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A short description of some of the
mentioned sites. Cebu offers beautiful coasts that provide scuba diving enthusiasts an unrivaled haven at a number of diving sites in
Mactan. Also most jewelry, especially black coral and aquamarine and pink pearls, are available and cheaper in Cebu than in other cities. Cebu is an ideal place from which to start off to see the other islands as there are flights as well as ships out of the city to important towns or surrounding islands.
The
city of Cebu is located in the Central Visayas region. Affectionately called the
"Queen City of the South," it is the oldest city in the Philippines
and is rich in history. It was the site of many Spanish expeditions and became a
thriving commercial city in the 19th Century.
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 favorite 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 colorful 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 revelers
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
baptized 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.
Today,
it is the country's second-busiest city and the main gateway in central and
southern Philippines. It is also one of the country's favorite tourist
destinations and serves as a jump-off point for tourists who want to visit its
world-class beaches and resorts. Cebu's Mactan International Airport stands as
the best in the country.
[Top]
WHAT
TO SEE
Carbon
Market (Cebu City)
A big and colorful market, crammed with stalls of fruits, vegetables, meat,
fish, and handicrafts.
Taoist Temple (Cebu City)
Offers a commanding view of the city. It is situated on Beverly Hills, the
millionaires' quarter of Cebu City.
Tops (Cebu City)
A lavishly built viewpoint on Busay Hill, which provides the best panoramic view
of Cebu City, with Mactan Island and Bohol in the background.
Cebu Heavenly Temple of Charity (Cebu City)
An attractive and colorful temple built on a hill. It has a natural spring
flowing underneath the building.
Mactan Island (Around Cebu)
Has a row of beautiful beaches and exclusive beach hotels and resorts. You will
also find here the Lapu-Lapu Monument on the beach at Puerto Engaño, Marigondon
Beach, the guitar factories at Maribago, and Olango Island, a bird sanctuary.
Tabunok Market (Talisay/South Coast)
Offers some interesting sights.
Naga Church (South Coast)
Has an attractive exterior.
Carcar (South Coast)
This town has a lovely, quasi-baroque church, which was completed in 1876. Its
plaza is lined with attractive, Spanish buildings, which were formerly mansions.
It is specially known for its ampao (sweet puffed-rice) factories.
Moalboal (South Coast)
A popular town known for its several islands that offer good diving
opportunities.
Panagsama Beach (South Coast)
A destination for low-budget travelers and divers; has a fabulous coral reef.
Kawasan Falls (South Coast)
A 12-meter waterfall, said to be the best in Cebu. Its natural pools are ideal
for swimming. It is also a good starting point for mountain treks.
Badian Island (South Coast)
A peaceful island with a white sand beach.
White Beach (South Coast)
A sandy beach, which is a good base for diving and snorkeling.
Fort San Pedro (Cebu City)
The first Spanish fort in the Philippines built to keep out marauding pirates.
Much of the fort was destroyed during the second World War, but it was restored
in the late 1960's. It is run by the National Museum. Fort San Pedro, located at
Cebu City’s wharf area, was the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the
country. It began as a single triangular bastion, built in 1565, and was not
completed for another 200 years. Over the centuries the fort has been put to
several uses, including a watch-tower to counter pirate attacks in the
1700s, a prison for local rebels during the Philippine revolution, a US army
barracks, and during world war II a prison camp. Today the fort has been turned
into a museum-park, giving visitors to Cebu a glimpse of the island’s history.
Opening time: Daily 8am to 7pm; Admission: P15
Magellan's Cross (Cebu City)
This cross, erected by Ferdinand Magellan, marked the beginning of Christianity,
after the first Catholic Mass was celebrated here on April 14, 1521.
Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño (Cebu City)
The only Catholic Basilica in East Asia that houses the image of Santo Niño,
believed to have been left by Ferdinand Magellan. 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.
Casa Gordo Museum (Cebu City)
Houses historic and cultural relics of old Cebu, a collection of photos, and
contemporary art and paintings.
