Exploring Cebu, Queen of the South of the Philippines

The Philippines is similar to Indonesia in that it consists of many islands. So, when planning a trip to this archipelago, decide first which island to visit. I chose Cebu Island, located in Cebu Province in the Central Visayas Region. Its capital, Cebu City, is the second-largest city in the Philippines after Manila, the country’s capital. Cebu City is about an hour’s flight from Manila.

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If Manila is considered the king of the Philippines, then Cebu is its queen—often referred to as the Queen of the South. This charming nickname suits Cebu, a beautiful destination that captivates travelers. I visited this “Queen of the South” last May, arriving after a roughly two-hour flight from Singapore. By the time I landed at Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, it was already 1 AM.

 

For Indonesians, entering the Philippines is visa-free as both countries are ASEAN members. You only need a passport. However, Cebu attracts many tourists, especially from Europe and America, so immigration queues can be quite long. At my turn, the immigration officer asked about my accommodation and return ticket. I presented both without issue.

 

Before leaving the arrivals terminal, I exchanged US dollars for Philippine pesos. They only accept US dollars, Singapore dollars, or euros—so don’t bring Indonesian rupiah, as it’s not accepted. Since the exchange rate at the airport was relatively low, I exchanged only $50, which was enough for a taxi and my hotel expenses.

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Arriving in Cebu in the early morning meant there were no buses available, so I had to take a taxi. A local Cebuano friend I had contacted earlier advised me to use white taxis, as they are cheaper than yellow ones. Following this advice, I turned right after exiting the arrivals area and joined a crowd heading toward the taxi counters. Both white and yellow taxis were lined up in parallel. I approached the staff, handed over my queue number, and waited for my turn.

 

The taxi headed toward Cebu City on the main Cebu Island. The driver assumed I was Filipino and spoke to me in Tagalog. When I replied in English, he realized I wasn’t local. Physically, Indonesians and Filipinos look quite similar, but one advantage of being in the Philippines is that many people, even taxi drivers, can speak English. I gave him the address of my hostel, Cebu Guesthouse Fuente.

 

About 20 minutes later, the taxi stopped in front of a guesthouse. I paid around 150 pesos, which surprised me as it was cheaper than the 250 pesos my friend had estimated. After the taxi left, I knocked on the gate of the guesthouse. A young man came out, and I asked if this was Cebu Guesthouse Fuente. It turned out to be the wrong location; I was at Cebu Guesthouse General Maxilom Avenue, which explained the lower taxi fare.

 

Cebu Guesthouse Fuente is centrally located near Fuente Osmeña Circle and Robinsons Fuente Shopping Mall. From the General Maxilom Avenue guesthouse, I could see Robinsons Fuente towering above, so I decided to walk. Despite the late hour, the streets, entertainment spots, and restaurants in Cebu were still lively, which made me feel safe.

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As I passed Robinsons Fuente Shopping Mall, I searched for Cebu Guesthouse Fuente but couldn’t find it. I asked locals for directions, but no one seemed to know. Exhausted, hungry, and thirsty after an hour of wandering, I finally met someone kind enough to search for it on Google Maps. It turned out I had passed it several times. The building was tucked away, and its sign was hard to spot in the dark.

 

Luckily, the guesthouse guard woke up after I rang the bell multiple times. He let me in and said I could settle the payment later since it was already dawn. I placed my backpack down, grabbed a cold bottle of water, and almost finished it in one go. I also devoured some bread before falling asleep. I woke up close to noon and looked out at the city from the hostel.

 

Cebu City is quite modest, with fewer high-rise buildings. The main roads are narrower than those in Batam or Jakarta. However, like in Indonesia, there are many small food stalls and street vendors selling everything from snacks and beverages to fruits and vegetables. The atmosphere reminded me of Bandung, with its old buildings and jeepneys—the iconic public transport in the Philippines—roaming the streets.

 

Eager to explore, I quickly showered, changed, and headed out to Fuente Osmeña Circle, a central roundabout surrounded by shops, malls, hotels, and restaurants. Searching for halal food, I settled for American fast-food chains like KFC and McDonald’s, as I saw several hijab-wearing women dining there. For Indonesians, the prices are relatively affordable, as our currency is stronger than the Philippine peso. Over the next few days, I continued dining at fast-food restaurants.

