Introduction
Among the culture of islands and islets that comprise the
Visayas, one province stands out: Cebu, a unique
blend of tropical paradise and business haven. Dubbed variously
as "the next great economic miracle", " Asia's
newest boomtown" and "the Queen City of the South",
Cebu basks in its enviable status as the most popular tourist
and business destination in the Philippines.
Sheltered by the other Visayan islands of Negros, Panay,
Leyte, Samar and Bohol, this thin sliver of land is blessed
year-round with clement, tropical weather--all the better
to enjoy its pristine, sun drenched beaches, washed by the
balmy blue waters of the Cebu and Tanon Straits. A plethora
of neighboring islets fringed with coral and white sand
shores add appeal to an island-hopping vacation.
Yet, Cebu's attractions do not only cater to the itinerant sun-worshipper
or beach-lover. The business traveler to this bustling port
of call may not have time for more than a day's trip around
town. Still, Cebu's cityscapes have their own brand of cosmopolitan
charm touched with a unique island warmth. Luxurious accommodations,
complete sports facilities, cuisines from the native to
the exotic, vibrant nightlife : Cebu will not be found wanting
in all the amenities of a growing, booming metropolis.
Bohol, just across the Tanon Strait from Cebu, is a mysterious
land of wondrous geological formations, lush forests alive
with rare species of flora and fauna, and idyllic seaside
towns with Antillan houses that cluster around centuries-old
churches. Outlying islands are marine sanctuaries with a
wealth of coral reefs harboring a colorful world of tropical
marine life.
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Cebu : Past and Present
As early as the 13th century, Sugbo, how
the island of Cebu was called, was already an important
crossroad of pre-colonial Southeast Asian trade.
In1521, Ferdinand Magellan made it a base for
the exploration and conquest of the islands. However, his
efforts were thwarted when he was killed in a battle
on the nearby island of Mactan by its chieftain, Lapu-Lapu,
who became the first Philippine hero to repulse foreign
domination.
The second wave of Spanish conquistadores led by Miguel
Lopez de Legazpi founded their first settlement,
Villa San Miguel, on Cebu in 1565. Later,
the name was changed to Villa de Santissimo Nombre
de Jesus, after an image of the Santo Nino
or Boy Jesus found among the ruins of a vanquished native
village.
In 1860, the demand for sugar cane, tobacco and hemp paved
the way for the opening up of the countryside. And with
Cebu's central location in the south, goods entered and
exited through its ports. By the mid-19th century, Cebu
had caught up with the outside world. Cities thrived with
newly-established industries, and suburbs flourished. With
the American rule came improved infrastructure, more modern
ports and facilities.
Today, Metropolitan Cebu is a 33,000-hectare complex of
three cities and six municipalities. Its population of more
than a million is a cosmopolitan mix of Filipinos with Chinese,
American and European influences. The prevailing dialect
is Cebuano or Bisaya, the vernacular, but English and Tagalog
are widely spoken.
As in the past, the island province preserves with pride
its role as the crossroads of international trade. The recently-expanded
and modernized Mactan International Airport services flights
from all over the world. Ocean-going vessels dock at the
similarly modernized ports.
Accommodations within the city range from the luxury of
first-class hotels to comfortable pensions and lodging houses
at affordable rates. Resorts provide out-of-town accommodations
with adequate facilities for a variety of land and water
sports.
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Historical & Cultural
Heritage
As the site of the oldest Spanish settlement in the country,
modern Cebu retains traces of its colonial heritage. Centuries-old
churches and Antillan houses, hig-rises and modern buildings
jostle for space along the tree-lined streets.
Fort San Pedro, the smallest and oldest bastion
in the country, was built in 1738 to repel Muslim raiders.
At times, it served as a stronghold for Filipino revolutionaries,
as a US army barracks, and as a prison camp during the Japanese
occupation. Today, it is a historical park.
Lapu-Lapu's Monument in Mactan Island,
was erected in honor of the first Filipino Chieftain who
fought for his people's freedom. Adjacent to Lapu-Lapu's
monument is Magellan's marker, a tribute to the Portuguese
explorer slain by Lapu-Lapu on that same spot.