University of San Carlos Museum (Cebu City)
Houses a well-labeled collection of religious carvings, ethnic artifacts,
preserved botanical and geological specimens, and archaeological finds.
Pescador Island (South Coast)
A good diving and snorkeling spot.
Escala De Jacobe/Jacob's Ladder (Samboan/South Coast)
A plight of store stairs built in 1878, which leads up to an old watchtower on a
plateau about 65 meters above the town. From here, one can get a magnificent
view of Tañon Strait.
Sumilon Island (South Coast)
A private destination for divers and snorkelers.
Montalongon (South Coast)
Called the "Little Baguio of Cebu." The market here is worth visiting,
with its handicrafts and a wide range of local produce.
Camotes Island (North Coast)
Has four islands (Pacijan, Poro, Ponson, and Tulang) with attractive white sand,
palm-lined beaches, and caves.
Sogod (North Coast)
You will find Bagatayam Falls, Labangon Caves, Libaong Hills (good for bird
watching) nearby.
Malapascua Island (North Coast)
Has little fishing villages, deserted idyllic bays, and beaches ideal for
swimming and snorkeling. It also has a lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view
from the top.
Bantayan Island (North Coast)
Has beautiful sandy beaches and nice dive spots. You will find here Santa Fe,
Maricaban, Sugar, and Paradise Beaches, and Ogtong Cave, with its freshwater
spring.
[Top]
EAT
The
great thing about Cebu is that, while being an island paradise on the one hand,
it's also a sophisticated city, with a wide range of pretty decent restaurants
to choose from.
Cebu
has Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Continental, Fusion, and of course local
Restaurants. It also has International Cuisine like American, Spanish, Thai and
Indian.
Street-food
in Cebu is abound, and it is amazingly cheap to buy all sorts of Philippine
delicacies from the many street stalls stationed around the place, especially in
Cebu City. Traditional Marinated Sweet Pork or Chicken Barbeque on sticks is a
must-try, along with "Halo-Halo", a refreshing mix of grated ice,
sweet beans, tropical fruits & Ice cream which would be a welcome treat in
the heat!
[Top]
HISTORICAL
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Fort
San Pedro
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Magellan’s
Cross
(Magellanes St.). Planted in April
21, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan; spot where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah
Humabon and Queen Juana and about 400 followers, were baptized by Fr. Pedro
Valderema. 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-like structure was built to protect the cross from
total destruction. To protect it further, a hallow cross of tinadalo 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 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 the tower is 30 feet high from the ground. Work was
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, and then it became the 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
soldiers. When the battle for liberation was fought, the fort served as an army
camp. After 1950, Cebu Garden Club took over and fixed the inner court into a
miniature garden. For a couple of years it also housed the Cebu City Zoo. In
1978 to August 15, 1993, it housed the offices of Department of Tourism and the
Philippine Tourism Authority. At present, it is under the care and
administration of the PTA and now houses the National Museum that showcases the
San Diego shipwreck & Fort San Pedro diggings.
Heritage of Cebu Monument
(Colon St., Cebu City). Located in the original Plaza Parain, it showcases
the significant and symbolic events in the history of Cebu from the time of
Rajah Humabon to the recent beatification of Cebuano martyr Pedro Calunsod. The
monumental sculptural tableau is the work of national artist Edgardo Castrillo.
Construction began on July 1997 and it was inaugurated on Dec. 8, 2000.
Magellan Marker
(Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City). Inspired by his success in Christianizing
the people of Cebu, Magellan crossed the channel to Mactan Island in an effort
to spread the faith. Before he reached the shore, he was killed by island
chieftain Lapulapu and his men during the battle for supremacy and freedom on
April 27, 1521. Efforts to retrieve the body of Magellan were futile inspite of
the offer to trade jewelries and spices for the dead body. This marker was
erected in 1866 to mark the spot where the great explorer died.
Colon Street
The oldest street in the Philippines was built by the Spaniards in the time
of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Named after Christopher Columbus, it is the heart of
downtown Cebu, a glittering area by night lined with movie houses, restaurants,
department stores, and other business establishments. An obelisk detailing its
historical significance was constructed on its northern end.
