This Week in Cebu (March 26 to April 1, 2018)

Here are some activities to do and things to expect for Holy Week in Cebu.

By: Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon | March 26, 2018
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Locals and tourists should brace for rainy weather and crowded bus terminals this Holy Week. Despite this, one can still do the Holy Week tradition of Visita Iglesia or eat binignit, a fruit stew Cebuanos love to eat during the Lenten season. If you plan to shop or go on a road trip, make sure to know mall operating hours and major events which could affect your plans.


Rainy weather for Holy Week




Holy Week activities Cebu

It will be a rainy Holy Week.



Rain showers and thunderstorms will be prevalent this Holy Week. Monday and Tuesday will start with cloudy weather with thunderstorms in some spots. It will be rainy on Wednesday, and on Thursday going to the weekend, locals and tourists should brace for cloudy weather with a couple of thunderstorms. Thus, it is advisable to bring umbrellas and raincoats. Minimum temperature will be at 31 ºC, while maximum temperature will be at 32 ºC.


Holy Week security at Cebu South Bus Terminal




Holy Week activities Cebu

The Cebu South Bus Terminal is expected to be busy this week.

Image: Writer


Around 40,000 travelers are expected to flock to the Cebu City South Bus Terminal (CSBT) to go to their hometowns for the long Holy Week break. CSBT management has put security measures in place to manage the anticipated crowd which is the double the daily average that they see at the terminal. One of such measures is adding 25 security guards and a bomb-sniffing dog at the terminal. There will be strict security inspection for travelers, including an open-bag policy to check for contraband and sharp objects. A priority lane will also be put up for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and women with small children. [1]


Holy Week food and activities

Local food to try: binignit


Holy Week activities Cebu

Holy Week is synonymous with binignit in Cebu.

Image: Writer


A traditional Cebuano dish that locals cook during the Holy Week is binignit. This dish is made up of plantain bananas, jackfruit, sweet potato, landang (tapioca product), glutinous rice, and sago (tapioca pearls). The root crops and fruits are then cooked in coconut milk and sugar to produce a thick, creamy stew. You can buy binignit ingredients from Carbon Market or at major supermarkets in the city.


Local activity: Visita Iglesia


Holy Week activities Cebu

Sto. Niño Church is a popular church for Visita Iglesia.

Image: Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu


One activity that is fit for the Lenten season is Visita Iglesia (church visit). For Catholics, this tradition involves visiting seven churches on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday while praying the Stations of the Cross. In Cebu, a few of the churches you can visit are Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Shrine of St. Joseph. You could also travel to Lindogon, Sibonga to see the Simala Shrine.


Mall hours for Holy Week




Holy Week activities Cebu

Shoppers should keep in mind the Holy Week schedules of major malls.

Image: Ayala Center Cebu


Major malls around Cebu City have now announced their Holy Week schedule. They are as follows:

Ayala Center Cebu
  • March 26 to 28: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • March 29 to 30: Closed
  • March 31: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • April 1: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Robinsons Galleria Cebu
  • March 29: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • March 30: Closed
  • March 31: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • April 1: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • March 26 to 28: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • March 29 and 30: Closed
  • March 31: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • April 1: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM


Travel tips for the Lenten season




Holy Week activities Cebu

One of the contingents at last year’s Sugat Kabanhawan Festival street dancing

Image: All in Minglanilla


When traveling via the Cebu South Bus Terminal, do not bring liquor, sharp objects, bladed weapons, and other contraband as these will be confiscated. Do not tightly seal or lock big bags and luggage for faster screening at the inspection areas. [2]

If you’re going on a road trip to southern Cebu, it’s best to avoid Minglanilla on Easter Sunday as the town will hold Sugat Kabanhawan sa Minglanilla. This is the culmination of a series of events for the Kabanhawan Festival, and is marked with street dancing, games, and entertainment which could contribute to heavy traffic.



[1]http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2018/03/17/south-bus-terminal-preps-holy-week-exodus-594060
[2]https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/cebu-daily-news/20180317/281599536026577
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About Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon
Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon is the current content supervisor for the Visayas region of ShoppersGuide Marketing, Inc. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree from UP Cebu. She has previously worked for a business process outsourcing company, a community newspaper, and a global technology company. When not writing, she putters about in the kitchen, baking or testing new recipes.
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Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.
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