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Philippines
Title: Cebu, Queen City of the
South |
 Cebu
-- popularly known as the "Queen City of the South" is located
in the Central Visayan region of the Philippines. The city of Cebu lies
next to the east coastline of the island and is the oldest metropolis in
the country.An exploration of Cebu affords tourists an encounter with one of the country's most historically rich places which hosts legacies from religious and historic encounters with the West. Today, Cebu City has become the country's favorite tourist destination with its historical sights, white sand beaches, excellent scuba diving spots, exotic dining, exciting nightlife Sinulog Festival in Cebu and warm hospitality. It is the center of trade, arts, education and business in the southern part of the Philippines. Visitors to the province will be delighted at the "modern" appeal of Cebu without the excessive hustle and bustle of Manila. Besides the shops to be found in the city, tourists may choose to go on diving tours, park and wildlife tours, and religious/historical tours.
Magellan's Cross The original cross is reputedly encased in another wooden cross for protection, as people started chipping it away in the belief that it had miraculous healing powers. Besides these, Cebu is also known for the fabulous white sand beaches and plentiful diving grounds to be found on its outlying islands.
The islands of Mactan, Moalboal, and Malapascua, are just a few favorites among the divers who flock to Cebu's marine attractions. The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary which may be found off the Cebu mainland, supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found so far in the country. Bird watchers are sure to have a field day watching birds from Siberia, Northern China, and Japan make a "stop-over" at the sanctuary before continuing their Southward Migration to Australia and New Zealand during the cold winter months from late July until late November.Shopping and souvenirs One of Cebu's better known products is the acoustic or classical guitar. In the Maribago District of Lapulapu City in Cebu, one can see actually how guitars are made. For a few pesos, tourists can probably try and have guitars custom made. Guitar store in Maribago Alternatively, visitors may also go malling at SM City Cebu, a branch of the Philippines' biggest network of shopping malls, SM (Shoe Mart.) Dried fruit preserves, another of the province's biggest export products, may be bought at most markets and stores in Cebu. Dried mangoes, pineapples, jackfruit and papaya are just few of the varieties tourists may choose from to snack on while they take in the city sights. Tips for Travelers 1. The leading languages in Cebu are English and Bisaya (local dialect.) Tourists will find it easier to communicate with the Cebuanos in English. 2. Cebu is fairly modern coming second to Manila as the center for trade and industry. Banks, ATMs, malls, and accommodations to suit every budget may be expected. 3. Most of Cebu's natural attractions are off the mainland so coordinating trips and transfers can be tricky. Hiring a travel agent to coordinate tours to Cebu's sites or settling on an itinerary before arrival in the province, will save a lot of hassle. 4. In haggling at markets, having
a guide who can speak the local dialect can very well save tourists the
hassle of trying to make themselves understood. It will also
probably give tourists a better chance of paying bargain prices. |
One
of Cebu's most popular tourist sights is "Magellan's Cross," a
huge crucifix planted on Philippine shores by the Portuguese sea captain
Ferdinand Magellan. The cross was erected as a symbol of the
native community's acceptance led by their leader Rajah Humabon, of
Christianity and the start of the propagation of the Catholic faith in
the country.
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