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Cebu
is in the heart of the Philippines. Known to be the
Queen City of the South, Cebu has is the oldest and
second most important city in the country. Cebu is one
of the top priority of tourist because of its
world-class beach resorts and diving spots. Cebu's
tourist destinations and attraction are found in both
north and south of Metro Cebu. Cebu has it's own
international and shipping port. Cebu has export
processing zones that are helps boost up the economy of
the country.
The province is composed of five cities; Cebu City,
Mandaue, Lapu-lapu, Toledo and Danao and there are 48
municipalities. Cebu City, the provincial capital, is
located on the island's east coast.
Cebu is the shipping crossroads and it is a good jumping
off point for island hopping to the tropical islets of
Central Visayas. Cebu is the home of the world-class
beach resorts and beautiful tropical diving sites in the
country. Mactan Island which is adjacent to Cebu has
become the tourist package destination especially for
Japanese, Taiwanese and Koreans.
Cebu is also the home of the Sinulog Festival which is
famous because of its colorful costumes and street
dancing. The Sinulog Festival is held every third Sunday
of January. Various groups in which are called tribes
are wearing beautiful, exotic and colorful costumes to
celebrate the religious festival with the image infant
Jesus. These tribes are singing and dancing in the
streets from morning to evening.
Cebu is also known as the country's oldest Spanish
settlement and colonial City dating from 15th century.
Cebu has several historic landmarks.
There are many colonial houses in the south especially
in Carcar the restored Bahay na Tisa and the
Moorish-style Church of St. Catherine. Many exotic and
beautiful beaches can be found in Argao and Dalaguete.
18th Century church which attracts tourist can also be
found in Argao. |
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Basilica
Minore del Santo Niņo: The church is found in the
heart of Cebu City. It enshrines the image of the Christ
Child that Ferdinand Magellan gave to Rajah Humabon.
Magellan's Cross: Is one of the Cebu landmark. It
encase the original cross which was planted by Ferdinand
Magellan on the Philippine shores.
Fort San Pedro is the oldest fort in the
country. It was built in the 16th century. Colon
Street is the oldest street in the country.
Fuente Osmeņa is a favorite city promenade, while
the Taoist Temple at Beverly Hills and Tops
Lookout at Busay offers the spectacular views of the
city. Known Museums that include Casa Gorordo,
University of San Carlos and the Jumalon
Butterfly Museum, which features artworks made
entirely from butterfly wings. The booming metropolis is
also home to several modern shopping malls and a
sprawling business park.
Mactan Island is home to the Lapu-Lapu
Monument and the much older Magellan Monument
at Punta Engano, both near the traditional battle site
between the two historical figures. The island's famed
beach resorts are located at the island's eastern coast,
just half an hour away from Mactan International
Airport.
Carcar has many colonial houses (especially its restored
Bahay na Tisa) and the Moorish-style Church of
St. Catherine. Notable beaches can be found in
Argao and Dalaguete, the former also has a
splendid 18th-century church.
Mantalongon is the Little Baguio of Cebu with its
upland vegetable and flower farms. Boljoon's
well-preserved Church of St. William is now a
national cultural treasure. At the southern tip is
Sumilon Island, site of the country's first marine
reserve with its coral reefs; adjoining Tanon Strait
is a whale and dolphin habitat.
On the west coast is Moalboal, one of the
country's most popular dive sites; its top sites are
Panagsama Beach and Pescador Island.
Badian Island has white sand beaches. In Matutinao
is Kawasan Falls with its natural pools. Samboan
has Escala de Jacob, an impressive hilltop
watchtower. Balamban is the site of a national
park.
The road north leads to Danao, famous for its
paltik or gun industry. Sogod has attractive
beaches and a world-class resort. At the northern tip
are the
islands of Bantayan, with its sandy
beaches, and
Malapascua Island, which has
powder-fine sand. Olango Island across Mactan is
becoming popular as a bird-watching site due to its
status as a sanctuary of migratory birds coming from as
far as China and Siberia. |