Cebu: More than just Lechon

We got the chance to travel to this very promising Philippine province south of the islands last October 2009. With us was Tita Lisa Abriam, Christine's mother who just came home from the states for a short vacation. To give you a short insight about Cebu, I have prepared something about the place:

Cebu (Cebuano:Sugbo) is a province in the Philippines consisting of Cebu Islands and 167 surrounding Islands. It is located to the east of Negros, to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands. Cebu is a long narrow island stretching 225 kilometers from north to south, surrounded by 167 neighbouring, smaller islands, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands. Cebu has narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus and coastal plains. It also has rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges traversing the northern and southern lengths of the island. Cebu's highest mountains are over 1000 meters high. Flat tracts of land can be found in the towns of Bogo, San Remigio, Medellin and Daanbantayan at the northern region of the province. Its capital is Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines which forms part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area together with four neighboring cities which include Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City and eight other municipalities. Mactan-Cebu International Airport , located in Mactan island, is the second busiest airport in the Philippines.

Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, with Cebu City as the main center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the Visayas. The United Kingdom based Condé Nast Traveler Magazine named Cebu the seventh best island destination in the Indian Ocean-Asia region in 2007, eighth best Asian-Pacific island destination in 2005, seventh in 2004 and in 2009.

That tells you about Cebu Islands.

Getting There:

The most convenient and fastest way to go to Cebu is by plane. Cebu Pacific offers daily flights from Manila to Cebu at minimal fare charges. (If you plan on going there, might as well book your flight months earlier to save money, OR wait for seat sales that the airlines offer for a limited time only to get the maximum discounted prices) You can visit their website at: www.cebupacificair.com

Once you get to Cebu via Mactan International Airport, you need to ride a taxi cab going to the City (Cebu City). From there you can check out the numerous hotels, and Inns that the city offers. TIP: before leaving for Cebu, be sure you make online reservations so you have a place to stay. Accommodations do not need to be nice and expensive because you wont be staying on them most of the time. You'll spend the most of the day touring the sites of the province. Better get a place that's comfy, and secured --> This works wonders for your luggage.

When we got to the city, we checked in Sampaguita Suites along Mango Avenue. The place is just a stone's throw away from the old Robinson's Department Store and the City Rotonda. Rates start at 800-900php a night. The place is clean, and secured. They even have WiFi connection!

Around Metro Cebu:

Cebu is just a small place that can be toured in just 2 days. The tour spots are a little bit spread out so I suggest everyone to take a cab and rent it for the whole day. Some drivers give out an 8 hour tour package for as low as 2,500php to 3,000php depending on the places that you would like to go. Ask about them from your friendly bellboys or the front desk in your hotel.

Sto Niño Church

The image of Santo Niño De Cebu (Holy Child Jesus of Cebu), the oldest Christian image in the Philippines, is enshrined and venerated at the Basilica De Santo Niño According to Philippine historical documents, the statue of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) was given by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to the wife of the Rajah of Cebu.

The place was unique, packed with people from all walks of life. Some of them touring the place and some of them attending the daily masses offered to the people. There is a Cebuano mass in the morning and an English mass in the afternoon. People offering prayers are also present. Vendors selling balloons were the eyecandy to all tourists because of the brilliant colors and designs that they can choose from.

Fort San Pedro

Fuerza de San Pedro is a military defence structure, built by Spanish and indigenous Cebuano labourers under the command of Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi and the Spanish Government in Cebu. It is located in the area now called Plaza Indepedencia, in the Pier Area of Cebu City, Philippines.

The smallest, oldest triangular bastion fort in the country was built in 1738 to repel Muslim raiders. In turn, it served as a stronghold for Filipino revolutionaries near the end of the 19'th Century. This served as the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines.

As what we have been informed, this was Cebu's version of Intramuros. Though it is hailed as the smallest Fort Bastion in the Philippines. The place is well preserved but the city government can do better.

Taoist Temple

Built in 1972, the Cebu Taoist Temple is located in Beverly Hills Subdivision in Cebu City. The temple was built by Cebu's substantial Chinese community. With

an elevation of 300 meters above sea level,the temple is a towering, multi-tiered, multi-hued attraction accessible by three separate winding routes.

There is nothing much to do in the temple. One could enjoy moving around the temple in an hour. The entrance to the temple is a replica of the Great Wall of China. The temple includes a chapel, a library, a souvenir shop and a wishing well. The spacious balconies offer a scenic view of the downtown Cebu. Also noteworthy is the giant dragon statue.

Ayala Center Cebu

Its just like in Manila only a little bit different. The terraces was a breathe of fresh air especially on weekdays that the number of people visiting the place are less. It is the first Ayala Shopping Center located outside Metro Manila. It was opened in 1994, and is owned by Ayala Malls.

Any questions are welcome. Feel free to email budekisworld@gmail.com