Cebu Friendly Guide

Chinese New Year is Here!

2009-01-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home
Parian, Cebu City

Sinulog '09 Fireworks - SM Northwing, Cebu

2009-01-23T00:18:00.000-08:00

Sinulog sa Kabataan - Dakbayan (Sinulog by the City's Youth)

2009-01-12T00:14:00.000-08:00

Sinulog sa Kabataan - Dakbayan is one of the series of activities for the Cebu Sinulog Fiesta Celebration. This year, participants paraded from Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center where the dance contests were held.

Below are the latest shots courtesy of EPalmares Photography:

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Sinulog Schedule of Activities

2009-01-12T00:11:00.000-08:00

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(Fuente Osmena, January 9-18, 2009)
January 09, 2009 (Friday)

Sinulog 2008 Kick Off

Sinulog Photo Exhibits through the years @SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, MCIAA

2:00PM Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño)
3:00 PM Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to Cebu City Sports Center)
7:00 PM Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña featuring Mandaue City Children’s Choir, Dancesports Team Cebu and Dance Troupes from Cebu’s schools and universities

January 10, 2009 (Saturday)

Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan

1:00 PM Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM Awarding of Winners
7:00 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) DepEd, Cebu Province
9:30 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 11, 2009 (Sunday)

Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan

1:00 PM Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM Awarding of Winners
7:00 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)>
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

January 12, 2009 (Monday)

7:30 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 13, 3009 (Tuesday)

7:30 PM Cultural show (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 14, 2009 (Wednesday)

9:00 AM Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
7:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 15, 2009 (Thursday)

9:00 AM Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
7:00 P.M Ms. Cebu ’08 , Coronation Night @ Cebu Waterfront Hotel
7:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 16, 2009 (Friday)

Visual Merchandising Contest
(Dept. Stores and Malls)

7:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña), DepEd, Cebu City
7:30 P.M Handumanan “The Concert” @SM City Cebu
8:00 PM Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 17, 2009 (Saturday)

6:00 AM Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
9:00 AM Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Sto. Niño
2:00 PM Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
6:30 PM Sinulog Festival Queen 2009, Cebu City Sports Center
7:00 PM Street party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
8:00 PM Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras @ Ayala Center Cebu

January 18, 2009 (Sunday)

SINULOG GRAND PARADE

9:00 AM Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7:00 PM Grand Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center
7:30 PM Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña
8:00 PM Grand Fireworks Display @ Ayala Football Grounds
Sponsored by Mitsumi Group of Companies

January 19, 2009 (Monday)

1:00 PM Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

January 31, 2009 (Saturday)

1:00 P.M Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contest

February 1-10, 2009

Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog ‘09” @SM City Cebu

Wandering in the City During the Holidays

2009-01-10T14:09:00.000-08:00

The weather was not so pleasant during the holidays to even go on a trip to the neighboring islands such as Bohol or Bantayan. The family spent the break exploring Cebu instead.

Sometimes, we get used to the city that we forget how special it is. We then realized that Parian, the district where we live in is the center of the tourist spots. And don't have to spend a cent to enjoy them. All we have to do is take a short walk, and in every corner, lo and behold...we have the Heritage of Cebu Monument, Colon Street, Casa Gorordo Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Sto Nino Church, and just a few blocks more, the Fort San Pedro in Plaza Independencia! It's like we were curious tourists in our own neighborhood.

Below are some of the shots we took of the tourist spots:

We planned to go to the beach, but beach is no good without the sun, right? The waves were good for surfing, though, but none of us are surfers :(. So we let time fly window shopping and dining at the malls. SM, with their new wing with high ceiling and glossy floors, Ayala, with their new refreshing Terraces. Below is the picture we took of Terraces:

One of Cebu's newest attraction is the Insanity Tower in Regency Crest, Fuente Osmena. Much has been written about these Edge Coaster, Insanity Orbit and Sky Walk Extreme rides. Having nothing to do, we were so eager to give it a try. Entrance fee was P380 for adults and around P270 for kids. The fee was inclusive of snacks(bottomless ice tea and pineapple straddle or doughnut). The ride itself costs P500 for each passenger.

We enjoyed the breeze, the view and taking pictures! We just watched a couple who tried the ride. There was a family of balikbayans, a group of young girls with a blond male companion who were also busy taking pictures and noisy kids who were complaining that their coins were stuck in the telescope.

Below are some of our shots:

The center of Cebu's Christmas activities, of course is Fuente Osmena, where Cebu's tallest Christmas Tree can be seen. As early as November, parol or lanterns with different motifs could be seen hanging around the the park with miniature Belen's embedded on each of them. Concerts from local bands, songs and dances from schools and universities were showcased every night. During New Year's Eve, it is where some Cebuanos witnessed the countdown and fireworks display.

