Mactan Island Favorites

Favorite thing: Avoid wearing sandals when attending special occasions in the local community - wearing shoes is a sign that the event is important to you.

Do invite people at least three times. Local residents are taught that it is proper to refuse the first time or two. To them, insistence is a clear sign that the offer or invitations is genuine.

Do give the local residents a way out of the situation so he can save face, thus avoiding embarrassment. Embarrassing him will cause "hiya" or loss of face.

Don't use the common sign of OK In the local community, it means money. You may use the new sign OK. This is the thumbs- up sign which has been commonly seen on television.

Don't use your forefinger upward to call a local resident-it is considered somewhat degrading. One way of calling is to beckon with the hand in gentle downward motion. Pssst is another popular way to get someone's attention. As a rule however, it is preferred to call the person by name. It is even better to use nicknames, because these are reserved for close friends.

Smiling is a form of friendship and a form of greeting.
Do show respect for age - use the proper appellations for elders and relations. Find out right away what appellations are used in the family.

Favorite thing: Jeepney-
(fixed routes) rub elbows with the locals on the famous Filipino commuter vehicle; for city trips.
tartanilla-
(horse-drawn cart) clippety-clop, clippety-clop; get a feel of how Cebuanos got around in times past.

Favorite thing: Famous worldwide for its beautiful white sand beaches and pristine clear waters, for an exceptional vacation experience. Mactan beach resorts offer superb accommodation facilities, scuba diving, wind surfing, boating and other aqua sports.

Favorite thing: taxi-
(with meter) ideal for really going around, seeing the sights; flag down P10 non-aircon, P16 aircon, succeeding fare P1.00.

Getting Around by Sea
banca-
(motorized outrigger) for island-