Argao

About

The little town of Argao remains mostly untouched by tourism, its seaside resorts catering to visitors looking to get away from the crowds. But the town center is worth exploring as well. The early 19th century Argao City Hall is the oldest municipal building in Cebu, and is an excellent example of a ‘bahay na bato’ - a building with a stone ground level and wooden upper story. Even older is the late 18th century St. Michael the Archangel Church, which features some intricate carvings on its facade, and colorful murals depicting scenes from the Bible on its ceilings. The church even still has a pulpit, and a pipe organ from the Spanish-era. If you’re feeling peckish, be sure to stop at a bakery to try the town’s torta, which is widely considered the best in Cebu. Made with coconut wine and cooked over coconut husks, these little cakes are best enjoyed with a cup of bittersweet hot chocolate.