Discover Cebu Through the Eyes of Its Homegrown Creatives
Cebu is more than beautiful beaches, famous lechon and historic churches. The province is also home to a thriving creative community, with fashion designers, artists and entrepreneurs who know where to find some of its most memorable experiences.
For travellers planning a visit, exploring the places recommended by people who grew up in Cebu offers a different way to experience the island. From seaside dining in Mactan to the quiet beaches of Bantayan Island, there are plenty of destinations worth adding to your itinerary.
In its November 6, 2026 feature, Vogue Philippines invited Cebuano designers Jun Escario, Edwin Ao, Mike Yapching, OJ Hofer, Protacio Empaces and Neil Felipp to share some of their favourite places. Their recommendations cover restaurants, contemporary art, coastal destinations, historic architecture and independent bookstores.
Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is made up of a narrow main island surrounded by approximately 150 smaller islands. It also holds an important place in Philippine history as the site of the country’s first Spanish settlement and a significant centre of early Christianity.
Here are some of the destinations highlighted by Cebu’s creative personalities that can help make your next visit more memorable.
Where to Eat and Explore Cebu’s Creative Side
Food is an important part of experiencing Cebu, and the recommendations from local designers include restaurants where visitors can enjoy quality dining while taking in the surrounding scenery.
1. Cowrie Cove – Seaside Dining in Mactan
Recommended by: Jun Escario
For an elegant dining experience beside the sea, Cowrie Cove Seafood Bar & Grill is one of Jun Escario’s preferred destinations. Located inside the five-star Shangri-La Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, the restaurant combines an open-air setting with seafood and international dishes.
Its menu features fresh seafood, premium meat selections and dishes prepared using locally sourced and farm-fresh ingredients. Some of its signature offerings include tuna kinilaw and charred wagyu, making it an option for visitors looking for a more refined Cebu dining experience.
The restaurant is located along Punta Engaño Road and operates daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Location: Shangri-La Mactan, Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
2. Qube Gallery – Contemporary Art in Cebu City
Recommended by: Edwin Ao
Travellers interested in art and creative spaces can include Qube Gallery in their Cebu City itinerary. Fashion designer Edwin Ao enjoys visiting galleries, and this contemporary art space is among his preferred places.
Established in 2013, Qube Gallery focuses on contemporary art from Cebu, the Visayas and other parts of the Philippines. Its exhibitions provide opportunities to discover emerging artists and appreciate different approaches to visual expression.
The gallery is located at Crossroads along Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue in Banilad, Cebu City. It welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Saturday, between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Tuesday visits are available by appointment, while the gallery is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Location: Crossroads, Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, Banilad, Cebu City.
Beaches, Island Escapes and Japanese Dining
Cebu’s coastal destinations offer different experiences depending on whether visitors prefer peaceful beaches, relaxed holidays or restaurants serving international cuisine.
3. Bantayan Island – White Sand and a More Relaxed Atmosphere
Recommended by: Mike Yapching
Located off the northern tip of Cebu, Bantayan Island is known for its white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. It is one of the destinations that designer Mike Yapching enjoys visiting whenever he has free time.
Unlike busier holiday destinations, Yapching appreciates Bantayan for its quieter atmosphere and the opportunity to spend time enjoying the beach without large crowds.
The island is a good option for travellers who want to slow down, enjoy the coastal scenery and spend time away from the busier parts of Cebu.
Visitors can make their trip more relaxing by planning enough time to explore the island instead of treating it as a quick stop. Since Bantayan is located in northern Cebu, it is worth arranging transportation and accommodation before travelling.
4. Koshima by Nonki – Japanese Fine Dining at NUSTAR
Recommended by: OJ Hofer
For Japanese food enthusiasts, Koshima by Nonki is another restaurant worth considering. Designer OJ Hofer, who follows a vegetarian diet, particularly enjoys Chinese and Japanese dining establishments, with Koshima standing out among his choices.
Located inside NUSTAR Resort and Casino, the restaurant serves Japanese cuisine, including fresh sashimi, premium Wagyu beef, gyukatsu, shabu-shabu and seasonal omakase meals.
Its location inside the resort makes it convenient for visitors who are already exploring the dining and leisure options around Kawit Island.
Koshima operates from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, with slight variations in its schedule. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, its listed operating hours extend until 11:00 PM.
Location: Level 2, The Mall, NUSTAR Resort and Casino, Kawit Island, Cebu City.
