The Cebu Marathon returns this Sunday with 12,000 registered runners, including a strong contingent of international participants. Organized by the Cebu Executives Runners Club (CERC), the marathon is now on its 18th year and continues to grow as a celebration of sports, health, and community.

Global Participation

This Sinulog season, the celebration goes bigger, brighter, and more immersive as SM City Cebu invites everyone to max out the experience with AweSM Cebu 2026, a month-long festival of culture, color, and community happening from January 3-28, 2026. Packed with must-see attractions, star-studded mall shows, glowing spectacles, and experiences made for every tribe, SM City Cebu brings the spirit of Sinulog gala to the max.

Family vacations are some of the most memorable experiences, but they can also be stressful — especially when it comes to money. Between transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities, costs can quickly add up.

The good news? With careful planning, a clear budget, and a few simple strategies, your family can enjoy a fun, stress-free vacation without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan your next trip step by step, save smartly, and involve the whole family in the process.

Step 1: Decide Your Vacation Budget

The first step in planning a stress-free trip is knowing exactly how much you can spend. Break your budget down into categories:

Pro Tip: Always include a small buffer for unexpected expenses to prevent overspending stress.

Step 2: Start Saving Early

Once you know your target budget, start saving early. Here’s how:

• Open a Family Vacation Fund: Use a dedicated bank account, envelope system, or digital wallet.

• Set Monthly Goals: Determine how much to save each month to reach your goal.

• Involve the Kids: Give small chores or saving responsibilities to older children — this teaches money responsibility.

• Cut Back Temporarily: Limit takeout meals, skip unnecessary subscriptions, or sell unused items to boost your vacation fund.

Even small, consistent savings add up over time.

Step 3: Choose Affordable Destinations & Travel Dates

Smart destination and timing choices can save thousands:

• Travel Off-Season: Avoid peak months when flights and hotels are expensive.

• Local Destinations: Explore places within driving distance or nearby islands — cheaper and less stressful.

• Compare Prices: Use tools like Skyscanner, Agoda, or Booking.com to find the best deals.

• Look for Family Deals: Some hotels and resorts offer packages or free stays for kids.

Example: Instead of a 7-day international trip, a 5-day local vacation can create the same memories at a fraction of the cost.

Step 4: Plan Meals & Activities Smartly

Food and activities are often the biggest hidden costs.

• Cook Some Meals: Rent accommodations with a kitchen to prepare breakfast or snacks.

• Look for Free or Low-Cost Attractions: Beaches, hiking trails, museums with free entry, local festivals.

• Book in Advance: Save on tours, tickets, or passes by reserving early.

• Limit Souvenir Spending: Set a small per-child budget for souvenirs.

Tip: Keep a daily spending limit and track it as a family — fun and educational for kids!

Step 5: Use Tools & Track Expenses

Stay organized with apps and printables:

• Apps: Mint, Splitwise, or Excel sheets

• Track Daily: Record spending immediately to avoid surprises

• Adjust: Shift funds between categories if needed

Optional: Download our free Family Travel Budget Tracker [link to lead magnet]

Step 6: Review & Celebrate

After the trip:

• Review actual spending vs. budget

• Celebrate achievements and memories made together

• Discuss lessons learned for the next trip

Family vacations aren’t just about spending money — they’re about teamwork, planning, and creating lasting memories.

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Planning a family vacation without breaking the bank is possible when you budget wisely, save consistently, and plan as a team.

 Flooding has become one of the most pressing concerns in Cebu, especially during heavy rains and typhoon season. But one of the biggest reasons behind this is something many people don’t often notice—our watersheds.

Watersheds affect how water travels from Cebu’s mountains down to our rivers, lowland barangays, and eventually the sea. Understanding how they work can help us protect our communities, support safer development, and care for our environment.

 What Is a Watershed?

A watershed is a land area where all rainwater and runoff flow into a common outlet, such as a river, creek, or coastline.

Think of it as Cebu’s natural drainage system. When it rains in the mountains of Busay or Talisay, the water flows down slopes, joins streams, enters major rivers like Guadalupe or Butuanon, and finally drains to the sea.

✔ Every hill, mountain, tree, and subdivision inside a watershed affects how water behaves.
✔ When watersheds are healthy, flooding is less severe.
✔ When they are damaged or blocked, flooding worsens.

