| Cebu
- Queen Of The South
It was in the province of Cebu
that Ferdinand Magellan first set foot in Philippine soil back in
1521. Even before the Spaniards came, trade with the Chinese already
flourished in the province. Prosperity has continued, and today,
Cebu City , known as the Queen City of the South, has become a thriving,
highly urbanized center that comes second to Manila 's bustling
metropolis.
Only a few minutes away from the city are numerous white sand beaches,
crystal blue waters, and swaying palms, making Cebu a perfect destination
for both business and leisure. Mactan Island is a coral island and
famous scuba diving and beach site. It is also the site of the Export
Processing Zone. Malapascua Island is endowed with white sand beaches
and crystal clear waters, and the west coast is ideal for swimming
and snorkeling. The sleepy little market town of Moalboal was one
of the first places where scuba diving caught on in the Philippines
. From here, you can dive straight off Panagsama Beach , which is
home to an extraordinary array of coral, anemones, sponges, and
a swarming host of brightly colored reef fish.
lango Island in Cebu supports the largest concentration of migratory
birds found in the country. These birds migrating from Russia stop
here en route to Australia.
Things to See in Cebu
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 moviehouses, 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 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.
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.
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 townfolks, 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 fastferry. There are two boats which travel to and from the island
and Danao City everyday. One fastcraft 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.
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 intertidal 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.
Source:Philippines Tourism Official Website |
