Hi all,
I’m planning to visit your beautiful Island upcoming year but would like to get some information from local Filipinos living on the Island of Cebu. Coming from a touristic destination myself in Europe, I know how much a pain in the ass tourists can be sometimes. And I would definitely not would like to be one of them when visiting Cebu. Therefor I have some questions in my mind, I can’t seem to find answers on.
What is something you really dislike/hate about foreign tourists visiting your country which I might not be aware of?
Do you guys appreciated it, if foreign tourists learn a sentence or 5 in the Cebuano or Filipono language? Or is too much and cringy when you hear a non-asian foreigner trying to do so? ( If it is not, what sentences would put a smile on people their face ? So I can already start learning some :) )
What / Who too avoid ? Typical tourist scams for example.
Where do you guys get food (lunch/dinner) and what is a must I should try? I am open to try your cuisine and rather avoid Western food, since I’m white and travelling to Asian countries a lot of people tend to assume I automatically like Western food, however the Asian cuisine is much more appealing to me but atleast I would like to know what ingredients I would be eating.
I had this idea in my mind to drive with a moped from Cebu city to Moalboal to Dumaguette and back to Cebu City spread over 4 different travel days. I have a driver license and drove a moped before in Thailand and Sri Lanka. I know it can get crazy sometimes but never been in a really dangerous situation on a moped before, however I would like to know some input from locals, if driving long distances on Cebu Island ( and taking the ferry to Dumaguette) is do-able or not recommend at all?
Where do local Filiponos hang out? Are they welcoming towards foreigners or are they rather to be left alone ? What is the best way to meet up (local) strangers? Since I’m travelling solo, I will high likely miss social contact after a while and force myself to socialize but I would have no idea where to start with this.
Anything else, that as a local you definitely want me to know ?
Should I take cash or card with me ?
( For those who don’t like my post since I’m polluting your subreddit with the same old questions , apoligies in advance, but lets hope other tourists in this subreddit stumble upon this, read this and take some of your advice in their minds before visiting Cebu.)
[1] Asserting unwanted dominance/arrogance towards locals
[2] Cebuanos are best known for being the most proficient in the English language in the Philippines, so not a problem at all. However, learning some basic Bisaya greetings and phrases are well-appreciated, especially when conversing with elder people in rural settings:
• maayong buntag/hapon/gabi-i — good morning/afternoon/evening
• salamat kaayo — thank you so much
• tag-pila ni? — how much is this?
• feel free to ask me more what other words/phrases you wanna learn.
[3] I have no idea with this, sorry
[4] Lechon, which is roasted pig. Top brands are Ayer’s, Rico’s, and House of Lechon
[5] Does the moped-for-rent company allow you to bring it to Dumaguete? You may want to clarify about it. If so, then yes, it’s doable.
[6] There’s numerous bars all over the Metro, but the most famous ones are found in IT Park and General Maxilom Avenue.
[7] Just enjoy your stay and be prepared for the horrendous rush hour traffic on weekdays.
[8] Best to bring cash.