5. San Remigio – A Coastal Destination for Relaxation
Recommended by: Anthony Romoff
Not every Cebu holiday needs to involve a busy resort or a packed sightseeing schedule. Fashion designer Anthony Romoff prefers San Remigio when he wants to take a break from work and enjoy time near the beach.
San Remigio is a coastal municipality in northern Cebu known for having the province’s longest continuous shoreline. Its seaside setting makes it an appealing destination for beach holidays and diving activities.
Visitors looking for a quieter coastal experience can consider including San Remigio in a northern Cebu trip. Staying in a vacation house or arranging accommodation near the beach can provide more time to enjoy the surroundings.
Historic Churches and Independent Bookstores Worth Visiting
Cebu’s attractions are not limited to beaches and restaurants. Its heritage landmarks and independent cultural spaces also reveal another side of the province, particularly for visitors interested in history, architecture and literature.
6. Boljoon Church – A Historic Landmark by the Shoreline
Recommended by: Protacio Empaces
One of the most memorable heritage destinations recommended by designer Protacio Empaces is Boljoon Church, officially known as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria SantÃsima.
Located in Boljoon, southern Cebu, this historic 18th-century Roman Catholic church is particularly notable for its fortress-like architecture and construction using coral stones. It is also recognised as the oldest surviving original stone church in Cebu.
Empaces has admired the church since childhood, especially its location beside a small bay. Its setting creates a distinctive combination of religious architecture, coastal scenery and historical character.
The church is located along Natalio Bacalso Avenue in Poblacion, Boljoon. Its gates are generally open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, while the parish office operates Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
For travellers interested in Cebu’s history, this landmark deserves a place on a southern Cebu itinerary. Visitors should also dress respectfully and observe any restrictions when entering the religious complex.
7. Lost Books Cebu – A Small Bookstore with Local Character
Recommended by: Neil Felipp
Book lovers searching for something different in Cebu City can visit Lost Books Cebu, an independent bookstore and café enjoyed by designer Neil Felipp.
Located on the ground floor of the CAO Mercado Building along Osmeña Boulevard, the bookstore occupies a compact space that was previously used as a bank ATM area. It has since been transformed into a small destination for readers interested in regional literature.
Its collection includes Visayan literature, Binisaya texts and publications from writers across the region. This makes it particularly interesting for visitors who want to discover stories and literary works connected to Cebu and the wider Visayas.
Lost Books Cebu operates from Tuesday through Sunday, between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
Location: Ground Floor, CAO Mercado Building, Osmeña Boulevard, Capitol Site, Cebu City.
Practical Cebu Travel Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
These recommendations cover different parts of Cebu, so organising your itinerary according to location can make your trip more convenient. Restaurants and galleries in Cebu City and Mactan can be included in an urban and coastal itinerary, while Bantayan, San Remigio and Boljoon deserve separate travel planning.
When Is a Good Time to Visit Cebu?
Cebu can be visited throughout the year, but travellers should check seasonal weather forecasts before booking outdoor activities. If you are interested in experiencing local celebrations, consider checking the schedule of the annual Sinulog Festival, which honours the Santo Niño and is one of the province’s major cultural events.
How Many Days Should You Spend Exploring Cebu?
The ideal length depends on which destinations you want to visit. A shorter trip can focus on Cebu City and Mactan, including Qube Gallery, Cowrie Cove and Koshima by Nonki.
If you also want to explore Bantayan Island, San Remigio and Boljoon, allow additional travel time. These destinations are spread across different parts of the province, so trying to visit everything in one day may make the experience rushed.
What Should You Prepare Before Visiting These Places?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, sun protection and appropriate attire for visiting religious landmarks. For beach destinations, pack swimwear, extra clothes and other personal essentials.
It is also advisable to confirm restaurant and gallery operating hours before visiting, especially during holidays. For destinations outside Cebu City, arrange transportation and accommodation ahead of time.
For additional destination information, travellers can consult the official Philippines tourism website before finalising their plans.
Cebu offers a combination of food, fashion, history, art and coastal experiences that goes beyond the usual sightseeing itinerary. By exploring the places recommended by Jun Escario, Edwin Ao, Mike Yapching, OJ Hofer, Protacio Empaces and Neil Felipp, visitors can discover destinations that reflect the island’s creative identity and cultural heritage.
Before your next Cebu getaway, consider choosing a few of these recommendations, checking their latest schedules and planning your route according to location. You may discover a different side of the Queen City of the South through the places its own creative community loves.
