CEBU'S HISTORY
Magellar ShrineCebu and Mactan are rich in historical significance. From around 800 AD Cebu harbor was already an important trading port for Chinese, Islamic, and Malayan goods. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines and eventually found his way to Mactan. Due to a dispute of uncertain nature, the Spaniards incurred the ire of local chieftain Lapu-lapu,who killed Magellan in The Battle of Mactan - arguably the first case of an Asian fighting European invaders. Thus, although the Magellan Expedition is credited with the first circumnavigation of the globe, Magellan the man died and remained in Mactan.

(It is said in some chronicles that Magellan's expedition included a Cebuano-speaking crewman, who must have earlier wandered across Asia, the Near East, and the Mediterranean before joining the expedition in Spain. When the expedition reached Cebu, this crewman - a Cebuano - became the first person to actually complete a tour of the world.)

During the early part of the Spanish era, Cebu was the effective capital of the country, which in turn was a province of Mexico. (The capital was later moved to Manila, which was more easily defensible against sea attack.) It continued to prosper as a trading port, and to this day Cebu is the most ethnically diverse area in the country, with largeChinese, Spanish, and Malayan populations (not to mention more recent German and American arrivals).

In more recent times, Cebu was the only province which consistently opposed the rule of President Marcos. Abandoned by the national government during that 20-year period, Cebu's infrastructure suffered, but Cebu businesses thrived on self-reliance and ingenuity. Due to the virtues instilled during those difficult times, after the People's RevolutionCebu emerged as the most dynamic metro area in the country, a distinction it still holds, with growth rates generally twice as high as the national average.

Some Points of Interest . . .

Image of the Santo Niño de Cebu
considered as the oldest relic in the Philippines and Cebu's patron. It was given as a baptismal gift by Magellan to the island's Queen Juana on April 14, 1521. Today, the image is enshrined at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño. Everyday, a constant line of devotees files through to kiss the image and offer prayers.

Magellan's Cross
a wooden cross planted by Magellan and marks the spot where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized.

Colon Street
the oldest street in the Philippines named after the renowned explorer "Cristobal Colon" a.k.a. Christopher Columbus is the heart of downtown Cebu City. A very busy street lined with movie houses, department stores and other establishments.

Fort San Pedro
the oldest and smallest fort built in 1738 and was the site of the first Spanish settlement in the country.

Casa Gorordo
was the residence of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu. It is now a museum showcasing the Filipino lifestyle from the periods 1860 to 1920.

Taoist Temple
one can have their fortunes told by monks after climbing up the 99 steps.

Sinulog Festival
this grand fiesta honors the Santo Niño as street dancers in their colorful costumes portray Cebu's rich cultural and historical past. Everybody dances to the beat of the drums and shouts the prayer cry "Pit Senyor".

Things to do in Cebu

• GuitarBoat cruises and picnics to neighboring reefs and sandbars (half to full-day)
• Shopping for handicrafts and native foods in old Cebu.
• Visits to early Christian churches and the well-preserved colonial town of Carcar (full day).
• Excursion to Moalboal, one of the world's most famous diving destinations (full day).
• Day-trips by modern jet-craft to Negros, Bohol or Leyte, larger nearby islands with scenic sights and charming architecture.
• Modern shopping malls - Cebu has two of the largest in Asia.
• Guided tour of Cebu City, including Fort San Pedro (a fine example an early Spanish fortress) the Magellan Cross (shrine of the first Christian cross in Asia), the Basilica de Santo Niño (built to commemorate the miraculous rediscovery of a Christ-child statue in early Spanish days), Tops (a breathtaking lookout point), the Taoist Temple for a glimpseof Cebu's Chinese cultural legacy, Gorordo House (a restored turn-of-the-century archbishop's villa), CAP Center (with mementos of WWII era President Osmeña), and Carbon public market.

WEATHER

Cebu's weather is usually fair year-round. It does not have a pronounced rainy reason; rains tend to be brief and followed by sunshine. Unlike some other tourist destinations in Asia, Mactan Island has exceptionally clean air and water, and is ideal for water-sports and scuba-diving throughout the year.

As a modern metropolitan area, Cebu-Mactan has no significant incidence of malaria or other tropical diseases. Due to constant breezes and the absence of heavy industry, the air is clear and unpolluted. The seas around Mactan are crystal-clear, and are free of dangerous jellyfish or sharks. Cebu is sheltered from typhoons by larger neighboring islands,and it has no volcanic or earthquake activity.