Weekly Wrap-Up: New Residence & Cebu Ocean Park

We are now settled into our new apartment in Cebu City. Highlights: closer to the city, swimming pool, strict security, $485 a month, etc. Did I mention that the kids absolutely love the swimming pool? We have incorporated swimming into our early morning weekly routine, which then allows the kids to focus on their school work.

Gatehouse security is taken very seriously. Prior to booking, I had read reviews detailing the onerous process (aka inquisition) that short term tenants were subjected to upon their daily return. I anticipated that the initial arrival process would be no exception, which turned out to be very accurate. After a lengthy discussion with the security guards (including presenting the AirBnB reservation, ID etc.), we had to call our host and have him attend the gatehouse and resolve the issue in person. Within 24 hours of our arrival, it became evident that our presence had been firmly established. The following evening we stopped and asked a security guard for directions to the garbage disposal / recycling facilities. After providing location instructions, he casually asked “5422?” (Building 5, Floor 4, Unit 22.) We were a bit surprised, considering there are 9 buildings with 125 units in each building. Re-entry is now very seamless, which is at least a positive development.

We also concluded the week with a visit to the Cebu Ocean Park. The kids favourites were the stingrays and the sharks. We also experienced our first ever fish foot spa (the fish eat the dead skin from your feet). The Snack Kiosk menu was a bit on the unhealthy side: fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, popcorn, soda etc. For example, their corn dogs: hot dogs on a stick, rolled in batter, rolled in chopped up french fries and deep fried. Yikes! (If you want to find out more about the Ocean Park, their website is here: https://www.cebuoceanpark.com/)

As for daily life:

• Mactan-Cebu International remains on reduced capacity, with the Korean aircraft still sitting on the main runway. (Korean Air will need to pay to have it removed, which has obviously not happened yet.)

• We are spending around $150 per week for groceries, which is a bit of a relief after Canadian prices!

• Face masks are required in all public areas and the major malls / grocery stores have temperature checks set up at all the entrances.

Until next time....