 

Traveling in Cebu, traveling in Cebu—this phrase kept running through my mind as I wandered around Cebu City. After lunch, I began exploring the city’s downtown area. Starting from Fuente Osmeña Circle, I walked along Osmeña Street, pronounced “Osmenya.” In Tagalog, the word dalan means “street,” which is quite similar to Indonesian. Osmeña Street is one of Cebu’s main roads, leading to Cebu South Coastal Road by the sea. It also connects to key attractions such as Basilica del Santo Niño, the Market, Plaza Independencia, Fort San Pedro, and Carbon Market. Simply walking along this road reveals many of Cebu City’s top sights.

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As I strolled, I noticed many Filipinos wearing sunglasses because of the intense sunlight. Initially hesitant, I eventually put on mine and felt more confident—after all, people might mistake me for a local. No one paid me any attention; everyone was minding their own business. The further I walked, the livelier the city became. Passing Colon Street reminded me of Jalan Dewi Sartika and Jalan Dalem Kaum in Bandung.

 

The area is filled with old buildings that have been preserved in their original state. Rows of shops line the streets, selling clothing, shoes, bags, and even gold jewelry. Among these small shops are larger shopping centers, like Colonnade Mall Cebu. This bustling atmosphere continues all the way to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, better known as Basilica del Santo Niño. The area around the basilica is fascinating to explore, but I decided to step inside the small church, which was established in 1565 by Andrés de Urdaneta and Diego de Herrera.

 

A friend had told me that visiting Basilica del Santo Niño is a must when in Cebu. “You haven’t truly visited Cebu if you haven’t been here and taken a photo,” they said. At the entrance, people queued, with locals and tourists mingling. There’s no fee to enter, but visitors pass through a metal detector. Inside, vendors sell flowers and ritual items. I stood in front of the basilica, watching tourists take selfies and group photos.

 

The church was built on the site where the Santo Niño de Cebu icon—a small statue of the child Jesus—was discovered during Miguel López de Legazpi’s expedition. The statue, originally gifted to the queen of Rajah Humabon during the royal couple’s baptism on April 14, 1521, is the same one enshrined here. Given its history, it’s no surprise that the basilica’s facade appears old, with peeling white paint and a weathered look.

 

Despite its ancient exterior, the interior of the basilica is stunning. The decorations include statues, paintings, and intricate ornaments. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and the artwork on the walls and ceiling is equally impressive. Stained-glass windows add to the basilica’s beauty. Inside, there’s also a museum, open since 1965, that houses artifacts from the 17th century.

After spending an hour at the basilica, I continued along Osmeña Street, eventually reaching Plaza Independencia, a city square dating back to the 17th century. The plaza is a popular spot for young people to hang out, locals to relax, or families to picnic. Strategically located between Fort San Pedro and what was once the Provincial Gobierno building, the plaza attracts many visitors, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

 

Plaza Independencia is Cebu’s most historic square. Its land and old acacia trees bear witness to the rich history of Cebu. At the plaza’s center stands an obelisk dedicated to Miguel López de Legazpi, the first governor-general during Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. After briefly admiring the obelisk, I walked to Fort San Pedro, located nearby.

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Fort San Pedro, or Fuerte de San Pedro, is another iconic Cebu landmark. This triangular military defense structure was built by the Spanish under the governance of Miguel López de Legazpi in the 16th century. Initially made of wood, it was later reconstructed using stone in the early 17th century. The fort has three bastions named La Concepción, Ignacio de Loyola, and San Miguel. Two sides face the sea, while the third faces land, where the main entrance is located. The entrance fee is 30 pesos, but I chose not to enter since it was nearing evening.

 

I headed back to Plaza Independencia, once known as Plaza de Armas during the Spanish colonial period, where it served as a military training ground. Looking for a place to sit, I decided to watch the sunset. Locals and tourists around me also sat comfortably, waiting for the sun to set. As twilight descended, the golden hues of the sky transformed into deep orange—a mesmerizing sight. The beauty of the sunset marked the end of my day’s adventures in Cebu City and the conclusion of my journey in Cebu.

