Visit Cebu !

2008-04-14T01:30:00.000-07:00

This video shows Cebu and most of its tourist spot and destinations. From the historic Colon Street at the downtown area. Then at the North Reclamation, Provincial Capitol and most of the tourists spot here. A must see to all Cebu tourists or wannabes!

2008-02-21T03:48:00.000-08:00

Brief History Of Cebu

30,000 years ago the Negrito race crossed the Asian continent through the land bridges. With the disappearance of the bridges, islands were formed, Cebu was formed. Being part of the Malay peninsula, Cebu was part of the Malay empire around 500 A.D.

Early inhabitants refer to this island Zebu or Sugbu, whose trade and commerce reaches as far as Thailand and China was well as the near Malay countries.

The people lived in log houses with nipa roofs and used porcelain wares and earthen jars to contain wine and water. They wore gold jewelries and other ornaments to adorn themselves and their clothes. The men wore bahagui at the lower torso and silk turbans on their heads and their bodies were marked with tattoos. The women on the other hand, wore a loose sack-lined blouse, called chambarra, on tops of a square length cloth skirt wrapped around the waist. Some of the women did not wear anything from the waist up, but they painted their lips and nails and decorated their hair with flowers and colorful turbans and wore beautiful jewelries.

The later part of the year 1521 marked the Spanish era with the landing of Fernando de Magallanes and the baptismal to Christianity of Datu Humabon and Queen Juana and their followers. Magallanes was a Portuguese explorer who sailed under the Spanish expedition of 5 ships and more than 200 men. However, he died in the hands of Datu Lapulapu, a chieftain in the island of Mactan. The famous battle marked the Filipinos' aversion to foreign dominance and rule. It was 44 years later after Magellan's death when the expedition of Don Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fray Andres de Urdaneta (April 1565) that Christianization and Spanish colonization took place. Legaspi bombarded the palisades of Rajah Tupas and destroyed the village and called it Villa del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus. and became the first Spanish city established by the Spanish Cortes in 1571.

The Philippine revolution although it started in Luzon organized by Andres Bonifacio, had Cebu itself a site of a bloody battle. On April 3, 1898, Cebuano rebels under Gen. Leon Kilat engaged in a three-day fight and had the Spaniards cover behind Fort San Pedro.

Although the revolution did not last, the Spanish-American War, finally ended the Spanish rule when the Americans won in the Battle of Manila Bay. Spain officially turned over the Philippines to the Americans in the Treaty of Paris.

The American set the country to a semi-autonomous rule when the Philippine Commonwealth was establish in 1935, with Manuel Quezon as president and Sergio Osmena, a Cebuano, as vice-president.

Cebu, being the most densely populated island in the country, served as a vital Japanese base during the Japanese occupation in the Second World War which began with the landing of the Japanese Imperial Army on April 1942.

2008-02-21T03:41:00.000-08:00

Cebu Quick Facts

Population/Language
Cebu Province has a total population of more than 3 million. Cebuano is the native tongue. While Filipino is commonly understood and spoken, the English language is widely used in business transactions and educations.

Weather
Cebu is best from December to May when the weather turns dry. it is coolest from December to February, hottest from March to May. Temperature can rise as high as 37°C in the summer. The rainy seasons begins in July bringing torrential downpours that would sometimes inhibit movements.

Philippine Time
Philippine Standard Time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime.

Dress/What to Bring
Wear natural-fiber, lightweight clothing. You'll feel more comfortable. Bring shorts, hat, sunglasses, bathing suits, insect repellent, flashlight, sun block cream, tough shoes for walking, rubber slippers for the beach.

The Barong Tagalog is the acceptable formal wear for men. Shorts or sleeveless shirts should never be worn when visiting churches, mosques or temples.

Electrical
Most areas in Cebu are supplied with 220 volts, 60 cycles. A plug with 2 flat parallel prongs is the norm.

Money
The Philippine currency is peso, divided into 100 centavos. Next to the peso, the US dollar enjoys wide acceptance. Most foreign currencies can easily be changed at banks, hotels, and authorized dealers. Foreign currency is not readily taken by establishments in Cebu. Major foreign credit cards may be accepted only at mjor hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants. Visitors are advised to bring sufficient amount of change is small bills or coins.

Business Hours
Banks - 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday; Government agencies and offices - 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday; Private firms - 9am to 7pm Monday to Saturday. Most department stores stay open on Sundays and holidays.

Tipping
Bellhops expect a tip, as do waiters, taxi drivers, haidressers, beauticians, and porters. Most hotels and restaurants add 10% service charge on top of the government tax. Tipping 5-15% of the bill appropriate if no service charge is included.

Public Transport
Getting around Cebu, one may take a colorful jeepney or a bus at a minimal fare. Tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) are popular in outlaying areas and in the suburbs, quiet notably within Mactan Island. Taxicabs are widely available.

2007-12-19T18:38:00.001-08:00

Cebu's Mountain Resorts

Here are the list of some of the mountain resorts you could visit during your travel here in the paradise Island of Cebu.

Royal Vista Resort / Imelda Aroma Mountain Paradise
121 Centro Ilaya
Maca-as, Catmon
Cebu, Philippines 6006
Tel No: (032) 430-9346 or 430-9441
For inquiries, email: info@royalvistaresort.com

Mountain View Nature's Park
Sitio Gorohe, Busay, Cebu City
Tel. no. (032) 419-2300 / 419-2083 / 0921 834 7743

Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort
Brgy. Libo, Ilaya, San Fernando, Cebu
(032) 415-9664 / 253-4452 / 414-5212 / 261-6434 / 0906 874 5035

Island in the Sky
Gaas, Balamban, Cebu
Contact No: 09192318848

Roosevelt Mountain Resort (Private)
Babag, Busay, Cebu City
0917 622 1275 / (032) 346-6503
Email: paseojen@yahoo.com

2007-12-19T18:27:00.000-08:00

WIFI Hotspots in Cebu

On your holiday visit here Cebu, here are the wifi-hotspots that you can access internet for free.

waterfront lahug
Paseo mabolo
Chikaan lahug
loft itpark
mactan airport
regal business park hotel archbishop reyes avenue
cebu holiday spa banilad
calabria coffee shop cocomall
outpost nivel hills
bigby's ayala up to TJ, Big Mao & Kublai Khan
liberty baptist church
DaVinci's and Starbucks sa Paseo Center, Arcenas estate
wineshop gorordo
offroads (password offroads)
davinci's jones (password meatlovers)
gloria geans coffee boulivard
creams n bake A.S. fortuna
mandaue colesium WEP...
country mall
Chong Hua
honda
ngenius itpark ask username/pwd
GT IT asiatow ask uname/pwd
The Foundry, Norkis cmpd As Fortuna
Mango Square Mall

2007-12-19T18:15:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Cebu

In Cebu, Christmas is a half-year celebration. It starts from September, becomes lively with fancy parties from December, and lasts until February. People try to "enjoy life, rather than to grieve," so practically, there is no Advent abstinence. Towns are filled with Christmas tunes and smiles.

