AA Grill - The Road to Gluttony

It's first branch opened in Salinas Drive, Lahug almost a decade ago and AA Grill became an instant hit. Not only just because of the mouth-watering grilled Bangus and pork belly, but the really, really affordable prices. AA Grill is one of the reasons why I never tire of Native Filipino dishes.

My favorites:
1. Then grilled Bangus wrapped stuffed with onions, tomatoes and herbs and wrapped in aluminum foil.
2. Grilled white marlin
3. Calamari
4. Grilled Pork Belly
5. Chicken barbecue
6. Kinilaw na Tangigue

Branches:
1. Salinas Drive, Lahug
2. AS Fortuna, Mandaue
3. Near Plaza Independencia

Malapascua - A Piece of Paradise

A piece of heaven had fallen and landed into the sea off the coast of the Northern tip of Cebu. It became known to the rest of the world as Malapascua. Every year, I return to this place to enjoy the unique mix of fun and tranquility the island has to offer and more...

• scrumptious fare from almost all the restaurants
• Happy Hour
• the glorious night sky
• the powdery white sand beaches
• the spectacular sunsets
• idyllic Island living
• snorkeling

Getting there:
3 to 4-hour drive from Cebu City to Maya, Daan Bantayan. From there, you take a 25-minute boat ride to the island.

The Unforgettable Sumilon Island

Four years ago, I fell in love with this tiny but breathtaking island off the coast of Southern Cebu. It was a 3-hour drive to the town of Oslob and a 5-minute boat ride from there to the glorious Sumilon Island. The white sand, the clear waters, the lush greenery --- it was the perfect getaway.

Since we found the overnight package too expensive, we took advantage of Sumilon Blue Water's day-package offer. Back then, it only cost us Php500 per person inclusive of the resort's sports, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, the boat ride to and from the island, plus a lunch buffet. Today, a similar package is said to cost Php1000/person, but for such a beautiful island as Sumilon, it would be more than worth it.

Cream and Bake Restaurant

One of my favorite restaurants in town, Cream and Bake is located along A.S. Fortuna Street, Banilad, Mandaue City. Aside from their wide array of desserts (as the name suggests), they also serve one of the most delicious and inexpensive native Filipino cuisines in Cebu City.

In the photo: (Hey, I’m not a pro. I don’t like to set up things; I just like to take pictures)

Spicy Crabs
Filipino-style Fried Chicken
Calamari
Tuna Belly
Kinilaw na Tuna

All these, including rice and homemade ice cream for dessert, cost around Php600.

Other must-tries:

Spicy Shrimp
Sizzling Sisig
Sizzling Gambas
Kinilaw na Mahi-mahi
Lechon Kawali

You can opt to dine inside or al fresco. They also serve beer and sandwiches.

Store hours: Sunday to Thursday: 10AM to 10PM
Friday to Saturday: 10 AM to 12 AM