Cebu City is the capital of the province of Cebu. The city is located on the eastern shore of Cebu Island and was the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) fly to and from Cebu daily. From Manila, you can fly to Cebu (Php3500++, round trip, 45 minutes). From Mactan Airport, you will need to hire a cab to go to the city proper or to your destination. You can book your flights online or go to the nearest PAL booking center.
Did you know that the name Cebu came from the work "sebu" which means animal fat? It was a fishing village ruled by Rajah Humabon before the Spaniards came.
Cebu City draws significant income from tourism. There are a number of known landmarks and monuments, great places to dine, and home of the popular Sinulog Festival every month of January.
When in Cebu, here are a few lists to take note to enjoy your Cebu City escapade:
Spanish Colonial Buildings, Monuments and Landmarks
• Basilica Minore del Santo Niño - an Augustinian church elevated to the rank of Basilica in 1965 during the 400th year celebrations of Christianity in the Philippines, held in Cebu.
• Sto. Niño Basilica Museum - the museum contains many Filipino historical artifacts including the clothes for the Sto. Niño doll
• Casa Gorordo Museum - a historical home in downtown Cebu City bringing you back in the late 19th century.
• Home of the first Filipino Bishop in Cebu named Juan Gorordo
• Magellan's Cross - the city's most famous landmark. Originally planted by Ferdinand Magellan himself on April 21, 1521 on this site, the cross made of tindalo wood.
• Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and Cathedral Museum - the ecclesiastical seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cebu. The Cathedral Museum houses religious relics and articfacts.
• Cebu Heritage Monument - the monument designed and built by artist Eduardo Castrillo features some of Cebu's important heritage sites and events
• Cebu Taoist Temple - a Taoist temple in Beverly Hills. Views of Cebu City can also be seen from villages and gated communities located on the mountains.
• Yap-Sandiego House - it is an ancestral house, a pseudo-museum where one would have a good idea how the Cebuanos lived back in the days.
• Colon Obelisk - a marker that serves as a sundial and it stands in the middle of a busy street
• Plaza Independencia - at the center stands the obelisk dedicated to Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the first Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines
• Fort San Pedro Museum - the place is like a miniature version of Manila's Intramuros. It is said to be the oldest standing triangular bastion in the country. Fort Sand Pedro is the first site of Spanish/Western occupation in the Philippines
Where to Shop
• Ayala Center Cebu - located at the Cebu Business Park. It is a shopping mall opened in 1994, the first Ayala Mall outside Manila.
• Taboan Market - if you like dried fishes for pasalubong, come to this place.
Where to Dine
An array of food is also available in the city. You can visit the malls for different cuisines that range from American, Italian, European, Filipino and a lot more or explore the corners of the city for your food adventure. You can try:
• Golden Cowrie Native Restaurant - for your Filipino cuisine. Specialty is the "manok halang halang".
• Rico's Lechon - located at Talamban, Cebu City. It is where you can find the spicy lechon.
• Royal Concourse - located at Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City. Wide range of food choices from veggies, meat up to desserts. A buffet of Filipino, Chinese, Italian and Western cuisines.
• Dong Juan - located at Emilio Osmeña St., Guadalupe, Cebu City. Its specialty is Salami Ham, Gambas Al Ajillo Pasta and sourdough burger.
• CNT Lechon - where you can find the best tasting original Cebu lechon.
Nightlife
• The Penthouse - located at Asiatown I.T. Park, Cebu City. it is a solid authority on hardcore clubbing with five resident DJs, and has hosted a string of events for international big shots.
• VUDU - located at Crossroads Mall, Banilad, Cebu City. Their dance club sports 2 floors playing either House or R&B. On weekdays, there's a slew of other entertainment style options including a rock band night and "VUDU-oke."
• Z Bar - located at Banilad, Cebu City. The interiors are an original creation by internationally acclaimed and Cebu grown designer Kenneth Cobonpue.
Festivals
• Sinulog Festival - celebrated every third Sunday of January, it celebrates the festival of the Santo Niño
Where to Stay
Cebu City has a wide variety of accommodation starting from budget travelers up to the most luxurious spenders.
Tell us your adventures and share your Cebu discoveries on www.choosephils.com!
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photo from cebu.gov.ph
