|
Rain showers similar to the wacky Manila weather fell on the first day. With Cebu’s rather ancient water drainage and sewage system, floods are commonplace, especially in low lying areas. As we crossed the Marcelo Fernan Bridge connecting Mandaue City with Lapu-Lapu City, we got to test the Ford Escape’s flood crossing abilities: it passed with flying colors. During most of the day, flood puddles on city roads became commonplace thanks to continuous rain. A slight problem we encountered was with the Escape’s short side step board—as it soiled our khaki pants more than once. Although most, if not all, motoring publications are based in Manila, Cebu makes for a good photo ground for cars since most of the areas here are very picturesque with historical landmarks and handsome hotel and resort driveways that dot most of the island. Our list of favorites include: the Cebu straits, the driveways of Shangri-la Mactan Island Resort and of course, more familiar places like the one fronting the Cebu Plaza Hotel and The Sto. Tomas de Villanueva parish church in Danao City. Beauty is not just skin deep for Cebu, as the surrounding areas prove to be taxing testing grounds for vehicle activity. Just a couple of minutes away from each other, we had the chance to experience various terrain. First, there’s an uphill climb to the Tops lookout point, the highest point on Cebu, best described as Tagaytay on steroids. The outskirts of Mactan Island has a couple of unpaved roads and dirt basketball courts that could test off-road ability. In climbing, the Ford Escape felt quite strained, no thanks to a confused automatic and a high-strung engine. It shone when it came to the rough stuff, thanks to the grippy four-wheel drive system; the only limiting factor was the road-biased tires. Lastly, we can’t talk about a trip to Cebu City without getting to the subject of pasalubong. Though some might want to indulge on cholesterol-laden lechon and manok bisaya (both of which are truly excellent), Cebu is best known for its amazing array of good stuff such as chicharon (pork rind), dried mangos, rosquillos (a type of round biscuits) and otap. Though you can usually buy these items at half of their Manila prices, if you really count your budget, we suggest the Fooda Savers Mart on General Maxilom Street, Cebu City. Generally, the items there are cheaper (the Chicharrito’s brand of pork rind is 2.50 pesos cheaper than the Chicarrito’s stalls dotted around town) and the stock is fresher, too. Now that we’ve offered you a glimpse of what Cebu driving and dining is like, we suggest you read on and look at the stunning beauty of the Philippine’s oldest city. In the next few pages, you’ll get to glimpse several happenings in the Ford Media Ride & Drive including a preview tour of Ford’s newest dealership in Lahug, Cebu as well as the romantic Alegre Beach Resort! |
|
||||||