Food is a must for these joyful gatherings (and actually, also for official negotiations, academic conferences, and funeral parades). As one of the biggest celebrations of the year, along with Sinulog and Easter, the Noche Buena (Christmas mid-night) dinner must be special.

On Christmas Eve, 2002, I was invited to a friend's house in Cebu City. My friend flew back from Hong Kong, her sister from Manila, and her father from Leyte -just for Christmas. It was a heart-warming family season.

We started snacking in the evening, leaving some energy (to eat) for the midnight. The most eye-catching food was the pre-ordered lechon-baboy, or "roasted whole-pig." This festive food is proudly displayed on many party tables. Lechon is a nationwide feast, throughout the year.

I was told by many Cebuanos that "Tagalogs don't know how to cook lechon. Lechon Cebuano is the best". . Cebuanos put herbs and salt in the emptied stomach of the raw meat (at that point it can still be called the carcass of the pig, with the entire head, legs and fresh-pink skin). As a result, the pork becomes flavorful after several hours of roasting. "But lechon Tagalog is simply grilled. The meat itself has no taste, so they have to prepare a gravy," say the Cebuanos. They say this even though not all of them actually have been to Manila and eaten lechon Tagalog. Maybe this is a part of "local identity building" in opposition to Manila-centered "Filipino culture".

In addition to lechon, there are three seasonal foods for Christmas: fruitcake, queso de bola (ball -shaped cheese), and jamon (ham). The loaf- or round-shaped fruitcake is a dark, heavy English-style cake made with dried fruits, nuts and rum syrup, but it is said to be "American." Some families say that, "it's our family tradition to bake them at home·we bake many loaves and give them to relatives and friends," indicating that their house is equipped with a costly gas/electric baking oven.

Queso de bola is a sharp-flavored orange-yellow cheese with red skin and shaped in a ball. I do not know when this Spanish-named, English-origin, Holland-made cheddar cheese came to the Philippines. It may have been at the end of the Spanish period or during the American period, when various imported foods first became available in Cebu.

2007-12-19T01:32:00.001-08:00

Virtually Visit Cebu Island

You can now virtually visit and tour Cebu Island, Philippines using Wikimapia using Google Maps technology. Here you could see marked sites and buildings. Click here to explore Cebu!

2006-09-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Lapu-lapu City

Brief History

Mactan Island is the site of the famous "Battle of Mactan" where Datu Lapulapu successfully repelled the Spanish invaders headed by Ferdinand Magellan. In this battle, Magellan met his untimely death on April 27, 1521.

In this year 1690, the town of Opon was created. It was the first town in the island of Mactan and one of the greatest towns in the Province of Cebu.

On June 17, 1961 the status of Opon was changed from a municipality to a chartered city under Republic Act No. 3134 signed in law by President Carlos P. Garcia. The new city was named Lapu-lapu as a tribute to the man whose valor, exemplary leadership and lofty ideals of nationalism made him the nation’s first hero.

Lapulapu City’s land area is 6,423 hectares with a population of about 160,000/25 persons per hectare.

Geography

Distance from Manila : 365 miles ( 1 hour travel )
Distance from Cebu Island : 350 meters at the narrowest portion of the Mactan Channel accessible through the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.

Topography

The area is generally flat with slopes of 0-3%. There are rivers or creeks in the island.

Climate

Average Annual Rainfall 1,638 mm
Temperature Range 65-95 ° F

Dry Season February – May
Rainy Season June – January

Trade, Industry and Tourism

Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) Exports

MEZ exports increased by 21.0 percent to compromise 63.35 percent of the total exports and exceed its projected share to regional exports by 1.35 percentage points. Value of exports of non-MEZ enterprises registered to US$ 3.59 million. Manufacturing activity at the MEZ increased as manifested in the significant rise in employment at 10.0 percent. As of the first quarter of 1998, the processing has 130 locators/foreign companies doing business in the zone employing 36,000 people with a monthly payroll of P150 million.

Tourist Spots

Guitar Factories
Lapu-lapu City Parish Church ( Birhen sa Regla )
Lapulapu Monument Muelle Osmena
Magellan Monument
White Sand Beaches
World-class Beach Resorts

Transportation and transport Facilities

This is the country’s second international airport and the most important transport facility in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Domestic Destinations : serviced by Philippine Airlines, Grand Air, Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific, and Mindanao Express.

International Destination : serviced by PAL and other airlines, Direct flights to the following points are available.

Bangkok, Thailand
Brunei
Hongkong
Malaysia
Narita, Japan
Singapore
Sydney, Australia
Taipei, Taiwan

In-City and Cebu transport

Land : Jeepneys, tricycles, taxicabs, buses, cars for hire
Sea : Metro ferry, pumpboats, barges ( across Mactan Channel )

Wharves

Public : Muelle Osmena
Private : Seven( Owned by various establishments )

Communications

Philippine Long Distance Company and ISLACOM with national and international direct dialing facilities.

Hospitals

Two public hospitals with 85 bed capacity and one private hospital and various other private clinics.

Peace and Order

Lapulapu City is generally peaceful with a relative low crime rate. Protection services are provided by the City’s Police Force, Fire Department and Barangay Tanods.

Beaches

Marigondon turns into a Mecca for beach-goers on weekend. In this interesting 24-hour beach resort-cum-restaurant called Parker's. Popular among foreigners, the place also attracts locals because of its fresh seafood fare.

Lunch is never a dull moment in Marigondon. Vendors selling all sorts of native foods like kinhason, takobo, and tihi-tihi continuously "patrol" the area, making sure you know what you're missing if you don't buy anything.

Nighttime at Parker's is when you see barong-clad professionals unwind after a long day at the office. You see them arrive by the carloads from far-off workplace starting at nine. Indeed, there's nothing more soothing than a beer or two after a day's work while watching the waves roll only two meters away from you.

Beside Parker's is a string of nipa huts reportedly owned by the Tiongco and Gochan families although nobody really knows which family. The place is unnamed, yet, you can rent a "cottage" consisting of either a small wooden table with nipa roofing or a bamboo structure with a tiny cubicle for a dressing room. Nearby, sari-sari stores make sure everything you need is within reach. Stray dogs probably account for half of the entire population here.

The lack of control over passers-by, however, poses a security drawback. As here is absolutely nothing in sight resembling an entrance gate, the sea breeze may not be the only one free to come in and go out.

Farther down the line is a place called Palmyra, a sprawling jungle of wooden structures disguised as a beach resort with no access for vehicles. It has beachfront cottages, a mess hall sing-along bar, restaurant and private rooms all squeezed together in a little more than a hundred square meters of coral based elevated land area. Using every inch of available space, it has even small cottages in the only little strip of white sand below. Palmyra is definitely a must-see for potential scrap buyers.

