News
SunStar Davao and Other Davao News Sources: A Reader's Guide
A practical guide to SunStar Davao and the other news outlets that cover Davao and Mindanao, plus SunStar's sister editions in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.
All Stories – Page 3
Every article on Cebu-Davao, newest first — news explainers, travel guides, recipes, culture and more.
Culture
Learn Bisaya: 50 Essential Cebuano Phrases for Travellers
Fifty everyday Cebuano phrases for greetings, getting around, eating, shopping and counting, with pronunciation tips to help you sound friendly in Cebu and Davao.
Culture
Santo Niño de Cebu: History of the Philippines' Oldest Icon
How a small image of the Child Jesus given in 1521 became the heart of Cebu's faith and the Sinulog Festival. The history of the Santo Niño de Cebu.
Culture
Davao Tribes: The 11 Indigenous and Moro Communities of Davao
Ata, Bagobo, Matigsalug, Sama, Maranao and more. A respectful introduction to the 11 tribes of Davao City, their crafts and how to visit with care.
Food
Filipino Barbecue Recipe: Sweet Pork BBQ with Banana Ketchup
Sweet, smoky and sticky, just like the street stalls of Cebu and Davao. Our Filipino pork barbecue recipe with an easy marinade and basting sauce.
Money & Work
Cost of Living Cebu vs Davao 2026: Rent, Food and Budgets
How much does it cost to live in Cebu or Davao? Approximate 2026 ranges for rent, food, transport and bills, with sample budgets for a local, an expat and a student.
Lifestyle
Cafes in Cebu and Davao: Local Coffee and Cafe Culture Guide
From Mount Apo arabica to Cebu's sikwate and puto maya, here's how cafe culture works in Cebu and Davao, what to order, and how to be a good laptop guest.
Food
Lechon Paksiw Recipe: Turn Leftover Roast Pig Into a Rich Stew
Leftover lechon becomes a tangy, savoury stew in under an hour. Here is our lechon paksiw recipe, Cebu style and Manila style.
Culture
Wafa Meaning in Bisaya: Wa Pa, Ganda and Ang Ganda Mo
Seen "wafa" in a Bisaya chat? It usually means "wa pa" (not yet). Here is what it means, plus ganda, ang ganda mo and other short words you will hear in Cebu and Davao.
Travel
Beaches Near Davao City: Samal, Talikud, Dahican and More
Davao City's own shoreline is better for picnics than swimming. The real beaches are a short boat ride away on Samal and Talikud, or a road trip to Dahican.
Food
Boodle Fight Definition: Origin, Food List and How to Host One
Rice, grilled seafood and barbecue piled on banana leaves, eaten with bare hands. Here is what a boodle fight is, where it came from and how to host your own.
Money & Work
House for Rent in Davao City: Best Areas, Prices and Tips
Lanang, Matina, Ecoland, Buhangin or Catalunan Grande? A practical guide to finding a house or apartment for rent in Davao City, with approximate prices.
Travel
Samal Island Resorts and Davao Getaways: A Guide by Budget
Planning a beach break near Davao City? Compare Samal Island resorts and highland getaways by budget, with tips on how to choose and how to get there.
Money & Work
Apartment for Rent in Cebu: Areas, Prices and Renting Tips
A practical guide to finding an apartment for rent in Cebu: best neighbourhoods, approximate rent ranges, requirements and how to avoid rental scams.
Travel
Tourist Spots in Davao: 12 Best Places to Visit in Davao City
From the Philippine Eagle Center to Samal Island's beaches, these are the best tourist spots in Davao City, with approximate travel times from downtown.
Entertainment
Visayan Songs and Bisrock: The Bands That Shaped Cebuano Rock
From classic love songs to Bisrock and Visayan pop, here is how Cebu and Davao built a music scene in their own language.
Culture
Tuko Lizard in the Philippines: Calls, Folklore and the Law
That loud "to-kay" call at night is the tuko. Here is the story of the Philippine tokay gecko, its folklore, the tuko-buying craze and why trading it can break the law.
Food
Kinilaw Recipe Davao Style: Fresh Tuna or Malasugi in Vinegar
Cubes of sashimi-fresh tuna or malasugi "cooked" in coconut vinegar with ginger, onion, chili and kalamansi. Davao's favourite pulutan, ready in 20 minutes.
Culture
What Language Is Spoken in Cebu Philippines? Bisaya Guide
Cebuano, Bisaya, Davaoeño, Tagalog, English: who speaks what in Cebu and Davao, why Filipinos switch languages mid-sentence, and simple words to learn.
Culture
Nalibog Meaning: What Is the Tagalog of Mean and Confused?
In Cebu, "nalibog ko" just means "I'm confused." In Manila, it means something very different. Here's how to avoid the classic Bisaya-Tagalog mix-up.
Culture
Short Stories in Philippine Literature vs American Writing
From Dead Stars to May Day Eve: how Philippine literature grew alongside and apart from American writing, and which short stories to read first.
Culture
Kayasa Meaning: Cebuano Expressions of Annoyance Explained
What does kayasa mean in Cebuano? A friendly guide to Bisaya expressions of annoyance, from harmless hala to words you should never say to your lola.
Entertainment
SM Cebu Cinema Showing Today: How to Check Cebu Movie Schedules
Where to watch movies in Cebu, how to check SM, Ayala and Robinsons showtimes online, approximate ticket prices, and tips for a better night at the cinema.
Culture
Spare in Tagalog, Kumbati in Bisaya and Other Useful Words
The everyday words for spare, by the way, recently and hope in Tagalog and Bisaya, plus what Cebuanos usually mean when they say kumbati.