Welcome to Cebu, Philippines

Cebu metamorphosed in more ways than one, but always for the better. From a sleepy fishing village to a fledging trading port in 1521, from the first Spanish settlement named Villa del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus in 1575 to a municipality in 1901, Cebu finally became a chartered city on February 24, 1937. Being the first and oldest city in the country, ante-dating Manila by 7 years, having the oldest school and oldest street and being the cradle of Christianity in the Far East (i.e. Magellan's cross planted in Cebu as a symbol of natives embracing the Christian faith), Cebu is replete with historical first's.

The streeets of Tres de Abril and V. Rama were the sites of a fierce battle on April 3, 1898 when General Leon Kilat of Bacong, Negros Oriental spearheaded the revolution against Spanish colonialism. The Spaniards sought refuge at the Fort San Pedro and three days of relentless attacks would have spelledd victory for the rebels were it not for the propitious arrival of the Spanish armada.

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi then urged his men to construct the oldest and smallest fort in the country: Fort San Pedro. As Spain intensified its colonization efforts, indifnant islanders showed opposition by way of intermittent attacks against the colonizers. Thus the rebellion paved the way to the construction of Fort San Pedro, a Spanish military stronghold.

However, the fort fell to the hands of the native Cebuanos when Americans commanded by Commodore George Dewey vanquished the Spanish fleet in December 1898 in the battle of Manila Bay. With the American reign in full force in 1901, then Senate Pro Tempore and late President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. and then Congressman and majority floor leader in the House of Representatives, the late Senator Manuel Briones vigorously lobbied for Philippine Independence.

February 24, 1937 was a milestone in Cebuano history as Cebu City was granted its charter by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 58 enacted by Congress on October 20, 1936. The late Senator Vicente Rama, formerly representative of Cebu's 3rd district was isntrumental as author and sponsor of the bill. It was at that time that Secretary of Interior Elpidio Quirino appointed the mayor and board members of Cebu City in his capacity as representative of Manuel Quezon.

Shortly after the landing of the Japanese Army in Cebu City on April 10, 1942, the entire province became the principal Japanese base due to its strategic location and substantial population. Cebu finally saw the light of freedom in March 1945 when American liberation forces landed in Talisay town. Liberation came in full circle in March 1946 and to restore law and order, a civil government dubbed as Philippine Civil Affairs Unit (PCAU) was established in the city.

In April 1965, the entire Christian world focused its attention on Cebu City, considered as the cradle of Christianity in the Far East as it played host to teh 40th Anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines. The celebration highlighted the contributions of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Fray Andres de Urdaneta in proselytizing Christianity by way of establishing a Spanish settlement in the province. In a coutnry where Catholics predominate, the conferment of the San Agustin Church to the title Basilica Minore del Santo Niño proved to be a momentous occasion as Rome sent its representative Papal Legate, His Eminence Ildefonso Cardinal Antonuitte.

Geography

Located between 9925' and 11915' latitude and between 123913' longitude in the center of the Philippine archipelago, Cebu is 365 miles south of Manila and can be reached in an hour through air travel.

Topography

Cebu is characterized by narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus, coastal plains but with predominant rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges traversing the northern and southern lengths of the island. Although Cebu's steep mountains reach over 1,000 meters, the island lacks substantial forest cover. In the towns of Bogo, San Remigio, Medellin and Daan Bantayan at the northern tip of the province, considerable flat tracts of land are found.

Climate

Cebu's weather is relatively moderate, having no distinct wet and dry season, the perfect vacation spot for all seasons. One can bask under the sunshine the whole year through since Cebu is blessed with tropical climate. Humidity is 78 percent , warmest is at 189 degree centigrade usually expected during the months of December to February, while the wettiest time of the year occurs during November.

Average Annual Rainfall - 1,638.20 mm
Minimum Monthly Rainfall - 50.4 mm
Maximum Monthly Rainfall - 206.50 mm
Mean Temperature Range - 26.49 C - 28.79 C
Minimum Temperature Range - 22.69 C
Maximum Temperature Range - 33.19 C

Dialect

Cebuano is the dialect in the province, which is also widely spoken in the Visayas and Mindanao. Tagalog and English are also spoken and understood.

