Cebu City: The Queen City of the South
Cebu City is the capital of the province of Cebu, Philippines. It is the second largest city, and the second most progressive city in the country. Cebu was where the first Spaniards landed, and the tip-off point for their exploratory work.
To get to Cebu, the Mactan International Airport accepts flight from different places, more locally. For international flights, only a few international carriers land in Cebu. Manila is still the more dominant port of entry and exit for foreigners.
Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, arrived in Cebu on April 7, 1521. He converted the king of Cebu, Rajah Humabon, into Catholicism a week after he arrived. He died soon however, during the Battle of Mactan.
A group led by the Spanish conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi landed in Cebu on February 13, 1565. After hostile battles took place, they left and explored the other Philippine islands, but returned two months after. Since the royalty of Cebu and his followers left town, the Spaniards snatched the island and enlisted it under Spain. Cebu had become a port for Mexican ships in 1569, to aid the primary colonizers in exploration of the rest of the country.
Cebu became a charted city during the Commonwealth Era under President Manuel Quezon.
The Japanese inhabited Cebu, like the rest of the Philippines during the Second World War. The Japanese freed Cebu in March of 1945.
Cebu is a very important cultural hub of the country, since the vestiges of the Spanish colonization is still evident.
Magellan planted a cross when he landed in Cebu, which for centuries has been the most famous landmark of Cebu as it is an icon of Christianity in the country. Magellan's Cross is now stored in a chapel.
The Basilica Minore del Santo Nino (Church of the Holy Child) is an Augustinian church that is made out of carved stone, and houses the oldest historical object in the country, the Santo Nino de Cebu (Holy Child of Cebu).
The Fort San Pedro is the tiniest Spaniard station during their occupation. Presently, it houses a museum displaying remnants from the sunken Mexican ship, the San Diego ship.
The Sinulog Festival is celebrated annually, on the 3rd Sunday of January. It is a tribal dance performance on the streets with origins dating back to the Pre-Colonial Era. Sinulog is celebrated in the honor of Santo Nino.
Shopping, dining, and drinking are popular pastimes in Cebu, having all these entertainment places spread out in the city itself, Mactan, and Mandaue Cities. The Ayala Center and Crossroads are a couple of ideas on where to go in Cebu.
With its rich historical background, Cebu City has continued to push through the barrier and become progressive. True enough, it is now the second booming metropolis and one of the most frequented tourist destinations in the country.
To get to Cebu, the Mactan International Airport accepts flight from different places, more locally. For international flights, only a few international carriers land in Cebu. Manila is still the more dominant port of entry and exit for foreigners.
Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, arrived in Cebu on April 7, 1521. He converted the king of Cebu, Rajah Humabon, into Catholicism a week after he arrived. He died soon however, during the Battle of Mactan.
A group led by the Spanish conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi landed in Cebu on February 13, 1565. After hostile battles took place, they left and explored the other Philippine islands, but returned two months after. Since the royalty of Cebu and his followers left town, the Spaniards snatched the island and enlisted it under Spain. Cebu had become a port for Mexican ships in 1569, to aid the primary colonizers in exploration of the rest of the country.
Cebu became a charted city during the Commonwealth Era under President Manuel Quezon.
The Japanese inhabited Cebu, like the rest of the Philippines during the Second World War. The Japanese freed Cebu in March of 1945.
Cebu is a very important cultural hub of the country, since the vestiges of the Spanish colonization is still evident.
Magellan planted a cross when he landed in Cebu, which for centuries has been the most famous landmark of Cebu as it is an icon of Christianity in the country. Magellan's Cross is now stored in a chapel.
The Basilica Minore del Santo Nino (Church of the Holy Child) is an Augustinian church that is made out of carved stone, and houses the oldest historical object in the country, the Santo Nino de Cebu (Holy Child of Cebu).
The Fort San Pedro is the tiniest Spaniard station during their occupation. Presently, it houses a museum displaying remnants from the sunken Mexican ship, the San Diego ship.
The Sinulog Festival is celebrated annually, on the 3rd Sunday of January. It is a tribal dance performance on the streets with origins dating back to the Pre-Colonial Era. Sinulog is celebrated in the honor of Santo Nino.
Shopping, dining, and drinking are popular pastimes in Cebu, having all these entertainment places spread out in the city itself, Mactan, and Mandaue Cities. The Ayala Center and Crossroads are a couple of ideas on where to go in Cebu.
With its rich historical background, Cebu City has continued to push through the barrier and become progressive. True enough, it is now the second booming metropolis and one of the most frequented tourist destinations in the country.