I agree with the other reports. Mactan is clean and tidy. It is small, but gives the impression of being bigger. The food outlets are few in number but offer good food at very reasonable prices. It suffers from an acute shortage of seating, and what there is, is the ubiquitous steel bench that redefines uncomfortable. They are better than the floor, but there's not much in it. DO NOT go into departure area too soon. The staff are helpful and most speak some English. Probably best not to use the either of the two currency exchange outlets, not good value. It has its shortcomings but it is user friendly and easy to to and from. Much better than that hell on earth place that calls itself Manila Airport. But to be better than Manila is not hard to do.

Mactan Airport is small and without amenities, but that's OK. I don't travel to stay in the airport. It is easy in and easy out, whether on a domestic flight or international.
Customs is fast, check in is fast and it is very clean, which is much better than I can say about many airports around the world, including Europe and the US.
All I can say is, no matter what time your departure flight, eat before you get there. There isn't much to choose from after you pass the gates-at some departure times there is nothing.

My first impression of Mactan-Cebu Int'l Airport was not one of awe. In fact, for a city with a few million people there is no excuse for such a tiny facility. This airport has flights to and from several destinations throughout SE Asia, but you'd think it was a municipal airport. Regardless, it is a much better entry point into the Philippines than Manila (NAIA), especially if you can look past the blatant lack of amenities. It does provide a much nicer environment than NAIA, and the city of Cebu is a bit more user-friendly than Manila for sure. It's utilitarian and will get you where you need to go.