Lapulapu Monument
(Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City). Site where the battle between Mactan Island
Chieftain Lapulapu and the foreign aggressor Ferdinand Magellan occurred 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 lldefonso,
established by the Jesuits.
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 administration of
Governor Sotero Cabahug.
[Top]
CULTURAL
Casa
Gorordo Museum
(35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City). Home
of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo (1862-1934). A tour inside
this residence is a brief journey into a Filipino lifestyle in a particular
period between 1860 & 1920. The place presently features noted paintings,
museum relics, a courtyard, antique household items and furniture. The museum
also showcases some contemporary art exhibits. Address: 35 Lopez Jaena
Street; Opening time: Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm
Fort
San Pedro National Museum
(Legaspi Ext., Cebu City). Artifacts
taken from the old Spanish Galleon known as San Diego within the deep sea of
Fortune Island off the coast of Nasugbo, Batangas are on display in this
centuries-old fort. Artifacts excavated within Forts San Pedro's premises are
also on display. The Museum used to house the offices of the Department of
Tourism and the Philippine Tourism Authority.
University of San Carlos Museum
(P. del Rosario St., Cebu City). A product of years of research activities
of the Anthropological Department’s faculty in Central and Southern
Philippines, it has four galleries: Spanish Colonial, Ethnographic,
Archeological, and Natural Science.
The Southwestern University Museum
(Urgello Private Road, Cebu City). Holds the extensive collection of Lydia
Aznar Alfonso reflecting the flourishing trade, lifestyle, and culture of the
port city Cebu in pre-historic times. Exhibits of excavated gold, trade beads,
coins, iron-age potteries, rare trade wares of porcelain from China, Cambodia,
Vietnam, and Thailand, including Ming, Celadon, and other China trade jars, as
was Ban Chieng, Haripunchai pottery, and gold teeth peggings were excavated in
the areas of Cebu, and the Visayas and Mindanao. The museum also displays
heirloom jewelry, santoses, and church carvings and other church accessories.
Julian Jumalon's Butterfly Sanctuary and
Art Gallery
(20-D Macopa St., Basak, Pardo, Cebu City). The country's oldest butterfly
collection and Butterfly Sanctuary with live immature- and adult-stage local
butterflies in their natural settings. It also houses the Lepido Mosaic Art
collection, so called because it utilizes butterfly wings as its medium.
Beautiful and intricate samples of these artworks can be seen. Located in the
Basak district, this private museum created by late lepidopterist, Professor
Julian Jumalon, houses his unusual collection of mosaics, made up of butterfly
wings. The garden of Jumalon’s home continues to be a haven for thousands of
butterflies, and the ‘lepido mosaics’ are displayed in the salon. Address:
20 D Macopa Street, Basak; Telephone: (0)32 91029; Opening time:
By appointment
Rizal
Museum and Library
(Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City). Located
within Cebu City Library along Osmeña Boulevard, it showcases a collection of
antiques donated by famous and rich Cebuano families. Also on display is a
collection of artworks of the Cebuano painters and artists. Its upper floor is
utilized as a performing arts hall for concert and theatre productions by Cebu
talents. On the ground floor is the Rizal Memorial Library which keeps some
important books on Cebuano history and culture.
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.
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 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.
Pres. Sergio Osmeña Memorabilia &
Cap Art Gallery
(60 Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City). Contains an estimated 500 personal belongings
and documents worthy of remembrance of the Grand Old Man of Cebu, made possible
by various donations of generous friends and relatives of the former president.
Rizaliana Museum. Contains the memorabilia of Dr. Jose Rizal given by his sister
to the University of Southern Philippines Museum.
Rizaliana Museum
Contains the memorabilia of Dr. Jose Rizal given by his sister to the
University of Southern Philippines Museum.
Sala Piano Museum
(415 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City). Houses the Ingrid Sala Sta. Maria
Miniature Piano Collection donated to the family foundation in January 1990. A
unique collection of hundreds of pianos of varying sizes and shapes. Venue to
classical concerts and houses a music foundation.
