Carcar is a small city about two hours south of Cebu City. Oftentimes it is a nodal point for people who want to visit the famous Oslob for whale sharks. Also, if locals or foreign tourists go to Moalboal for the sardine run. Most of the time, they have a quick stop at the public market to buy the infamous Carcar Lechon (roasted pig).
We did not go to either places because that would mean we need to wake up very early. It would also mean that we need to travel 4-5 hours by car to Oslob or Moalboal. (So lazy!!) So, we have decide to focus on Carcar instead. Going there would allow us to see some countryside views minus the very long drive. Plus, we can do a day trip without and would still allow us to have night swimming at the resort. With the help of our friend Kathleen, we rented a car going to the said city.
Mantayupan Falls in Barili
Before we explored our target city, we first visited the Mantayupan Falls in Barili which is the town after Carcar. Luckily we had a car for the falls is a bit far from the main road. Maybe because it was a Thursday that’s why we had the whole place for ourselves. It was very refreshing to hear the water falling from the mountain down to the bluish greenish pond. We did not stay for long because we have other places to go to.
Exploring the Heritage City of Carcar
It was almost 12 noon when we returned to Carcar from Barili. So, we did the must-do-when in Carcar: trying out the lechon!! We first headed to the public market to buy the roasted pork and to have lunch. There is a special section at the public market for these heavenly meat. Inside, several tables of freshly-roasted pigs lay down on the table ready for some taste-test.
We bought a kilo and had our lunch in one of the carinderias (small restaurants) beside the market. We also bought some puso to match with. Puso is rice wrapped and boiled in a woven coconut leaves shaped like the heart.
After our very satisfying lunch, we drove to Calle Santa Catalina to see the heritage houses.
And then we drove to the city plaza for a short walking exploration. Carcar is considered the as one of oldest towns in Cebu. It has a very Hispanic pueblo structure mixed with early American building designs.
After spending an hour or so at the city plaza, we headed to the last item in our day’s itinerary: Theotokos Shrine. It is a church on top of the hill overlooking the sea. A good way to end a day’s trip.
