Cebu, Philippines

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Cebu is the oldest city in the philippines. A unique blend of tropical paradise and business haven, Cebu has been called the "Queen City of the South", the "Seat of Christianty" and "the next economic miracle".

Three centuries before the coming of the Spaniards, Cebu was already a flourishing trading post known as SUGBU and figured prominently in a book called "Records of Various Barbarian Nations" written in 1225 by CHau Jukua, Superintendent of Foreign Trade at the customhouse in Chuan-chou, anceient CHina. In the summer of 1521, the Spaniards in search of the Spice Islands, led by the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, came and found a civilized Malay settlement in Zubu. The natives were used to traders arriving and engaging in business with them, not unlike the joint international ventures of todays' booming economy.

The local chieftain Rajah Humabon and his Queen, Juana, wined and dined the Spaniards and Pigafetta recorded in his books the use of CHinese and Thai porcelain service. the Spaniards celebrated mass and planted the wooden crucifix on the ground as a symbol of conquering the island for Spain. the natives, who did not understand the new tongue, were so awed by the grandiose cermony that a week after 800 natives were baptized to the faith and surrended their religious idols to the Spaniards for burning...

Today Cebu is a popular tourist and business destination in the Philippines. It is the country's second largest city after Manila and is a major gateway t the southern part of the country. Though the soil in Cebu is not suited for agriculture, the island enjoys the bounty of both the mountain and the seas. It also has an export processing zone to boost the island's economy. As a tourist destination, it offers historical sites, modern conveniences of a metropolis, local crafts and culture, and at the same time, stunning white-sand deluxe beach resorts.

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General Information:

Population/Language:

Cebu Province has a total population of around 3 million. Cebuano is the native tongue. English and Tagalog are commonly understood and spoken.

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 higher than 37C in the summer. The rainy season begins in July and lasts till October.

Money:

The Philippine currency is peso, divided into 100 >Moneycentavos. Next to the peso, the US dolloar enjoys wide acceptance. Most foreign currencies can easily be changed at banks, hotels, and authorized dealers. Foreign currency may be accepted only at major hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants. Visitors are advised to bring sufficient amount of change in small bills or coins.

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Historical, religious and cultural tourist attractions:

Magellan's Cross Magellan St. - Planted in April 14, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, to mark the colonization of the islands for the King of Spain. This spot was also where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana with about 400 followers, were baptized into the Catholic faith by the Spanish friars with Magellan. 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 ho9llow 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 isnside area of 2025 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 fort 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 education. During WOrld War II, from 1941 to 1945, it served as fortification for the Japanese army. After 1950, Cebu Garden Club took over and fixed the inner court into a minature garden. For a couple of years it also housed the Cebu 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 Mueseum.

Image of Sto. Nino Considerd 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, a priest, Fr. Andres de Urdaneta, found the natives hostile. Legazpi attacked the settlement and set the village on fire. It was in one burnt house that Juan Camus, a soldier, found the image of Sto. Nino 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 Nino.

Lapulapu Monument Punta Engano, Lapulapu City - Site where the battel between Mactan Chieftain Lapulapu and the foreign agressor 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.

Magellan Marker Punta Engano, 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.

Mandaue-Mactan Bridge Built in 1972 at a cost of P65 million, this 864 meter bridge connects the islands of Mactan and Cebu.

Tops Lookout Area 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 Olango.

Colon Street Downtown Area, Cebu City - the oldest street in the Philippines built by the Spaniards during the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, also known as Parian district.

Casa Gorordo Museum 35 Lopez Jeana St., Cebu City - located in Lopez Jaena Street, it is the home of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu.