Cebu City has been regarded as the 'Queen City of the South' of the Philippine. It is the next most significant metropolitan center and the regarded or recognized as the Philippines' oldest city. Cebu City is also regarded as Metro Cebu that includes Talisay, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue. Significance and importance of this city could be attributed to the historical and cultural heritage of the place.
The city of Cebu is an important center of culture in the Philippines. Since it is the oldest known city in the country, various historical spots of great essence could be seen around Cebu City. Plaza Independencia of Cebu or the former 'Plaza Libertad' is the city’s most historically important plaza. The place was once the location of the building for the old Gobierno Provincial and nowadays, it has become the most preferred picnic spots for locals and tourists. Want to know something about the philosophy and the teachings of the great Lao-Tse? Then visit the Taoist Temple situated at Beverly Hills, Cebu City and be one of those who climb its steps (99) to light joss sticks to check or have their fortunes read. Another Cebu City’s pride is the Fort San Pedro. This citadel is the oldest and smallest tri-bastion fortress in the country. It served as the center if the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines since the 1700's. Its three supports San Miguel, San Ignacio de Loyola and La Conception are still standing on their spots. One of the best, or a tourist and any visitors could never be considered staying at Cebu without checking the most famous historical landmark of the place: The Magellan's Cross. According to history, it was the cross planted by the shores of Ferdinand Magellan in the 1500's. Devout Cebuano Catholics and visitors never fail to drop by, pause for awhile and offer a prayer or two whenever they have a chance to pass by the place. This has been the usual occurrence in this monument for the past four hundred years.
Being the second most significant city of the Philippines only means that the city is very progressive and prosperous in terms of economic and commercial growth or development. Not only for business motives, Cebu is also flocked by tourists around the world because of the significant and historical spots in the city. Keeping up to the pace of tourism and economic expansion, the local government of Cebu City has made use of the power of the internet. The official website of Cebu City (http://www.cebucity.gov.ph/) gives potential tourists or clients an ‘appetizer’ regarding what to expect in Cebu City. Knowledge and information are very crucial factors to consider for tourists and investors. Through the power of the internet or the World Wide Web, the wonders of the Queen City of the South of the Philippines are just a few clicks away.
The City of Cebu has been regarded and known as the Queen City of the South in the Philippines. The city has been considered as the Second Capital of the Philippines (next to the Metropolitan Manila). Its promising and growing industry in making furniture, dubbed Cebu as the furniture capital of the Philippines. This type of industry is advantageous for medium and small entrepreneurs and they are the reasons why the local government supports and encourages this furniture-making venture.
Whenever the word 'Sinulog' comes into scenario-it is definitely a highlight in the City of Cebu or moreover, of the Cebu Island itself. The reason for this great feast is to honor one of the patrons of Cebu-the Señor Niño de Cebu or the Lord Holy Child of Cebu (the other patron, actually a patroness is the Our Lady of Guadalupe, but the Señor Niño had been more recognized). The feast is also a commemoration for the Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer when he arrived in the Philippines. The festivity is defined by procession and a 'Mardi Gras'-themed parade. Another related celebration is the 'Kadaugan sa Mactan' which is an annual reenactment of the historical encounter between the soldiers of Ferdinand Magellan and the territorial army of Datu Lapu Lapu. This commemoration is held every twenty-seventh of April at Punta Engaño. Since Catholicism had left a dent in the island itself, almost all festivities are religious in nature-indeed very Christian.
Cebu City would never be considered as the Queen City of the South if there is no established means of transportation for tourists and visitors to roam the wonderful city. Round the clock or the whole day and night, the Philippines' Kings of the Road-the Jeepneys are very available. These colorful modes of transportation can convey or carry visitors around all they have to do is just say the location. They can be seen, literally, on all sides of the main roads and streets. Bus is another mode of transportation in Cebu City. Of course, for those who could pay for a more comfortable ride, taxis are also available for transportation needs. As a tip, always ask or insist on a metered fare basis. Almost all taxi trips or ride around the city would just cost more or less a hundred Philippine Peso (around two dollars the least). Expect that taxi drivers may ask for deals other than the metered fare, especially for tourists, but if the price is ‘not right’ and more than what should be paid feel free to report them to local authorities.
As one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines, especially in the Visayas Region, Cebu City local government sees to it that all who are interested in going and staying would be well accommodated. There are a lot of travel agencies that cater tourists and visitors that are based in Cebu City. One of them is the Alenter Tours and Travel Corporation which is located at N. Escario St., in the city of Bohol. Adventure International Tours also provide quality services in terms of accommodation and itinerary. Located at C. Rosal St., also in Cebu City, Adams Express Travel also caters the same quality services regarding tourists' accommodation and program.
Cebu City is hailed as the second capital of the Philippines for nothing. The city's economic stability has been its reputation and asset why tourists visit this island for business and leisure. Cebu City is simply one of the best.
One of the most inviting places in the Philippines, Cebu offers good quality education through its numerous colleges and universities. These educational institutions are part of a dependable Cebu education system that aims to educate people in the best ways possible. They offer outstanding academic programs, competitive courses and state-of-the-art facilities for students to use and enjoy as they continue to learn.
