I have been to Cebu a lot of times. It was the favorite shopping place for Boholanos before shopping malls were developed in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Being only an 1 to 2 hour ride by ferry from Tubigon, Bohol to Cebu, we preferred visiting SM Cebu or the Colon Street rather than Tagbilaran City. (Of course, these days, Tagbilaran City already have malls and shopping areas.) Although, I have been to Cebu a number of times (since I also have relatives there), I haven’t really visited some of the famous sites of the city that we've only read on school textbooks before. But when I was assigned by my Manila office to Cebu, my officemate and I explored Cebu particularly Cebu City and enjoyed our a month and a half stay there.
Background
Metro Cebu - A metropolitan area of the Province of Cebu, Philippines, it is composed of the following cities: Cebu City, Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City, together with eigth (8) municipalities (Carcar, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla, Naga and San Fernando). It is the regional center of Central Visayas.
The provincial capitol, business district, major educational institutions, major historical places and the international port are located in Cebu City. Mandanue City boosts of industrial companies and factories. The export processing zone and the international airport (second busiest in the country next to NAIA) are located in Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island. Danao City is a mining city while Talisay City is a residential city with small to medium sized businesses.
Cebu City, known as the Queen City of the South, comes close to Manila’s highly urbanized center. Visitors from the big cities like Manila would feel at home here but of course, Cebu City is well-known for its rich history which dated back to the year 1521 when Magellan first set foot in the Philippine soil.
Visiting Cebu
From Manila, it would take a one-hour plane ride to Cebu. Almost all major airline companies of the country have flights to Cebu on a daily basis. (International guest can opt to have direct flights to Cebu through Mactan International Airport.) If you have enough time to spare and you haven’t tried riding a ship on sea, you can also enjoy the festive ride of Superferry or Negros Navigation from Manila. It is more or less 24 hours going to Cebu. This is advisable if you go as a group as you guys could enjoy together the fun activities on board. I highly recommend Superferry 14 or 19, with good amenities and a swimming pool on the top deck for your barkadas to enjoy. Upon coming back to Manila, you can already take the plane.
We opened our Cebu office in Mandaue City. It was in partnership with the owner of the Cebu Brand Dried Mangoes, Mr. Justin Uy. Unknown to most people, Cebu Brand and Philippine Brand Dried Mangoes belonged to the same parent company, ProFoods. I highly recommend to tourists never to fail taking home this brand’s dried magoes which is of course of export quality. My Manila officemates and I stayed at ProFoods Staff House but low priced with good quality hotels abound the city.
Public Jeepney is the major transportation that you can avail of to go around the city. Taxis also are a lot in number, but if you’re the adventurer type then don’t hesitate to take the jeepney. Drivers and ‘konductors’ are friendly enough to tell you the exact and real fare. Just let them know where you want to go and they would gladly drop you off at your destination. People will tell you the jeepney number to ride and you can see this number in front of the vehicle.
Recommended Night Life Places
1. Coffee
Chikahan at IT Park
Chikahan at IT ParkIf you prefer to have some quiet time to talk to a long lost friend or you just simply dislike loud places, then spend the night over a cup of coffee at IT Park. Choose from among the popular national and local coffee shops that are situated in the area. At night time, the park is still alive with people from BPO companies who are working at the vicinity.
2. Waterfront Hotel
Just across IT Park, enjoy the night here with the hotels' picturesque lobby, hallways and grounds. Non-hotel guests are welcome. With or without extra money to spare to bet, you can freely enter the Filipino Casino, watch the games or simply enjoy the band playing on stage. There are a lot of 5-star restaurants on the second floor lobby if you plan to impress a date or simply sip coffee at the first floor while being serenaded by a pianist.3. Mango Square
Avoid this place during Sinulog Festivals or during special holidays as the place tends to be too crowded to breathe. But on an ordinary Friday or Saturday night and you are looking for a place to make use of your vocal chords, then head to any karaoke bar at Mango Square. You can sing in front or together in a large crowd but most places have private rooms for a barkada of 3 to 10, depending on the room size. Prices ranged from 100php – 200php per hour depending on the season and quality of place.Recommeded Historical Places to know Cebu
1. Basilica Minor del Santo Niño (Image of the Santo Niño)
This is just o
ne jeepney ride away from the port or from SM City (minimum fare). This church was built by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta on the site where the image of the Santo Niño was found in 1565. The side wings of the church houses the paintings made by some famous artist which account the history of the 400 years of the Christianization of Cebu. The original image of the Santo Niño is kept in the Parish Convent (known to be taken out during the Sinulog festivals) but a replica can be found on the side altar of the church adorned with gold and precious stones. Having a near glimpse however would take a long time considering the long lines of people coming for to pray for the image. On the outer left side of the church, there is a building that houses a small museum of the church. Visit it to have a glimpse of the Catholic church history as told by the relics of the Cebuano people.