It's a brand new year! We hope to be able to spend each day with thankfulness for all of the blessings and for giving us another year to be together as a family.

Good health, peace, love and happiness is our wish for all of you! Happy New Year!!!

Parian

2008-12-21T14:29:00.001-08:00

Parian is the oldest District of Cebu. It is located at the tip of Colon St., known as the oldest street in the Philippines, named after Christopher Columbus. It is originally a town plan laid by Legazpi. Colon, was the site of fashionable shops, offices and movie houses.

In Parian, you can find one of the oldest houses Yap-San Diego Ancestral Homes and old bodega dating back to 1730. The center of the Parian was the church of San Juan Bautista. Now, a small chapel dedicated to San Juan Bautista is a small reminder of the church stands beside the Parian fire station. The fire station at the crossroads of Sikatuna and Zulueta streets is built on 1954 from the foundations of the old church's convento.

Sculpted in bronze and cement by artist Edgardo Castillo, is the Heritage of Cebu, showcasing the symbolic events in the history of Cebu from the time of Rajah Humabon to beatification of Cebuano martyr Pedro Calungsod. Construction began 1997 and was inaugurated in 2000.

Parian and its historic spots is always a part of the tour itinerary of travelers to Cebu.

Christmas '08 in Cebu City

2008-12-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas @ Fuente Osmena Circle, Cebu City

Roosevelt Mountain Resort

2008-10-19T08:09:00.001-07:00

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Location: Busay Hills, Cebu City
Model: Ingrid Sophia Miñoza
Photography by SarPalmares

For our team building, we decided to pick a place where we can relax, breath some fresh air. One of our office mates recommended this place, and we found what we perfectly need -- Roosevelt Mountain Resort!

Just a few minutes from the city, one can get away and enjoy the relaxing scenery, cool windy breeze, and a breathtaking view of the whole city, where you can experience the amazing glimpse of the misty sunrise and dazzling city lights at night.

If you want a 4,000 sq mtr. resort for yourself, your family or your friends for parties, weekend retreat or short stay, this is the right place for you.

Roosevelt Mountain Resort Amenities:
- 2 Bed rooms; 1 room with aircon, 1 room no aircon
- Kitchen
- Dining Area
- Sofa
- 2 comfort rooms and shower
- Veranda
- Party Area
- Swimming Pool
- Bar Area
- Pool Shower and bath
- Pool Changing room
- Pool Comfort room
- Tree house
- Parking Area

The whole resort can accommodate 100-300 guests. You can either bring cooked or simply cook your food there!

The party area is great for barbecue with family and friends, for dancing the night away while enjoying the backdrop of the city lights.

Plus, if they are in season, you are free to pick and enjoy fresh from the trees, fruits such as papaya, coconuts, mango, tambis, banana and more!

Roosevelt Mountain Resort Rates:
Overnight P 5,000.00
Monthly P 100,000.00

Check in time 2:00pm, Check out time 12:00noon; subject to availability, you can request for early check in or late check out.

For more information, visit http://www.roosevelt-resort.blogspot.com/ and for bookings and reservation, you can email paseojen@yahoo.com or contact them at +63-323466503.

Fort San Pedro in Plaza Independencia

2008-10-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Built by Spanish and Cebuano laborers, Fuerza de San Pedro is located in in Plaza Independencia, in the Pier Area of Cebu City, Philippines. Work started in 1565 under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. This served as a stronghold for Filipino revolutionaries and to repel against Muslim raiders.

The fort is triangular in shape, with an inside area of 2,025 sqm, walls of 20ft high x 8 ft thickness with two sides facing while towers are 30ft high from ground level. The walls were originally made of wood has been transformed from one regime to another. It has been converted from American barracks from 1937 to 1941 into a school where Cebuanos received their formal education, and in 1942 to 1945, a refuge for the the Japanese where the fort served as an emergency hospital for the wounded. In 1950's, it was transformed with a miniature garden, a zoo, and upper ruins were used for different government offices. Coral stones where hauled from under the sea and cut and polished to fit together into blocks to reform the walls.

Today, the fort is converted into a museum, where artifacts, paintings, sculpture, chapel, prison dungeun and other Spanish legacies are preserved.

Revisit Cebu City

2008-08-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Plaza Independencia Facade

Magellan's Cross

Cebu City Hall

Plaza Sugbu, Cebu City Hall grounds

Malacañang sa Sugbu

FOOD TO LOVE IN CEBU

2008-06-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

This should be number 1 in your list. Marinated with a concuction of soy sauces, wine, special spices and stuffing, roasted in a special type of wood so the scent of which adds to the aroma of the scewered pig, this is indeed a fiesta for the palate! You must take a tasteful bite of the scrumptous crispy skin, and munch on the juicy meat with puso (hanging rice) in kinamot (bare hands).