Political Subdivision

The five major cities in Cebu province are Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Danao and Toledo; while there are 48 towns or municipalities. Facing Bohol Strait is the island's capital, Cebu City and historic Mactan Island lies just across the city's harbor.

Cebu City is bounded by the city of Mandaue and the municipality of Consoalcion in the north; city harbor and Bohol Strait in the east; Talisay town in the south and Toledo City in the west. Of the 73 barangays comprising the city, 30 are categorized as mountain barangays with land area totaling 27,797 hectares. There are 6 congresional districts, 3 component cities, namely: Lapulapu, Danao and Toledo; 2 highly urbanized cities: Cebu and Mandaue; 48 municipalities; and 1,122 barangays.

Tourist Attractions

Historical

MAGELLAN MARKER, Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City about 20 kms. from Cebu City. Encouraged by the success of Christianizing the people of Cebu, Magellan crossed the channel to Mactan Island in an effort to spread the faith. Before he reached the shores, he was killed by the chieftain of the island, Lapulapu and his men during the battle for supremacy and freedon on April 27, 1521. Efforts to retrieve the body of Magellan were futile inspite of the offer to trade jewelries and spices for his dead body. This marker was erected in 1866 to mark the spot where the great explorer died.

MAGELLAN'S CROSS, Magellan St. - Planted in April 14, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, this marks the spot where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana and about 400 followers were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderama. In 1525 to 1740, the Agustinian priests built an open shrine for the cross, but the natives began to take chips from the cross believing it had miraculous power, so a kiosk destruction took place. To protect it further, a hollow cross of tindalo wood was made to encase the original cross which still stands today.

FORT SAN PEDRO, Pier Area, Cebu City - The smallest, oldest tri-bastion fort in the country. This served as the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. It has a total inside area of 2,025 sq. meters. The walls are 20 feet high, 8 feet thick and towers are 30 feet high from the ground level. Work first started on May 8, 1565 with MIGUEL LOPEZ DE LEGAZPI breaking the ground. After the battle of Manila Bay, Commodore George Dewey turned the forth to the local Cebuanos; then it became an American Warwick Barracks during the American Regime which was later converted into classrooms where the Cebuanos received formal education.

During World War II, from 1941 to 1945, it served as fortification for Japanese soldier, when the battle for liberation ws fought, the fort served as an army cam. After 1950, Cebu Garden Club took over and fixed the inner court into a miniature garden. For a couple of years it also housed th eCebu City Zoo. In 1978 to August 15, 1993, it housed the offices of the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Tourism Authority. At present, it is under the care and administration of the National Museum.

LAPULAPU MONUMENT, Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City - Site where the battle between Mactan Island Chieftain Lapulapu and the foreign aggressor Ferdinand Magellan occured in April 27, 1521. It depicts the hero holding a bolo in one hand and a pestle on the other. Said weapons were believed to have been used during his combat with Magellan. This monument stands as a reminder of Filipino bravery.

UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS, P. Del Rosario St., Cebu City - The oldest school in the country established in 1565. This was formerly called Colegio de San Ildefonso established by the Jesuits.

COLON STREET, Downtown Area, Cebu City - This is also known as Parian District, the oldest street in the Philippines built by the Spaniards during the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Named after Christopher Colombus, it is the heart of downtown Cebu, a glittering city by night lined with moviehouses, restaurants, department stores, and other business establishments.

CAPITOL BUILDING, Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City - The seat of the Provincial government, is of pre-war vintage and has the undulating mountains of Cebu for its background. Majestic and imposing, its high dome can be seen along Osmeña Boulevard. A replica of the United States' White House. One of the many beautiful capitol buildings in the country, constructed in 1937 under the admnistration of Governor Sotero Cabahug.

CASA GORORDO MUSEUM, 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City - Located in Lopez Jaena Street, is the home of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu. A tour inside this residence is a brief journey into a Filipino lifestyle in a particular period between 1860 to 1920. The place presently features noted paintings, museum relics, a courtyard, antique household items and furniture.

Open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn and 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Admission fee for adults is PHP 15.00 adn 5.00 for children.

