Postcards From Cebu: The Journey And The Accommodation

Our summer vacation took us to the second largest city in the Philippines and also my birthplace called Cebu. It’s been 8 years since my last visit and I’m super excited!

The Journey

As of this moment, I’ve flown a total of three long haul flights and the latest was our first time flying on an international business class. Before we had to do with coach or economy class being a bunch of poor students, but now since my husband and I have good jobs, so why not splurge on those little luxuries. You only live once!

ja-2 — Waiting for our flight to Singapore in the Aspire lounge 41 at Schipol Aiport in Amsterdam.

The trip was around 27 hours in total including the stopovers. We booked business class all the way starting from Bergen to Amsterdam with KLM, Amsterdam to Singapore with Singapore Airlines and Singapore to Cebu with Silkair. On our way back home, it was still the same route on reverse. I wasn’t able to take photos on the KLM and Silkair flights because I was focused on the long haul flight with Singapore Airlines. To be honest, I’m not really fond of flying especially long hauls, but this trip made me want to fly more often!

ja-4 — Champagne, juice or water were being served as a welcome drink. I chose champagne.

ja-5 — My dinner: wonton and char siu pork noodle soup

ja-7 — Business class lounge in Changi airport where we had a quick shower and grabbed some bites before taking our flight to Cebu.

On our way back home to Norway:

ja-17 — Waiting for our flight to Singapore in the Plaza Premium Lounge at Cebu International Airport.

ja-18 — We managed to tour around Changi airport this time and we checked their Butterfly Garden.

ja-20 — I like how lush Changi airport is.

ja-8 — Photobombed by one of the FAs of Singapore Airlines.

ja-10 — The remote control for the in-flight entertainment.

ja-11 — Extra storage for your laptop or iPad.

ja-13 — I really like the shape of the seats.

ja-16 — The seat turned into a flat bed.

The Accomodation

In Cebu, we stayed for 13 days at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. I was dead set in staying there being that the hotel is an institution in Cebu. I had fond memories there way back from major expositions, events, concerts and parties.

ja-25 — The hotel’s gym with a boxing ring.

ja-31 — There were a couple of wedding parties held in the hotel almost every day in the duration of our stay.

During our stay, the hotel organised a 4th of July event, which was quite lovely. My mother was invited to the official opening and because of her we were invited as well.

ja-32 — A cosy street complete with street lamps inside the hotel. There you can find different restaurants, a patisserie and a bar. It was decorated as such for the 4th of July event.

ja-33 — A Harley stand, which my husband, Odd immediately checked out with glee!

ja-36 — The cutting of the ribbon, which marks the beginning of the event.

ja-37 — The husband having a good time during the opening.

ja-38 — A quick cupcake decorating contest. My mum was one of the contestants.

ja-41 — Dinner in the hotel’s Japanese restaurant. I was amazed how Odd managed to eat all that!

Regarding with what I think about the hotel, starting with the negative – the bathroom despite being clean and all had seen better days. It’s in dire need of an update. That being said, the rooms were super clean and spacious, the service was impeccable, the staff were friendly and the food at the breakfast buffet was phenomenal. If you fancy some other types of cuisine, the hotel has different restaurants serving Chinese, Japanese and Italian to name a few. Overall, the hotel met our expectations and then some! We will definitely come back and stay here again!

Before ending this post, check this video I found in Youtube. It will give you an idea how extensive the hotel’s buffet.