In contemporary times, the kinds of boats include the sakayan, baroto, or pumpboat depending on its size. The pump boat is powered by a gasoline or diesel engine. Invariably, these boats are produced by first carving out the keel (the boat’s bottom) or kasko, which serves as the boat’s main frame to which the side panels or parka are attached. The kasko is carved solid from the trunk of either a red lawaan or bolbolan. While some kasko may still be bought in Surigao, it appears that the supply of these may soon run out.

To achieve balance, the katig (outriggers) made of bamboo and rope are then added together with other fittings.

As of today, boat building is one of Cebu’s woodworking craft which is slowly disappearing. Restrictions on the use of wood have adversely affected the craft. However, a project of pumpboat making in Cordova which twelve boats were built was commissioned by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for its marine sanctuary in Hilutungan Island.

Extracted from an article by Raymund Fernandez

PHILEXPORT-CEBU
3/F GMC Plaza Building
Legaspi Extension, Cebu City
Tel. Nos. (6332) 254-4240 / 254-4333
Fax No. (6332) 254-0774
Mr. Charles Streegan, President
Ms. Sylvia Comendador, Executive Director

CEBU FURNITURE INDUSTRIES FOUNDATION, INC.
3/F GMC Plaza Building
Legaspi Extension, Cebu City
Tel. Nos. (6332) 253-3091/ 253-0274
TeleFax (6332) 253-7408 / 254-8246
Email pifs@furniturecebu.com
Website www.furniturecebu.com
Mr. Charles Streegan, President
Ms. Ruby Babao-Salutan, Executive Director

CEBU-GTH MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTER'S ASS'N., INC.
3/f GMC Plaza Building
Legaspi Extension, Cebu City
Tel. No. (6332) 254-9259
Fax No. (6332) 254-0774
Mr. Pedro Sepulveda, President

CEBU FASHION ACCESSORIES MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS
Ecotech Center, Sudlon
Lahug, Cebu city
Tel. No. (6332) 255-0832 / 255-0861
Fax No. (6332) 255-0861
Email info@cebufame.com.ph
Website www.cebufame.com.ph
Ms. Iris Fernan – Arcenas, President
Ms. Miriam I. Bacalso, Executive Director

GARMENTS BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILS. (GBAP) CEBU
c/o Hanover Manufacturing Corp.
Hernan Cortes Street, Mandaue City
Tel. No. (6332) 346-4868 / 346-0253
Fax No. (6332) 346-0253
Mr. Jose Ng, President

ASSOCIATION OF FOOD INDUSTRIES (AFI)-CEBU
c/o Universal Food Corporation
P. Basubas St., Tipolo, Mandaue City
Tel. Nos. (6332) 346-9943 / 346-3856
Fax No. (6332) 346-9573
Mr. Danny Villa, President

METALWORKING INDUSTRIES ASS'N. OF THE PHILS. (MIAP)-CEBU
c/o TESDA – 7 Archbishop Reyes Ave.
Banilad, Cebu City
Tel. No. (6332) 232-3483 / 232-0875
Fax No. (6332) 253-1754 / 232-3483
Mr. Peter Ong, President

WOOD PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION (WOPAC)-CEBU
Cansojong, Talisay, Cebu
Tel. No. (6332) 296-0888
Fax No. (6332) 296-0742
Mr. Antonio Quisumbing, President
Mr. Albert Abellanosa, Operations Manager

PACKAGING INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES-CEBU CHAPTER
c/o Print Mart, Inc.
JRG Bldg., General Maxilom Avenue
Cebu City
Tel. No. 253-3054
Fax No. 253-2946
Mr. Nathaniel Caparoso, Vice-President

SEAWEED INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION OF THE PHIL.(SIAP)-CEBU
c/o Shemberg Marketing Corporation
Pakna-an, Mandaue City
Tel. No. (6332) 346-0866
Fax Nos. (6332) 346-1892 / 346-1863
Mr. Benson U. Dakay, President

PHILIPPINE ELECTROPLATING ASSOCIATION (PEA)-CEBU
c/o Norkis Industries
Cabancalan, Mandaue City
Tel. Nos. (6332) 346-3394/346-5582
Fax No. (6332) 346-5582
Engr. Ronald Gamban, President

CEBU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
2/F, CCCI Center, 11th & 13th Avenue
North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
Tel No. (6332) 232-1421 to 24; 232-3936 to 38 Fax No. (6332) 232-1422
Email ccci@gsilink.com
Website www.esprint.com/~ccci
Atty. Anastacio Muntuerto, President
Mr. Dante Araneta, Executive Director