FORT SAN PEDRO NATIONAL MUSEUM, Legaspi Ext., Cebu City - A product of years of research, the collection in view are anthropological and biological. The anthropological section portrays the cultural development and influence into society and its close affinity with the people of South East Asia. The biological section presents samples of the flora and fauna of teh country in general and Cebu in particular.

Admission fee PHP 5.00 per person; open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 nn and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm; Saturday from 8:00 am to 12 nn only.

CULTURAL

THE SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY MUSEUM, Urgello Private Road, Cebu City - It gives a quick look of Cebuano art and lifestyle, from the prehistoric to hispanic times. Also in this room are burial jars, boat coffins, death masks in gold, trade pottery (from China, Cambodia and Vietnam, including Ming, Celadon and other China trade jars, asl well as Ben Chieng and Haripunchai pottery), gold teeth peggings (the design of the decoration showed where its owner came from, wether from Cebu or Leyte of Bohol, or whatever), excavated trade beads and heirloom jewelry, santoses and church carvings adn other church accessories. The museum is open to the public from 10:00 am to 12:00 nn, and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm from Tuesday to Saturday while the Filipiniana Research Center is open from Monday to Saturday from 7;00 am to 7:00 pm.

JUMALON'S FAMILY CULTURAL PROJECT, 20 Macopa St., Basak, Pardo, Cebu City - A LEPIDO MOSAIC ART collection, so called because it utilizes butterfly wings as its medium. Beautiful and intricate samples of these artworks can be seen at PROF. JULIAN JAMALON residence at 20 Macopa St., Basak, Pardo, Cebu City. No admission fee.

RIZAL MUSEUM AND LIBRARY, Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City - Located within Cebu City Library along Osmeña Boulevard showcases a collection of antiques donated by famous and rich Cebuano families. Also on display is a collection of artworks of Cebuano painters and artists. Its upper floor is the Rizal Memorial Library which keeps some important books on Cebuano history and culture.

AZNAR-ALFONSO ANTIQUE COLLECTION - Owned by Dr. Lydia Aznar-Alfonso, the antique collection is of much younger vintage. Pieces of lovely period furniture, a very wide collection of antique jewelry. "santoses" as well as authentic "grave goods" from various archaeological diggings in the island of Mactan and Cebu helped enrich Dr. Alfonso's beautiful collection.

ARCENAS ANTIQUE COLLECTION - Spanish period furniture and "santoses", jewelries, pottery, porcelain wares are on display at Dr. and Mrs. Ramon Arcenas residence located at Banawa, Cebu City.

ROSE ONG ORCHID COLLECTION - So beautiful and varied, the biggest orchid collection in the province.

PRES. SERGIO OSMEÑA MEMORABILIA - Contains the late president's historic car, his personal belongings and mementoes.

RIZALIANA MUSEUM - Contains the memorabilia of Dr. Jose Rizal given by his sister to the University of Southern Philippines Museum.

SALA PIANO MUSEUM, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City - A unique collection of hundreds of pianos of varying sizes and shapes. Venue to classical conserts and houses a music foundation. Open from 9:00 am to 12:00 nn; afternoons by appointment. Admission fee PHP 5.00 for adults adn PHP 1.00 for children.

NATURAL

MACTAN ISLAND - A coral island and famous for scuba diving, where beach resorts of international standards are located. Also the site of the Export Processing Zone I, with 100 companies in operation, employing 36,575 people with a monthly payroll of P226 million. Land area - 150 has.

MOALBOAL, South of Cebu - Located 89 kms. southwest of Cebu City, famous for beautiful corals and reefs, white sandy beaches, excellent for diving. Accomodation is offered by the Badian Beach Resort, a "AAA" class resort.

BADIAN ISLAND. It was on Christmas day when the Spaniards reached the island. According to townfolks, it was supposed to be a special day of celebration but unfortunately a storm hit the island and so came the name "MALAPASCUA", MALAS SA PASKO, which means "Unfortunate Christmas" in English. Malapascua is sometimes referred to as "LOGON", the main community in the south. "Logon" got its name when the Japanese and Spaniards fought over the island during the World War II.

