Cebu is the melting pot of races in the Philippines.
Cebu is the most historic province in the Philippines, and its capital, Cebu City, is the oldest city in the country. Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese in service for Spain first set foot on this island back in 1521, thereby putting the Philippines into the world map. The Spaniards eventually colonized the entire archipelago, and when they left after 300 years, Christianity became their greatest legacy to the Filipino people. Today, many traces of Spanish occupation of the country can be seen in Cebu that include historic moñuments, land marks, Hispanic-era universities and antiquarian Catholic churches. History set aside and being a maritime city, Cebu is also endowed with many tourists attractions, while the business and manufacturing industries are thriving very significantly, second only to the capital city of Manila. As follows are selected features that best characterize Cebu.
Historical Sites
Shown above is the historic Magellan’s Cross. It was planted by Ferdinand Magellan, discoverer of the Philippines on April 27, 1521 to signify the beginning of Christianity in the country. Today, this cross (original encased) is both a historical and religious land mark in Cebu where Catholic pilgrims pay a visit to say a prayer. Others come to acquire a firsthand lesson in Philippine history. This site can even be considered as the cradle of Christianity in the Far East for the Philippines is the only predominantly Christian nation in the orient.
Situated right in the heart of Cebu City is this imposing Cebu Heritage Moñument that commemorates the arrival of the mighty fleet of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Also among these giant sculptures are those of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and his men that arrived in the country forty years later in 1561 to formally colonize and Christianize the Philippines because Magellan failed to completely convert the native earlier due to his death in the historic battle of Mactan-an island less than a kilometer off mainland Cebu. Legaspi’s arrival marked the beginning of the more than 300-year Spanish reign of the Philippines.
World Class Musical Instruments
Cebu guitar makers are well-known all over the country. Each
musical instrument above is a small four-string guitar, locally known as “ukelele,” a Cebuano version of the six-string
acoustic guitars. Aside from being affordable, the diminutive guitar is very handy that children learn to play it comfortably. When played very well, it can fill the air with melodious tune just like
the standardguitars. Sounding
boards of Ukeleles (shown above) are mostly incised with images that depict countryside Philippines.
Shown above are purely Cebu- made acoustic guitars. They are being produced around the country, but those made in Cebu are well-known for being
world class. Their sounding boards are made from a tropical fruit tree-jackfruit. Local musicians prefer such raw material for guitars because it produces musical tunes that they like most. Thus, Cebu is now the major guitar-making province in the country
Historic Mode of Transportation
Shown above is a horse-drawned carriage, a mode of transportation brought by the Spaniards in the Philippines more than four hundred years ago. Filipinos have long used it with enthusiasm, but the advent of modernization has been slowly putting off these carriages that used to dominate the Philippine local roads. Nevertheless, here in Cebu one can still find a joyous ride on this environment-friendly predecessor of modern taxis that now dominate the short-distance transport.
Historic Churches
Christianity is the greatest
legacy of Spain to the Philippines, making the latter the predominant Christian nation in Asia. Filipinos today have embraced other Christian faith, but Catholicism is predominant. Shown above is the historic Basilica del Sto. Niño (Holy Child Jesus) located right in the heart of Cebu City. Having been built in 1566 by the Spaniards makes it the oldest Catholic church in the Philippines, but lost the honor when it was renovated in 1735 after it was hit by a fire. Today, the structure is reminiscent of the blend of Muslim, Romanesque, and neo-classical architecture. An image of the Holy Child Jesus brought by Ferdinand Magellan is kept in this historic church, making it one of the pilgrimage
destinations by thousands of devoted Catholics from within the country and around the world.
Sinulog Festival
Sinulog, meaning “like water current movement,” is an annual festival held in Cebu City every third Sunday of January. It is a week-long joyous celebration that honors the holy child Jesus or Sto. Niño, and culminates with a day-long street dancing of two steps forward and one step backward tempo. It is well-attended by participants from as far as the fur-flung provinces of Mindanao. Their dashing and colorful attires reflect the major agricultural products of their respective regions. While, those native of Cebu who have migrated usually return for the Sinulog and many foreign tourists as well visit Cebu for this major religious and cultural event in the Philippines.
