Cebu Life Hacks

Cebu is a bustling city with countless opportunities to save money, enjoy great food, and navigate life more efficiently. Here's a comprehensive collection of tips and hacks shared by the Cebuano community to help you make the most out of life in and around Metro Cebu.

Commuting and Transportation

• Car Rentals: Affordable rentals in Lapu-Lapu and Talisay. Vios rentals are as low as ₱1,000 for 24 hours.
• Public Transport: Maximize the use of e-buses in IT Park for accessibility to various destinations.
• Motorbike Rides: Use MoveIT or Maxim for cheaper and safer rides. Avoid random motorbike hires.
• Cheap Travel Hacks: Combine jeepney rides with booked services to save money.
• Carbon Night Market: Visit after 6 PM for fresh and affordable produce. Bring reusable bags to save.

Affordable Food Options

• Karenderya Favorites:
  • UCMA Karenderia: Known for mango shakes and larangan.
  • Barangay Seoul: Full Korean meal for ₱150.
  • Tsinoy’s Original Steamed Fried Rice: Located in SB Cabahug St., Mandaue.
• Local Treats:
  • Chinese Ngohiong near Colon Obelisk for a quick, budget-friendly snack.
  • Master Siomai and Tisa Siomai for cheap eats.
• Buffet and Samgyupsal:
  • Manimogo for affordable unlimited Korean barbecue.
  • Visit during birthdays to avail free meals.
• Market Tips: Visit Carbon Market at night for the freshest seafood and vegetables.

Grocery Shopping

• Colonnade Supermarket: Best prices for essentials but avoid peak hours like mornings and paydays.
• SM Seaside and Landers: Occasionally offer affordable steak cuts and other deals.
• Unitop and Novo: Ideal for household items and cheap groceries.
• SM and Gaisano Metro: Fresh milk, eggs, and discounted chicken cuts are best here.

Surplus and Second-Hand Finds

• Appliances: Check warehouses near Miller Hospital for discounted mall pull-out appliances.
• Second-Hand Cars: Big Luke Auto in Mabolo or Banilad near Sto. Niño Village.
• Ukay-Ukay: Best finds under the Maguikay bridge in Mandaue.
• Trading Bloc and Daiso: Affordable clothes, shoes, and household items.

Gadgets and Repairs

• Electronics:
  • Elizabeth Mall (E-Mall) for affordable repairs, tempered glass, and second-hand gadgets.
  • UNBOX in Ayala Central Bloc for niche electronics and pre-loved gaming consoles.
• Smart Buys: Xiaomi products for affordable but reliable electronics like soundbars and smartwatches.

Courier and Delivery Services

• Lalamove or Maxim: Cost-efficient for local deliveries.
• Flying Tigers Express: Affordable overnight couriers to provinces.
• Flash Express: Best for sending packages to areas like Balamban and Toledo.

Gas Stations

• Shell: Watch out for x10 promo points for significant discounts.
• Landers Gas Station: Avail of their promos for savings.

Bills and Utilities

• Shopee: Pay utility bills for 0% installment options and lower service fees.
• Energy Saving Tips:
  • Use inverter appliances.
  • Set air conditioning to 25°C.
  • Batch cook to save LPG.
• Water and Electricity:
  • Avoid frequent fridge openings to conserve energy.
  • Use microwaves to reheat instead of stovetops.

Life Essentials

• Fanny Pack Hack: Keep essentials like keys, wallet, and IDs in a fanny pack for easy organization.
• Coffee on a Budget: Invest in a coffee grinder and machine to save money over Starbucks.
• Perfumes: Miniso offers budget-friendly options.

Miscellaneous Tips

• Car Wash: Shell’s Carreta or SRP stations offer cheaper rates.
• Health and Coops: Enroll in cooperatives like CFI for healthcare discounts and investments.
• Parking Tips: Freedom Park’s improved parking is ideal for Carbon Market visits.
• Hotel Promos: Look out for open-date vouchers on Facebook Marketplace or mall pop-ups.

Share Your Tips!

If you have more tips or life hacks in Cebu, please email me at zelhan@zelhan.com.