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Golden Cañedo's guide to Cebu
Sinulog is happening this weekend in Cebu. Who better to ask for recommendations and show us around than locals themselves?
In the following days, we will publish tips and recommendations from proud daughters of Cebu, starting with the first-ever winner of The Clash, Golden Cañedo.
Golden Cañedo hails from Minglanilla, 30 minutes away in the south of Cebu City.
“Dito na ako lumaki,” Golden says of Minglanilla, which she says is known for (1) pretty bad traffic situation and (2) the Sugat Kabanhawan Festival every Holy Week.
"Pag wala kaming ginagawa ni mama pagkatapos ng school ko, sasakay kami sa motor at pupunta kami sa pinakatuktok na bukid tapos duon kami magpi-picnic,” Golden shares, proud of the very many beautiful sights of her hometown.
“Maraming magandang tanawin sa Minglanilla,” she smiles excitedly. “Maraming bukid duon na photogenic.”
Don't limit yourself to Cebu City. Try to make a side trip to the south of the city and check out the following spots recommended by Golden.
Favorite hangout: Naga Baywalk
“Magkakalapit sa South ang Minglanilla, Naga, at Carcar,” Golden begins to describe her favorite hangout, likenening it to Manila’s Mall of Asia. “Nasa tabi siya ng dagat, may seaside, may bridge, may peryahan, may restaurants. Para siyang plaza. Maganda ang view pag golden hour.”
Check out: Camp 7
“Para siyang Baguio, maraming puno, gubat,” Golden says of Camp 7, a man-made forest right in Minglanilla. It is also known as the Osmena Reforestation Project covering 2,710 hectares.
Please eat: Humba. Golden compares it to Adobo, except it’s almost like a stew! “Hindi ito mawawala sa Cebu. Kami, nilalagyan naming ng sprite para matamis.”
You have to try: Carcar’s chicharon
“Papunta ng south galing Cebu City, madadaanan ninyo yung Carcar, and makikita niya sa roadside, puro chicharon at buko pie. Iba-iba ang laman ng buko pie — cheese, mani — pero pinakasikat ng Carcar yung chicharon. Masarap talaga."
Make your way to: Simala Shrine
Golden calls it the “House of Mama Mary,” and in some ways, it’s true. The patron saint of the Monastery of the Eucharist is The Blessed Virgin. As such, it's become something of a pilgrimage site for Marian devotees.
On display are various statues and replicas of the Virgin Mary, as well as various things from devotees who believe they have been healed by the Lady: letters, pictures, wheelchairs, and such.
"May lake sa ilalim nung simbahan," Golden says still amazed at the grand structure. It is not called Cebu's Castle Church for nothing.
For adventure-seekers: Kawasan Falls
Already located in Badian, Kawasan Falls is an hour and 30 minutes away from Minglanilla proper. Golden says getting there is pretty rough and tough: “Dadaan ka sa gubat tapos ang kitid ng daan. Walang mga bahay, walang katao-tao. Hindi mo malalaman na may falls pala sa luob,” she says. It also requires a 20-minute hike that involves crossing a river, stepping on slippery stones.
Kawasan Falls is actually a collection of several falls, all of which boast the resplendent turquoise colored pool at its base. According to Golden, "puwede mo siya akyatin at tawirin yung falls mismo." Doesn't it interest thrill-seekers yet? — LA, GMA News