Taoist Temple
Being peaceful and inhabited by warm and hospitable people where large scale businesses thrive, Cebu has become
the melting pot of Asian races in the Philippines. Many Chinese and South Koreans have made this place their permanent home. Shown above is a Taoist temple built by the Cebu Chinese community. It is open to all visitors- worshipers and non-worshipers alike. And around three hundred (300) meters above sea level, it provides a very comfortable and panoramic view of the ever prospering Queen City in Southern Philippines.
Bantayan Island
Being a maritime province, Cebu is endowed with many exquisite beaches. Shown above is one of those beaches situated in the island of Bantayan. Its pristine waters and spotless white grains of sand captivate thousands of both local and foreign tourists. Moreover, karaoke bars, snorkeling and diving equipments are available to make ones vacation enjoyable as much as possible.
Water Falls
The image shown above is that of Kawasan Falls where hundreds of South Koreans, Americans, Europeans and other foreign tourists troop anytime of the year. It’s a majestic fall of foam-like waters that extends as high as 50 meters. Below is a deep semi-lake, where one can take an enjoyable plunge into the cold waters. A raft is also provided for a minimal pay for those who just wanted to drift around. Beside this natural pool are cozy cottages and cookout facilities that afford comfortable accommodations.
Cebu Butterfly Sanctuary
The images above are taken from a butterfly sanctuary located in the nearby town of Pardo. A
guided tour around the sanctuary is afforded for twenty five pesos for children and fifty for adult. It’s really an amusement, with the Philippine butterflies in their flamboyant colors perching on finger tips. On the other hand, paintings made from butterfly wings (Shown on the 2nd image) are a unique source of fascinating and amazing sights that are equally provided by the sanctuary.
Crocolandia
Crocolandia is a conservation park located in Talisay City, Cebu. Contrary to its name, it’s not only populated by friendly crocodiles but other animals also, making it a mini-zoo. A guided tour is provided for a very reasonable fee. The tour includes a walk through the cages filled with such exotic animals as Philippines turtles, wild pigs, colorful birds, snakes, and iguanas. Animals here are very docile that one could even feed the crocodiles! Provided even more are a series of lectures about wild animals.
Cock Fighting
Shown above is a typical cockfighting venue in the Philippines. It is a Filipino culture left by the Spaniards. As a form of big deal gambling, it is widely criticized today in Philippine society. But without participating into its gambling side, it’s really an amusement
to watch ferocious cocks fighting against each other that it is widely participated by Filipinos from all walks of life.
Roast Pigs
In the Philippines, a social party without a roast pig is incomplete. In
Christmas parties, birthdays, weddings and fiestas a roast pig is always the highlight of the menu. It has really permeated the Filipino eating culture that even people who are not so fond of this unique kind of fork recipe alludes whether a roast pig is among the menus for without it he/she will not attend. No wonder, majority of Filipinos find it yummiest among other kinds of fork recipes.
Cebu Mangoes
After having tasted Cebu mangoes and those coming from other parts of the world, one can claim that those coming from Cebu are world class. They are characterized by their sugar- sweet taste and
fragrance. Unlike other kinds available in many fruit markets, mangoes from Cebu are like papayas in texture, with almost no fiber that makes them very pleasant for a dessert.
Olango Island Bird Watching
Olango is an islet off Mactan Island. It is of tourist interest for it serves as a refuge to thousand of migratory birds during the months February to April and September to November. Hundreds of tourists troop to the island to enjoy bird watching and boating through the mangroves. Moreover, local villagers amuse the visitors with their indigenous craft at fishing. They also serve foods at very reasonable prices.
Charles Horton Colley, once said of travel, “To get away from one’s working environment is, in a sense, to get away from one’s self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change.” And one place in the world that can truly live up to such agreeable and lovely claim is this beautiful and historic island of Cebu in Central Philippines. On the other hand, the Wonders of Bohol and the Grand Tourist Attractions of Camiguin are as splendid as that in the neighboring province of Cebu.
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