Vano beach resort sits like a royalty surrounded by commoners. Vano has been a popular weekend venue for big company-sponsored beach parties since the late Sixties. Renovated recently, it has done away with those ugly bamboo cottages of old and in its place are parasols all lined up along a white-sand beach.

Vano is a pretty convenient place for family relaxation. It has ample parking space, a concrete fence and uniformed security guards. Coconut and Talisay trees abound in the entire property, providing a fresh relief in an otherwise barren landscape.

Like the other resorts in the area though, tap water at Vano has to be bought by container. Also, only the bungalow-type structure designed for company functions are equipped with private comfort rooms.

True to its name, Rock Island Beach Resort in Marigondon, Lapu-lapu City, has nothing really soft to offer. Sure it has a white-sand beach, but the sharp coral-based terrain leading there is certainly not pedicure-friendly. Treacherous sea urchins lurking beneath its tempting blue waters may also increase your chances of dveloping hydrophobia.

Rock Island has been a favorite weekend destination for people of working-class origin. What it lacks in amenities, it certainly compensates in afordable prices. Its popularity is hinged more on principles of simple economics rather than on its own merits as a place where one can relax, swim and have fun.

Recreation, after all, is a basic right not exclusively reserved for the haves. The have spots are wvey much entitled to go to the beach in this sweltering season just like every bonafide member of a classy club. Besides, getting paid for beach-hopping isn't exactly such a bad arrangement.

Visit Site

2006-07-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

Dive Locations : Cebu

1. CAPITANCILLO ISLAND - 4 star

Location: 100 km north of Mactan Island, 10 km southeast of Bogo.
Access: 2 ½ hr by banca from Mactan, 1 hr from Sogod or by road to Bogo on Cebu's east coast and 30 min by banca.
Conditions: you would not normally make this journey in bad conditions, but even in good conditions fierce currents can be a real problem. Advanced divers pick...
Average depth: 80 ft
Maximum depth: 150 ft

There are three sites here with similar profiles:

A) The Ormoc Shoal, 5 km to the northeast of Capitancillo;
B) The Nunez Shoal, 3 km southwest of Calangaman Islet, which is to the northeast of Capitancillo Island; &
C) Capitancillo Island's own Southwest wall.

All have shallow reef-tops at 33 ft leading to drop-offs with colorful soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, caves and black corals. The main interest of the dives are the...

2. TALONG ISLAND - 4 star

Location: 55km north-northeast of Mactan Island, just north of the northwest point of Pacijan Island, the westernmost of the Camotes Island.
Access 2 hr by banca from Mactan Island or 1hr by banca from Sogod.
Conditions: Normally choppy with medium currents, but it can become really rough with fierce
currents. You would not normally make ...
Average depth: Open
Maximum depth: 130 ft plus

Talong in the dialect is eggplant. The north and northwest sides of the island have long slopes out and down with fields of stony corals, particularly large table and boulder corals. Deeper down there are gorgonian sea fans, whip corals, black corals and Dendronephthya soft tree corals. There are all expected reef fish, including Bumphead Parrotfish and small shoals of jacks, snappers, batfish and fusiliers...

3. MACTAN ISLAND - TAMBULI - 3 star

Location: Off Tambuli Beach Resort.
Access: 15 min by banca from whatever local resort you are using.
Conditions: usually calm with some current, though it can get rough with strong currents. A dive mainly for novices. You would not normally dive here in bad conditions. Visibility can reach 65 ft. Average depth: 65 ft
Maximum depth: 115 ft

You descent to an easy dive, sloping to a shelf at 70 ft. - where the reef fish are used to being hand fed then the slope continues off into the depths. All the smaller reef fish will approach ...

4. OLANGO ISLAND - MABINI POINT - 4 star

Location: Situated at the northern tip.
Access: 20 minutes by banca from Mactan Island.
Conditions: Strong surges and fierce unpredictable currents; a site for advanced divers only. Visitibility can reach 100ft.
Average depth: 115 ft
Maximum depth: 130 ft plus

This is a dive where one hopes to see larger pelagic species. There is little to see in shallower water, so get down quickly to 115ft on the drop-off, settle down in some shelter and look out- anything can pass by. Sharks are common, but Hammerhead Sharks are the highlight and Whaler Sharks...

5. OLANGO ISLAND - MABINI POINT TO BARING - 4 star

Location: Between the northern tip of Olango and the village of Baring.
Access: 20 min by banca from Mactan Island.
Conditions: Strong surge and fierce unpredictable currents, not for novice divers. Visibility can reach 100 ft.
Average depth: 115 ft
Maximum depth: 130 ft plus

There are several spectacular drop-offs and there are large caves about 100 ft to 115 ft down. There is little to see in the shallow water, so get down quickly to 100 ft and either have a fast drift at this depth or settle down in some shelter and watch the world go by.

Whitetip Reef and Grey Reef Sharks patrol the drop-offs and sightings of tuna, barracuda, snappers, surgeonfish and jacks.

6. OLANGO ISLAND - SANTA ROSA - 4 star
7. POO - 4 star

Location: 400 m offshore from the villages of Santa Rosa and Poo.
Access: 20 min by banca from Mactan Island.
Conditions: Normally strong currents. Novices should be with a divemaster. Visibility can reach 100 ft over the drop-off.
Average depth: 100 ft
Maximum depth: 130 ft

It is possible to snorkel on the reef flat at 30 ft to 40 ft but it is muddy well offshore and has strong currents, so you require banca cover.

For divers the drop-off starts around 30 ft to 130 ft. It is rich in marine life, stony and soft corals,gorgonian sea fans, barrel sponges, Dendrophyllia hard tree corals and Tubastrea cup corals. There is a good varierty of reef fish in the shallower waters, soldierfish and squirrelfish...

8. AMBOUCUAN POINT - 3 star 9. MARIGONDON -3 star

Location: 100m offshore in the Hilutungan Channel from Amboucuan Point to Marigondon.
Access: 15 min by banca from most of the resorts in Mactan island.
Conditions: Normally choppy with strong currents, but can become very rough with fierce currents. Only very experienced divers would dive here in bad condtions; less experienced divers should be with a divemaster and plan carefully for slack water. Visibility can reach 80 ft.
Average depth: 100 ft
Maximum depth: 180 ft

The area is used regularly for carefully planned night diving and is famous for Marigondon Cave, which has a large entrance some 40 ft in diameter with its top at 92 ft amd its bottom at 130 ft. The entrance has black corals, sponges, Tubastrea cup corals, squirrelfish, soldierfish and lionfish. The cave goes back some 150 ft and is roughly 80 ft wide at...

