Cebu, Philippines

We could not have selected a better first warm weather getaway (get the heck out of China...) in 2013 than Cebu, Philippines.  To be more specific we stayed at the Shangri-La Resort and Spa located on Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City.  The weather was exceptionally warm and the resort was amazing.  There was so much to enjoy as we traveled with our good friends from Nanjing, the Jdali family.  I cannot say enough about the tropical atmosphere of the resort and all the great amenities; various water slides for the kids, amazing beach, breathtaking snorkeling, large pool and best of all relaxation!  Rather than try to explain further, pictures are worth a thousand words!

We did take one day twin island heritage tour tracing the journey of Ferdinand Magellan.  Cebu is where he landed in 1521 til his defeat by chieftain Lapu-Lapu in the Battle of Mactan.  We visited various landmarks in Cebu like Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, Basilica of the Santo Nino and the Taoist Temple.  We also visited the National Liberty Shrine, site of the battle of Lapu-Lapu over Magellan.  lastly we stopped in the Shrine of our Lady Parish Church and also a Guitar Factory as Cebu is internationally know for their guitar exports.

This was a very relaxing vacation for our family spent with some great friends and their children.  I continue to be amazed by the islands we have visited in the South Pacific and the cultures we have witnessed.  On to the next!!!