[Top]
AREAS
Bohol
The island province of Bohol is one
of the loveliest in the Visayas group and lies southeast of Cebu. It has plenty
to offer in the form of historical and natural attractions. The world’s rarest
seashells, like the Gloria Maris and the Golden Cowrie, can be found here, as
well as the tarsier, the large-eyed insect-eating monkey which, fully grown, is
smaller than a child’s fist. Here too are the world-famous Chocolate Hills, a
surreal series of 1,768 hills that resemble scoops of chocolate ice cream; they
were formed from the weathering of coral deposits formed when the land was
submerged and can be viewed from an observation deck. Historically Bohol
laboured under 302 years of Spanish rule after the local chieftain signed a
‘blood contract’ and many buildings, particularly beautiful churches, remain
as testimony to the period of colonial rule and the struggle to be free of
domination. Website: www.bohol.ph;
Transport: Ferry or privately-run scheduled boat from Cebu City to
Tagbilaran City, capital of Bohol Island (about 90 minutes)
Mactan
Island
(across Mandaue City). A coral island
and famous scuba diving site, where beach resorts of international standards are
located. Also the site of the Export Processing Zone, with 102 companies in
operation, employing 37,118 people. Land area – 150 ha.
Malapascua Island
(across the northernmost tip of Cebu). It was on Christmas day when the
Spaniards reached the island. According to town folks, it was supposed to be a
special day of celebration but unfortunately a storm hit the island and so came
the name “Malapacual”, 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
Americans fought over the island during WWII. The island is 3 km. 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 snorkeling but one should
be careful because of unpredictable weather. A walk or tour on the whole island
can be done within half a day.
Camotes Island
(north of Cebu, across Danao City). The island is composed of 4 towns: Poro,
San Francisco, Tudela, and Pilar. 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 fast craft
travels from Cebu City.
Kawasan Falls
(Matutinao, Badian). One can feel the surrounding lush greenery of the
panoramic waterfalls.
Badian Island
97 km. southwest of Cebu City. Famous for beautiful corals, reefs, and white
sandy beaches, making it an excellent diving spot.
Boracay
The tiny butterfly-shaped island of Boracay in the western Visayas has been
'discovered' by trendy international sun-lovers, and has become the Philippines'
most popular beach destination. Thousands have sung the praises of the white,
talcum-fine powder sand on a two-mile (four km) stretch of palm-studded beach
that is said to glow at night, while the crystalline sea reflects the colo of
the unblemished blue sky. Despite its popularity Boracay remains un-spoilt,
offering a range of about 350 hotels and guesthouses, nightlife, good
restaurants and a huge array of water sports. The island code is barefoot and
informal, and the transitory holiday population comes from all over the globe. Website:
www.boracayisland.org;
Transport: Flight from Manila (one hour) or Cebu to Kalibo or Caticlan
Olango
Wildlife Sanctuary
Olango Island supports the largest
concentration of migratory birds found so far in the country. Migration starts
from the birds’ breeding places of in Siberia, Northern China, and Japan.
Based in data gathering 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 reverses by feeding on rich supplies of invertebrates in the inertial
mudflats. These fat reserves must fuel the birds on the next lap of their
journey which may cover from 3,000 to 15,000 km. of nonstop flight.
Moalboal
89 km. southwest of Cebu City. Offers white sandy beaches and rich marine
life for scuba diving. Notable as an excellent diving area is the water around
Pescador Island.
Nonoc Cave
(Borbon). 83 km. north of Cebu City. Very picturesque view, shelter for
picnic goers and bathers.
Mactan Island
(across Mandaue City). Famous for its beach resorts of international
standards and excellent diving, its proximity to Cebu makes it a prime
destination for local and foreign travelers. It is also the site of the Export
Processing Zone, with over 100 companies in operation, employing close to 40,000
people.