3 comments

  1. BYM-338 is an antibody directed to ActRIIB that’s currently in Section 2 for the therapy of cachexia in sufferers with stage IV
    nonsmall cell lung cancer or Stage III/IV adenocarcinoma of
    the pancreas. Single infusions of BYM-334 in healthy volunteers were reported to be nicely tolerated and resulted in a rise in TMV
    (D. Rook; International conference on sarcopenia analysis, Orlando, December 2012).
    It is essential to acknowledge that alternative routes
    have been recognized that could be implicated.

    To keep away from eating dark chocolate all day, many athletes and gym-goers prefer to add a excessive quality epicatechin supplement to their routine.
    If you go this route, think about enhancing your epicatechin intake by taking it
    with synergistic compounds such as laxogenin, also referred
    to as 5 alpha hydroxy laxogenin or 5a-hydroxy laxogenin. If you’re at present under
    the care of a physician, pregnant, nursing, or dwelling with a well being situation, chat with your physician before including
    this or any new supplement to your routine.

    Cell recoveries of MIF1- (22%) and MIF2-treated (22%) C2C12 cells were better than these of non-treated
    cells (Figure 3A). To investigate the consequences of MIF1 and MIF2 on myogenic differentiation, 70% confluent cells were
    switched from growth medium to myogenic differentiation medium
    supplemented with MIF1 or MIF2 and incubated for three
    days. Myotube formation was increased for MIF1- (4%) or MIF2- (12%)
    handled cells than for non-treated controls (Figure 3B).
    Myosin heavy-chain (MYH) mRNA expression was elevated and
    MSTN mRNA expression was decreased in MIF1-treated cells, whereas
    MSTN mRNA expression in MIF2-treated cells and non-treated controls have been related.
    MYOD, MYOG, myosin light-chain 2 (MYL2), and
    MYH proteins expression were elevated in MIF1- or
    MIF2-treated cells, whereas MSTN protein expression increased in MIF1-treated
    cells however not in MIF2-treated cells (Figure 3C,D).

    Myotube formation was elevated by Ac-MIF1 (11%) or Ac-MIF2-NH2 (14%)
    (Figure 4B). MYOD, MYOG, MYL2, and MYH mRNA ranges and MYOD, MYOG, and MYH protein levels
    had been elevated in Ac-MIF1-treated cells, and MYOD, MYOG, MYL2, and MYH
    mRNA and proteins levels have been elevated in Ac-MIF2-NH2-treated
    cells. Mouse primary MSCs had been cultured
    with differentiation media supplemented with Ac-MIF1 or Ac-MIF2-NH2 for three days.
    MYOD, MYOG, MYL2, and MYH mRNA expression and MYOD, MYL2, and
    MYH protein expression have been elevated in Ac-MIF1-treated cells, and MYOD,
    MYOG, and MYH mRNA and MYOD and MYH protein expression have been increased in Ac-MIF2-NH2-treated cells (Supplementary
    Figure S5B). Apparently, MSTN protein ranges were decreased in Ac-MIF1- and
    Ac-MIF2-NH2-treated cells (Figure 4C,D). In addition, Atrogin1 and MuRF1 mRNA levels and ACVRIIB
    protein levels had been decrease in Ac-MIF1-and Ac-MIF2-NH2-treated cells than in non-treated controls (Supplementary Determine
    S6). In addition, Smad3 expression was considerably
    decreased in Ac-MIF1- and Ac-MIF2-NH2-treated C2C12 cells.

    Please understand that the FDA hasn’t permitted these dietary supplements
    to forestall age-related muscle losing or are assured
    to lead to muscle development. Nonetheless, we needed to take a better look at these compounds to see how they might work to help myostatin inhibition. Like
    any intervention in the body’s natural processes, you want to cautiously approach this stuff.
    Whereas pure myostatin inhibitors are typically thought-about secure when used appropriately, consulting with a
    healthcare supplier is always a good follow, particularly when altering one thing as
    fundamental as muscle progress regulation. Myocytes of the center and myoblasts
    (precursors of skeletal muscle cells) include the gene — MSTN
    — that regulates myostatin ranges. As such, relative myostatin mRNA expression is a typical biomarker in epicatechin research.

