Respite and Reflection Countdown to 2023 (Pt. 2)

(WARNING: This is a long read!)

Nice to have you back! Are you still undecided why you should consider Bantayan as your next holiday destination? This blog might finally cement your decision!

Gastronomy

Aside from the fabulous beaches and views, Cebu is known for its teeming food culture. Lechon and seafood comes into mind, but do you know that there are low key restaurants and cafes in Cebu worth visiting (think of the quaint shops along Maginhawa)? Bantayan Island doesn't fall short of any of these too! The island offers local and international dining options that will satisfy your taste buds. Tara let's bagets at ihanda na ang catapres!

1. The Fisherman's Cafe. Feeling peckish after hearing mass? Look no further. Located beside Saints Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan Plaza, this cute cafe will serve you pasta, cakes, pastries and coffee. What a nice way to start your day!

The Fisher.man's Cafe menu

Iced latte from Calle Coffee and Moist chocolate cake from The Fisherman's Cafe, creamy and indulgent.

2. Thai-Phoon. A taste of Thailand! Located both in RTR Town Center and Hungry Beach, they offer Thai dishes that's mouth watering and affordable.

Lunch date with Z while having papaya salad and iced green tea latte.

3. Bantayan Burrito Company. Latin America in a bun! The Spanish influence on LatAm cuisine is different from ours, the burrito and sandwiches here are awesome! I am converted! Bantayan Burrito Company is located in MJ Square in Santa Fe.

A Cuban sandwich with nachos and iced tea.

4. Kermit's Cafe and Pastry. Located in B. Rodrigues Street, just across Bantayan Plaza, this old house with a converted "silong" will pull you in with its al fresco dining and vibrant wall mural.

Pork belly with bagoong rice. Lord patawad!

Art can be anywhere, even in small unassuming places.

5. Bantayan Food Parks. For people who want options, there are food parks in Bantayan too!

(A) MJ Square. Just a 5 minute walk from Kota Beach, MJ Square perhaps is a fail safe destination for foodies. Bigger than the Hungry Beach, it may not have a beach front but it boasts of a lot of hole in the wall finds (like the Bantayan Burrito Company!) and is the night life capital of Santa Fe.

(B) The Hungry Beach. Grab a bite within Kota Beach! If you want a lot of choices in one place, this is the place. Food, booze, the beach and a live acoustic band, this is not your ordinary food park! Be ready to spend hours in this little food haven.

Want something a bit more fancy? Amihan Beach Cabanas offers delectable food too. Just take a look at this seafood curry!

From the sea to your plate. Fresh seafood is always the best!

Some of us cannot see ourselves leaving the city for a few days just to get away from our daily routine. We have grown so accustomed to having everything at our doorsteps, like the convenience of having a mall in the very building we live in, or simply walking to urban public spaces, it is no wonder that city staycation has been the norm of late. With the rise of serviced residences, it so easy to find a condominium offering a resort like ambience, where all the conveniences of city living are packed in a building. We get caught up with convenience and maximizing time, that we actually miss a lot of opportunities and inspiration around us. But when you pause for a while, surround yourself with Mother Nature and start paying attention to yourself, the silence of your heart will create a new you. Bantayan Island will offer your mind and heart that reprieve you need.

Tito rates this experience 5 out of 5!