Badian
Island Resort and Spa Cebu -
At
BADIAN ISLAND BEACH HOTEL you can savour the beauty of a TINY PACIFIC ISLAND
basking in the tropical blue sea of the Philippine archipelago. Located in the
Badian Bay at the sunset coast of Cebu, the guest will be WARMLY WELCOMED at the
airport and accompanied to the hotel by our staff. On the island 25 Villas
nestle harmoniously in a blossoming tropical garden, surrounded by WHITE SANDY
BEACHES and CRYSTAL BLUE WATERS.
The
Badian Island Resort & Spa at the southwest side of Cebu is just a two and a
half hours drive from Cebu International Airport, where our guests are warmly
welcomed by our staff. Nonstop flights from Hongkong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur,
Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul and Taipeh arrive at Cebu International Airport daily.
Domestic flights are only one hour from Manila per Airbus or Boeing 737/747.
White
Sands at Maribago Beach –
Cebu
White Sands Beach is situated on the east coast of Mactan Island off the main
island of Cebu. Set Amidst a tropical splendor of island life, the resort is a
scenic blend of turn of the century architecture and furnishings with modern
facilities for your style and comfort.
It
is only 15 minutes by car from Mactan International Airport and 40 minutes away
from the historic Cebu City. Guests can go island hopping to an idyllic spot in
the middle of the Mactan Channel, Islas Tres Rosas, a 3-islet cluster just 30
minutes by motorized boat from the resort.
Island
and Sun Beach Resort –
Escape
to the Island & Sun Beach Resort, an island retreat combining natural beauty
with casual elegance, modern comforts and fabulous cuisine. Island & Sun
Beach Resort is built on stilts. Seemingly afloat from a distance, each room's
verandah offers a breathtaking panorama of the calm open sea and the neighboring
islets across. The view of the sunrise and sunset are equally captivating from
each of these twenty five suites.
Daily
flights from Manila to Cebu are available. From Manila Domestic Airport, it
takes 55 minutes to arrive at Mactan International Airport. By sea, it takes 20
to 21 hours via inter-island vessels. There are flights from HK, Singapore,
Malaysia, Japan and Australia direct to Mactan International Airport and from
the Airport, it takes 7 km. to get to Cordova Reef Village Resort by land
(approximately 30-45 minutes). A boat ride from Cordova Reef Village Resort to
Island & Sun Beach Resort takes 15-20 minutes.
[Top]
RELIGIOUS
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Santo
Nino Basilica, Cebu © Philippines Department of Tourism
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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.
Image of Santo Niño
Considered as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. It was on April
21, 1521 that Magellan gave the image to Queen Juana as a baptismal gift.
Forty-four years later, on Apri1 27, 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived
in Cebu, Fr. Andres de Urdaneta, who formally Christianized the Cebuanos, found
the natives hostile. Legaspi himself besieged the settlement and set the village
on fire. It was on one of the burnt houses that Juan Camus, a soldier, found the
image of Santo Niño unscratched. Since then the miraculous image has been
venerated by the Cebuanos as their Patron Saint. At present, the miraculous
image is kept in the Parish Covent, 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.
Taoist Temple
(Beverly Hills, Cebu City). The temple preserves the teachings of Lao-Tse,
the 600 B.C. Chinese philosopher. Everyday people climb its 81 steps
(representing the 81 chapters of Taoism scriptures) to light joss sticks and
have their fortune read.
Phu-Sian Temple
A Buddhist Temple, the third Chinese temple on Beverly Hills, located at the
right side of the road to the Taoist Temple.
Chapel of the Last Supper
Life-sized carvings of the Lord Jesus and his 12 apostles seated at a long
table for the Last Supper. This is the only one of its kind in the country. This
treasured relic is found in the Church of Mandaue City that dates back to 1601.
Celestial Garden
(Banawa Hills, Cebu City). Owned and managed by the Tanchan Foundation.
Twelve hectares of rolling hills where life-size statues depicting the drama of
the Stations of the Cross were built.
[Top]
MAN-MADE
Cebu
Botanical Garden
(Camp Marina, Capitol Hills). Where
plant hobbyists can see a collection of greenery.