The island is 3 kms. long and 1 km. wide, with a population of about 3,000. It has white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The west coast is ideal for swimming and snorkelling but one should be careful because of unpredictable weather. A walk or tour on the whole island can be done for about two hours.

CAMOTES ISLAND. The island is located at the northeast of Cebu province and is composed of 4 towns, namely: Poro (composed of 17 barangays), San Francisco (composed of 15 barangays), Tudela (composed of 8 barangays), and Pilar (composed of 5 barangays). To cross the island, one has to go to Danao City, an hour away from Cebu City or take a fast ferry. There are two boats which travel to and from the island and Danao City everyday, one fastcraft which travels twice a day adn a regular boat thrice a week. Travel to and from the island is around 2 hours and mode of transportation within the island are motorcycles.

KAWASAN FALLS - Located in Badian, one can feel the coolness of the surrounding lush greenery of this panoramic waterfalls. Accomodation from cheap to moderate rates are available.

NONOC CAVE - Located in Borbon, 8 kms. north of Cebu City, a very picturesque shelter for picnickers and bathers.

OLANGO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - Olango Island supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found so far in the country. Migration starts from the breeding places of birds in Siberia, Northern China and Japan. Anticipating the scarcity of food and winter cold, these birds fly as far as Australia and New Zealand from late July until late November. This is usually referred to as the Southward Migration. By late February until May, these birds return to their breeding grounds in the reverse Northward Migration.

Based on data gathered so far, the birds use Olango as a major refueling station as well as a wintering ground. At Olango, the birds can replenish their fat reserves by feeding on rich supply of invertebrates in the intertidal mudflats. These fat reserves must fuel birds on the next lap of their journey which may cover from 3,000 to 15,000 km. of non-stop flight. Land Area-1,022,6228 has.

RELIGIOUS

Image of Santo Niño - Considered as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. It was on April 14, 1521 that Magellan gave the image to Queen Juana as a baptismal gift. Forty-four years later, on April 27, 1965 when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived, Fr. Andres de Urdaneta who formally christianized the Cebuanos, found the natives hostile. Legazpi besieged the settlement and set the village on fire. It was on one burnt houses that Juan Camus, a soldier, found the image of Sto. Niño unscratched. Since then, the miraculous image has been venerated by the Cebuanos as its patron saint. At present, the miraculous image is kept in the parish convent, and a replica is adorned with gold and precious stones and enshrined in glass. It is housed in a side altar inside the Basilica Minor del Santo Niño.

BASILICA MINOR DEL SANTO NIÑO - This church was built by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta on the site where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565. The first structure of the church was, however, destroyed by fire on November 1, 1568. It was rebuilt in 1602 under the administration of Juan Albaran and was rehabilitated in 1740. On May 1965, the church was conferred the title of Basilica Minor del Santo Niño by Cardinal Antonuitte, Papal Legate during the Fourth Centennial celebration of the Christianization of Cebu.

MANDAUE-MACTAN BRIDGE - Built in 1972 at a cost of P 65 million. This 864-meter bridge connects the islands of Mactan and Cebu.

TOPS - Situated on top of cool Busay Hills, an excellent sight seeing spot which offers a breathtaking view of Metro Cebu and the islands of Mactan and Olanga. Cottages are available for daytime picnics and instant evening parties.

PARADISE VALLEY - Located in Paril, Barili, 61 km. south of Cebu City. Take off for a perfect weekend and simply bask in the awesome and natural splendor of Cebu's only Mountain Resort. Only 90 minutes drive away from the city life, passing through scenic and picturesque terrain and seaside towns of the south.

BEVERLY HILLS - A scenic subdivision on Lahug Hills commands a breathtaking view of the entire city.

LILOAN LIGHTHOUSE - Found in the municipality of Liloan, around 18 kms. north of Cebu City. Built by the Ameicans in 1904.

THE NEW CEBU COLISEUM - A sports center located at Sanciangco Street where concerts and ball games are usually held.