ASSOCIATION COMPUTER BUSINESS OF THE PHIL. (ACBP) – CEBU
c/o Lenton Industries
20 Lemon Street
Tel. No. (6332) 253-9449 / 253-9453
Fax No. (6332) 253-9451
Basak, Cebu City
Mr. Lenton Beltran, President

CEBU FILIPINO CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
c/o Crown Grocery . M. C. Briones Street
Cebu City
Tel. No. (6332) 255-2988
Fax No. (6332) 255-2988
Mr. Filomeno Lim, President

HOTEL, RESORT & RESTAURANT ASS'N. OF THE PHILS.-CEBU (HRRAP-CEBU)
c/o Plantation Bay Hotel
Marigondon, Lapulapu City .
Tel. Nos. (6332) 340-5900 / 340-5906
Fax No. (6332) 340-5988
Mr. Emmanuel Gonzales, President

EUROPEAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY(ECCP)-CEBU
3/f Hongkong Bank Building
14 J. Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City
Tel. Nos. (6332) 253-3389 / 254-3765
Fax No. (6332) 253-3387
Email rpaloma@eccp.com
Website www.eccp.com
Mr. Jose Rene Almendras, President

CENTER FOR INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY AND ENTERPRISES
San Jose, Talamban
Cebu City
Tel. No. (6332) 346-1611
Engr. Ruben Laraya, Executive Director

UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS – BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER
University of San Carlos
P. del Rosario St., Cebu City
Tel. Nos. (6332) 253-1000
Fax Nos. (6332) 253-7989
Ms. Teresita C. Abarquez, Project Officer

CEBU REALTORS BOARD, INC.
2/f, CCCI Center, 11th & 13th Avenue
North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
Tel. No. (6332) 232-1423 & 424
Fax No. (6332) 232-1421 & 422
Mr. Sotero Bathan, President

BOGO-MEDELLIN SUGARCANE PLANTERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
312 Juana Osmena Extension
Cebu City
Tel. No. (6332) 255-0329 / 253-0770
Fax No. (6332) 253-2449
Mr. Jose Mari M. Miranda, President

CEBU BAKERS' ASSOCIATION
c/o Fountainhead Bakeshop
Riverside, Bulacao, Pardo, Cebu City
Tel. No. (6332) 272-2212
Fax No. (6332) 491-8493
Mr. Eric Golpe, President

CEBU FEDERATION OF DAIRY COOPERATIVE
Maglasang Industrial Complex
Consolacion, Cebu
Tel. No. (6332) 346-3592
Fax No. (6332) 345-3592
Mr. Alfredo Astillero, Chairman

CEBU REALTORS FOUNDATION, INC.
CCCI Center cor. 11th & 13th Ave.
North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
Tel. No. (6332) 232-1518 / 232-1521
Fax No. (6332) 232-1517
Mr. Eduardo M. Sarabosing, President & CEO

FEDERATION OF ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC SUPPLIERS & MANUFACTURERS, INC.
c/o Conching Industrial & Elec'l Supply
Manalili St., Cebu City
Tel. No. (6332) 346-2153 / 346-84565
Fax No. (6332) 344-0206
Mr. Wilfredo Po, President

HARDWARE CONDOLIDATED, INC.
c/o Cebu Liberty Lumber
M. J. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City
Tel. No. (6332) 232-8467 / 232-8468
Fax No. (6332) 232-8467
Mr. Alfredo Ngochua, President

MANDAUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
c/o Norkis Group of Companies
A. S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City
Tel. No. (6332) 346-1411
Fax No. (6332) 346-0155
Mr. Elberto Emphasis, President

PHILIPPINE CHAMBER OF STONECRAFT INDUSTRIES, INC. (PCSII)
c/o Diamond Cane International
Canduman, Mandaue City
Tel. No. (6332) 346-6331 / 346-6332
Fax No. (6332) 346-2145
Mr. Michael Basubas, President

AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
ACRA Law Office

6/f Cebu Holding Center
Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
Tel. No (6332) 232-2373
Fax No (6332) 231-1261
Email: amcham@mozcom.com
Website: www.esprint.com/~amcham
Atty. Danilo R. Deen, President

JAPANESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
3rd Flr. Machay Bldg., Gorordo Ave.
Lahug, Cebu City
Tel. No. (6332) 231-0563
Fax No. (6332) 231-0562
Mr. Kayuzuki Kubayashi, President

