The Significant City of Philippines – Cebu City

The Cebu city is the first capital of Philippines, being one of the significant centers in the Visayas of commerce, trade, and education. It is the oldest city in the country and a first Spanish settlement, located on the mid-eastern side of the Cebu Island. The name Cebu actually means a place for trading. Cebu Island is the main domestic shipping port in the Philippines and a home to about 80% shipping companies. This place has now been developed and converted into a global hub for shipping, tourism, and business and commerce industry.

History

The Cebu Island was ruled by the Portuguese and later by the Spanish. At the end of 18th century the Philippine revolution began against Spain but before its independence, the American troops captured the place after which the Filipino-American war broke and the Philippines were declared sovereign in 1900. In 1946 the country was liberated and since that time Cebu continued to develop and grow as an important shipping hub for the Philippines. In the late 90’s Cebu city was famous for the fashionable shopping centers, movie theaters and restaurants which eventually turned out to be a major trading and shipping hub.

Cultural Identity

The language spoken by a majority of people here is Cebuano. Spanish was used earlier.  For about 80% of the population here follow Christianity in the form of Roman Catholics. The other religions being followed here are Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. This place is a remarkable cultural center of the Philippines. Magellan’s cross is the city’s most famous landmark. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño which is the Church of Holy Child is just a few steps away from this cross and features the country’s oldest historical object, the figure of the Santo Niño de Cebú (Holy Child of Cebu). All the festivals of Cebu and the cultural events are celebrated as Sinulog festival. The festival of Santo Niño, who was formerly considered to be the patron saint of Cebu is celebrated on every third Sunday of January.

Natural Resources

Cebu stretching 196 kilometers from north and south is a narrow and long island. It consists of coastal plains, narrow coastlines, and limestone plateaus and also is surrounded by other islands, beaches, coral atolls, and great fishing grounds. Due to the Tropical climate, the place is an ideal location for the flora and fauna. There are many species of plants and animals which are found nowhere else in the world. The flora here is used as an essential natural resource as ingredients in commercially exported goods and products. Nickel, Iron, and copper are present in a significant amount at this place.

Local Guides and Tours

Casa Gorordo Museum is a huge and significant construction of wood, set in a pleasant, manicured garden well preserved colonial mansion. It features a wide patio and beautifully carved wooden furniture. It has a traditional and beautiful architecture. It costs 70 ₱ for adults.

The small Spanish outpost of Philippines, Fort San Pedro was built during the colonial era. It has a museum which has the wreckage and treasures of San Diego from Mexico. It costs ₱30.

Crocolandia is a place where people can witness different types of crocodiles, snakes, deer, and birds.

Transportation 

In Cebu, there are no direct flights as there is no airport here. To reach out this place there is an airport on Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu city. It just takes around an hour to reach Cebu city from there.  There are many direct flights to Mactan-Cebu international airport from countries like Singapore, Korea, Hongkong, and Malaysia. It is also the main domestic hub with many flights around the Philippine archipelago. Also, there are buses, jeepney, and ferry available.For local transportation, people use jeepney which is available for 24 hours. Their main terminals are at Ayala, SM mall and along Colon Street. There are local buses available. Taxis are also being used here. The white taxis with price meters are mostly honest in charging. There is a lot of pick-pocketing here so people need to be aware of misleading practices used here.

Transportation Cost

For traveling to Cebu i.e the flights to Mactan-Cebu International Airport from Hong Kong costs around Ṕ6265, Ṕ4282 is the fare from Manila, Ṕ11700 is the fare from Kuala Lumpur and Ṕ11000 is the fare from Singapore. There are many flights available from these places. Ṕ1700 is the cost of bus and Ṕ1750 is the cost of a ferry from Manila to Cebu.For traveling within the city, the jeepney costs around Ṕ10. Ṕ100 is the fare of a taxi which usually does not cross that. Ṕ200-Ṕ250 is the fair from the airport to central Cebu. People can hire cars for Ṕ50 per day.

Political scenario

In Cebu City, there is a mayor, vice mayor and sixteen councilors in which eight represent north and eight represent south region who govern the city. Each of them is being elected every three years. The city administrator is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the city. This City is independent of Cebu province being a highly urbanized city. In the city council, the chief of Association of Barangay Captains also takes initiatives.  Currently, it is the 17th congress in which the present mayor is Tomas Osmeńa LP and the current vice mayor is Edgar Labella UNA.

Economic scenario

The nearness to islands, beaches, hotels and restaurants, diving locations, shipping and significant heritage sites has made Cebu city an attraction to the global tourists. This has flooded the city of arrivals of domestic and foreign tourists. The port of Cebu is the second largest port in the country after Manila. Cebu is greatly accessible to the air, land, and sea which have become a gateway for the tourists to southern and central Philippines. Spread across the province, Cebu has 9 economic zones which facilitate a place to spread across with world-class facilities and a number of business incentives. The economic growth of Cebu has driven a rapid speed because of the increase in business investment, increase in tourism and real estate development.

Reasons to Select the Destination

Cebu is regarded as one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines which has fun, adventure and thrills to offer to its visitors. This place has amazing shopping malls which include SM Cebu. There are significant gardens to visit like Queen City Memorial Garden, amazing beaches, shipping centers, majestic waterfalls, impressive museums, and monuments. Cebu is one of the famous places to study English in Asia. People here enjoy bike ridings, scuba diving, extreme rides, and swimming. The cuisine here is appetizing and mouth-watering. The weather here is dry and pleasing. Another thing that amuses people is the island of Olango and it is 6 small satellite islands which offer people to observe migratory birds and is also ideal for snorkeling. The beauty of Cebu city can be seen through the villages on its mountainsides. The significant Filipino-Spanish heritage buildings in this city are the attraction to many people. The impression of Spanish and Roman Catholic culture here is palpable.