When I met a French artist in Camargue, France, some years ago, he was intrigued by our tropical islands in the Philippines where he had never been. When he expressed his desire to come to the country, I gave him five island destinations to choose from—Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, Camiguin and Cebu. He chose Cebu.

“I’d like to spend time in a tropical island, being one with nature, the beaches and mountains, and at the same time, has a vibrant city life.” he said. He was right—Cebu has all that and more, and that’s what sets it apart from other island destinations in the country.

Cebu was my other home when I was an editor of Zee Lifestyle magazine some years back, though now I seldom spend time in the Queen City of the South. But every now and then I find myself in the island for special projects or to celebrate milestones with friends.

When I’m in the city, I usually stay at Asmara Urban Resort & Lifestyle Hotel. This sustainable and mostly wooden structure designed by Carlo Cordaro is shortlisted at the Philippine Design Center’s Philippines Best Building Design Awards this year.

I’m in Cebu right now to look at some art pieces of private art collectors, who are unloading some from their collection, and for the opening of the Fotomoto “Subtle Alchemy” exhibition at Qube Gallery. This is my second trip to Cebu this year, and I have to say there are a number of inspiring surprises that I’ve discovered and rediscovered about the island that I would definitely like for everyone to experience.

Kabilin Nature Farm and Bamboo Center

This 7-hectare property that belonged to Fr. Vic Labao’s family used to be “a hopeless unproductive land from many years of neglect.” In 1998, Father Vic started planting trees and bamboo. Now, Kabilin prides itself with a bambusetum of 182 varieties of bamboo, a tree farm, an orchard and a food forest and organic garden.

Kabilin is tucked in the hilly part of Biasong, Balamban, a two-hour drive from the city. The trip to Kabilin is so worth it. It’s amazing to see the different kinds of bamboo that thrive in our weather and land. I particularly fell in love with the black and giant bamboos that Father Vic used in his Bamboo House.

Visiting Kabilin inspired me to start a bamboo farm in Siargao, where I am now based.

For directions, message Kabilin Nature Farms and Bamboo Center on Facebook.

Cebu Interlace Weavers

My dear friend, French designer/businessman Francis Dravigny, has elevated our humble woven abaca and raffia into a luxury fabric used by big international companies for their interiors, and by fashion designers and artists in their bespoke pieces.

A visit to the Cebu Interlace Weavers factory and showroom allows you to witness the creative process and the transformation of raw materials into high-end finished products. This immersive experience is not only educational but also soul-inspiring. Fashion designer Rajo Laurel uses Francis’ abaca fabrics in his Filipiniana creations, while artist Olivia d’Aboville uses them in her art pieces.

To schedule a visit, message @interlaceinteriortextiles on Instagram.

Qube Gallery

If you want to immerse yourself in the dynamic art scene in Cebu, check out Qube Gallery located in Crossroads and also at Design Center at A.S. Fortuna.

Qube Gallery is run by two Cebuanas, Maris Holopainen and Pia Mercado. These two women are tireless in their commitment to bring Cebuano artists to the national consciousness and the international scene while also bringing international and Filipino artists outside of Cebu to Cebu City.

An ongoing exhibition at their Crossroads gallery titled “Street Beat,” curated by JT Gonzales, highlights the works of four young artists: Cebu-based artist from Bacolod Bea Dolloso, Davao artist Dan Ivan Spelagio, and two Manila-based artists, Kiko Moran and Jesse Camacho. It’s so inspiring to see the brilliant works of young Filipino artists.

On June 11, Qube Gallery will open the Fotomoto exhibition titled “Subtle Alchemy,” which features the works of Neil Oshima, Veejay Floresca, Raena Abella, Tom Epperson, and many more.

Instagram: @qubegalleryph

Nustar Resort and Casino

Last January, I hosted a dinner with the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) called “A Taste of Japan” at Kazuwa Prime in Nustar Resort and Casino, and it was unforgettable. With the first full moon of the year as our backdrop, the freshest and of highest quality seafood from Japan were served to the tastemakers of Cebu City.

And just last week, Nustar hosted the opening of the Cebu Food and Wine Festival, which was graced by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and attended by more than 3,000 guests from all over the country.

Ever since Mott 32 Cebu opened there almost two years ago, Nustar has been the most happening place for culinary art and gastronomy in the city.

Nustar is also the home of all the biggest names in luxury, from Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Celine to Givenchy, Saint Laurent, and many more, making it the first and only luxury shopping destination in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. —CONTRIBUTED

The author is a documentary filmmaker, gender equality activist, art connector, and ESG (environmental social governance) consultant.