CEBU ASSOCIATION OF TRAVEL OPERATORS (CATO)
Mr. Luis Gallego, President

APPLIANCE SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILS., (ASAP-CEBU)
c/o Premier Marketing Corp.
51 V. Gullas St., Cebu City
Tel. No. (6332) 253-1510
Fax No. (6332) 254-9187
Mr. Johnny Yap, Presiden

Republic Act 6552 [RA 6552] – Realty Installment Buyer Protection Act [Maceda Law]

Republic Act 4726 [RA 4726] – Condominum Act

Republic Act 7279 [RA 7279] – Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992

Republic Act 7160 [RA 7160]

Republic Act 6657 [RA 6657] – Landmark law of 1988, which brought about comprehensive agrarian reform program, the aim of which was essentially to eradicate the concept of haciendas by limiting ownership of land to 5 hectares per person.

Republic Act 7881 [RA 7881]

Presidential Decree 957 [PD 957] – Subdivision and Condominum Buyer's Protective Decree. Regulates the sale of subdivision lots and condouminiums, providing penalties for violations thereof.

Presidential Decree 1216 [PD 1216]

Executive Order 71 [EO 71] – Devolution of authority to approve subdivison projects from HLURB (Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board) to LGU's (Local Government Units).

For rental properties, one month worth of rent for a one year contract is standard. This is not recurring; in other words, if the tenant chooses to renew, the owner does not have to pay any more commission.

Since a real estate agent's income is tied to the purchase amount, the temptation is always there to keep the price as high as possible. That is why often, brokers and sellers will work together to inflate the price and dupe the client. This is especially true if the client is a foreigner and "out of the loop" (ignorant of market conditions and unaware of the gossip making the rounds in the city).

If you suspect that your broker/ agent is not acting in your best interests, we recommend that you call the government's HLURB – The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, visit their website: http://www.hlurb.gov.ph/ They are quite efficient and at least you will get some peace of mind.

To stay in Dauin is to drown in all the marine pride of Oriental Negros. Most dive sites, if not all, are declared Marine Protected Areas.

Along the coast, some of the most popular sites are Masaplod, Poblacion and the banca and car wrecks.

Interesting coralscapes abound underwater in Apo.

Some five nautical miles southeast, or 30 minutes by motorized outrigger boat, and still under the municipality of Dauin, is the Apo Island of international fame, considered to be among the best dive sites in the Asia Pacific.

With Scubaworld at Bahura as ready as the most enthusiastic of divers, trips to these dive sites are easily arranged.

At Masaplod, jackfish, surgeonfish, angelfish, sweetlips and others abound in schools, circling the sanctuary’s healthy coral covers.

Diving the car wrecks should be an all-around pleasurable experience for the diver with a fancy for critters and big fish alike.

Turtles are almost guaranteed sightings in each dive.

Descending into a sandy slope, one is joined by groupers and snappers on their way to the wrecks that harbor a variety of coral growths.

The wreck dive ends perfectly as one ascends to 20 feet where grassy patches are home to six-incher seahorses galloping in place as they cling to grass blades that swish in the currents.

Apo Island attracts thousands of divers from all over the world each year with its abundance of hard and soft corals and schooling fishes.

In Apo Island and its 10 dive sites, Coconut Point is a favorite among experienced divers where strong currents may be expected from all directions—down, up, left, right, into the wall and into the blue.

Even the fish are frantic, mouths agape against the current to receive their fill of plankton, skidding sometimes as they switch gears when the currents suddenly change.

But towards the end of the dive, the ride slows to a perfect stillness, just in time for a show of bubbles rising in streams out of the platform of corals, Apo being a volcanic island.

Staying in Dauin means being part of an underwater experience committed irrevocably to memory.

This six-inch seahorse was in plain sight along a grassy patch at around 20 feet.

Sink your teeth into history, nature and adventure. For 85 long years, freedom fighter Francisco Dagohoy and around 23,000 of his men fought against Spanish rule. Through the patriotic deeds of Dagohoy and his men, the people of Bohol lived free from the hands of Spaniards.

Cradled between vast mountain ranges and nature’s best, lies the very site where Dagohoy and his men fought for freedom.

Enter Danao, Bohol, home of the longest revolution against the conquistadors and now host to a new adventure for the modern-day thrill seeker.

A two-hour car ride from Tagbilaran, takes you to Danao, Bohol’s Tourist Center, which offers a wide array of activities for the nature lover or outdoor adventurer within you.

Conveniently located 100 meters away from caves, the Waig River, rappelling sites and other outdoor adventure activities, it’s every climbing enthusiasts’ dream come true.