10. EAST SIDE OF PAGANAN ISLET
11. EAST SIDE OF CAOHAGAN ISLET
12. 13 EAST SIDE OF NALUSUAN ISLET - 3 star

Location: The east side of the extensive reef that extends south from Olango Islant to Nalusuan Islet.
Access: 30 min by banca from Mactan Island.
Conditions: Usually choppy with strong and localized currents. You would not dive here in rough conditions. It is best to keep to the east side of the reef in Olango Channel, as conditions can get really tricky on its west side, in the Hilutungan Channel. Both channels have rip currents. Novice divers are mostly a long way from shore, so you need good banca cover, fully alert to divers surfacing well away from the boat. Visibility can reach 100 ft.
Average depth: 60 ft
Maximum depth: 130 ft plus

The area offers good drift-diving over the drop-offs. Excellent stony corals can be seen down to 65 ft beyond which there are overhangs, crevices and the occasional cave with colorful soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, sponges, soldierfish, squirrelfish, lionfish, snappers, jacks, surgeonfish, parrotfish and small groupers. A good local guide is...

13. KANSANTIK - 4 star

Location: In the center of the Olango Channel, east of Nalusuan Islet.
Access: 50 min by banca, depending on how long it takes to locate this underwater Island and allow for its currents. GPS(Global Positioning System) is useful here.
Conditions: Open water, fierce currents and a fierce surge if you get the tide tables wrong. This dive is only for the most experienced divers, in small groups, and not for those with heavy cameras. A good banca operator is essential to find the site and drop a shotline and anchor onto it. Once in a position, the best guides, use a heavily weighted shotline, and some divers use individual lines to tie themselves to the weight on the shotline's bottom. Visibility can reach 130 ft.
Average depth: 100 ft
Maximum depth: 165 ft plus

An underwater mountain rises from the depths to within 100 ft of the surface. Descent the shotline and remember when you leave it that, even if you are presently in slack water, the current will soon pick up again. There are good stony corals, soft corals, whip corals, huge sponges and gorgonian sea fans, and schools of fish...

Read More

2006-07-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

Cebu

Cebu is the Queen City of the South and the country's oldest city dating back to Magellan's arrival in 1521. Growth was slow until the mid-19th century, when increasing trade caused rapid development. Today Metropolitan Cebu extends over 350 square kilometers, with five cities and municipalities and a population of more than 1 million.

Cebu (Sugbo) is the name given to the city, the metropolis, the island, the province. Cebu Province is made up of 48 municipalities and 5 cities - Cebu, Danao, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue and Toledo - with Cebu City as its capital. Cebu Island is a sliver of an island centrally located in the Visayas region of the Philippine archipelago, 365 miles south of Manila. Metropolitan Cebu is a complex of 3 cities and 6 municipalities with a population of over 1 million. Cebu City is the oldest Philippine city, and is also called the "Queen City of the South". As the first Spanish settlement, it was called Ciudad del Santissimo Nombre de Jesus.

The entire province has a total land area of 508,844 hectares, and its temperature averages 27 ° C all year round. The languages/dialects spoken are Cebuano Tagalog and English.

Cebu is also the diving center of the Philippines with magnificent coral formations, spectacular marine life and drop-offs plunging to blue nothingness. Fine weather all year round makes Cebu a favorite for water sports. Swim, snorkel & dive; windsurf, sail or ski; ride the waves, stroll along the beach, get a glorious tan. Revel in Cebu's sun, sand, sea & sky!

Language: The locals speak Cebuano - a dialect common in Visayas and Mindanao region. Pilipino (also known as Tagalog) is the national language, however English is widely used.

Carcar town, just south of Cebu City, has many preserved Castillian houses, gardens, and churches.

The Chapel of the Last Supper in Mandaue City, just off north of Cebu City, features hand-carved life-size statues of Christ and his apostles dating back to Spanish times.

The Magellan Monument in Mactan Island was raised in 1886 to mark the spot where Magellan died, who was killed in the fierce battle of Mactan. Datu Lapu-lapu, the chieftain in Mactan, who refused to submit to the Spanish Conquistadoris. There is also a Monument of Datu Lapu-lapu...

Read More

2006-07-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

A Glimpse of Cebu

A city in the midst of overwhelming growth, Cebu blends its ancestral heritage and modern business savvy with flair. Crowned the Queen City of the South,Cebu stands as the country's top business and tourist destination. It is here where business and leisure breathe together with office buildings and beach resorts finding its own place under Cebu's friendly skies.

The country's oldest city. Cebu is necessarily the place where relics of the past are a-plenty. Colon Street, for instance,has the distinction of being the oldest street in the Philippines. Paved late in the 16th century by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. Colon now houses malls, office buildings, theaters as well museums and monuments. Other place of historical importance include Fort San Pedro, the oldest fortress in the country, Liloan Lighthouse, and the Bantayan sa Hari.

A busting trade port since pre-Hispanic times, and was named the country's capital by the Spaniards in 1565. Since then, Cebu has maintained its stature as the center of trade and commerce in Southern Philippines.

However, Cebu is more than just a city of increasing sophistication. With its colorful past, the city still retains much of its provincial warmth and charm, apart from its numerous man-made landmarks and institutions, Cebu also features miles of forest greens-a haven to wildlife and the place for a perfect picnic. There's the 15,393-hectare Central Cebu National Park, the 696-hectare Sudlon National Park, the Cawasan Falls and the Bolok-Bolok Mineral Springs. Nearby Mactan Island boasts of world-class beach resorts.

Cebu is a famed beach and dive destination. Its waters offer some of the world's most fascinating marine life. Its beaches are rimmed by white sands and offer a host of resorts with various sports and dive facilities. Cebu is also is dotted with Spanish colonial churches, forts, monuments, historical markers and ancestral homes. Its colonial past is the best seen in Cebu City, The provincial capital and the Philippines oldest city.

While history is maintained, progress takes its steady course in Cebu. This is the hub of sea and air transport, trade, industry and tourism in the southern Philippines. It is served by an international airport. Accommodations here are plentiful...

GEOGRAPHY AND TOPOGRAPHY

The province of Cebu is situated in the heart of the Philippines archipelago, in the center of the Visayan Islands. Five hundred and sixty two kilometers south of Manila, the province has a total land area of 5,088.44 square kilometers. It is made up of 167 island including Cebu Island ...

GETTING THERE

Cebu, situated on the air and sea transport crossroads of the country, is accessible by plane and boat. Philippines Airlines (PAL) has seven daily flights from Manila and daily flights from 22 domestic destinations. Mactan International Airport is also served thrice weekly by PAL flights from Tokyo and twice weekly by...

HISTORY

In Pre-Hispanic times, Cebu was known as"Sugbu" or "Zubu". It was already a port town visited by traders from China, Thailand, the East Indies and the Arabian kingdoms. When the explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu on...

ART AND CULTURE

With an early exposure to the outside world predating the Spanish colonial period, Cebu has developed rich cultural foundations, creatively assimilating foreign influences with local folk sensibilities. This can be in centuries-old churches like the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino, a subtle blend of Muslim, neo-classical and Romanesque architecture; or in ancestral houses like the...