    For example, the downregulated expression of miRNA-486, miRNA-26 
    A, and miRNA-23a in CKD causes upregulation in atrogin-1 and MuRF-1, which in flip results in enhanced
    protein degradation [31]. Lack of specificity observed in many myostatin inhibitors due to high sequence and
    structural similarity between mature myostatin and other TGF-β ligands raises the potential for
    off-target tissue results. Equally, a major discount in FSH was noticed in healthy, postmenopausal ladies when handled with a single dose (1 or three mg/kg)
    of ACE-011, a soluble ACVR2A receptor by Acceleron Pharma.

    Thus it stays unclear if myostatin signaling and mechanisms resulting in protein degradation during disuse are influenced by muscle stretch.

    Despite this limitation, the consequences
    of blocking myostatin signaling in normally loaded mice
    observe earlier research20,29 and show that myostatin inhibition can induce profound hypertrophy.

    Whereas myostatin inhibition provided some benefit to, but
    lacked full restoration of, muscle mass and performance
    in suspended mice, our results provide new perception into the function of myostatin throughout musculoskeletal unloading.
    YK11 works by binding to androgen receptors in your physique
    and signaling your skeletal muscular tissues to develop.
    What distinguishes YK11 is its dual exercise as a SARM
    and a myostatin inhibitor, which gives it an extra boost in encouraging muscle development.Myostatin, a protein your body produces, capabilities as a natural regulator, restricting the muscle you may usually build.
    YK11 suppresses myostatin production, releasing your genetic
    potential for muscular growth.It accomplishes this by attaching
    to androgen receptors and prompting muscle cells to create extra
    follistatin, a protein that works in the reverse direction of myostatin. Since its initial
    description by McPherron et al. in 1997, MSTN inhibition has been extensively thought of as a possible remedy for muscle wasting diseases.

    We discovered that ingestion of FOR prevented the rise in circulating plasma myostatin. However, FOR supplementation didn’t attenuate
    the lack of muscle CSA measured by ultrasonography, muscle fiber CSA in type I and II,
    and LM of the immobilized leg. In addition, each teams did not recover the immobilization-induced reduction in muscle CSA and LM of the immobilized leg after two weeks of returning to regular physical activity.
    Isometric peak torque decreased following two weeks of single-leg
    immobilization; nevertheless, two weeks of returning
    to normal activity was enough to recuperate the reduction in peak
    torque. Forty-five resistance-trained males who had been constantly coaching for at least one yr volunteered
    for this examine. Topics have been thought of resistance trained if they had been persistently
    coaching for one yr, a minimal of three days per week.

    This leads to increased and fast muscle progress even beyond the body’s natural capability to take action. This subsequent blocking of myostatin by follistatin 344 leads to
    the suppression of myostatin exercise. This subsequent blocking of myostatin by follistatin 344 leads to the
    suppression of myostatin activity (2). The myostatin signaling pathway and its position in regulating skeletal muscle
    has been lately reviewed [23,24].
    Male Kunming mice (6 weeks old) had been bought from the Heart for Laboratory
    Animal Science and Expertise, Jiangxi University of Traditional
    Chinese Drugs (Jiangxi, China), and housed in group cages with a 12 h light/dark cycle.
    The ambient temperature was maintained at 22 ± 2 C and the relative humidity was 40–60%.
    The eight MIF peptides selected by in silico research have been named MIF1,
    MIF2, Ac-MIF1, Ac-MIF2, MIF1-NH2, MIF2-NH2, Ac-MIF1-NH2, and Ac-MIF2-NH2, synthesized by Peptron (Daejeon, Korea), diluted with
    DMSO (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA), and stored at −20 °C.

    The inhibitory efficacies of designed peptides in opposition to
    MSTN had been predicted using an in silico binding strategy.

