While our house construction in Ronda Mountain is hitting a major milestone with the roof curing, we decided to take a much-needed four-day "staycation" in Cebu City. Managing a full build is exhausting, so we left Jessa’s brother in charge of the site and headed to the city for some relaxation and family fun—though, in true VibePinas fashion, not everything went exactly to plan.
The trip started with me trying to survive Jessa’s driving! I’ll admit, being a passenger makes me nervous, but having a wife who can handle the car is a lifesaver. Our first major stop was the brand-new Cebu Fun Park near SM Seaside. Growing up in Norway, I’m used to theme parks, but the lines here were a real test of patience—some rides had 50-minute waits! Still, at about 450 pesos with all rides included, it’s fantastic value for families. Jessa eventually surrendered to the heat and the crowds, but it was a great experience to finally see it.
We also spent a day at Cebu Ocean Park. It’s a bit smaller than the one in Manila, but Liam absolutely loves it. For 700–900 pesos, it’s a perfect "oasis" for kids. Between the bird shows and the underwater tunnels, it’s a place we find ourselves returning to again and again because it just makes Liam so happy.
However, our stay at the Parkline Hotel was a bit of a rollercoaster. I’ve spent hundreds of nights in hotels over the last decade, so I know the drill. We booked a deluxe room via Agoda, specifically choosing the rate that included breakfast for about 3,600 pesos a night. When we arrived, the hotel claimed breakfast wasn't included. Despite me showing proof of the higher price I paid, the receptionist—who was unfortunately quite unhelpful—refused to honor it. It was frustrating because at that price point, you expect a certain level of service and professionalism that just wasn't there. We ended up paying "top-end" prices for a mid-range experience, and the buffet itself was often under-refilled. Next time, I think we’ll stick to the Mandarin; it’s a much more reliable neighbor.
The food on this trip was another mixed bag. We had one dinner that was arguably the worst I’ve had in eight years in the Philippines—uncooked rice and slimy, rubbery fish! I’m not one to complain often, but when you pay good money for a meal in a "high-end" mall restaurant, you expect the rice to be cooked. Luckily, we redeemed the trip on the final night. Jessa had been craving Crispy Pata, and we finally found a spot that nailed it. It was delicious and exactly what we needed to end the vacation on a high note.
I also took the opportunity to do some "gadget shopping," picking up a new Samsung A57 and some high-end microphones. My old phone’s GPS and mic were failing, which is a disaster for a vlogger. While I was out, I even bumped into Philippine P, a fellow vlogger, who did a quick interview with me!
Even with the hotel hiccups and the "tuna-in-the-room" moments, it was a great break. Now, it’s back to the mountain to check on the house progress. Thanks for following along with the VibePinas family!