Enjoying the breathtaking scenic views, mysterious caves, the clear waters of Waig River and hiking through the mountains of Danao is all part of taking a big bite out of Danao and feasting on its splendor and history.

Adventure-seekers can embark on a variety of activities during the EAT Danao ecotourism tour, among them caving…

Thus every mountaineer, nature-lover and historian that will set foot on the historic grounds of Danao, will EAT Danao for all it’s worth— and enjoy every bite of it.

Though no real biting is involved, mind you.

EAT Danao is an ecotourism concept for the benefit of the municipality of Danao, Bohol and its people, to promote tourism without disrupting the environment.

…and kayaking.

“It’s making nature work for the people,” says Danao’s mayor, Thomas Gonzaga. By not disrupting the environment and instead working with what nature is providing them, EAT Danao can provide various activities for tourists interested in nature, history and outdoor activities.

Eating Danao may mean sinking one’s teeth into three things.

For the more laid back nature lover, it may be the Eco Adventure Tour (EAT). Nature junkies get to absorb nature best through leisurely walks through the mountains, heading up to the viewing deck and taking in the beauty that surrounds them or entering caves, like the Camira cave and marveling at the centuries old stalactites and stalagmites.

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, or in this case, a zip line, that takes you from A to B in a snap.

For an adrenaline- pumping adventure and enjoying what nature has to offer, eating Danao may also be the Extreme Adventure Tour (EAT). With a good set of knees and fearless demeanor, take on the challenges nature has to offer. Glide over the river with the Tyrolean traverse or go rappelling and just ‘hang in there’. And to keep the blood pumping, climbers will definitely enjoy bouldering and rock climbing.

And jut to get a slice of history and education in the midst of marveling at the beauty of it all, take a bite out of the Educational Adventure Tour (EAT). The local community and tourist can enjoy the natural landscape with lessons on preservation of the ecosystem and the rich cultural history of Danao.

Danao, Bohol offers the ultimate adventure to any nature lover and extreme adventure enthusiast. With extensive natural resources, rich culture and friendly locals, eating Danao, Bohol is an experience not to be missed.

According to locals, freedom fighter Dagohoy had the ability to disappear and reappear at will. Some say that to this day, Dagohoy still appears to some locals who are hiking through the mountains. Who knows, he might just turn up the next time you come up to Danao – now that is something you definitely do not want to miss.

As an inducement to visit the sunny shores of Cebu, we have put together a list of options for you to consider.

There are various trustworthy organizations which can get you off to a flying start in some cool outdoor activities. If you’re hungry for an adventure package, look no further than the Moalboal-based outfit Planet Action run by a German National. They have the expertise to organize exhilarating activities such as canyoning, trekking, horseback riding, kayaking, river climbing and more.

Canyoning (known in the U.S. as canyoneering) is a sport growing popularity in several countries. It involves traveling down creeks or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, swimming, climbing, abseiling.

If your cup-of-tea is trekking, there are many mountaineering clubs in the Philippines that would be more than pleased to assist you. One of our local organizations here in Cebu is CAMP (Cebu Assailants of Mountain Peaks). The University of the Philippines Mountaineers (UPM) is also based here and PALMC (Philippine Airlines Mountaineering Club) is actively organizing treks all over the Philippines.

Not interested in life above sea-level and wish to go under? How about caving? Wow, Cebu offers lots of opportunities so you picked the right sport! Only 1-hour by ferry from Cebu, is our neighboring island of Bohol. Here you will find the Philippine's best caving locations. If you want more information on caving, drop us a quick email and we can hook you up with the right caver dudes.

A peaceful dreamland awaits one in Camiguin. A fabulous getaway island, dotted with steep volcanoes, lush-jungle and white-beaches such as, White Island. The Island of Camiguin is surrounded by seven volcanoes, the most famous of which is Mt. Hibok-Hibok which rises a mammoth 1,250m above sea level. This pristine setting, you'll find not only hot-springs, to soothe those aches and pains in your body but also the clear-pool and cold-spring of Sto. Niño. Everything you need for a spa gratis, on nature!

The stunning Katibawasan Falls and hiking-trails will thrill your senses. Located 4 kms. from Mambajao, the spectacular 250-foot falls (76 m.) cascades down to a pool surrounded by orchids and ferns. A natural Shangri-La. This is also a favorite jump-off point for trekkers and mountaineers in search of hard-core adventure in the slopes of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

The harvest of sweet-lanzones fruit, is celebrated every year during the third-week of October. People from around the Philippines, flock to the Lanzones Festival, centered around this unique fruit with pale brown skin and a sweet translucent flesh – which is the main income source of Mambajao. The festival features costumes displays, indigenous sports, and a grand-parade of street dances. Choosing a festival beauty queen – in the highly popular Miss Camiguin Tourism beauty pageant – brings the celebration to a close.