Casa Gorordo, once the residence of the
first Catholic bishop of Cebu, has been restored as a reminder
of a more gracious bygone era. Its opulent halls house cultural
and historical relics of the 18th century, a collection
of old prints, and contemporary works of art. The museum
is open from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. A modest
entrance fee is collected.
The Osmeña residence holds some
of General Douglas MacArthur's memorabilia
and the personal mementos of Sergio Osmeña,
the first President of the Philippine Republic after World
War II.
The University of San Carlos Musuem within
the city proper houses a wide collection of interesting
finds from all over the country. Its exhibits of religious
relics, archaeological and ethnic artifacts, botanical and
zoological specimens and other finds are a must for history
buffs and curio enthusiasts.
Magellan's Cross, the replica of which
contains the remnants of the original one planted by Ferdinand
Magellan on Cebu's shores, stands within a wayside shrine
commemorating the conversion of the first Filipinos to Christianity.
Ceiling murals depict the first Catholic mass celebrated
on Philippine shores.
The Cebu Capitol, seat of
provincial government, is a magnificent edifice of pre-war
vintage. From the Avenue of Flags, its dome can be
seen rising white against the backdrop of mountains in the
distance.
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Religious Sites And
Shrines
Spain left a legacy of churches and convents all over the
countryside. Some of them, strong enough to withstand the
ravages of time and war, have grown graceful with age, others
have been rebuilt but still retain the awe-inspring magnificence
of their original structures. And all of them continue to
foster the faith the innately religious Cebuanos.
The Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino, in
the heart of Metropolitan Cebu, dates from 1740. It houses
the oldest Christian relic in the Philippines, the antique
statue of the Santo Nino or Boy Jesus, which was given as
a gift by Magellan to Juana, the queen
of Rajah Humabon, on the occasion of her
baptism in 1521.
Carcar, established as a parish in 1624,
has a lovely quasi-Baroque church completed in 1867. As
a junction town in olden times, it was prosperous, as evidenced
by the imposing Spanish-era mansions that still flank the
town square. Today, the town is famous for its native pastries
and its shoes and slippers industry.
The Naga Church is a marvel in coral and
limestone. Its exterior remains unchanged since it was built
over a century ago. Angels and gargoyles guard its doors.
Argao, south from Cebu City, is famed
not only for its beaches, but also for its handwoven blankets
- an industry introduced in pre-colonial days by Chinese
cotton traders. Argao is also the site of a beautiful rococo
church, its interior boasting of an unusual canvas ceiling
paonted with religious motifs.
Dalaguete Church, dedicated to San Guillermo,
has a baroque altar burmished in gold leaf and crystal chandeliers
shipped by the Spanish galleons of yore.
Danao City is a thriving industrial town
whose main source of income is derived from the commercial
and industrial complex established by the prosperous Durano
clan. In the outskirts of the city is the Ramon Durano Foundation
compound, where life-size busts of all the saints and popes
who ever lived and were canonized line the walks leading
to chapels dedicated to various saints and religious occasions.
Evidences of a different faith, and also of the prevailing number
of Chinese who have settled down in the province, is the
Taoist temple in Beverly Hills, an upscale subdivision in
the hills surrounding Cebu City. Ninety-nine steps lead
up to the flamboyantly-attractive place of worship looking
out towards a panoramic view of the city and Mactan island.
In its halls redolent with incense, one can light joss sticks
and have his fortune told by kindly monks.
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Shopping For Arts &
Crafts
Cebu has a rich cultural heritage, born out of centuries
of Spanish influence and the innate creativity of its people.
Thriving arts and crafts industries have increased the fortunes
of the provience, while dedication to traditional methods
and meticulous detail have paved the way for export quality
items famed far and wide.
Mambailing is famous as the hometown of lepido-mosaic artist
professor Julian Jumalon, who collects damaged butterfly
wings from all over the world and pieces them together into
paintings that seem to throb with living color.