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

A bustling trade port since pre-Hispanic times, Cebu has maintained its place as the center of trade and commerce in southern Philippines. Farm lands make up 32% of the provincial land area which produce corn, coconut, sugar. rice and mango...

SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS

Steeped in history and blessed with a variety of natural scenery, Cebu offers many options for the traveler. One can trace the steps of the conquistadors in the numerous historical landmarks or admire the province's mountains, forests and seas. Cebu is famous for its beautiful islands and beaches, and offshore corals...

NATURAL SCENERY

The Top on Busay Hills affords panoramic views of Metro Cebu, Mactan and Olango. Ideal for picnics.

Kawasan Falls in Moalboal, the site of cascades and lush greenery, is another...

HISTORICAL MONUMENTS & LANDMARKS

Magellan's Cross on the corner of Magallanes and Burgos streets is Cebu's most famous landmark. In 1521, Magellan planted a wooden cross on this very spot where the first Filipinos, Rajah Humabon, Queen Juana and 400 of...

NATIONAL MUSEUM

Fort San Pedro is the oldest and smallest fortress in the country. Built as a triangular bastion in 1565, it took 200 years to finish. In the 1700s it served as a lookout against Muslim pirates. During the Philippines Revolution it was a prison for local rebels. When the Americans...

CHURCHES & TEMPLES

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino is where the miraculous Santo Nino image is enshrined. The Santo Nino de Cebu is the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. Given By Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521, the statue survived fires set by the Spaniards themselves in 1565. Since then Cebuanos have venerated the image. The Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino is the country's...

ISLANDS AND BEACHES

Mactan Island, linked to Cebu City by bridge, offers a wide array of beach resorts, from world-class to budget, most of which have full scuba services and water sports facilities. Buyong and Marigondon are famed dive spots with drop-offs that make for great night dives. Danajon Bank Features a double barrier reef-one of the few in the world. Most of the reefs are exposed during...

SHOPPING

Cebu's thriving arts and crafts industries make it a veritable paradise for souvenir hunters and avid shoppers. There is s wealth of finely crafted items in traditional and contemporary designs which have found their way into stores worldwide. Fashion accessories and...

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

The Visayans are a fiesta-loving people and the Cebuanos have some of the most colorful celebrations in the islands from solemn religious rituals to rowdy parades.

Sinulog is celebrated every third Sunday of ...

EVENING ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment and nightlife in Cebu are a must. There are a string of bars, cafes, discos and nightclubs downtown, from Colon Street to Osmena Boulevard and...

Read more...

2006-07-06T04:23:00.000-07:00

GO ON FOOT

MANILA, October 21, 2004 (STAR) RENDEZVOUS By Christine S. Dayrit - My wanderlust has taken me around the Philippines. Recently, however, I came to the conclusion that I have not fully combed the many nooks and crannies of the archipelago. Thanks to On-Foot, the flagship TV show that can be seen on the Living Asia Channel (carried by Home, Dream, and Destiny Cable) twice a week and formed by Tim Tayag and Katrina Holigores, I was able to savor even further the beauty that abounds in our country. Mind you, our discovery of these sights and sounds was done, yes, on foot.

For their two episodes on Cebu and Palawan, Tim and Katrina invited me to join them on their domestic sojourn. "This is a different kind of traveling," Katrina enthused before we embarked on an Asian Spirit flight that would bring us first to the Queen City of the South. In Cebu, we were hosted by the beautiful Islands Shangri-la Mactan where we enjoyed the private white sand beach, the water sports, the friendly (and hungry) fish near the shore and of course, the sumptuous seafood that was served in great big heaps at Cowrie Cove.

From the resort, we fled on foot to discover more about what makes the city of Cebu tick and click. And our discovery is as fantastic as it is fascinating. Why not when On-Foot is a unique travel show with a comic twist. Devoid of tour guides, maps and travel books, self-proclaimed traveltologist, Tim Tayag, the host of the show, decides to get to know where he is, by asking the people around him. The show has nothing but a rough script and relies heavily on the kindness (although not so accurate information) of strangers. As always, the dexterous hands and imaginative mind of Katrina captured every moment of Tim on film.

The show’s purpose is to highlight world-class facilities in our country, promoting tourism from both local and foreign visitors, by uncovering both the well known and the little known "treasures" of every destination. When one travels "on-foot" and does away with the big tour groups or limits oneself to what one can read in a publication, one sees ...

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2006-06-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

Splash out in Cebu

In the southern Philippines island of Cebu, get your head underwater to really enjoy things. A Cebu guide to hotels, resorts, dining and nightlife.

Written and photographed by Vijay Verghese

FLYING INTO CEBU, depending on which side of the aircraft you're seated, two things become quickly evident as you swoop over the brilliant azure seas. Firstly, there's a beautiful mountain spine running the north-south length of this long, relatively narrow island. Secondly, as far as the eye can see, there are no beaches. What? As the plane descends, you'll spot the traffic-choked smudge of Cebu City, then ...

See Cebu Slide Show

Relax. Things will be just fine. As with most things in the Philippines, don't let first impressions fool you. Get to know the place and you'll discover why ..., and devoid of the lines and chaos of Manila.

Cebu City Hall

Transport, as elsewhere in the Philippines is a carnival. Brightly painted jeepneys, tricycles...

Cebuanos (as the residents are termed) are a terrific lot. Laid back, friendly, accommodating, chatty and hospitable, they will charm and entertain you relentlessly. Everyone has time. Lots of it.

Magellan's Cross

Mactan is where most of the gleaming four and five-star resorts are to be found, some of them with manicured artificial white-sand beaches that wouldn't look out of place in Hawaii. ...

The welcoming Shangri-La Mactan

Mactan Island Resorts

The pick of the resorts on Mactan is Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort & Spa. Set discretely in generous grassy acres with coconut trees, flowering plants and jogging trails, this is the getaway that put Cebu on the map when it opened in 1993. It's easy to see why. The spacious 547-room resort has two pools, ...

At the far southeastern corner of Mactan, is the much talked about Plantation Bay Resort and Spa. What sets this place apart from most is the fact that it's entirely "artificial". So what does that mean? Well, the lagoon,...

North of Cebu and Sogod

Alegre villa

A one-and-a-half-hour drive north from Cebu City, along the east coast, is the pleasant farming and fishing area of Sogod...

South of Cebu and San Fernando

An hour's drive south from Cebu City in the San Fernando area, the newish Japanese-run Pulchra is a sight ...

Cebu West Coast, Panagsama and Badian

If a tan - and sand - are all you want, drive across to the island's west coast to Moalboal's quiet White Sand Beach. Yes, it is white and natural, ...

Badian Island resort room interior

Cebu City Hotels, Shopping and Nightlife

Driving into Cebu City, as opposed to actually staying there on business, can be a shock to the system. It takes a while to acclimatise. But once in, there's much to do and enjoy. The old and more colourful parts of downtown Cebu around atmospheric...