The pulsating heart of the island boasts the flowing and bubbling mineral pools of Ardent Hot Springs. Mysterious mists rise from the heated-waters running down from the vents of Hibok-Hibok Volcano – the only active one among the seven on the island. Revel in the much touted therapeutic-waters. Picnic beneath the sheltering trees and enjoy a game of darts, table tennis and stay-over in the comfortable dormitory type rooms and duplex cottages are available for overnighters.

For some other ideas of nature and outdoor activities, check-out our list below or visit the Cebu Directory.

Mactan Island (diving), Bantayan Island Beaches – Famous amongst Cebuanos for its beautiful white-sand beaches and pristine clear-waters.

Bantayan Island in the North is one of the best-kept secrets of Cebu. Most experienced travelers compare the beaches in Bantayan Island to those of Boracay – except you don't need to deal with the crowds.

Malapascua Island (across the northernmost tip of Cebu). It was on Christmas day when the Spaniards reached the beautiful island. According to townsfolk, it was supposed to be a special day of celebration but unfortunately a storm hit the island and so came the name “Malapacual”, Malas sa Pasko, which means “Unfortunate Christmas” in English.

Malapascua Island is sometimes referred to as “Logon”, the main community in the south. “Logon” got its name when the Japanese and Americans fought over the island during WWII. The island is 3 km. long and 1 km. wide, with a population of about 3,000. It has white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that, many claim, rival that of Boracay. The west coast is ideal for swimming and snorkeling but one should be careful because of unpredictable weather. A walk or tour on the whole island can be done within half a day. The island is probably most famous for its regular sightings of the rare "thresher sharks". A diver's mecca, with some incredible dive locations. For more information on diving the island see the diving section.

Camotes Island (north of Cebu, across Danao City). Famous for its pristine waters, immaculate beaches and superb dive spots. This is a destination that many don't get the chance to experience but should. The island is composed of 4 towns: Poro, San Francisco, Tudela, and Pilar. To cross the island, one has to go to Danao City, an hour away from Cebu City, or take a fast ferry. There are two boats which travel to and from the island and Danao City everyday. One fastcraft travels from Cebu City.

Kawasan Falls (Matutinao, Badian). Some serious walking is required to get to the falls, but it’s well worth it! As you make your way to Kawasan Falls, you get to exercise not only your limbs but all of your senses, too, as you appreciate the lush greenery and electric blue river. Once there, you can swim in the lagoon under the falls or have one of the locals take you under the falls on a man-made raft- a breathtaking experience! For those that wish to have a more intimate moment, you can rent a cottage right next to the general falls area.

Badian Island 97 km. southwest of Cebu City. Famous for beautiful corals, reefs, and white sandy beaches, making it an excellent diving spot. Highly recommended is a dolphin sighting tour. You are almost guaranteed to see these wonders of the ocean.

Olango Wildlife Sanctuary. Olango Island supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found in the country. Migration starts from the birds’ breeding places in Siberia, Northern China, and Japan. Based on data gathering so far, the birds use Olango as a major refueling station – a fast food outlet in our language. The birds replenish their fat reverses by feeding on rich supplies of invertebrates in the intertidal mudflats. The fat reserves fuel the birds on the next section of their journey which may cover from 3,000 to 15,000 km. of nonstop flight. These birds make (inserted) man's commercial flights look like a lame duck!

Moalboal a quaint one-dirt-road town, 89 km southwest of Cebu City on the Ta–on Strait, is the epicenter of outdoor activity, especially diving. House Reef is a coral shelf. If you swim 60 meters straight off the beach and release your bad air you will be slowly lowered into the magical world of underwater life. It is quite common to spot hawkbill green turtles and regular sightings of Whale Sharks also occur in season on this site. On Pescador Island, a protected marine park which is a ten-to-fifteen-minute boat ride from Moalboal, the coral walls plummet more than 40 meters.

If you want some different form of physical action, head east to the hills of Moalboal. Here, a number of gorges await, including the famous Tison Canyon. Spend a day working your way down the Tison River by jumping off 10 meter high limestone cliffs into azure pools and rappel down 30 meter waterfalls. If you prefer to hike, then five miles of divine country through valleys of coconut palms and jungles to Osmena Peak, at almost 600 metres, is the highest on the island. After a day of indulging the senses, dine at any of Moalboal's many open-air seaside restaurants, where less than USD6 will give you a seafood feast and some cold amber nector, that even a fisherman's family would be proud of.

