If your friend from China will provide accommodation for you, then, you need from him/her an invitation letter with a copy of the inviter's valid chinese residence visa and passport information page of inviter's or Chinese national identity card.
You may come to the Consular office of the consulate in Cebu to submit the application, or you may send someone else or a travel agent to act on your behalf if you cannot come personally. Mailed applications are not acceptable and will be refused. No appointment is required, and the interview is required only when the consular deems necessary.