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2006-06-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

Six Days in Cebu

by Kunio Imamura

This is a story of my travel from Japan to Cebu to stay in a family-run resort villa. I went there last year with my coworker and this year I convinced an additional coworker to accompany me on my return trip.

“Why Cebu again ?” The decision was made because I would like to experience again, the tropical scenery, food, etc. surrounded by friendly hosts. Once is not enough to know well the attractions of Cebu.

Thursday, June 01. 2000
Alighting the airplane packed with Japanese tourists, we were met by our hostess, Anita, who came with her two daughters, a son-in-law, and her driver, to the Mactan ...

The second day began early, at 5:30 because I slept well and the crowing rooster in the neighborhood was too loud to ignore. The beautiful scenery from our room on the second floor made me realize that we had reached our tropical paradise, Cebu. Through scattered coconut trees, I watched the calm sea all the way out to Bohol Island.

That morning, we visited “the Tops” which is the highest spot...

On our fifth day, the Abuan family invited us to a BBQ lunch at the beach located within walking distance. We enjoyed the foods and even tried a coconut wine which was delicious in spite of an oily smell which stinks profusely. Along the back way to the villa, I struggled to climb up a coconut tree, but the laws of gravity kept me from doing so!

For our last supper in Cebu, Anita prepared a delicious soup, baked squid and a fresh ...

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2006-06-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hotel List - Cebu, Philippines

ALEGRE BEACH RESORT CEBU
The Alegre Beach Resort, Cebu is near the small town of Sogod, on the more isolated northeastern coast. The thatched roof cabanas against a hillside backdrop, are above a sandy beach. They are in keeping with the surroundings with oversized bathrooms, two spacious bedrooms and private verandas. The Alegre Beach Resort reception overlooks the swimming pools and the ocean. Drive time from Mactan Airport is approximately 90 minutes.

BADIAN ISLAND RESORT CEBU
The Badian Island Resort & Spa, Cebu is on the lagoon side of the small isolated Badian Island, off the southwest coast of Cebu. An 8-hectare beachfront resort surrounded by flowering gardens, white sandy beaches and blue waters. Rooms are large and beautifully designed using Philippine architecture. A superb location for those wishing to escape from hectic lifestyles or enjoy diving. Drive time from Mactan Airport is approximately 2 hours and then a 5-minute speed boat ride to Badian Island or 40 minutes by chartered helicopter.

CARDOVA REEF VILLAGE RESORT CEBU
Cordova is a coastal town in the southern part of Mactan Island. It is 7 kms. away from Lapu-Lapu City and 9 kms. away from Cebu City. The channels of Cordova is known as one of the best diving havens in the country. Cordova has a total land area of 780.38 has. bounded by Camotes Sea in the east and Bohol Strait in the south. The main livelihood of its people is fishing. Cordova Reef Village Resort nestles in the sunny coast of Cordova. A perfect mix of sophistication and serenity, its four-hectare domain offers the ambiance of luxury, privilege and distinction. Unique in its architecture and design, all cottages or cabanas are alternately positioned infront of the pool terrace and the beach. The restaurant and bar compliments the beautiful wonders of nature, offering a breathtaking view of the calm open seas below and the majestic skies above. Drive time from Mactan Airport is approximately 20 minutes, Cebu City is approximately 40 minutes.

CEBU BEACH CLUB HOTEL AND RESORT
The Cebu Beach Club Resort is a beach property on Mactan Island, a road bridge connects it to Cebu. Each room is nicely furnished with a private balcony, facing the lagoon-shaped pool. Enjoy the beautiful setting and the 2 lagoon-shaped swimming pools of the Cebu Beach Club Resort. Try some of the local seafood at the resturant. Cebu City is approximately 35 minutes drive away and from Mactan Airport is approximately 15 minutes.

CEBU CITY MARRIOT HOTEL
The Marriott Hotel is located in the green expanses of Cebu Business Park, the Cebu City Marriott is the first truly international hotel to establish itself in one of the Philippines most important centers of regional trade. With the most modern convention facilities in the city and state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, Cebu City Marriott is Cebus premier location for business meetings.

CEBU MIDTOWN HOTEL
The Cebu Midtown Hotel is centrally located at Fuente Osmena, Cebu's historical landmark and the fastest growing commercial district in Southern Philippines. The 10-storey Cebu Midtown modern structure is set atop a three-level department store and supermarket. The hotel is just 30 to 40 minutes ride to the Mactan Cebu International Airport and Mactan's fine beaches. It is also close to uptown shopping, entertainment and business establishments.

COTABELLA TROPICAL BEACH RESORT CEBU
Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel is a beachfront paradise along the tranquil eastern shores of fabled Mactan Island - known for its beautiful white sand beaches, blue seas, sunny skies and hospitable people. It is ideally suited for families seeking a fun-filled holiday in friendly and casual surroundings. The feeling here isrelaxed and cozy, with that special "personal touch" which makes it particularly popular. 15 minutes by car from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and 35 minutes away from Cebu City for shopping, sight seeing, golf, dining and trying your luck at the casino.

PLANTATION BAY HOTEL AND RESORT
Discover a resort in a class of its own. Set in 7 hectares of secluded grounds, Plantation Bay offers one of the largest privately owned waterways in the world, with the clean elegance of colonial - plantation architecture. De-compress from life's pressures in the healing tranquility of another world. If you ever spent time at a plantation as a child, you know what we mean. If not, come and discover a refreshingly different Flavor of Life.Truly international. Opened in late 1996, Plantation Bay has already had over a hundred thousand visitors from every corner of the globe. Virtually all of them agree that this is one of the best resorts they've ever been to. International visitors feel right at home at Plantation Bay. English is spoken throughout the resort; we also have Japanese, German, Italian, French, and Spanish-speaking staff members. Drive time from Mactan Airport is approximately 20 minutes, Cebu City is approximately 35 minutes.

SHANGRI-LA MACTAN ISLAND RESORT CEBU
Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort, one of Philippines' largest and most exclusive deluxe resort gives its guests the ultimate tropical paradise vacation experience. Located in Cebu, this idyllic resort with its beautiful private beach offers an exciting range of recreation activities and superb cuisine. Every guestroom blends tropical decor with modern amenities and private balconies provide panoramic views of the Visayan Sea and outlying islands, making it a perfect getaway for fun and relaxation. Drive time from Mactan Airport is approximately 15 minutes, Cebu City is...

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2006-06-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

Ampao

The best ampao can be found in Carcar, located at the southeastern part of Cebu. Our own version of rice crispies, it is a white, sweet and crunchy treat sprinkled with peanuts. It is rectangular in shape and has a thick width that would require one to open up his mouth wider tha ........

Danggit

It is a salted dried fish that is best paired with hot rice and dipped in vinegar. Others prefer a mixture of vinegar and crushed chili peppers with a dash of salt. Others might want to add a little bit more of spices to enhance the flavor. Onions, garlics, ginger are some of the ........