Minglanilla down south is an industrious town of skilled
carpenters and embroiderers at present enjoying a boom in
the resdy-to-wear garments industry.
Mactan and Maribago produces Cebu's famous guitars. In
the many backyard enterprising and factories, one can observe
guitar makers turn out hand-crafted instruments which enthusiasts
swear compare to the best in the world.
Rattan furniture, one of Cebu's top exports, is positive
proof of Cebu's enterprising spirit. Although the province
does not grow its own rattan, almost two-thirds of the country's
rattan furniture is manufactured here.
Colon Street, considered the
oldest street in the country, is a haven for shoppers who
enjoy the comforts and conveniences of air-conditioned malls.
Sleek new department stores like Gaisano Metro, Gaw's, Fairmart,
Gaisano Main, Gazini UV and Gazini Main and other smaller
malls offer everything from native handicrafts to designer
labels.
Carbon Market, on the other hand, is a bargain-hunter's
bazaar crammed with every conceivable buy. Hobnob with the
Cebuano folk as you pick out your choice of handicrafts,
sweets, fruits, flowers, household items, vegetables, meat
and fish! (It is a marketplace, after all.)
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Resort-hopping and Nature
Trips
Ahhh...Cebu's beaches and fantastic divesites. Resorts
vie for your attention with international standard accommodations
and complete facilities for a sporting vacation. And what's
great is the fact that many of them are located within one
or two hours' drive from downtown!
Mactan Island boasts of a dozen or more beach resorts scattered
all around its coastline. Divesites along the edge of the
island are convenient for beginners and advanced divers
alike. Adequate diving facilities are available. There is
a 10-meter ledge which is a favorite fish-feed-ing area.
Buyong and marigondon are notable dive spots with drop-offs
great for night diving.
Olango Island across the Hilutangan Channel east of Mactan
has an underwater peak for the more experienced diver. Beautiful
coral gardens and a dense fish population make this site
ideal. The town of Sta. Rosa is delightful with its natural
rock formations composed of coral cliffs rising up from
the ocean floor.
Sogod up north beckons with its crystal clear waters, said to be
the spawning ground of giant marine turtles. An extensive
natural cave network with subterranean rivers entice the
adventurous.
Bantayan, a three-town island off the northern tip of Cebu,
is fringed with fine white sand beaches, sheltering coves
and lagoons, shoals and reefs with good coral cover.
Moalboal, the famous coastal town along Cebu's southwestern
shores, is the diving capital hereabouts. Just off the town
is Pescador Island, with its drop-offs down sheer cliffs
studded with caves and overhangs. Other sites in the area
included Sa-avedra and Bas Diot, particularly rich in corals
and having bigger varieties of fish than other Moalboal
sites.
Panagsama Beach, at the edge of a small peaceful fishing
village due west from Moalboal, is an unspoiled strip of
white beach lapped by clear-bottomed waters. Rustic cottages
line the shore, where fishermen hual in their catch at daybreak.
Badian Island, south of Moalboal, entices with breathtaking
coral formations and wonderfully tame fish. Divers are sure
to encounter one or more large sea snakes on any dive.
Gato Islet, named after its shape which resembers that
of a sitting cat, has peculiar caves, lagoons and crevices
that harbor breeder sea snakes and their young from march
to September.
Sumilon Island, at the southern tip of Cebu, was developed
as a marine sanctuary by the Siliman University in Negros
Oriental province west of Cebu. Snorkeling and diving are
good as its waters are rich breeding grounds for many marine
species.
Argao and Dalaguete are southern towns with both exclusive
and public resort facilities lining its white sand beaches.
Windsurfing, sailing and snorkeling are popular.
Good beaches can be found along the many coastal towns
of Liloan, Compostela, Consolacion, Danao and Carmen in
the north; as well as the southern towns of Danajon and
Caohagan. Talisay, a short 15-kilometer drive south of Cebu
City, bustles with resorts lining its fine sandy shores.
Along the road to the beach, the air is redolent with roasting
lechon (sucking pig) and frying chicharon (pork crackling).
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