    Discovery of this interaction between kidney and muscle tissue proposes a possible therapeutic strategy to focus on skeletal muscle wasting
    in sufferers with CKD by modulating activin A [119]. The establishment of myostatin as a robust
    unfavorable regulator of muscle and bone mass has designated
    myostatin as a gorgeous therapeutic target
    for numerous musculoskeletal disorders. In reality, quite a few myostatin-inhibiting pharmacological brokers have been developed, and lots of of
    them have progressed to human trials and are at present underneath
    analysis (Table 1). What should be considered is the fact that most myostatin inhibitors additionally block
    the activity of different closely-related members of the
    TGF-β family [9-12], raising the potential for undesired unwanted facet effects.
    In this evaluate, we are going to first describe the present understanding of the mechanism of myostatin perform,
    and subsequently current an summary of the scientific progress,
    efficacy, and side effects of various myostatin inhibitors.

    Finally, we are going to discuss future perspectives and challenges regarding the event of
    efficient myostatin-targeting therapeutics with
    minimal opposed results. The purpose of the current research was to determine
    the impact of 4 weeks of (–)-epicatechin supplementation on adaptations to anaerobic and cardio
    biking in a healthy adult inhabitants.
    Administration of this peptide to MDX mice (a model of DMD) considerably
    increased muscle mass. Sulfo-polysaccharide is a nutrient that is advertised to bind to myostatin and inhibit its activity in muscle.
    Sulfo-polysaccharide’s energetic ingredient is a
    brown sea algae often identified as cystoseira canariensis.

    Just Lately, Mak et al. examined the differential impacts
    of 25(OH)D3 versus 1,25(OH)2D3 repletion in a mice model of
    CKD. Intraperitoneal administration of 25(OH)D3 or 1,25(OH)2D3 (for 6 weeks) could elevate serum levels
    of 1,25(OH)2D3 or 25(OH)D3. The 25(OH)D3 could enhance lean and fats mass, weight acquire,
    urge for food, and muscle function, and decrease an elevated
    resting metabolic fee compared to the 1,25(OH)2D3 repletion. Besides,
    25(OH)D3 lowered adipose tissue browning and enhanced power homeostasis in skeletal muscle and
    adipose tissue, whereas 1,25(OH)2D3 did present the same effects.

    Normalization of the molecular pathways connected with muscle fibrosis dysregulated gene expression of regulatory signaling in muscle mass, and muscle expression profile associated to skeletal muscle losing was additionally detected
    after 25(OH)D3 repletion. Taken all collectively, they concluded
    that the repletion of 25(OH)D3 was deemed to be advantageous over 1,25(OH)2D3 via
    reducing muscle wasting and adipose tissue browning in CKD mice [171].

    The number of MHC-IIx and MHC-IIb expressing fibers within the
    soleus was noticeably increased with HS (Fig. 5D); however,
    fluorescent staining was inconsistent and customarily weak as in comparability
    with the strongly stained IIx and IIb fibers
    in the gastrocnemius. As a outcome, it proved considerably troublesome
    to quantify CSA or fiber kind distribution especially in soleus IIb fibers.

    As you embark on your health journey, think about the valuable position that these
    supplements can play in unlocking your muscle-building potential.

    Embrace the science-backed advantages of myostatin inhibition, and take assured steps in direction of attaining your fitness objectives.
    Remember, dietary supplements are highly effective instruments in your arsenal, providing you the assist you should
    sculpt the physique you want. Moreover, EP1LOGUE is one of the few available Urolithin B-focused
    dietary supplements.
    This could also be especially true for individuals utilizing myostatin inhibitors as workout supplements as an alternative of as a part of a
    medical therapy for muscular dystrophy or other
    problems [37]. While the fitness world is abuzz
    with myostatin inhibitors’ promising muscle development skills, they have
    therapeutic makes use of as well. Myostatin dietary supplements like
    Follistatin are being researched for his or her ability to
    combat conditions like chronic kidney illness, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and combat muscle losing.
    Many bodybuilders and a few scientists believe that reducing
    myostatin can enhance muscular growth, in addition to stop aging and
    enhance general well being.[1] X Reliable Supply PubMed Central Journal archive from the
    us National Institutes of Health Go to source Lowering these ranges may help folks
    with medical problems affecting muscle improvement, like muscular dystrophy or other wasting diseases.
    To decrease myostatin levels, each cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise as
    properly as resistance training (weight training) are useful.
    Taldefgrobep alfa, developed by Bristol-Meyers-Squibb and later by Biohaven Prescribed Drugs, is a unique
    anti-MSTN adnectin.
    Change in Wingate dash performance (mean ± SD) between groups following eight
    weeks of resistance coaching and supplementation. Epicatechin is a naturally occurring compound and has a positive influence on the body.
    You can get epicatechin naturally from foods such as darkish cocoa or from extra concentrated supplements.
    When it involves cacao, you have to select these utilizing
    cacao nibs or an extract for highest potency.

