This Week in Cebu (June 26 to July 2, 2016)

The first month of classes will end with overcast skies throughout the week as the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects La Niña to develop earlier than anticipated. Rains and thunderstorms may occur in the afternoon, which can contribute to flooding in different parts of the metro. Due to this, gridlocks may happen in major streets within the city, including General Maxilom Avenue, Colon Street, and Osmeña Boulevard.

The oath-taking ceremony for the Cebu City mayor is scheduled on June 28 at the Cebu City Sports Center. Cebu City Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña will take his oath of office before Vice-President-elect Leni Robredo at 4:00 PM in a simple event that is open to the public. Due to this, travelers should anticipate heavy traffic along Osmeña Boulevard from the Fuente Osmeña Circle up to P. Del Rosario Avenue. In addition to the incoming mayor, the other winning candidates of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) will also take their oath during the event.

Canyoneering has recently gained traction among Cebuanos and tourists. However, the Cebu Provincial Government has suspended canyoneering activities in the Alegria-Badian area until August 1 to ensure the safety of the public. Visitors can enjoy this extreme water sports anew once tour operators secure accreditation from the Department of Tourism.

Travel agents and tour operators will gather for a major trade exhibit on June 30 to July 2. Called the Cebu International Travel Expo or C.I.T.E., the event is part of the International Travel Expos (ITE) Series organized by Global-Link MP Events International, Inc. Individuals, groups, or companies looking forward to finding good deals for their travels can head to this event to be held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, Lahug. The next ITEs will be in Davao and Manila.

When in Cebu, one local fare visitors can try is grilled manok bisaya (native chicken). This locally grown fowl is leaner and tastes gamier than its commercial counterparts, giving a unique spin on the usual grilled chicken.

One place which specializes in grilled manok bisaya is Conching’s Native Chicken & Fast Food. The place was established by Conching Layam in 1968 and has served to sate the appetite of both locals and visitors alike. Aside from grilled manok bisaya, they also offer a wide variety of native food items, including sinugbang posit (grilled squid), creamy beef stew, and lechon (roasted suckling pig) rolls, among others.

The main branch of Conching’s Native Chicken & Fast Food is located along A. Soriano Avenue, Cebu City close to the Honda showroom. They are open from 8:00 AM up to 11:00 PM. They also have outlets located at SM Hypermart and The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City along with a branch in Davao City.