THE ULTIMATE ROADTRIP TO SOUTH CEBU!
So you want to go on a road trip to discover Cebu’s awesome spots but you don’t know exactly where to go? We will take you on a road trip down South! If you’re planning a road trip with family and friends, be sure to check this out!
Our itinerary:
Carcar City
The Miraculous Shrine of Simala in Sibonga
Osmeña Peak, Dalaguete
Our first stop was in Carcar City, a historical city in the province of Cebu. Hence, it is popularly known as the "Heritage City of Cebu." Carcar hosts a lot of heritage structures which were built during the Spanish and American era. Carcar is about 40 kilometers south of Cebu City. It is a town turned into a city in 2007.
We bought Carcar’s best lechon (Php 300.00/kilo), Puso (Php 4.00/piece) and the ever crispy Chicharon (Php 25.00/ bag). Lunch solved! On our way to the next stop, munching crispy fried chicharon.
After the distinctive lechon and chicharon of Carcar, time to squeeze our tummies in to pay respect to our ever dearest mother, Mama Mary of Lindogon Simala, Sibonga, Cebu. A 35 minute drive from Carcar proper.
The Virgin Mary of Simala has captured the hearts of many believers because she has made many wishes come true. According to the old folks of Lindogon, not even a single tree and crop can grow on its dry land without source of water, up to the time when the faithful Marian monks arrived. The church that the monks manage looks like a castle from afar. The altar looks really good and most of what’s inside. Looking around, there are various statues of the Virgin Mary from different places and what it represents. Entering the church, you will be greeted by various souvenirs posted in the wall board, evidences donated by believers and devotees of the true generosity of Mama Mary. From college diplomas, to job offer letters, to wheelchairs from people who were able to walk again – the inside of the church is a sight to behold as well.
Holy Mass Schedule at Birhen sa Simala:
Sunday – 12:00nn & 3:30pm
Monday to Friday – 12:00nn
Saturday – 10:30am
13th of the month – 10:30am & 3:30pm
The last but not least…
It’s time to go up hill and get ourselves ready for a challenging trek. Osmeña Peak here we come!
Welcome to Osmeña Peak! It is located in the Municipality of Dalaguete in the province of Cebu. The peak is approximately 1,000 meters above sea level making it the highest peak in the island of Cebu.
The peak is part of the Mantalungon mountain range, which is unique from other mountain ranges in the Philippines because of its multiple jagged hills grouped together that overlook and stretch as far as the Badian shorelines. The highest of these hills is the Osmeña Peak named in honor of the famous Osmeña clan in Cebu.
Mantalungon is famous as the summer capital of Cebu because it is 700 to 800 meters above sea level giving it a pleasant climate all year round. The high elevation has made the village an ideal place to grow flowers, vegetables and other high-value crops, which gives Mantalungon the reputation of being the vegetable basket of Cebu.
It’s never too late to visit some of the known hot spots in down south Cebu. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself into a long fun road trip and stop overs with family and friends.
Researcher: Keralie Kim Patalinghug & Leslyn Nguho
Graphic Artist: Jurex Beñanil
Public Relation: Joey Bagnol
Author: Melanie Rochelie T. Vidal
Editor: Denver Corton