Liloan Lighthouse
Found in the municipality of Liloan, around 18 km. north of Cebu City. Built
by the American in 1904.
Mandaue-Mactan Bridge
Built in 1972 at a cost of P65 million. This 864-meter bridge connects the
islands of Mactan and Cebu.
Plaza Independencia
A popular hangout during weekends, centuries-old acacia trees dot this park.
Fuente Osmeña Park
(Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City). A lovely circular park with a beautiful fountain
in the middle. Named after Cebu’s Grand Old Man, the late President Sergio
Osmeña, Sr.
Tops
Situated 2,000 above sea level on the cool hills of Busay, it is an
excellent sight-seeing spot which offers a breathtaking view of Metro Cebu and
the islands of Mactan and Olango. Open kiosks are available for daytime picnics
and instant evening parties.
Guitar Factories
(Maribago District, Lapulapu City). One can actually see how guitars are
made. It is amazing to note that while guitar-making is the occupation of the
people of Mactan District; the raw materials used have to be shipped from
Mindanao and nowhere on the island can be found such materials.
[Top]
FESTIVALS
Sinulog
Festival (Cebu City) - third week of
January
Cebu's biggest and most popular festival, celebrated in honor of the Holy Image
of Sto. Niño de Cebu. The event is highlighted by a grand solemn procession and
a Mardi Gras parade. 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 festivals, where people converge along the routes of a grand solemn
procession and partake in the gaiety amidst a madri gras parade immersed in wild
colors and the constant beating of drums.
Tagbo
(Poro, Camotes Island, Cebu; every
January). Celebrated in honor of the 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 very dear to the hearts of
her sons and daughters.
Cebu
City Charter Day (Cebu City) -
February 24
A celebration of Cebu City's charter day, highlighted by activities such as
parades and cultural presentations attended by Cebu officials and guests.
Sanayon
Agro-tourism festival in the southern towns of the second district about 100
km. from the city. A month-long activity to spread out tourism to the
countryside.
Via Crucis
(Banawa Hills, Cebu City). A Lenten activity where devotees do their
penitential procession through the Stations of the Cross built on 12 hectares of
rolling hills.
Cassava Festival - April (moveable)
(Camotes Island, Cebu). A festival depicting the different uses of the cassava
and the economic opportunities it offers. Activities include a cooking contest,
poster-making contest, a Best Booth contest, and a contest for the biggest
cassava.
Pasko
sa Kasakit
(Bantayan Island; Holy Thursday &
Good Friday). A religious procession of life-size images of the death and
passion of Jesus Christ carried in richly decorated & lighted carrozas.
Kadaugan sa Mactan (Mactan Island) - April 27
(Lapulapu City). A one-day re-enactment celebrated with pomp and pageantry every
27th of April to commemorate the historic battle of Mactan between the forces of
chieftain Lapulapu and Ferdinand Magellan.
Barangayan
An annual celebration of Philippine independence held every June 12.
Banig Festival (Badian) - July (moveable)
A celebration of Badian's annual fiesta, showcasing the Cebuano and Badianganon
culture, tradition, delicacies and local products, especially its famous mats (banig).
Cordova Dinagat Festival (Cordova) - August (moveable)
A festival characterized by street dancing and an interpretative-dance
competition based on the fishing rituals and culture of the Cordovanhons.
Dinagat
Festival
(Cordova, Cebu). The festival is
characterized by street dancing & an interpretative dance competition based
on the fishing rituals & culture of the Cordovahanons.
Nuestra Señora de Regla Fiesta
(Lapulapu City; November 20-21). Held to honor the patroness of Opon. This
religious and social event reveals the deep religious faith of the people and
their penchant for merry making. A food fair, carnival, procession, and a
coronation of the Fiesta Queen highlight the festivity.
Carcar
Fiesta
(Carcal, Cebu; November 24-25).
Celebrated in honor of the town's patron, St. Catherine of Alexandria. Carcar
town is noted for its old Spanish style houses in the quiet countryside setting.
