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Cebu

Often called the "Queen City of the South" and the Seat of Christianity in the Philippines, Cebu is the country's oldest city. Exploring Cebu City, one encounters a rich historic past. Cebuanos are extremely proud of their cultural and historical heritage, a legacy which has endured thru the centuries from the time the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan first planted the cross on Cebu's shore.

On April 8, 1521 Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu and discovered the island for the Europeans thus opening a route that would be followed by sea traders until today. Magellan planted a cross in the island that would become Cebu's most famous landmark.

While in the island, Magellan picked a fight with Cebu's local chieftain Lapu-lapu that led to the now legendary Battle of Mactan. Magellan was killed in the battle and most of his men were annihilated by the locals. 40 years later Spain succeeded in colonizing Cebu and the central islands of the Visayas as well as the northern islands of Luzon. The whole archipelago was named "Las Islas Filipinas" in honor of the then Spanish king Philip II.

Lapu Lapu has unvolontarily become the first Filipino freedom fighter. You will find his statue on Mactan Island close to the City of Lapu Lapu, which was named after him.
Time has been kind to Cebu. From Zubu, the fishing village and busy trading port in 1521 has evolved a highly urbanized metropolitan center which now serves as focal point of growth and development in Southern Philippines.

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Today the island province has the highest economic growth rate in the Philippines. Likewise recent indications pointed out that Cebu island has become the country's most favorite tourist destination.

In contrast to the bustling metropolis, the rest of Cebu's 167 islets and islands are lined with idyllic white sandy beaches and pristine clear waters. Cebu has gained wide popularity for its fantastic diving grounds evidenced by the proliferation of resorts which offer luxurious accommodations, excellent dive facilities and the services of competent dive masters and dive guides.

Sightseeing

Magellan Cross

Right in the City Center, close to famous Carbon Street, you find the Magellan Cross. It is located in an old stone dome giving protection from sun, wind and rain. See the picture above. It is impressive and a "must see" in Cebu. As this is one of the few spots which attract tourist, its also the working place and hangout of souvenir sellers, beggars of all ages and other individuals trying to get their share from the curious foreign tourist. So better share your attention between the historic site and your immediate sourroundings.

Lapu-Lapu Statue

The Lapu Lapu Statue you find on Mactan Island in the outskirts of Lapu-Lapu. It stands in a small garden and there is also a building which acts as a memorial site for the historic battle. The wall paintings are worth to see.

Fort San Pedro

Inside the Fort

Close to the Pier Area in Cebu City you will find the historic Fort San Pedro. It was founded by the Spaniards after they have settled in Cebu and its ancient walls have endured until today. Nowadays it hosts a museum which offers insight into the old times. You can walk through the wide attached park and have a look over to the piers to watch incoming ships like the Spaniards used to do over the centuries.

Taoist Temple

Located at Beverly Hills in Cebu City, on of the areas where the more wealthy people choose to live, the Taoist Temple overlooks the whole City Area and beyond. Even Mactan Island is clearly visible from there. As it is a bit elevated the air is fresher and you are above the city smog.
This temple preserve the teachings of Lao-Tse the 600 B.C Chinese philosopher. People come from far to request a view into the future by the monks. In any case its a place to mediate and to relax.

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Kawasan-Falls

Kawasan is located on the South West coast of Cebu Island. From the Tourist Center Moalboal you have to follow the National Road southwards for another 20km to reach Kawasan.
There is no car access to the falls area, so you will have a guaranteed 15 minute foot-walk along the amazing Kawasan River to reach the falls. Even that walk is an experience in itself, the water is so fresh and clear and the fauna so green - it is really breath-taking.

When you reach the falls, you will be tempted to jump into that fresh and clean water. It looks so inviting and refreshing. You need a refeshment anyway after the trail along the river.
You find some seating arrangement and you can buy cold drinks and snacks there. A "must see" on Cebu.

Festivals

Sinulog

Inside the Fort

Every third Sunday in January starts the Sinulog Festival. It coincides with the feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu, patron saint of the city of Cebu. The feast day of the Santo Niño commemorates the baptism of the chieftain of the province, his queen, and his subjects in 1521. At this ceremony, an image of the Santo Niño was presented as a gift to Queen Juana by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
Its almost a full week of street activity, dancing competition and of course a big parade.
This parade has a lot of similarities to the

wellknown carneval parades from Köln or Mainz in Germany or the Brasilian Carneval in South America. The costumes are fantastic and a lot of effort is put into them, however the whole affair is completely moral and in line with the Catholic church standards, for sexy dresses and skin as shown in South America the spectator will wait in vain.

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