Nonoc Cave (Borbon). 83 km. north of Cebu City. Very picturesque view, shelter for picnic goers and bathers.

Mactan beach resorts offer superb accommodation facilities, scuba diving, wind surfing, boating and other aqua sports. Mactan Island (across Mandaue City). A coral island and famous scuba diving site, where beach resorts and serviced apartments of international standards are located.

Cebu is an ideal place to use as a base to see the other islands; it is a portal to countless spectacular tourist spots in the Philippines as there round the clock flights as well as ferries out of the city.

Therefore, it's probably no accident that several excellent championship courses are located in Cebu!

Mactan Island has a handy 18-hole course and driving range. Their club house setting is picturesque and their kitchen serves wonderful food. Perfect after a long day hacking the course!

Across the bridge from Mactan, you will find the more stately Cebu Country Club – one of the oldest clubs in the Philippines – and the gorgeous Alta Vista Golf Club. Both are superb courses (probably the best in Cebu), in great conditions and both provide excellent facilities. A full list of courses is provided below:

LIST OF GOLF COURSES:

* Mactan Coral Golf Club

* Alta Vista Golf and Country Club

* Verdemar Golf Club

* Cebu Country Club Inc.

* Club Filipino Inc. de Cebu

* Cebu International Golf and Resort

* Green Island Golf & Beach Resort

Mactan Coral Golf Club:

One of the few par 72 courses in Cebu is the Mactan Coral Golf Club.
Popular with both expats and locals alike, it is conveniently located (5 minutes from SDR Apartments) at Mactan Airbase. Don't forget to relax after a game in the charming clubhouse and order some humba, pochero soup, and calamares.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Mactan Coral Golf Club, Mactan Airbase, Lapu Lapu, Cebu City, Cebu,
(63-32) 340-8598 /(63-32) 340-7719

Alta Vista Golf and Country Club:

(Aznar Road, Pardo). Situated in the lower mountains of Pardo, this golf course offers a different and challenging terrain for the avid golfer. This divine golf course has incredible views and covers 60 hectares (much of which is National Forrest) for a world-class, par 72, 18-hole course covering 5,670 meters.

The facilities are second to none and the club boasts a large swimming pool, perfect to cool off after a "tough" day on the course.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Aznar Road, Pardo, Cebu City; Tel. no. (Registration Counter) (6332) 2727971 to 74 / (Golf Operators Office) (6332) 2727977; Telfax No. (6332) 2724090; E-mail: avgcc@skynet.net

Verdemar Golf Club:

(Barangay Bancasan, San Remigio, Cebu). Situated near the sea, it also offers sea-side accommodations (Casa del Mar Resort Hotel).

CONTACT INFORMATION: Barangay Bancasan, San Remigio, Cebu; Telfax no. (Cebu office) (63-32) 344-8181/82 / (Resort & Golf club) (6332) 435-2222; E-mail: info@vedemar-golf.com; Web site: http://come.to/casadelmar

Cebu Country Club Inc.:

Situated just a few minutes from the heart of the city. Built in 1928, it is the oldest 'existing' golf course in Cebu. The two, par-72 courses are spread over 52 hectares of prime realestate. In the pre-war times, the land was sugarcane crops. A private proprietary club, but is open to guests and tourists.

The course: White sand traps are furnished with ground coral rock, adding to the contrast of the lush greenery. This 18-hole, championship course is the site of inter-club and important legs of the Philippine Golf Circuit.

Facilities: A fine clubhouse complete with restaurant, bar, tee houses around the course, modern locker rooms, a tennis court, bowling alley, swimming pool, pro shop, pelota and badminton court.

CONTACT INFORMATION; P.O. Box 698 Banilad, Cebu City; Tel. no. (6332) 231-0345; Fax no. (63-32) 2314096

Club Filipino Inc. de Cebu:

It is a lush 18-hole golf course covering 59 hectares.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Pulangyuta, Sabang, Danao City; Tel. no. (6332) 2311676/2311666; Fax no. (6332) 231-1667; Danao office tel. no. (6332) 200-4321

Cebu International Golf and Resort

Located on Badian Island this facinating course is semi-private and set in lush tropical grounds. Visitors/ guests staying at Badian Island Resort can gain easy access to the course.

