Take Your Cebuana Date to These Exciting Events in Cebu

One of the most effective ways to woo your Cebuana date is to take her out to a unique event instead of the usual restaurant or movie date.

In Cebu, the most popular event that’s perfect for a romantic rendezvous would have to be Sinulog.

The Sinulog is an almost month-long religious celebration that commemorates the city’s devotion to Sto. Niño (also known as the image of the child Jesus). The event culminates every third Sunday of January with a grand parade, filled with graceful dancers and colorful floats.

While Sinulog is the most well-known Cebuano festival, there are many other events in the city worth looking forward to. These also make great alternatives if you’re looking for exciting things to do in Cebu.

You can witness colorful festivals, visit the top museums, indulge in the local art scene, enjoy the best coffee in town, go to a food market, or join trivia night! If you’re open to experiencing these fun date ideas, then make sure to add the following to your Cebu events bucket list.

• Cebu Art Book Fair

  

  The event is the first of its kind, which took place in July 2022 at Crossroads Banilad. More than 50 illustrators showcased their finest works, talks and workshops were held for artists and art enthusiasts alike, and there was even a “not-so-secret show” where famous artists in the local music scene performed for everyone at the event.

  You’ll also find several stalls selling lots of tasty treats and beverages for guests to have a more enjoyable experience.

• Gabii sa Kabilin

  Organized by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Culture, the Heritage Unit, along with some local government units, this event invites you to visit some of the city’s top museums all in one night.

  Along the way, you and your Filipina girlfriend can enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Cebu.

• Carbon Sunday Market

  

  Have you had your fill of Filipino street food? Try this and more at the Carbon Sunday Market.

  It recently became a three-day bazaar that’s open every week. Aside from an assortment of delicious and affordable food, they also sell household items and souvenirs. Take note that the area is mostly crowded, as the locals love hanging out at food parks with friends and loved ones.

• Cebu Lit Fest

  This event is perfect if you want to learn more about Cebu’s modern literary scene. You get to listen to poets and musicians as well as witness mesmerizing works of various local artists.

  Other exhibitors sell stickers, zines, shirts, art pieces, and a lot of other fun stuff that you can get as a souvenir or gift.

• Pasigarbo sa Sugbo

  

  Want to know what the local festivals look like? This is one event you don’t want to miss!

  Different towns and municipalities from all around Cebu gather to present and celebrate their culture through stunning performances (not to mention being dressed up in incredible costumes). Along with the performers are parade floats that pack the streets with intoxicating energy and excitement.

• Slogos Night

  How much do you know about pop culture? Any interesting facts and trivia you learned throughout the years? Why not put all that knowledge to good use by joining Slogos Night?

  Game categories include identifying brand logos, film trivia, music hits, and plenty more. If you try your luck, you’ll get to win a fun prize.

  This trivia event is held in popular hangout spots like restaurants, bars, and cafes. Currently, some of the event locations are at Handuraw Pizza Mango Square, The Tavern, First 5 Sports Lounge & Cafe, Ayala Central Bloc, and more.

• Espresso Sessions

  

  Who knew that coffee festivals would be a thing in Cebu? That’s right, the coffee shop industry on the island is growing rapidly as more and more people develop an appreciation for this rich and flavorful drink.

  Participating in the event are several small-scale businesses that sell a variety of specialty drinks (that are, of course, mostly coffee). You can also take part in their workshops where they teach latte art and coffee painting, or you can stay and see who will win in the best barista competition – all while enjoying your favorite coffee beverage!

• Garage Day!

  Feast your eyes (or in this case, your ears) as you delve into a music bazaar that aims to gather audiophiles and music lovers alike. It's like the city's very own music fest with live DJ sets and a display of vinyl collections, tapes, and CDs.

  Just this year they amped up the event by including exhibitors who want to showcase other products like toys, shirts, and vintage stuff. Their go-to venue is at Draft Punk Craft Cafe on Mango Avenue, a restobar known for its wide selection of appetizing meals and exquisite drinks.