 Major Watersheds in Cebu That Affect Flooding

Cebu has several important watersheds, but the most flood-prone are:

1. Guadalupe River Watershed (Cebu City)

Drains water from Busay, Lahug, Banawa, Kalunasan → flows into downtown Cebu.

2. Butuanon River Watershed (Mandaue, Consolacion)

Drains upland areas → floods AS Fortuna, Tipolo, Subangdaku.

3. Kinalumsan River Watershed (Labangon, Basak, Mambaling)

Leads to the southern coastline where flooding is common.

4. Mananga River Watershed (Talisay)

Affects Bulacao, Lawaan, and riverside barangays.

 How Watershed Problems Cause Flooding in Cebu

1. Steep Slopes = Fast Runoff

Central Cebu’s mountains create flash floods, especially during sudden downpours.

2. Deforestation & Land Development

Cutting trees or clearing areas for:

• subdivisions

• resorts

• road widening

• quarry sites

reduces natural water absorption.

➡️ Water rushes to lowland areas, flooding fast.

3. Clogged or Narrow Rivers

Trash, silt, informal structures, and construction waste reduce river capacity.

➡️ Even moderate rains cause rivers to overflow.

4. Urbanization in the Lowlands

Cities like Mandaue, Cebu City, and Talisay are flat, crowded, and concrete-heavy.

➡️ Less soil to absorb rain → water accumulates quickly.

5. Climate Change

Heavier, sudden rainfall overwhelms Cebu’s drainage systems.

🌱 How Protecting Watersheds Helps Reduce Flooding

Healthy watersheds:

• absorb more rainwater

• slow down water flow

• reduce erosion and landslides

• prevent river overflow

• protect urban communities

Solutions include:

• reforesting upland barangays

• regulating construction

• clearing rivers and creeks

• maintaining drainage systems

• protecting remaining green spaces

 Final Thoughts

Flooding in Cebu isn’t just a drainage or “baha” issue—it’s a watershed issue.
By understanding how water moves from the mountains to the sea, we can make better choices as a community and create safer, flood-resilient cities.

Cebu’s cafe scene keeps evolving, and if you’re on the lookout for spots that feel fresh, cozy, and totally Instagram-worthy, here are eight cafes in Cebu — mostly in Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue — that you’ll want to put on your list.

1. The Public Café — A Relaxing Coffee Spot Along M.L. Quezon Highway

Where: 2483 M.L. Quezon National Highway, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu Foodpanda+1
Vibe & What to Expect:

• A laid-back café that’s a chill space to unwind, work, or hang out. Restaurant Guru

• Their menu mixes Western comfort food (like pasta and grilled sandwiches) with café favorites — think frappes, smoothies, and milk teas. Foodpanda+1

• According to reviews, the staff is professional, and the place offers a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a quiet coffee or a weekend brunch. Restaurant Guru

Menu Picks:

• Try their grilled cheese sandwich or ham & cheese sandwich. Foodpanda

• For drinks: their matcha milk tea and salted caramel frappe are fan favorites

2. GraTEAtude Café — Mandaue’s Cozy Corner for Peaceful Moments

Where: 13 V.B. Cabahug Extension, Ilog, Mandaue, Cebu Top Rated
Vibe & What Makes It Special:

• This café feels like a hidden sanctuary in Mandaue — peaceful, cozy, and made for relaxing. Top Rated

• Several guests describe it as a “secret location … a place to unwind, eat, drink, and enjoy music.” Top Rated

• The cafe seems to lean into a slower, more intentional cafe experience, making it ideal for study sessions or deep conversations.

Why Visit:

• It’s a great spot to step away from the hustle of city life while still being accessible.

• If you love tea (or just a calm coffee corner), this might be your new go-to.

3. The Giddy Goat Springwood — A Playful & Aesthetic Café in Mandaue

Where: Springwood District, Plaridel Street, Cambaro, Mandaue City islecebu.com+1
Vibe & Experience:

• This branch is more “cozy indoor seating” compared to their garden-style original. Facebook

• According to their Instagram, it’s a fun and “goat-themed” café, which suggests a playful, lighthearted branding. Instagram

• Their food and drink selection feels crafted for both coffee lovers and casual diners. Foodpanda

Highlights:

• Good place for dessert lovers or people looking for a café + ice cream hangout (some Giddy Goat branches do ice cream).