During fiestas, the residents would invite friends, relatives, and town visitors
into their homes to taste popular local delicacies. A lively and enjoyable
event.
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.
Pasko
sa Sugbo
(Cebu City/province-wide). An annual
Christmas celebration by lighting & decorating the main thoroughfare in
Cebu, starting from capitol down to Plaza Independencia. Other activities
include nightly cultural shows by the different schools, parol, Christmas tree
& daygon competition.
[Top]
SPECIAL
INTEREST
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Mactan
Island © Philippines Department of Tourism
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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 water sports
facilities. Olango Island offers pristine white sandy beaches, while Kansatik,
southeast of Olango, features an underwater mountain festooned with coral,
sponges and colorful 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.
Crocolandia
(Biasong, Talisay City). Situated
beside the Mananga River in Talisay, it has for its main attraction a mini-zoo
and a botanical garden. It is also equipped with picnic areas, restaurants,
refreshment center, souvenir shops, butterfly sanctuary, boat & fishing
area, and a library. CROCOLANDIA Biasong, Talisay City Tel. no. (63-32) 273-1842
Family
Park
(Nasipit, Talamban). Nestled in the
Nasipit mini-watershed, it provides families with an alternative and wholesome
recreation site within the city. This 20-hectare area is nature-friendly. Trees
surround the whole complex, the product of a reforestation effort in 1983.
FAMILY PARK
Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City
Tel. no. c/o MCWD (63-32) 419-3124 to 25 / 254-8434 to 39
Mountain View Nature's Park
(Sitio Garahe, Busay). Overlooking the city, it is situated near the cool
flower gardens of Busay. This park comes with a mini-zoo, accommodations, and
canteen. MOUNTAIN VIEW NATURE'S PARK
Sitio Gorohe, Busay, Cebu City
Tel. no. (63-32) 231-5444 /231-5454
Manager: Edgar Castillo
[Top]
GOLF
COURSES
Alta
Vista Golf and Country Club
(Aznar Road, Pardo). Situated in the
lower mountains of Pardo, this golf course offers a different and challenging
terrain for the avid golfer. The golf course covers 60 hectares for a
world-class, par 72, 18-hole course covering 5,670 meters. CONTACT INFORMATION:
Aznar Road, Pardo, Cebu City;
Tel. no. (Registration Counter) (6332) 2727971 to 74 / (Golf Operators Office)
(6332) 2727977; Telfax No. (6332) 2724090;E-mail: avgcc@skynet.net
Verdemar Golf Club
(Barangay Bancasan, San Remigio, Cebu). Situated near the sea, it also
offers sea-side accommodations (Casa del Mar Resort Hotel). CONTACT INFORMATION:
Barangay Bancasan, San Remigio, Cebu;
Telfax no. (Cebu office) (63-32) 344-8181/82 / (Resort & Golf club) (6332)
435-2222;
E-mail: info@vedemar-golf.com; Web site: http://come.to/casadelmar
Cebu Country Club Inc.
Situated just a few minutes from the heart of the city, it is the oldest
existing golf course in Cebu. The course is spread over an area of 52 hectares
of what used to be sugar land in the pre-war days. CONTACT INFORMATION; P.O. Box
698 Banilad, Cebu City;
Tel. no. (6332) 231-0345; Fax no. (63-32) 2314096
Club
Filipino Inc. de Cebu.
It is an 18 hole golf course covering
59 hectares. CONTACT INFORMATION: Pulangyuta, Sabang, Danao City;
Tel. no. (6332) 2311676/2311666;
Fax no. (6332) 231-1667; Danao office tel. no. (6332) 200-4321
[Top]
CEBU
PRODUCTS
OPON
GUITARS - high quality, hand made by quitar makers in Lapu-lapu City.
FURNITURE - Cebu has a very big furniture industry, which caters not only
to local but also foreign market, like USA, Europe and other parts of
Asia. Cebu is famous for its high quality rattan furniture.
NATIVE DELICACIES - Cebu is famous for its chicharon, lechon, "puso",
pork barbeque and fruit preserves like the dried mango.
...
and many many more...
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