  The event is held quarterly every year.

• Ironman Sports Event

  

  While basketball is the most famous sport in the Philippines, one sports event that Cebuanos have come to love is none other than Ironman.

  It’s a triathlon where local and international athletes compete against each other in long-distance races, which include running, swimming, and cycling. Usually held on Mactan Island, hundreds of Cebuanos flock to the streets to witness the event and share their support for their favorite athletes.

  The event starts early in the morning and goes on throughout the day until the race is finished. Like any other sport, this event also serves as a social gathering where people can share their love for the sport or any other competitive sport in general.

As you can see, there are all types of events in Cebu to make your dates with a Cebuana more fun and worthwhile.

Keep in mind that some of these events take place annually, while others are on a weekly or quarterly basis. To learn more about them, simply look up their schedules so you can prepare an itinerary or set a date ahead of time.

Bonus Date Ideas

On the other hand, there are a number of tourist attractions you definitely have to visit to get the full Cebu experience. While there are a lot of amazing beaches, resorts, and nightlife spots on the island, we also recommend you visit the following:

• Climb the 81 steps at Cebu Taoist Temple

  

  The temple was built in 1972 by the Filipino-Chinese community. It’s a colorful, multi-tiered complex located in Beverly Hills Subdivision, Cebu City.

  Although it’s technically a religious site, locals and tourists flock to the temple to witness and appreciate its stunning architecture, which is inspired by The Great Wall of China.

  Part of the experience is climbing up the 81 Holy Steps that represent the 81 Chapters of Tao Te Ching (Taoism Scripture).

  Once you get to the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city skyline, which stretches all the way to the Mactan Channel.

  It might feel like a typical museum visit, but trust us when we say that there’s so much more to this temple that you’ll come to like. In fact, some people claim that it has positive effects that can help alleviate stress. If you want to know more about it, you’re just going to have to visit and find out for yourself!

• Go Island Hopping in Mactan

  

  If you want to have a more fun and adventure-filled date, Mactan is the perfect place to start off — go island hopping! This type of activity highlights the island life experience that Cebu is known for. If it’s not a part of your list already, make sure to add it now!

  You can go snorkeling or diving. If not, you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the fresh breeze, sunshine, and soothing waters.

  There are various island hopping tours you can join. You can also rent a bangka (canoe or small boat) and start your own adventure with your Cebuana date. Just make sure to have a guide or trained lifeguard with you to ensure a safe trip.

• Fall in Love at the Temple of Leah

  

  This remarkable attraction is referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Cebu.” It’s a towering seven-story building inspired by ancient Roman architecture.

  Like the Taoist Temple, Temple of Leah boasts an overlooking view of the city, and there are a lot of Instagram-worthy spots where you can take pictures or hang out. Within the temple grounds are several grand structures, Doric columns, Grecian-style statues, and a marble fountain.

  The temple was built as a tribute to Cebuano tycoon Teodorico Adarna’s late wife, Leah. It’s like visiting a magnificent museum that one would expect to see in Rome or any part of Europe.

  There are food stalls available on site so you can stay a while and take in the beautiful scenery.

Interested in participating in any of the aforementioned events? Why not go the extra mile and experience the best that Cebu has to offer?

No Cebuana can resist a man who knows how to have a good time. The great thing about these events is that it helps you get to know more about Cebuano culture. You also have a better understanding of the locals as you socialize and join in on the fun with them.

The bonus date ideas we’ve provided are just the cherry on top.

If you’re the type of person who likes going on random adventures, you can also look up some secret places in Cebu that only a few people know about.

Don’t just rely on your research or ask your Cebuana girlfriend if she knows about these places. Go out and ask the locals! Befriending them is also a great way to build lasting connections with people from Cebu.

Best of luck and happy dating!