    The program was standardized at 3 units of
    10 repetitions with as much weight as they could lift
    per set (typically 60 – 80% of 1 RM) with no more than 2-minute relaxation durations between units and not extra than three minutes
    of rest between exercises. Topics recorded the quantity of weight lifted and variety of repetitions
    performed for each set on training cards
    so that training quantity might be decided. Subjects have been additionally instructed to have their exercise card signed
    by SLC staff in order to verify attendance and completion of the workouts.

    Preclinical research of ACE-083 demonstrated a dramatic enhance in muscle mass and strength in wild-type, Charcot-Marie-Tooth illness (CMT),
    and DMD illness mannequin mice [81]. In a section 1 research, ACE-083 injected in to the rectus
    femoris muscle of wholesome women resulted in approximately a 14.5% increase in native muscle mass but no change in muscle
    power [82]. Section 2 research in sufferers with
    FSHD or CMT additionally revealed important localized
    increases in muscle mass but did not show any enchancment in muscle function [83, 84].

    For occasion, the latest investigation involving rats with CKD demonstrated
    that the manufacturing of muscle proteins may be enhanced independently of elevated consumption of vitamins or physical exercise, but rather by way of the removal
    of nucleolar protein 66 from the organism. It is crucial to emphasise that in C, substantial stimulation (early nephropathy) or suppression (advanced nephropathy) of native NRF2 can happen, influenced by the underlying etiology, comorbidities, part, size of CKD, and the buildup of uremic toxins.
    Consequently, treatments aimed at the NRF2 system should
    use a diversified strategy that permits the modulation of
    NRF2 ranges by homeostatic needs [208].
    Myostatin is acknowledged as a significant inhibitor of muscle
    growth and its SkM and/or blood levels are reported to increase with getting older and in muscle losing illnesses [8].
    An various means of inhibiting myostatin effects is to increase follistatin, which inhibits myostatin exercise by attaching
    to it and interfering with receptor binding [8]. A molecular signature
    consistent with stimulatory effects on SkM may be represented by the upregulation of protein ranges of modulators
    of differentiation such as MEF2A, Myf5, MyoD and myogenin [10].
    In an try to look at the potential of Epi to exert constructive effects,
    we compared the relative ranges of the above-referred endpoints in young vs.
    older cohorts of mice and their responses to remedy.

    Older mice demonstrated a group of significant changes in all endpoints
    suggesting favorable shifts for modulators of SkM growth,
    differentiation and markers of getting older (SA-β-Gal)
    [9].
    Additionally, the distance achieved on the treadmill was elevated by 84% within the (–)-epicatechin supplementation and exercise group,
    whereas train alone and (–)-epicatechin supplementation alone resulted in a rise of 69 and 46%,
    respectively. All groups, apart from the management, elevated
    efficiency with the greatest magnitude of enhance observed within the (–)-epicatechin supplementation and treadmill train group
    (16). A distinction in serum MSTN concentration between wholesome and diseased individuals presents another impediment to developing MSTN inhibitors.

    Most muscle atrophy and dystrophy ailments are characterized by decrease
    concentrations of circulating myostatin [95]. Patients affected with DMD, as an example, exhibit approximately 65% lower concentrations of
    serum MSTN compared to wholesome adults [96]. Regardless Of a 90% reduction in MSTN in comparability with pre-treatment levels in DMD sufferers
    handled with domagrozumab, muscle mass didn’t improve significantly [96].

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