Say Cebu!

The fourth largest island of the Philippines, Cebu is one of the prime tourist attractions when going to the Philippines. Cebu, I discovered with amusement and wonder is a surprising paradox.

On one end, Cebu is known for its pristine white beaches where one can simply relax and enjoy the view. Cebu is also an excellent choice for scouting scuba diving spots located along the city's surrounding area. When I went there with my cousins last year, we stayed at the Mactan Shangri-la Hotel and true enough, inside the hotel, there already boasts a spectacular view of the beach where tourists have flocked to view the breathtaking scenery either thorough parasailing, jet skiing, or simply walking around and admiring the splendor of it all. An aerial view of Cebu offers a glimpse of the next island, Bohol as well. Although many people still prefer to see the breadth of all Cebu has to offer and island hop using boats and ferries.

But that isn't all Cebu is known for. On the other end, Cebu is also a bustling city with major shopping malls and is considered to be the most densely populated island of the Visayan region. Major malls include Gaisano Mall, Ayala and SM. Yes, it's no wonder that coming to Cebu is like going back to Manila for me?minus the usual traffic. Although the taxi driver we rode can attest that even traffic can be horrendous during rush hours on a weekday. Further, the people, cars, stores, infrastructures are very much the same in this modern city.

Yet, Cebu is also a very historical place. Amid the modern life there, Cebu carries some of the country's most priceless relics and monuments. The Magellan Monument marks where the Spanish voyager was killed and the Lapu-Lapu Monument commemorates the one who killed him and is now considered a hero. In fact, Mactan, where our hotel is located and where Magellan first stepped when he discovered the Philippines and was later killed is, located within Lapu-Lapu City. A bridge now connects Lapu Lapu city to the main city of Cebu.

Of course, when going to Cebu one should not miss seeing the famous Magellan's Cross and the country's oldest religious relic, the Image of the Holy Child Jesus. Another famous Church is the Church of the Last Supper, which has life-sized, hand-carved statues of Jesus dating back to very early parts of the Spanish occupation. With all these relics present, the religious fervor in some areas of Cebu has drove religious devotees from all over the country to visit its Churches and offer petitions in hopes of being granted.

Aside from religious items, tourists have also purchased locally handcrafted instruments particularly the guitars, string basses and mandolins.

The food is superb as well. Don't miss the chance to taste their famous "Sutokil", despite the heat in the restaurant and mosquitoes buzzing around the place. If you love seafood, you will love "Sutokil". Further, do not ever leave Cebu without bringing home their native delicacies as pasalubong. Dried mangoes, Rosquillos and Otap are favorites not only of the Cebuanos but of tourists as well. I remember clearly seeing a tourist filling up his shopping cart with loads of dried mangoes!

With this amazing paradox the city has to offer, Cebu definitely lets the traveler experience both the complexities of city life and the simplicity of rural life.

Published on 10/29/01