Dried Mango

Fancy eating something sweet and healthy? You might as well try Cebu's dried mangoes. The best tasting dried mangoes in the country, if not the world. This ripe, sun dried mangoes is good for snacks and desserts. It has a chewy consistency that makes its taste linger in your mou ........

Otap

Otap is an oval biscuit made of flour, sugar, shortening and the ever reliable coconut. Sprinkled with sugar, a careless bite of this fragile biscuit would send fragments of it flying to the floor. But it is not as scary as it sounds; though one have to admit that eating otap is ........

Puso

Nobody knows where the word puso comes from. In the Tagalog language, puso means "heart." But this puso we're talking about is food. It is pronounced as pusô. It is rice wrapped in coconut leaves shaped like a diamond. At least that's what it looks like to me.

The making of p ........

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2006-06-26T16:31:00.000-07:00

Badian Island


Address	: South of Cebu
Town/City	: Badian

BADIAN ISLAND, south of Cebu - Located 97 kms. southwest of Cebu City, it is famous for beautiful corals, reefs,and white sandy beaches, making it an excellent diving spot. Accommodations is offered by the Badian Island Beach Resort,a “AAA” class resort.

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2006-06-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

Olango Birds and Seascape Tour

lango is no stranger to guests from faraway lands. Twice a year, tens of thousands of visitors flock to this small island to rest their flight-weary bodies. Venture out to this place in the winter or spring, and you'll be sure to meet up with these exotic creatures, basking in the gloriously bright sun or taking refuge in the balmy shade of mangrove stands: plovers and red shanks and egrets and sandpipers are just some of the winged visitors that can be seen here, stopping over on their flight from Siberia's harsh winter, or taking a breather before they continue their journey home.

(Photo by C. Delgra)

Olango, just four kilometers off the east coast of Mactan Island in Cebu, Philippines, is site of a 920-hectare protected wetland called the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Every year from February to April and then again from September to November, the OIWS serves as refuge to thousands of migratory birds traveling the East Asian Migratory Flyway, one of the most important shorebird and waterbird migratory flyways in the world. Here, they feed and roost, perfectly at home in their own peaceful and secluded world in the bosom of Nature.

The Olango Birds and Seascape Tour (OBST) offers a front-seat view of the wonderful world of birds and nature, and heartwarming encounters with the local community, who will treat you to a charming experience of a little of our Filipino cultural heritage.

Experience the soothing seascape of the southern Olango islets, sparkling in the waves like pearl-ringed emeralds on blue velvet. Get a feel and taste of the multi-faceted life in the coastal villages, bask in the local color and revel in the warmth and comforting friendliness of the people.

And yes, why not? Hie off to one of Olango's small white beaches, laze under the summery sun and simply& relax. After all, that's what the plovers and the red shanks and the egrets and the sandpipers come here for, season after season after season. (And you, too, will want to come back!)

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2006-06-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Cebu Travel Guide

Cebu

The island-province of Cebu sits in the centre of the Philippine archipelago and is served by international and domestic charter flights to and from its airport; Cebu is also a shipping crossroads. It is therefore a good jumping-off point for island hopping to the tropical islets of the central Visayas region. Within easy reach are the caves and lagoons of Calanggaman and Gato; the beaches of Argao, Oslop and Carmen; and the favourite dive spots of Moalboal, Badian, Mactan and Olango.

The Cebu metropolitan area is the country’s second biggest city, and, along with its adjacent Maktan Island, has become a bustling package tour destination, particularly for Japanese visitors. It abounds with shopping malls, fast food outlets, casinos, golf courses and all-inclusive resort hotels to cater for the holidaymakers who come to enjoy the sandy beaches and glorious balmy weather.

Cebu’s main claim to fame is its colourful festival, held every third Sunday in January, known as the Sinulog. The festival is a religious celebration wherein various tribes in dazzling costumes hold aloft images of the infant Jesus. The revellers wend their way through the city streets from early morning to evening, singing and dancing.

Cebu is also the country’s oldest Spanish colonial city and has several historic landmarks, including the original cross planted by Magellan in 1521 when he baptised the first group of Filipino natives into the Catholic faith. The cross is now housed in a roofed kiosk in Magallanes Street. Downtown Cebu is dominated by Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines, dating from the 16th century and today lined with stores, shopping malls, office buildings and movie theatres.

Attractions

Basilica Minore de Santo Nino

The oldest religious relic in the Philippines, an icon of the infant Jesus, is housed in the basilica, having miraculously survived fire and other catastrophes through the years since the image of Christ was first presented by Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521. The church itself was originally built in 1565, but was rebuilt in 1602 after a fire.

Beaches

Numerous islets and beaches are connected to, or easily accessed from, the Cebu metropolitan area as day trips. Mactan Island is linked to Cebu City by a bridge and is the site of hundreds of beach resorts, most of which offer full scuba services and watersports facilities. Olango Island offers pristine white sandy beaches, while Kansatik, southeast of Olango, features an underwater mountain festooned with coral, sponges and colourful fish. Olango is also a paradise for bird watchers. A short drive north of Cebu City is Sagod, offering caves, beautiful beaches and some excellent dive spots. Capitancillo Islet, a little further northeast of Sagod, sits at the centre of a coral reef that extends for about two miles (three km). Calanggaman Islet, in the same area, features black coral and caves. Gato Islet has lagoons, coral reefs and a sea-snake breeding ground. On the southwestern shore of Cebu Island is Moalboal, another world-renowned dive destination, and Badian Island nearby has more underwater attractions and a five-star beach resort. Sun seekers also relish Argao, about two hours drive from Cebu City, where the beaches of Kawit, Mahawak and Mahayahay are picture-perfect...

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2006-06-23T04:32:00.000-07:00

Guide to travelling in and around Cebu

Cebu

Cebuanos celebrate life like no other. They strum their guitars and sing the "balitaw" when they're happy. They strum the guitar and sing the "harana" when they're sad. And when they pray, they dance!

It therefore comes as no surprise that the guitar is a prime product in Cebu which, quite naturally, has also produced a large share of the country's best musicians and master showmen.

The Cebuano's flair for showmanship and love for celebrations is manifested in the Sinulog, a colorful festival of pageant proportion observed every third Sunday of January.

Cebu is an anchor tourist destination and one of the 7,000 times more islands that make up the Philippine archipelago.

The Isle of Your Tropical Dreams

Cebu is the traveler's fantasy of a tropical island come true - balmy weather, pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and luxurious resorts with all the frills of modern living.

The island-province of Cebu was where the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan planted the Cross of Christianity in the name of Spain in ...

Fiesta Extravaganza

The fiesta is when life in these islands is celebrated in full pageantry, complete with a brilliant display of sights and sounds, scents and tastes. Cebu shows us how.

The Sinulog is Cebu's biggest and showiest fiesta in ...

