eat: Cuisina Manuela
Where to eat: Cuisina Manuela
What to do: Get reacquainted with the art of pag-uukit
At the Betis Galleria of Willy Layug, artist Willy Layug keeps the tradition of pag-uukit alive. From religious edifices to custom-made wooden products, be in awe of the amazing talent that’s deep cultivated in our roots.
What to do: Get reacquainted with the art of pag-uukit
What to do: Get reacquainted with the art of pag-uukit
What to do: Say a little prayer at San Guillermo Parish Church
There’s no stronger reminder of the tragic Mt. Pinatubo eruption than the San Guillermo Parish Church. The remaining features of this place of worship were preserved and maintained, and is one of the most visited spots in Pampanga. After offering a prayer, visit the church’s museum where you can go back and learn about its history.
What to do: Say a little prayer at San Guillermo Parish Church
What to do: Make a quick stop at Subic
Just an hour drive away, take your journey to the nearby Subic Bay. Apart from endless food options available at Subic Bay Freeport Zone, one great way to cap off your trip is by hopping aboard a yacht and watching the sunset on a cruise! You can rent your own yacht at the Subic Yacht Club,, bring over some delectable fare and wine, and enjoy your time with the sea and mountainscape as the sun goes down.
What to do: Make a quick stop at Subic
Where to stay: ACEA Beach Resort
A luxurious stay awaits at ACEA Beach Resort. After a wonderful time at the cruise, take off your stress and worries and have a well-deserved break at one of their rooms. What’s more, they carry a sumptuous spread for lunch and dinner as well as breakfast buffet in the morning. Their pool is also a centerpiece, with the view of the oceanfront and Mt. Cinco Picos.
Photo Credit: ACEA Subic Beach Resort on Facebook
Cebu
After a tour around Pampanga, it’s easy to go to this Central Visayas gem via the Clark International Airport. Cebu is known for its pristine beaches and marine life, as well as the famous historical landmarks within the town and city proper. However, you’ll be surprised that there’s more to this province than soaking in its waters and basking under the sun!
What to do in Cebu
What to do in Cebu
Where to eat: Marina Seaview Restaurant
If you’re yearning for a dining place with a sea view, Marina Seaview Restaurant is a great place to start. Indulge in all your seafood favorites, cooked in a variety of ways—you must have space to try nilarang as well as grilled selections.
Where to eat: Marina Seaview Restaurant
Where to eat: Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa
Tambuli is a great place to stay when in Cebu—a spacious and sophisticated accommodation with a beautiful beach to enjoy. But apart from this, they’re also known to serve pizzas baked in a brick oven, a treat you shouldn’t skip! They also offer lechon, pastas, and a whole lot more, so save room for all the fares you're going to devour.
Where to eat: Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa
Where to eat: Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa
Where to eat: Oakridge Horizons Café
What do you say about dining al fresco with the cityscape view? This is what Oakridge Horizons Cafe is proud of. Perched at the top floor of Oakridge Business Park, what was originally intended to be an events space was turned into a dining area that’s spacious and Instagram-worthy, with local fares that will keep you coming back. (P.S. Coffee is great, paired with their cakes!)
Photo Credit: Oakridge Horizons Café on Facebook
What to do: Go on a wellness retreat
Allow a day or two for your mind, body, and spirit to reset and cleanse. Located at the mountainside, Soul Sierra Spa and Wellness is your place for the ultimate meditation retreat. Experience a cacao ceremony, find peace and calm through meditation, practice some yoga, and eat healthy during your stay here.
What to do: Go on a wellness retreat
What to do: Indulge your inner plantito/plantita
Fancy going on a farm tour, or maybe you’re on the lookout for rare plants to grow? Drop by Blooms and Greens by Jaime Chua, where you can view a wide variety of flowers and ornamentals.
What to do: Indulge your inner plantito/plantita
What to do: Scout for furniture
Where better to do this than in the Kenneth Cobonpue showroom! Featuring the international furniture designer’s works as well as new collections, it’s hard not to fall in awe of everything your eyes will lay on.
What to do: Scout for furniture
What to do: Learn about cacao
If you’ve always been a fan of chocolates, put Casa de Cacao on your itinerary. Owned by the Chocolate Queen Raquel Choa, they offer personal tours where you can learn about the history of cacao, her journey to becoming a successful businesswoman through cacao, and taste some of their products.
What to do: Learn about cacao
Where to stay: Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan
It may be hard to leave once you set foot at Crimson. Their beautiful neo-Asian decor is the perfect setting for our much-needed vacation, equipped with modern conveniences that will have you living the best beach life while in Cebu.
Where to stay: Adlawon Vacation Farm
If you’re more of a highlands lover, you’ll instantly become a fan of Adlawon. Set in a mountain, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh air on the highlands and their hectares upon hectares of flora surrounding the property. What’s more, they serve farm-to-table dishes!
Where to stay: Adlawon Vacation Farm
For more updates about open destinations in the Philippines and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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