Words by John Borthwick
10AM
Kickstart your day at Bo’s Coffee on Juana Osmeña St. No franchised froth shots here, just smooth, straight-to-the-brain brews - plus killer mango cheesecake.
11AM
The classic Spanish mansion Casa Gorordo, now a museum, flashes you back to the 1850s era of teak, lace and padres.
12PM
Basilica del Santo Niño (1565) is the country’s oldest church. Step in and witness the Philippines’ meld of faith, antiquity and modernity.
1PM
The only thing better than lunch at Australian-run Circa 1900 is dinner. A restored mansion with fine dining and Filipino delicacies.
3PM
The mock Greco-Roman Temple of Leah, built on a hillside, honours a tycoon’s late wife. Cebu’s ‘Taj Mahal’ also offers fine city views.
6PM
Strap yourself in for the Sky Adventure Experience. Zipline between two CBD towers, 30 floors above the traffic. Step off into midair for the most breath-taking seconds of your life.
10PM
Head home to Crimson Resort on historic Mactan Island. In the morning, after a swim or spa, check out where Ferdinand Magellan ‘discovered’ the Philippines 498 years ago.
