C E B U – Quintessential Destination

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Cebu is one of the most favored provinces of the Philippines. This elongated island, roughly 250 kilometers long and 45 kilometers at its most expansive point, is endowed with abundance of natural beauty. Various colorful festivals in the province of Cebu also attract curious tourists. Cebu is located strategically amidst a group of islands that frame the Visayas, center of the three principal Philippine island groups, the others being Northern Luzon and southernmost Mindanao. Geographically located between 9°25'N and 11°15'N latitude and between 123°13'E and 124°5'E longitude in the center of the archipelago, Cebu has an admirably warm climate and among the lowest rainfalls in the country. Summer months from March-May are usually dry. Cebu is surrounded by 167 neighboring smaller islands that include Mactan Island, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands. Its boundaries are Visayan Sea in the north and Camotes Sea in the Northwest, Tañon Strait in the west, Mindanao Sea in the south and Bohol Strait in the southeast. Hilly and mountainous, this tropical destination’s ideal position assembles an idyllic beauty and tranquility, making every transition truly accessible for both foreign and domestic travelers. Cebu province is accessible by land, sea and air travel. Once in Cebu, however, different kinds of transportation take one around the various tourist and commercial attractions. The Mactan International Airport in Mactan Island facilitates a comfortable and easy access for both foreign and domestic travels.

Named as the 8th best Asian-Pacific island destination in 2005 by the UK-based Condenast Travelers Magazine, Cebu is considered as one of the most developed provinces. It is also the main center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the central and southern parts of the archipelago that consists of more than 7,100 islands. Its capital Cebu City, the oldest city in the country, is widely known as the Queen City of the South. More than three million people occupy the island’s area of 5,000 square kilometers. In Cebu province, Spanish and Chinese communities claim a significant economic and political role. Foreign ethnic groups likewise take center stage. Currently, Koreans are estimated to be the biggest group, followed by the Americans. Other foreign ethnic groups include Japanese, British, Germans, Australians, and other smaller groups of Asians and Western Europeans. Cebu, which was then known as Zubu or Sugbo, was “discovered” by Portuguese Explorer Ferdinand Magellan on April 7, 1521. Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, Cebu was already a flourishing trading post, with trade routes to China, Siam, Arabia as well as the nearby Malay islands.

Bird's eye view of Cebu City

Considered as the economic hub of the Central and Southern Philippines, Cebu is currently fast becoming the I.T. and call center capital of the country. Modern communication facilities are available in the province. It has a fair density of computer installations, and full access to the Internet. Cebu is currently subdivided into 8 cities and 45 municipalities