The course: Cebu International Golf and Resort is considered as a hideaway – tropical gem built on the lagoon side of the island of Badian, in eight hectares of lush landscaped gardens.
Yardage: 6621/5974/5132
Par: 72/72/72

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Cebu International Golf and Resort, Barangay Lambug, Badian, Cebu
Tel. no. (63+32) 345-3339

Green Island Golf & Beach Resort

The course: PAR 72. Badian features an 800 metre stretch of shoreline amid a mountainous landscape. The fairways and greens are cushioned with sawdust and covered with Korean grass. A private club for members and guests staying at the Green Island Beach Resort.

Location Located in Lambug some 100 km southwest of Cebu City

Facilities:
In the bougainvillea restaurant, dishes of almost every kind and origin are served.

Tennis, volleyball and table tennis

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Green Island Golf & Beach Resort, Barangay Lambug, Badian, Cebu
Tel. No. (63+32) 959-35 Fax (63+32) 311-269

For more information on golf in cebu, please visit our forum. You will find lots more relevant information from locals and expats on the subject.

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One of my favorite things to do in Cebu is to head off to the Shangri-La's Cowrie Cove on a full moon. The bar is set right on the water's edge, overlooking the vast ocean. Here you can socialise in pure bliss. Your conversation, dotted with the occasional sound of a wave gently lapping up to the shoreline below.

To secure the best location (and take advantage of two-for-one happy-hour) I arrive there just before 5pm. This also provides the magical hour when the sun is boasting a kaleidoscope-of-colors that grace the sky, pre-sunset. The bar's DJ – who naturally has a great sense of music and timing – is just commencing to permeate my soul with slow latin lounge music and I sip-on an ice-cold, zesty Bloody-Mary surrounded by friends. I could be anywhere in the world. By the time the moon has taken command of the night's sky, my abode for the next few hours is rocking, and it is almost time to make the next most difficult decision of the day; choosing somewhere yummy for dinner.

At that point, surrounded by all the natural beauty of the ocean, with distant views of Olango Island, I am inspired to choose seafood. Kaishu is a magical Japanese restaurant – only a few minutes down the road – in Punta Engano that has some of the best sushi and sashimi I have tasted anywhere. With a stunning view across Magellan Bay, through to the Cebu mainland draped with a theatrical like backdrop of mountains. I am already in bliss and not-one morsel has been served. Crack-open a cold sake, a bottle of San Miguel light to compliment it, and I am ready to let the first tuna-sashimi melt-in-my-mouth. Lots of Salmon, Squid, Uni and other ocean delights will follow. Even given the copious amounts of alcoholic liquid I have soaked-up like a sun-dried sponge, regardless of what one chooses to dine-on, Kaishu will not dissappoint.

By now it is around 10pm, and the sponge is almost ten times its original weight. I've sunk copious amounts of alcohol and devoured bountiful-amounts of ocean-fresh seafood. All carved and presented in a manner, which only the Japanese artiseans can perform.

It is now time to move to yet another blissful experience. This time a few minutes back towards the Shangri-La is the Hilton. Hidden at the end of a long boardwalk fifty-meters from the ocean shore is Manny O's.

Its rotunda shape, large balcony gives one another opportunity to enjoy the star's flickering and glimmering to an imaginary orchestra's sounds in the night's sky. Not to forget our star of the evening – our voluptuous full moon, who by now, is radiating its magnificient warm-glow that lights the calm seas surrounding our new locale. We choose upstairs on the balcony to park our alcohol infused utopia. The location is truly surreal: Waves-whipping against the structure, the flame-of-a-candle dancing at the will-of-the-wind and music tastefully balancing the senses. With an appropriate night cap in hand, to round-off an evening packed with the best of nature and man's offerings, I couldn't wish to be anywhere else. Well, err, maybe bed after this drink!

Facing East, my apartment is blasted with the first piercing-cracks of light. Like a bolt of lighting, my room is quickly filled with the joys of a new day. Today, I have errands to run. My apple computer has decided to magically transform itself into a lemon! It has decided that my output of work, doesn't justify me having a working apple. Time to discover a new gem in town – The Apple Store at B.T.C. (Banilad Town Centre on Banilad Road).

Walking into this tiny hole-in-the-wall but spanking new store, I am like a kid surrounded by all the candy in the world. Brand spanking slick furniture accessories; disguised as computers. Yes! All different shapes sizes, speeds and prices… Well, talk about a distraction to keep you busy whilst you get your lemon of an apple fixed. Unfortunately – or fortunately for me, my computer was going to take a few hours to fix. Without any need for motivation I slipped out of the Apple Store quicker than a Michael Johnson 100 meter sprint. My destination: downstairs to Brother's Burgers. MMMMM, good old fashioned burgers that take 15 – 20 minutes to make. No plastic food being re-heated here McDooonald's style! Nothing but pure-100% beef-patties, fresh onions, tomatoes, cheese and a piping-hot oven-fresh bun. Drizzling with lashings of ketchup and mustard, I am about to eat it with my eyes!