• Ideal for dates, small group hangs, or even just a chill solo afternoon.

4. Brewed Delights Café — The New Hangout for Coffee Purists in Mandaue North

Where: Mandaue North, Cebu
Vibe & What You Might Like:

• While I didn’t find many detailed online sources about Brewed Delights Café, it’s clearly part of the growing cafe wave in Mandaue.

• Based on the name, you can expect a strong focus on well-brewed coffee, relaxing ambiance, and perhaps light food fare.

Why It’s Worth Checking:

• As Mandaue North develops more lifestyle and hangout spots, Brewed Delights could become a favorite among locals.

• Good for those who prioritize coffee quality — possibly a specialty or artisan-brew type of place.

5. Board & Trays Café — Comfort Food + Coffee in One Homey Space

Where: P.J. Burgos Street, Brgy Alangalang, Mandaue City Tripadvisor+1
Vibe & What Makes It Special:

• A hybrid café and restaurant — it's not just about coffee but also hearty meals, pizzas, pasta, and comfort food. Facebook+2Facebook+2

• The ambiance is cozy and welcoming with a simple, homey style. Top Rated

• According to reviews, the food is “very good,” and the staff is friendly. Top Rated

Menu & Must-Tries:

• Their menu has rice meals, pasta, salads, and pizzas. Top Rated

• Drinks range from juices to coffee, and the pricing for their menu is relatively mid-tier for local cafés. Top Rated

Perfect For:

• Brunch or lunch with friends.

• A relaxed date or family hangout.

• Coffee + meal combo without going to a full restaurant.

6. Tons Café — A Hidden Gem Waiting to Be Discovered

Where: (Location unspecified, likely in Cebu / Mandaue)
Vibe & What It Might Be:

• I couldn’t find reliable online sources or recent reviews for Tons Café. It might be very new, niche, or still under the radar.

• Based on the name, it could lean toward a trendy café concept — possibly dessert-focused or a chill hangout.

Why It’s Interesting:

• Since there’s little information, this could be a “hidden gem” waiting to be discovered by local coffee lovers or content creators.

• Worth popping in (or scouting on Instagram / local directory) to see what their concept really is.

7. Psalms Café — A Faith-Inspired Space for Reflection & Good Coffee

Where: Door 11, Candelaria Arcade, A.C. Cortes, Mandaue City 
Vibe & What Stands Out:

• A warm, spiritual-inspired café — more than just a place for coffee, it feels like a “space to pause.” 

• Their Instagram shows that they’re creative with drink concoctions: matcha, ube drinks, salted caramel coffee, and banana pudding-inspired ones.

• offering “fresh brews, bold flavors” with a comforting, intentional energy. 

Why Go There:

• Perfect spot for reflection, studying, or a quiet conversation.

• Their pastries + coffee combo makes it ideal for brunch or afternoon tea.

• For those who appreciate a “third space” that’s both inspirational and relaxing.

8. Wave Café — Calm, Crafted Drinks, and Serene Mactan Vibes

Where: Lapu-Lapu / Mactan, Cebu (Instagram: @wavecafecebu) Instagram
Vibe & What’s Unique:

• Described on IG as having “serene cafe energy” — it’s not loud, not too crowded, but very thoughtfully designed. Instagram

• They make syrups in-house, which suggests their drinks are creative and crafted with care. Instagram

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• According to local posts, their brewed coffee is “top-tier.” 

  “lami ilang coffee … probably best i have tried so far that brewed.” Reddit+1

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

Why Visit:

• A haven for coffee purists who want good-quality brewed coffee in a chill setting.

• Great for introspective mornings, journaling, or catching up with a friend in a calm space.

• If you like trying unique coffee-based drinks, their house-made syrups are a plus.

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Cebu’s café culture is no longer just about mall coffee shops — these eight cafés reflect a growing trend toward more intimate, thoughtful, and creative hangout spaces. Whether you're craving a hearty meal, a beautifully crafted drink, or simply a quiet corner to recharge, there’s something here for you.

Pro tips for exploring them:

• Bring a notebook or your laptop — many of these are conducive to work or study.

• Try visiting during “off-hours” (weekday mornings or afternoons) to fully enjoy the calm vibe.

• Take photos — these cafés have great aesthetic potential, from handcrafted drinks to cozy interiors.