8 Cebu destinations (International Copycats Edition)

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/feature/2016/10/14/8-cebu-destinations-international-copycats-edition-503548
• Friday, October 14, 2016

By Crischellyn D. Abayon

WHAT international destination is in your bucket list?

Do you turn green with envy every time you see a Facebook friend check-in to places you can only dream of going to? Sure, international travel will cost an arm and a leg but who says you can't capture the perfect "international" selfie here?

Head on to these "international destinations" now. No need for a passport. Promise.

1. Poblacion, Carcar - Spain

The Philippines is a Spanish colony for 400 years, so it isn't a surprise that churches and homes reflect the Spanish Baroque architecture, which is very popular at that time. If you drop by Carcar City, don't forget to have a selfie at the Sta. Catalina Alexandria Church. Built in the 1860, this colonial church has two bell towers and an onion-shaped dome similar to the Greek Orthodox Churches of Eastern Europe.

Complete the Spanish feels with a trip to the Bahay na Tisa, named as such because of the brick roof that is also used in Spanish edifices.

2. Riverstone Castle, Argao and Virgin Mary Shrine, Lindogon - Prague and Belgium

If you've been dreaming of Medieval Europe, then head on to the towns of Sibonga and Argao where the Virgin Mary Shrine of Lindogon and Riverstone Castle are located.

The Virgin Mary Shrine of Lindogon is fast becoming a must-visit place in Cebu not only because of the abundant miracle stories from devotees but also because of the impressive castle it has become. Sitting on top of a hill, the castle also gives a good view of the town of Sibonga.

If you go to the next town of Argao, you can also visit the Riverstone Castle, which is very similar to the Het Steen Schelde of Belgium. This castle has a bar, a pool and rooms where tourists can stay for the night because after all, who doesn't want to wake up in a castle, right?

3. Sirao Flower Farm - Keukenhof, The Netherlands

Although it is called "The Little Amsterdam of Cebu," the Sirao Flower Farm is more comparable to Keukenhof of The Netherlands. Keukenhof is considered the most beautiful garden of the world where tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other flowers cover a good 32-hectare land area. The Sirao Flower Farm has been known for its celosias but the owner of the farm has added gerberas and sunflowers.

4. Bantayan Island - Phuket, Thailand

Why spend a fortune for some sand, sea and sun when you have an abundance of that here in Cebu? Phuket, Thailand is a popular destination because of its beaches but Cebu's Bantayan Island has equally inviting clear water and powdery white sand.

5. Bojo River, Aloguinsan - Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

The Unesco World Heritage Site will make you fall in-love with its water and limestone pillars but do you know that the Bojo River in Aloguinsan town can give you a postcard-perfect view comparable to it? Take the Bojo River cruise and see the reason why it was named a Green Destination.

6. Taoist Temple, Lahug, Cebu City - China

Chinese temples are sacred, which is why taking pictures inside are a big no-no. The facade of these temples, though, are colorful and picturesque. If you've no time and no money to go to China to visit a temple, you can always visit the Cebu Taoist Temple and get the same experience.

The multi-hued and multi-tiered structure's facade is a replica of the Great Wall of China. It also has a chapel, garden, wishing well and souvenir shop.

Trivia:

Do you know that Gloria Diaz dropped by the temple as a Bb. Pilipinas candidate and was told by a monk that she will win the competition? Well, she didn't only win over equally-beautiful Bb. Pilipinas candidates, she even became 1969 Ms. Universe.

7. Temple of Leah - Rome

If India has its Taj Mahal, Cebu has Temple of Leah.

Sitting on a hill in Busay, Cebu, the structure serves as a symbol of Teodorico Adarna's undying love for his wife Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. This temple will take visitors to Rome minus the jetlag.

The intricate structure has prominent pillars and a large view deck. The fountain and statues perfectly accentuate the place.

8. The Maze, Toledo City - United Kingdom

Don't you want to get lost in the Queen's maze garden? You don't have to go to the United Kingdom to do that because the Capilla Santa Ana in Toledo City, Cebu, has a maze, too.

You don't only come to the chapel to take a selfie though because this is a good destination for Lent or for when you need time to nourish your soul. The idea is to walk through the maze in meditation.

BONUS:

Sinulog - Mardi Gras of Brazil

If Brazil has its mardi gras, Cebu has Sinulog. The festival is held every third week of January in honor of the Santo Niño. This is one of the most awaited events in the island-province and is participated by local and national contingents.

The beat that will make you dance and the colorful costumes make this festival known to people all over the world.

So who says your vacation should be expensive? And why go far when Cebu can offer destinations that will make you take a second look?