This university is one of the pioneer members of the extensive Cebu education system. It has a couple of campuses in the City of Cebu, plus facilities in other convenient locations in the province. Its programs are simply amazing including the Community Organizing Participative Action Research for Community Extension Program, extensive scholarships and the Study Now Pay Later Plan. Its College of Nursing aims to teach students how to become individuals who are clinically skillful, intellectually competent and humanely caring.
The main campus of University of Cebu is situated along Sanciangko Street. Meanwhile, its campus in Banilad is located along Barangay Banilad Road. It strives to teach students how to become globally competitive individuals in the future. It offers courses like Mechanical Engineering, Customs Administration and Information Technology. Other available options include English Communication Skills, Hotel and Restaurant Management as well as Civil Engineering.
One of the highly prestigious educational facilities in the province, the main campus of University of San Jose-Recoletos is found at the corner of Magallanes and P. Lopez Streets. Established in 1947, the place has received numerous awards in the past for academic excellence. The Commission on Higher Education has granted it a number of awards including the 1996 Center for Excellence for Teacher Education and the 2006 Best Implementer of Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program. The programs under its College of Arts and Sciences include Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.
Known as the oldest schools in the Philippines, University of San Carlos was founded in 1595. It has an impressive Accountancy program. Likewise, it has been receiving positive feedbacks for its College of Commerce, College of Engineering and College of Law. It is also famous for the good quality of education that it provides in various fields of interest including Engineering, Business Administration and Physics. For other options, students can also enroll in Communications Engineering, Accountancy and Marine Plant Biology. This university consistently makes it to the prestigious list of the Top 10 Law Schools in the country.
Apart from being an island paradise, Cebu boasts of many other endearing qualities that make it a certified tourist hotspot. On top of the list is of course the diversity of Cebu restaurants.
Sutukil – Mactan island is one of the more popular choice for diners because it houses some of the most interesting Cebu restaurants. One of them is this humble food hub that boasts of authentic Cebuano dishes that are inclined on the province’s wealth of seafood. Eating here is an entertainment on its own. You pick your seafood, tell the staff how you want it cooked (SU for sugba or grilled; TU for tinula or soup; KIL for kinilaw or sashimi), and wait for your dish to be served in a few moments. But wait, those are not the only ways you can have your food at SUTUKIL. They also stew and sautee among others. [Mactan Shrine, Mactan, Cebu City]
Olio Bar and Restaurant – Seafood is the main happening in this cozy place. Then again, you must think about delectable seafood dishes and not the plain kind if you come around to Olio. Apart from seafood, this Cebu restaurant also offers meat dishes like beef tenderloin and oh, lamb! [Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City; (6332) 232 3589]
Fuente O’ Restaurante – If you love to dine on fusion meals, you better get your stomach ready. This wonderful hub located at the Rajah Park Hotel is out to impress. It serves delicious salads, soups, and meat dishes. [Rajah Park Hotel, Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City; (6332) 254 7277]
Golden Cowrie – This is one of the most popular Cebu restaurants among tourists. Why, it serves various Filipino dishes that are a sold out to locals and foreigner alike. Dinuguan, Adobong Kangkong, and Crispy Pata are among the top favorites in this cozy, nice place. It is the best place to go to get a grasp of the Filipino food lifestyle! [Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City; (6332) 233 4243, (6332) 233 4670]
Chateau de Busay – If you are looking for authentic French cuisine, this is the place to go. There are lots of interesting dishes served in here but there is nothing more remarkable than the view of Mactan island and the whole of Cebu city captured right out of the window. This one of the most amazing Cebu restaurants is located on top of a hill. [Busay Hills, Lahug, Cebu City; (6332) 231 2000]
Cebu City has been the considered to be center of industry, education, trade and business. It has become more than a place but it has been a symbol of progress and development in in the Visayas Region. Being there is tantamount (almost) as being in Metro Manila (capital of the Philippines). The famous Magellan’s Cross is also one of the main tourist attractions of Cebu City.
Since Cebu City is a highly-developed metropolitan in the Philippines, there are a lot of must-see places around the vicinity. Most of these places have historical and religious significance throughout the history of Cebu. Two (2) of my favorite places are Casa Gorordo Museum and Basilica of Santo Niño (Basilica del Santo Niño or Basilica of the Holy Child). Casa Gorordo is a well-maintained grand mansion with Spanish-themed design. The said mansion is built mostly of wood and it has one of the best garden settings I had seen. The Basilica of Santo Niño, however, has been regarded as the oldest religious artifact or relic in the Philippines. Unlike old churches around the world, this church is still active-meaning devotees, not just tourists, flock the church for Catholic liturgical or spiritual activities. This church marked as the symbol for the conversion of the natives of Cebu (since the Spanish colonization) to Christianity or Catholicism.