My burger was demolished as quick as a lion strips the flesh off a gazelle. Post burger, I decide to walk 50 meters down-th-road to visit one of my favorite watering holes, Badgers. No idea where the name came from but this place is an oasis-in-the-desert. A modern sports-bar, with more brews than you can shake-a-stick-at and more plasma TV-screens than most electrical-appliance stores. This is testosterone heaven. Sport-all-day and most of the night. Much better than a poke-in-the-eye-with-a-sharp-stick and hey, I still have an hour to kill before the old lemon is transformed back into a slick apple.

After downing a few thick black Guinness Stouts, watching the NBA (repeats), and trying to amuse the waitresses (not hard), I'm done. It's time to make my way back to Disneyland for Adults… Upon re-entering the Apple Shop, I can see my old work-horse waiting for me. The only difference, is that the good folk at Apple, have magically turned it back into a real apple, that actually works!

It is now, 5:00pm so I am thinking of heading down the road to the Tinder Box. This is Cebu's answer to all-things-good when it comes to food, wine & cigars. Here in downtown Cebu, 5 minutes from B.T.C., you have an outlet, that is the epic-centre of the world's finest produce. For me, it is time to grab my latest paperback, pop my posterior onto a comfy chair in the wine cellar and enjoy a buttery chardonnay from Marlborough, New Zealand.

Feeling good about life, I immerse myself into my novel and get stuck into the grape! The Tinder Box is one of those wonderful places, with more nooks and crannies than a rabbit warren. Each area with its own unique charm. From the cellar, to the cigar divan's comfy dated leather sofas, to the restaurant and private dining facilities. You can literally do a simple world-culinary tour without the effort of travel.

A few hours in the cellar and I'm almost as toasted as a Caucasian after a day under the sun. The wines are tasting better by the sip (err, gulp) and I see that as an indication to sign-off. In order to get back in the good books of my friends – who are playing black-jack – I make my way back to B.T.C. and order the large, "with-the-lot" pizza from Yellow Cab Pizza. The pizza at Yellow Cab is good enough to get you out of jail when your late for your mate's… black jack competition.

After a long night of showcasing my alcohol infused Black-Jack skills, I head back to Mactan Island and realize that it is almost 5am. Wow! Just in time for a sunrise special. Without wasting anytime, I dissect the island in my mean-machine, burning up the road and head straight for the unique 5 star resort: Plantation Bay. Not so sure why they call it Plantation Bay with the largest man-made swimming pool on earth but with a not-so-cool wink and a delirious-shuffle past the security-guards, I head down to the resort's man-made beach and jetty.

Fortunately, a bunch of friends had rented a couple of rooms for the night so on my way to the beach, I coerce them into joining me for the sun-rise. With the knowledge that they had only a few hours sleep – despite the constant complaints whilst meandering down to the jetty – once they had witnessed the incredible experience of the sun-peering over the horizon for the first time in a new day; all was forgotten and we marveled at the beauty.

It was now time to say goodbye to my friends, let them get some sleep and "do the off" to do just the same. I jump into the large cockpit of my vehicle and head back home. Fortunately, home is not-far-away and once there, I would hit the sack like a rock-falling from the sky. Comfortably in the fact, that after some well earned rest, I could do it all over again in the Queen-in-the-South. For she, is definitely a fair Queen. One that has many jewels in her crown. God bless the Queen.

To be continued…

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Nowadays, there is even a few Foreigners who produce their brand of guitars in Mactan using imported woods and their own beautiful designs. The choice of Mactan's craftsman is testament to the high opinion that these companies have in the expertise here.

Local guitars are typically made of various kinds of soft and hard woods, from nangka (jackfruit) to the more prized naga (narra) and kamagong (ebony). These may come attractively decorated or inlaid with shell.

In Cebuano, the parts of a guitar are called pala (arched top), liso (machine heads), sihas (nut), apuro or brazo (fingerboard), tratse (frets), kuldas (strings), abaga (shoulder), baba (sound hole), and bangil or puente (bridge).

Cebu-made guitars are not only souvenir items for tourists. They are favored by discriminating buyers in Japan, the United States, and Europe.

Parts Reprinted from the book: Cebu: More Than an Island
The Local World of Crafts
By: Raymund L. Fernandez