2. Magellan’s Cross
Located at Magallanes St., this site is just a few meters walk away from Basilica Minor del Santo Niño. Planted in April 21, 1521 by Ferndinand Magellan, the original cross is now encase inside a hallow cross of tinadalo wood to protect it from total destruction. Outside the open shrine of the cross, vendors of some native Cebu products abound. Haggle yourself to the vendors to get cheaper priced goods like bags, wallets among others.
1. Basilica Minor del Santo Niño (Image of the Santo Niño)
This is just o
ne jeepney ride away from the port or from SM City (minimum fare). This church was built by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta on the site where the image of the Santo Niño was found in 1565. The side wings of the church houses the paintings made by some famous artist which account the history of the 400 years of the Christianization of Cebu. The original image of the Santo Niño is kept in the Parish Convent (known to be taken out during the Sinulog festivals) but a replica can be found on the side altar of the church adorned with gold and precious stones. Having a near glimpse however would take a long time considering the long lines of people coming for to pray for the image. On the outer left side of the church, there is a building that houses a small museum of the church. Visit it to have a glimpse of the Catholic church history as told by the relics of the Cebuano people.2. Magellan’s Cross
Located at Magallanes St., this site is just a few meters walk away from Basilica Minor del Santo Niño. Planted in April 21, 1521 by Ferndinand Magellan, the original cross is now encase inside a hallow cross of tinadalo wood to protect it from total destruction. Outside the open shrine of the cross, vendors of some native Cebu products abound. Haggle yourself to the vendors to get cheaper priced goods like bags, wallets among others.3. Colon Street
Don’t miss to walk along the oldest street in the Philippines which was built by the Spaniards in the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. It is located in the heart of downtown Cebu, a few meter walk from the Basilica Minor del Santo Niño. The street is lined with moviehouses, restaurants, department stores and other business establishments. Nowadays, the Cebu local government closes this road at night for vehicles to give way to a night market in the middle of the street. This is a good place to enjoy shopping at a lower price. A word of warning though, be careful with your wallets and bags. Just like any other crowded places, it pays to be careful.
Don’t miss to walk along the oldest street in the Philippines which was built by the Spaniards in the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. It is located in the heart of downtown Cebu, a few meter walk from the Basilica Minor del Santo Niño. The street is lined with moviehouses, restaurants, department stores and other business establishments. Nowadays, the Cebu local government closes this road at night for vehicles to give way to a night market in the middle of the street. This is a good place to enjoy shopping at a lower price. A word of warning though, be careful with your wallets and bags. Just like any other crowded places, it pays to be careful.
Recommeded Parks
1. Tops
Located 2,000 above sea level, it is said to be on the top most part of Cebu on the cool hills of Busay. It is good to go there on a sunny day to get the breathtaking view of Metro Cebu including the island of Mactan and Olango. A night view of Metro Cebu is also a sight to reckon. Open kiosk are available for use. Going there would be a problem though since there’s no public vehicle on route there. It is best if you have your own vehicle. You can also hire a taxi to get you there but would intail a higher price. You can negotiate with the taxi drivers.
2. Mountain View Nature’s Park
Located at S
itio Garahe Busay, it is not as high as Tops but also gives a good view of Metro Cebu below. It is situated near the cool flower gardens of Busay. The park has a mini-zoo, accomodations and canteen. There is a jeepney route going to the park during day time only. If you want to visit the park at night to see the Cebu night lights, you may have to take a taxi (P150-P200). Good if you go in a group of 4. The mini hotel though has a van to bring in and out their stay-in guest. For any information, you can contact the manager, Edgar Castillo at (63-32) 2315444 or (63-32) 2315454.
Located at S
itio Garahe Busay, it is not as high as Tops but also gives a good view of Metro Cebu below. It is situated near the cool flower gardens of Busay. The park has a mini-zoo, accomodations and canteen. There is a jeepney route going to the park during day time only. If you want to visit the park at night to see the Cebu night lights, you may have to take a taxi (P150-P200). Good if you go in a group of 4. The mini hotel though has a van to bring in and out their stay-in guest. For any information, you can contact the manager, Edgar Castillo at (63-32) 2315444 or (63-32) 2315454.Recommeded Place to Eat
1. Larshan
Located beside Chung Hua Hospital along Osmeña Blvd. near the Fuente Osmeña Park. A smorgasbord of barbecue from pork, chicken, chorizo, among others. My officemate from Manila totally enjoyed eating the ‘puso’ rice, even wondering what it was at first. Everything is cheap but definitely good food.
Miss M
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