SILEO Balamban in Cebu City

ABBEY: Honestly, I forgot the name of the place where this beautiful house is located. But I do know that it is an hour travel from Cebu city proper and you will go up, yes up not north as it is on top of a hill. 

It's a 3-storey house; guest rooms with toilet and bath at level one. Next storey is dining, kitchen and living room. And on the top is a library and the master's bedroom. Since it is on a hill, the second floor acts as the main one. 

A veranda will give you a good view of adjacent hills. In early mornings, fog engulfs this space. There is a nearby restaurant which offers not only food but have "anger and fear management" activities. You can throw a plate on the wall if you're angry or conquer your fear by riding the zipline. The place is very good for relaxing and vacation.

WILL: Hey Cebuanos are you envious of people in Luzon because they have Baguio City? Look no further. You also have Balamban that Manila boys and girls are eyeing for their next vacation trip.

When we get there at Cebu, John’s mom is our host, Mommy Coy. She lent us car and their rest house up above Mount Manunggal for a night. We went there late that we never got a chance to have a glimpse of the whole area. When we arrived at their home, we were shocked to see the food waiting for us. It’s a feast!

The famous lechon Cebu was there, wine, rice and a lot more that our tummies cannot afford to take more. After our dinner we stayed outside for some wine. We talked, laughed and reminisced. It is November and the weather is so freezing cold. The breeze is cold as Baguio City but fresher.

After finishing our drinks we went to our rooms and awed with joy. Shocks! In my head, I am thinking is this a hotel or  just a house? We are so lucky to experienced this stay here! I told to myself by tomorrow I will ask Mommy Coy how much she invested in this magnificent home.

Sun rose and we were all up. Showered and went to Adventure Cafe. After our zip line escapade we went back to the Sileo and saw Mommy Coy. The ever warm and all-smile Mommy Coy. We talked about the house and more plans for the home. We told her that the rest house is awesome and why not help the others to experience also the wonderful time we had while staying in her home. Abbey and I confess that we want also a home that exactly like that. A peaceful home surrounded by green scenery.

Now readers, we are so excited to announce that this resthouse is open for public. Bed and Breakfast Style. We personally recommend for you to stay and know for yourself the amazing and serene time we had in this place.

For more information, please visit SILEO facebook page.

Matia's Inato Food Haus - Cebu City

ABBEY: 

You can't see any business sign of this diner but word of the street spreads like wild fire. Cab drivers know this place and a lot of patrons visit it again and again for grilled delights. We're an 8-pax party when we dined-in. We were really hungry when we arrived at the place and Matia's didn't disappoint us. 

We were ushered to a table and took our order. For 750 PHP we got 2 large plates of grilled chicken, pork belly, and gizzard. This also comes with puso (cooked rice wrapped in banana leaves) and drinks. The BBQ meat is tender and flavorful. I think I finished 5 rice servings. (really hungry huh). Now I know why this diner is popular in Cebu.

WILL: After pouring all of our adrenaline when we do the zipline at Adventure Cafe, we headed down from Balamban to eat in one of the famous ihaw-ihaw (grill) of Cebu, Matia's. 

      This restaurant seems a backyard turned to an al-fresco diner. A lot of people from different walks of life was there. We ordered a lot of grilled food but my favorites is the atay (Liver). I think I ate 4 sticks of those. When I saw that they have mango shake I immediately asked Abbey to get one for the ladies. Well, can't get enough of one, I ordered one more for take-out. It just get rid the dizziness I have felt that day. 

      This is worth visiting in Cebu. Best priced ihaw-ihaw. 

Gran Tierra Suites

ABBEY: Grand tierra accommodated us on our first night in Cebu. The rate for a deluxe room is 750php for a person; additional pax costs 150. Walking a few meters and you'll be at Osmena boulevard; a 10-minute ride to Ayala Center. Warm staff welcomes you upon checking in with delicious cheese roll and biscotcho to fill in your hunger from travel. The room is spacious and comfy. One thing to improve though, it would be better to have one more drain in the comfort room other than in the bath. Thanks to them for keeping our danggit and pusit safe until we go back to Manila.

WILL: This is highly recommended by my friend Denise and our level of appreciation is and likes are just the same level. This Gran Tierra Suites is just located along Cebu Doctor's Hospital, a quite new one and very affordable. 
      As we entered the room, its spacious and clean and have a very approachable staffs. There is a free hot and cold mineral water just outside of our room. I enjoyed their complimentary basket of breads. Oh, they also provide toiletries except toothbrush and toothpaste. No choice but to buy two for us. We had a great sleep on that night.  
      After checking out, we asked the receptionist if we could leave some of our baggage and they confirmed on it. Nothing was lost after  we left those bags for almost 2 days. Recommendable for people traveling on tight budget. One night costs Php 750 and reserve it in advance since this is place is always fully-booked.