City Sights

Cebu takes pride in being the country's oldest colonial city. Many landmarks attest ...

City Lights

Evenings are hot in cool Cebu.

From downtown to uptown, Metropolitan Cebu comes even more alive as dusk sets in, with queues leading to music bars, discos and the ...

Island Adventure

For the island-hopper, Cebu is one exciting playground for daring expeditions.

Aqua sports top the list of what to do. For scuba diving, the best dives are found in ...

Island Flavors

Cosmopolitan Cebu is noted for its inexpensive gastronomy of many cuisines.

Island flavors are fairly simple with meats and seafoods cooked three ways - marinated in...

Shopping Spree

Shop till you drop or your money runs out in Cebu where there are fantastic bargains to be had.

The country's leading producer of export-quality handicraft products...

Planning Your Trip

Cebu is a regional transportation hub. The Mactan Cebu International Airport services both regular and chartered flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.

The fastest way to reach Cebu is ...

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2006-06-23T04:18:00.000-07:00

The dometic terminal in Manila is very small, much like a minor Australian town. It is certainly not of the size that I expected considering the size of Manila. There are not that many flights in and out each day. We board Philippine Airlines new Airbus A320 and find it absolutely full. We are on the way to Cebu City, about an hour’s flight away. A surprise awaits our arrival in Cebu City (actually Mactan Island, for this is where the airport is located). The airport here is much larger than that at Manila and is also in far better condition.

After leaving the airport we travel the 10 kilometres to our accommodation, the Tambuli Beach Resort. Despite the very expensive looking airport and the dozens of hotels and resorts on Mactan, the area between the airport and main resort area is very shabby and dirty, certainly not an attractive introduction to you holiday. As you would imagine from the name, the Tambuli Beach Resort is located right on the water with a nice beach that extends in each direction. The resort is very popular with Japanese tourists and was well equipped with large pool, sauna, water sports (hobbie cats, jet skiis etc) as well as their own in-house dive operation. The rooms are also comfortable and clean.
The food and drinks at the resort were not too bad considering the location ($7 for excellent club sandwich, $2.50 beer and $1.80 soft drink) although dearer than mainstream Philippines. After our mid-afternoon arrival, we decided to go into Cebu City for a bit of sight-seeing and then dinner.

It is a 45 minute drive to our distination, a huge shopping centre the size of which I have never seen in Australia. On the way we pass through the city centre and get caught in an almighty traffic jam. What a mess! Incredible pollution and noise are overwhelming. The shopping centre is amazing, with a huge shop dominating the centre. The number of staff is absolutely amazing, with more than 30 people staffing the jean’s section which would have had two people in a similar Australian store. They did not have anything to do and were just talking to each other. The real need was about two people. All the other sections were similarly overstaffed. The labour costs are obviously not high but the goods were much the same as back home. No bargins here. The centre also had its own indoor amusement park, a mini Luna Park.

After the here we caught a taxi to a seafood restaurant. This was, without a doubt, the most frightening car trip I have ever had. The driver did not seem to care about red lights...

2006-06-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Cebuprovince

Often called the "Queen City of the South" and the seat of Christianity in the Philippines, Cebu is the Country's oldest city.Exploring Cebu City, on encounters a rich historical past which the Cebuanos are extremely proud of. It is a legacy, which endured thru thecenturies from the time of the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan, first planted the cross on Cebu's shore.

Today, Cebu City has become the country's favorite tourist destination with its historical sights, white sand beaches, excellent scubadiving spots, exotic dining, exciting nightlife and warm hospitality. It is the center of trade, arts, education and business in the southernpart of the Philippines.

The bustling metropolis has evolved into one of the region's economic hubs, attracting both local and foreign investors to its inherent opportunities.

Home to export-oriented industries like furniture, decors, electronics, machineries, and food among others. Only an hour's flight fromManila, the capital, there are also direct flights from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. It is also a jump-off point forvisitors traveling to other islands in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Simply put, Cebu is a perfect tourist hideaway where one can experience the sights and sounds of a rich and colorful island paradise in the pacific.

2006-06-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

CEBU Travel Guide

Cebu is a city on Cebu Island in the Philippines. It is the Queen City of the South.

Get in

By plane

Cebu is an island. It is therefore quite obvious that the fastest way to get to Cebu if you are a foreign traveler is by air. Foreign visitors may fly direct to Cebu from Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia thru the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. This modern facility serves both international and local flights. Passport control and baggage handling is fairly fast and efficient. Facilities and amenities include a shopping center, duty-free shop, souvenir shops, cafés, business centers, food shops, communication facilities, banking facilities, car rentals, hotel and resort reservations, beauty...

2006-06-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

Cebu City Tourism Commission

When Portuguese explorer Magellan and his ragtag Spanish fleet chanced upon a string of islands after an epic voyage across the Pacific Ocean, what pushed them to sail on after a brief stop in Homonhon and Limasawa? The dream of finding the Spice Islands…and much needed supplies and provisions. The natives told them about an island trading center called Sugbu.

So on March 16, 1521, the adventurers found Cebu. It wasn’t surprising that the local chieftain, Rajah Humabon and his wife, Humamay, welcomed the first Westerners to set foot on the island with smiles. Foreigners were not strangers to them. In fact, ships laden with porcelain, silk, spices, iron and other barter goods from the Orient regularly docked in the channel between Cebu and its satellite island called Mactan.

Magellan and his crew charmed the Chieftain and his wife, planted the cross on shore and baptized the natives in the Christian faith. But the initial goodwill quickly deteriorated and resulted in the death of Magellan in the hands of Lapulapu, chieftain of Mactan. The survivors fled and sailed away.

After a 40 year interlude, the Spaniards came back to Cebu and colonized the entire Philippine archipelago. Almost 500 years later, Magellan’s cross still stands in downtown Cebu, symbol of Christianity, the strongest legacy of Spain. And still enshrined in the Sto. Niño church is the gift of Magellan to the native queen, the image of the Child Jesus, venerated with passion by Cebuanos to this day.

Cebu is now the most important trading hub and commercial center outside of the capital city, Manila. Strongly entrepreneurial, Cebu is a sophisticated metropolis with the charms of an island destination – not too far from world class resorts in nearby Mactan Island yet offering a vibrant lifestyle that only a modern urban center can give. There’s more to Cebu than sweet mangoes, fine guitars and gentle people. Shopping, dining and entertainment complement the other facets of Cebu: world class furniture and other exports, special economic zones, IT Parks, central business districts, universities, colleges, hospitals and other facilities that make Cebu one of the best cities in Asia.

Located in the heart of the archipelago and at the crossroads of air and sea travel, Cebu is linked not only to the Visayan islands but also to the rest of the country and international destinations. Modern international air and sea ports serve as gateways to this charming city of a thousand destinations and endless fascination!

2006-06-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome, to my new blog!
This blog will contain updates on the No. 1 Tourist Destination in the Philippines.
Watch out for new entries on this site.