4 Crazy Things I Learned in Cebu

After a week living and breathing in Cebu, I have come to a list of things I’ve observed in the Queen city of the South. From the peculiar weather to the tricky language accent, at first, it was really tough to deal for a conservative Ilonggo like me.

Hot Chicks Everywhere

Wherever you turn, you’ll find chinita babes, exotic beauties, and half-bloods cramping in every possible spaces in the malls, in the park, in restos, and in Starbucks. They’re everywhere. I can attest that 6 out of 10 Cebuanas are gorgeous. 

They always looked like they’re auditioning for a reality TV show. Their hair is never black; shades of expensive looking hair dye emblazoned their hair strands whenever the wind blew in their way. I find myself blushing furiously whenever they caught me looking at them. I kind of grew up with the “staring is rude” culture, so these moments are embarrassing to me. But who cares? They're a feast to the eyes!

Tagalog Who?

You’ll hear the usual tourist complain that people here will answer you in Cebuano even if you asked them in Tagalog. Contrary to popular belief, Cebuanos don’t hate people from Manila. They just find it hard to speak in Tagalog. Not because they’re dumb or something, but because learning the language is not of great significance to them compared to other provinces. They are proud and they love their dialect. If you want to get directions right, ask them in English. They’ll have no problem with it.

Personally, I wanted to learn Cebuano quickly because it’s really uncomfortable speaking in Tagalog or English; for one thing, I’m from Iloilo. For another, I sounded a trying hard fool trying to speak in Tagalog with that horrible obvious Ilonggo accent on. LOL.

Fitness Marketer’s Dream

I’m a self-confessed fitness buff (though I may not look like one these days), and I’m culture-shocked when I came in Cebu. If I’m around 5 out of 10 in the fitness hierarchy meter, I’ll say they’re on 9. 70% of my co-workers are into gym memberships, marathons and diet regimens.

Congeniality Capital

One of the things I was worried about when I came here is the difficulty of making friends. Aside from the language barrier, I’m the type that likes to observe first then make the move. But with ‘them’ not really into Tagalog conversing, I lost hope. Also, as a dweller of the city of love (that’s Iloilo), I was expecting Cebuanos to act like prissy Queens of the South. In other word: snobbish. 

NOPE. 

Just after 4 hours, I’m already joining the talks and laughing with my team. I was blessed with comic-flavored seat mates, and I couldn’t be grateful. While at first it was tricky for them to accommodate for my replies, they were sensitive enough to speak in Tagalog even though some of our team mates were teasing them. I felt at home already with these guys. My expectations were unfair. Cebuanos are the friendliest people on earth!

For those who’re looking for a new place of adventure and greener pasture, I’d strongly recommend Cebu over Manila. The people are friendly, the sun is on half-day, and the prices for accommodation and food are very affordable. That is spectacular news living in a highly-commercialized city.