YMCA - Along Osmeña Blvd. is a sports comples equipped with body building equipment, swimming pool, bowling lanes and ball game courts. Accomodation is also available.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS - MAN-MADE

ST. CATHERINE'S SCHOOL - In Carcar, Cebu. Founded in 1923

EMERGENCY HOSPITAL AND DISPENSARY - In Carcar, Cebu

SPANISH-ERA TOWN RESIDENCE - In Argao, Cebu

"BALUARTES" OR WATCHTOWERS - In Oslob, Cebu.

CEBU CITY YOUTH AND SPORTS COMPLEX - Located at Abellana National School grounds, was constructed for the 1994 Palarong Pambansa. The sport complex is considered the country's best today. It boasts of the following facilities: 2 grandstands which can accomodate 15,000 people, Olympic size swimming pool, rubberized oval, baseball field, and quarters for athletes and officials.

CEBU GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB - An 18-hole golf course located in Banilad, Cebu City.

FUENTE OSMEÑA - A lovely circular park with a beautiful fountain in the middle. Named after Cebu;s Grand Old Man, the late President Sergio Osmeña, Sr.

FIESTAS AND FESTIVALS

SINULOG - Celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January, Sinulog is Cebu's biggest and most popular festival. The feast is in honor of the Holy Image of Senyor Santo Niño de Cebu. Fiesta Senyor, as it is widely known, is the most celebrated among Cebu's festival where people converge along the routes of a grand solemn procession and partake in the gaiety amidst a mardi gras parade immersed in with colors and the constant beating of drums.

TRES DE ABRIL CELEBRATION - Celebrated every 3rd of April in commemoration of the Spanish resistance in the south. This historic battle under Leon Kilat's leadership gave Cebu the glory of being the first major island outside Luzon to oppose Spanish dominance.

SANAYON - Agro-tourism festival in the southern towns of the second district about 100 kms. from the city. A month-long activity to spread out tourism to the coutryside.

PASKUHAN, Cebu City/Province-wide - A christmas celebration of songs and lantern-making held during the month of December to spread good cheer to local residents and visitors alike.

KADAUNGAN SA MACTAN, Lapulapu City - A one-day reenactment celebrated with pomp and pageantry every 27th of April to commemorate the historic battle of Mactan between the forces of Lapulapu and Ferdinand Magellan.

SEMANA SANTA SA BANTAYAN, Bantayan Island - A unique mixture of solemn religious rites and local celebration highlights the Holy Week activities in Bantayan Island. The normally quiet island is visited by relatives and friends of the residents, as well as tourists to experience the solemn rites or to cool off the summer heat in the beautiful white sandy beaches and clear tropical waters.

TAGBO, Poro, Cebu - Celebrated every January in honor of Patron Santo Niño de Poro. Beloved memoir of a living past, Tagbo is the cornerstone from which this great municipality has sprung. Rich in cultural heritage and deep in spiritual values, Tagbo is a very significant event preluding the birth of a town every dear to the hearts of her sons and daughters.

CARCAR FIESTA, Carcar, Cebu - Celebrated on November 24-25 in honor of the town's patron, St. Catherine of Alexandria. Carcar town is noted for its old Spanish style houses in the quiet coutnryside setting. During the fiestas, the residents would invite friends, relatives and town visitors into their homes to taste popular local delicacies. A lively and enjoyable event.

NUESTRA SEÑORA DE REGLA FIESTA, Lapulapu City - Held to honor the patroness of Opon on November 20-21, this religious and social event reveals faith of the people and the penchant for merry making. A food fair, carnival, procession and a coronation of the Fiesta Queen highlight the festivity.

SPECIAL INTEREST

FIRING RANGE - A tourist come-on, located in Barangay Pusok, Lapulapu City, for pistol-shooting enthusiasts.

GUITAR FACTORIES, Maribago District, Lapulapu City - One can see actually how guitars are made. It is amazing, however, to note that while the occupation of the people is in that Mactan District, the raw materials used have to be shipped from Mindanao and nowhere on the island can be found such materials.

CEBU BOTANICAL GARDEN, Camp Marina, Capitol Hills - Plant hobbyist can see a collection of greenery.

R & M PRESERVE, V. Rama Avenue, Guadalupe - A processing plant for fruit preserves like mango, orange, papaya, jackfruits, etc.

Information source from: Philippine Department of Tourism