Crowned as the
"Queen City of the South", Cebu is a place where business and leisure
keep the city busy for every type of visitors.
This city will
undoubtedly give you a taste of history and adventures. Beneath its towering
skyscrapers, modern malls, and world-class accommodations are well-preserved
remnants of the past showcasing its rich culture. There are also numerous
activities to choose from that will surely trigger your inner adventurer.
But before you all get
too excited and start booking your trip, it's wise to bring along with you a
bit of knowledge about Cebu City. We also included here some tips that can be
of help once you venture out, so better check our list below!
FIRST AND
OLDEST PHILIPPINE CITY
Fact:
Just before Manila was hailed as the capital of the Philippines, it was
Cebu that was the center of the economy back then. It was where the Spaniards
first settled in and the birthplace of Christianity making it the first and
oldest city in the country. Despite the growing economy and fast modernization,
you can still see historical landmarks, streets, and other valuable relics that
are well preserved and showcasing its rich Spanish heritage.
Tip:
Who says history is boring? Learn more during your stay in Cebu City by
exploring its streets and landmarks and fully immerse yourself with the history
thru a City Tour. From the must-visit historical sites, meeting with people and
their culture to shopping souvenirs and tasting local delicacies, it’s a
one-of-a-kind experience!
LOCATION AND
GETTING THERE
Fact:
Cebu City is located at South-Central Philippines and considered as the
capital of the province of Cebu. This sprawling metropolis is surrounded by
offshore Mactan Channel and the inland Cordillera Central. As a 1st class
highly urbanized city, Cebu plays a significant role as the center of economy,
trade, and education in the Visayas Region. Plus, its focal position enables it
to be the main gateway of local and foreign tourists exploring the Central
Visayas and even the Mindanao Region.
Tip:
First is via Mactan-Cebu International Airport which is considered to be
the second busiest international airport in the country. Daily, this airport
serves flights from several major domestic hubs in the country such as Clark,
Manila, Palawan, Kalibo, and others. They even also serve daily flights from
other major cities in Asia!
Second is via ferry which is very much ideal since Cebu is considered to
have one of the busiest port in the country! If you're coming from other
neighboring islands, travel time usually takes from 2 hours or more and is
distinctively cheaper that booking a flight.
NAVIGATING THRU
THE CITY
Fact:
Even Cebu City is not spared from the annoying traffic, but that doesn't
mean that getting around will be difficult for you. It will be easier for you
to have a fixed itinerary planned ahead of time so that you can maximize your
time very well. When you're in the city, public transportations such as
jeepney, tricycles, buses, and taxis are available everywhere and so is Grab,
which helped a lot of tourists. But if you happen to be at the latter part of
the island, there are also locals who offer a habal-habal ride.
Tip:
Who doesn't want a hassle-free ride? The best option for you is to have
your own chartered transfer. Not only that you can easily manage your time but
also create your own itinerary and your driver guide can help you the best way
possible to avoid the traffic!
HOME OF THE
FIRST FILIPINO HERO
Fact: Regarded as the first national hero, Lapu-Lapu was a native and ruler of
Mactan who initiated the very first resistance against the Spaniard's
occupation. It was him that defeated and
killed the Portuguese conquistador, Ferdinand Magellan. His bravery inspired
lots of locals and is widely celebrated up until now.
Tip:
To commemorate his triumph, he has his own bronze statue that stands tall
at Mactan Island where the infamous Battle of Mactan took place. Make sure to
pay a visit there to take a closer look!
HOME OF AN OLD
CHRISTIAN RELIC
Fact:
When Ferdinand Magellan (the Portuguese conquistador) arrived in Cebu, he
gave a gift to Rajah Humabon and his wife Queen Juana which is a carved wooden
figure of Little Jesus in 1521. Believed to be miraculous, Sto. Niño de Cebu
can be seen in every Catholic's home and shops and it draws millions of
devotees every year!
Tip:
To see this beloved relic, make sure to visit Basilica Minore del Sto.
Niño de Cebu commonly known as the Santo Niño Basilica. This minor basilica is
one of Cebu's holiest churches that house the statuette for years! It'll be part of your itinerary once you go
for a Cebu City tour.
HOSTS A GRAND
FESTIVAL
Fact:
Every third Sunday of January, it has been an annual tradition in Cebu
city to celebrate Sinulog Festival in honor to one of the country’s most famous
historic relics: the Santo Niño de Cebú. It's also known as “Mother of All
Festivals” and attracts not only millions of Filipinos but many other foreign
tourists from across the globe. What to expect? A month-long celebration filled
with full-day processions, locals competing in a street dance competition all
adorned by brightly colored costumes, and numerous street parties!
Tip:
If you want to join the festivity, make sure to secure your hotels, tours,
flights, and transfers as early as 3 months prior! If not, chances are, you'll
run out of rooms and rates can go higher than you could imagine.
LECHON HAVEN
Fact:
When it comes to the best tasting "Lechon" (whole-roasted
suckling pig) in the country, Cebuanos definitely perfected the art of cooking
it. It's undeniably a crowd favorite, from festivals to parties, or any
Filipino gathering, Lechon is definitely there. And your Cebu vacation would
not be complete without a taste of this roasted pig's tender, flavorful meat,
and crunchy red skin!
Tip: Suddenly craved for a tasty lechon? Throw yourself on Cebu's streets and
you'll see numerous restaurants claiming that theirs are the original while
others manage to add their own twist to it. But as for our personal favorite,
make sure to try the one served at House of Lechon. This restaurant is famous
for its lechon served in a Carcar way added with the distinctive lechon sauce
to make your whole dining experience complete!
So treat yourself with a
travel experience that's fun, authentic, and culturally diverse vacation only
at Cebu City!
***
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