Philippines ‘King of the Road’ or Jeepneys are the main transporters of Cebu City. These jeeps are designed with colorful patterns that tourists would surely love! Minimum charge for the fare of this public utility vehicle is usually uniformed with standard fare in the Philippines. Buses are also available in the city transporting visitors on all parts of the island. Of course, if one has a bigger and heftier budget and would like to have some personal approach as per roaming around the city, taking or renting a cab would be the best option. Taxis are available virtually around the city. As per experience, it is always best to have somebody (a relative or local in the city) to guide through the city to do some bargaining to save some hard-earned money. Nonetheless, taxis provide better comfort compare to the usual public jeeps or buses, and of course, it always comes with an additional cost. Before I forget, tricycles are also available as one of the popular public vehicles that can get tourists and visitors alike in short distance travels.
Knowing and being informed of something about a certain place would definitely spell a big difference in traveling, roaming or exploring experience. As for me, it eases up away some tension or pressure and let me enjoy my precious moments of vacation worthwhile. Cebu has been a wonderful destination for me and I would be looking forward to be there anytime given another opportunity.
Cebu City has been the considered to be center of industry, education, trade and business. It has become more than a place but it has been a symbol of progress and development in in the Visayas Region. Being there is tantamount (almost) as being in Metro Manila (capital of the Philippines). The famous Magellan’s Cross is also one of the main tourist attractions of Cebu City.
Since Cebu City is a highly-developed metropolitan in the Philippines, there are a lot of must-see places around the vicinity. Most of these places have historical and religious significance throughout the history of Cebu. Two (2) of my favorite places are Casa Gorordo Museum and Basilica of Santo Niño (Basilica del Santo Niño or Basilica of the Holy Child). Casa Gorordo is a well-maintained grand mansion with Spanish-themed design. The said mansion is built mostly of wood and it has one of the best garden settings I had seen. The Basilica of Santo Niño, however, has been regarded as the oldest religious artifact or relic in the Philippines. Unlike old churches around the world, this church is still active-meaning devotees, not just tourists, flock the church for Catholic liturgical or spiritual activities. This church marked as the symbol for the conversion of the natives of Cebu (since the Spanish colonization) to Christianity or Catholicism.
Philippines ‘King of the Road’ or Jeepneys are the main transporters of Cebu City. These jeeps are designed with colorful patterns that tourists would surely love! Minimum charge for the fare of this public utility vehicle is usually uniformed with standard fare in the Philippines. Buses are also available in the city transporting visitors on all parts of the island. Of course, if one has a bigger and heftier budget and would like to have some personal approach as per roaming around the city, taking or renting a cab would be the best option. Taxis are available virtually around the city. As per experience, it is always best to have somebody (a relative or local in the city) to guide through the city to do some bargaining to save some hard-earned money. Nonetheless, taxis provide better comfort compare to the usual public jeeps or buses, and of course, it always comes with an additional cost. Before I forget, tricycles are also available as one of the popular public vehicles that can get tourists and visitors alike in short distance travels.
Knowing and being informed of something about a certain place would definitely spell a big difference in traveling, roaming or exploring experience. As for me, it eases up away some tension or pressure and let me enjoy my precious moments of vacation worthwhile. Cebu has been a wonderful destination for me and I would be looking forward to be there anytime given another opportunity.
Cebu became an economic powerhouse because of the influx of tourists who are drawn to the one of a kind attractions of this place. Cebu destinations that can be visited have significant historical value and when in Cebu, one should make it a point to drop by these popular and interesting places.
The Fort San Pedro structure which stands at about thirty feet was built upon orders of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi to become a military fortress to help the Spaniards win over the battles with the Muslims. Ironically, Fort San Pedro was later on used by the Americans to defeat the Spaniards and liberate the Filipinos. This Cebu destination however does not just have bloodshed in its history because it also became a school before. During World War II, many Japanese soldiers sought refuge at this Cebu destination but before they could fully recover and go back out to war, the fortress was captured by the Allies.
Fort San Pedro has been restored to its former majesty with some additions. Inside Fort San Pedro there is a museum displaying weapons used during the Spanish, Japanese and American regime. Artworks of aspiring Cebuano artists are on display here as well and one can take a walk through the former prison cells where those that ran counter to the ideals of the sitting government were kept. Fort San Pedro also has a beautiful chapel inside.
First built during the 70s, this was the very first Taoist Temple in the country. Surrounded by greenery, this popular Cebu destination is a favorite among locals and tourists because of how peaceful it is inside. The entrance itself of the Taoist Temple looks like a smaller version of the Great Wall of China. There are many things to see inside the Taoist Temple and one can even purchase souvenirs at the small shop inside. Regardless of what one’s religion might be, this should not make one think twice about visiting this Cebu destination since it is open to all. Inside the Taoist Temple is a library which has a large collection of spiritual books and a chapel. A walk through the premises is very relaxing. One should not forget to take a picture of the amazing dragon statue inside the Taoist Temple.
Cebu has a lot to offer the eager to learn tourists and the good thing about Cebu is that modern conveniences are never too far for comfort despite the fact that there are many Cebu destinations of great historical value that have been preserved for years.