WHILE the two Southern cities have several things in common—great food, warm hospitality and a fabulous festival, among many others— each has its unique quality that makes it endearing to both local and tourists alike.
Davao and Cebu have Marco Polo hotels at its city centers, both have been recognized as the preferred address by visitors. Recently each property has been distinguished by its signature cuisine: pomelo is to Davao, mango is to Cebu.
Mango Bango is Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s signature cuisine created by the hotel’s culinary team. It’s a menu that honors the sweet, golden fruit popular in the region.
For a taste of the Cebu hotel’s offering, Manna Alcaraz, the communications manager of the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, hosted an intimate and elegant dinner for the Davao media and bloggers in its sister hotel in Davao. Everyone had its first taste of the cuisine.
I may be familiar with mango but unfamiliar with the new dishes. I was familiar with Marco Polo Plaza Cebu yet still unfamiliar with all its features, the new ones at least.
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu enjoys a good spot on Nevil Hills at the city center. From its 600-meter above sea level altitude, the hotel offers panoramic views from all sides of the property, the city from the façade and the Busay Hills from the rear. Whether you’re in the privacy of your spacious room or the public spaces of the hotel, the large picture windows will frame the picturesque views that change its charm as the sun moves from East to West.
For a more spectacular sunset view or a seemingly face-to-face encounter with the festive fireworks of Cebu during New Year’s Eve, the BLU Bar & Grill on the roof deck is the place to be. Viewing plus dining on innovative cuisines or sipping award-winning cocktails at 1,000 feet above sea level is unbeatable.
On the topic of food, its outlets are the go-to spots for its specialties. Café Marco makes a mean adobo, The Lobby Lounge is popular for its ensaymadas and Malicious Cookies, the grilled fare is popular at the El Viento. This is just to say that you don’t have to leave the hotel to satisfy a food craving.
What every guest will appreciate about the hotel’s address is its isolation from the busy streets yet still very accessible to Cebu’s popular attractions. A short drive away are the famous Sirao flower garden and Temple of Leah, so are the malls, if you need retail therapy.
I bet we in Davao will see more of Cebu in the coming days. Why? Not only are its nearby provinces offering more attractions but the Mactan International Airport is becoming one major hub for airlines.
Cebu is a convenient and economical stop more than Manila when traveling out of the country. So instead of connecting to your next flight, why not make it a stopover and head off to Bohol, Moalboal, Bantayan Island or Oslob for an adventure? Of course, make Marco Polo Plaza your home base.
Here’s another reason why Marco Polo Plaza team is in town. They’d like to personally extend their gratitude to us in 2016. Davao was part of the top five bookings in Marco Polo Plaza Cebu outside of Cebu and within the Philippines.
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Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com & www.jeepneyjinggoy.com