Hotels in Cebu
In the Visayan region, the island of Cebu is the Queen. It attracts not only tourists but also those that intend to establish a business, mostly expats, because of the unique combination of rustic charm and modernity. No doubt it deserves the title “Asia’s newest boomtown”. And who would not even think that? You’d see newly established businesses owned by foreigners sprouting almost overnight like mushrooms in every corner of the city.
Life is a constant bliss in this island-province that enjoys a constant tropical climate almost all year round. The surrounding islands of Panay, Negros, Leyte and Samar, provides a natural typhoon breaker which allows tourists and travelers the chance to relax in the sparkling beaches and crystal clear water on the coast of the island. Other leisure activities include island-hopping and diving.
Cebu offers more than just its beaches and island activities. And for the cosmopolitan and businessman, the convenience of world-class accommodations, ecclectic cuisine, and active nightlife is yet another attraction. This bustling metropolis has no shortage for these amenities for a busy businessman who’s always on the go.
How Cebu Came About
Today’s Metro Cebu, consisting of three cities and six municipalities, is a product of many a centuries’ involvement in international commerce. It’s history dates back 13th century when Cebu was called Sugbo which already then played an important role in overseas commerce. It was recorded in the city’s history how the world famous circumnavigator, Ferdinand Magellan, had intended to establish Cebu as the headquarters of the Spanish empire in the orient, but the chieftain of Mactan, Lapu-lapu, bravely defended his people and his jurisdiction over the island, thus ending prematurely Magellan’s visions and missions in 1521. This did not prevent the Spanish monarchy in sending another expedition in 1565. Led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Spain was able to establish its first settlement in Cebu, called the the Villa San Miguel. Later, it was changed to Ciudad del Santissimo Nombre de Jesus, after the image of the child Jesus which was believed to be miraculous after surviving a big village fire.
Cebu’s over a million inhabitants is composed of a blending of Asian and European race. The major medium of communication is Cebuano, more popularly known as Visayan. But travelers and tourists can use either Filipino or English.
Cebu’s over 33,000 hectare continuous to expand as modernization and development continuous in order to maintain its role in local and international commerce. Tourism has become more active as the number or travel amenities and facilities increase and modernize to provide the local and international tourists the services and accommodations they prefer.
Recommended Places to See in the City
Vestiges of Spain’s occupation remains to attract tourists to this day. Tourists can see them around the city proper standing tall and proud against newly constructed establishments. They are history’s evidence of the city’s glorious past.
If you are a collector of different things unique and significant and enjoy learning about the different species of plants and animals that can be found in the Philippines, then the place for you is the University of San Carlos Museum. It has a vast collection of historical and scientific relics for the nature lover and history buff. Fort San Pedro is a historical park that has served a lot of military purposes during World War 2. It was build in 1738 at a time when Muslim raiders would attack and conquer other islands. It is the oldest and smallest battle shelter in the country. Never to be missed is the Lapu-lapu Shrine in Mactan Island. This is a proud reminder of Lapu-lapu’s bravery and heroism when he defended the island from Magellan. Some of the homes of prominent local families also have become tourists destinations as they open their collections of memorabilia to the public. An example of which is the Osmena Mansion. Another place to see is the Casa Gorordo which used to be the home of Juan Isidro de Gorordo, who was the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu. The Mansion was artistically designed according to the artistic trends of that era. And last that should be in your list is the Cross of Magellan. The one that is erected across the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, is but a replica of the original. This is symbolic of the introduction of Christianity in the country.