"Kinilaw" is a must-taste in Cebu. This salad of fresh fish, spiced with spring unions, ginger, tomato, red pepper, kalamansi or lemon juice, salt, sugar, drenched purely in vinegar or with cream or coconut milk will make your mouth water! This taste best with San Miguel Beer or Tuba!

Sinugbang Bangus is baked or grilled milkfish stuffed with chopped tomato, unions, ginger, garlic, salt and pepper & butter. Simply yummy!

Baked Tahong is mussels in union, butter, cheese. This is a very delicious appetizer!

This is a mix of stir-fried vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, red bell pepper. Pork, chicken, squid, shrimp are added added for extra flavor but this is primarily a vegetable dish. Almost always common in parties and family get-together.

Weekend fun with friends over inuman (drinking spree) or family bonding is never complete without sinugbang tiyan sa baboy or grilled marinated pork or barbeque. This is best dipped in soy sauce, vinegar and kalamansi juice.

A soup full of vegetable goodness! Made of fresh gabi, eggplant, kalabasa, okra, string beans, kamunggay, and alugbati seasoned with salt subakan with bulad (dried fish) or pritong isda(friend fish), this simple yet nourishing, comfort dish is a staple for Cebuanos.

Best "Pasalubong"/Take-Home/Souvenirs from Cebu!

2008-05-22T20:51:00.001-07:00

Dried Mangoes

Made from dehydrated, mango preserve, this delicacy is sweet and easy to chew. But the advantage of this product, apart from being organic, is that it has vitamin C. Today, demand for dried mangoes is high in Japan and Italy. They love it! Most popular suppliers are 7D in Sacris Subd. A.S. Fortuna St. ,Mandaue City, Cebu with Tel: 6332 3461769/3465241 and Fax: 6332 3460082, email: svendfoods@hotmail.com and R&M at 441-1B V. Rama Avenue, Guadalupe, Cebu City wth tel: (Cebu) +32 254-5738, -3425, -5767, -5777, email: rmmango@cebu.ph.inter.net

Guitars

One of the favorite souvenir of visitors is this distinctive and world-class handicraft from Mactan Island of Cebu province. Made of Narra, rosewood and kamagong, quality guitars are now popularly exported to Japan and USA. Guitar shops are easily accessible along the stretch of the old bridge across Mactan Island.

Otap

Visitors fave, this is an oval-shaped crispy cookie, sprinkled with white sugar that easily breaks up in the mouth into small crispy crumbs! For reasons known only to the buyers, many prefer Shamrock™ otap whose shop is at Mabini St., Cebu City.

Dried Fish

Danggit and other assortments of dried fish can be found along the stretch of Taboan, Cebu City. It's a haven of dried fish lovers!

Accessories

Must-haves, especially for the ladies, for personal or souvenir items to friends, are the fashion jewelry from Cebu handicrafters. Accessories can be found in tourist shops and the local malls which can be bought or ordered wholesale or retail.

DISCOVER CEBU!

2008-04-18T15:43:00.001-07:00

CEBU is one of the provinces of the Philippines. It lies to the east of Negros Island; to the west of Leyte and to the southeast is Bohol province. It is flanked on both sides by the straits of Bohol (between Cebu and Bohol) and Tañon (between Cebu and Negros). Cebu is 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 Island is a long narrow island stretching 225 km (140 mi) from north to south, surrounded by 167 neighboring smaller islands, that includes Mactan Island, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands. Of the hundreds of small islands some are uninhabited which make them the targets of adventure-seeking tourists.

Cebu is known for its narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus, and coastal plains, all characteristics of a typical tropical island. Cebu also has predominant rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges traversing the northern and southern lengths of the island. Cebu's steep mountains reach over 1,000 meters. Flat tracts of land can be found in towns of Bogo, San Remigio, Medellin, and Daanbantayan at the northern tip of the province.
Its capital is Cebu City, the oldest city in the country, which forms part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area together with 6 neighboring cities Carcar City, Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Naga City and Talisay City and 6 other municipalities. Cebu is served by Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Mactan Island, thirty minutes drive from downtown Cebu City.
Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the country and the main center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the central and southern parts of the archipelago. It has five-star hotels, casinos, white sand beaches, world-class golf courses, convention centers, and shopping malls.
The UK-based Condenast Travellers Magazine named Cebu the 7th best island destination in the Indian Ocean-Asia region in 2007[1], 8th best Asian-Pacific island destination in 2005, and 7th in 2004. (Wikipedia)

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

2008-04-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

The native people of Cebu are called Cebuanos who are decendants of Austronesian, Spanish and Chinese ancestry. Spanish and Chinese communities play an important economic and political roles in Cebu. Cebuano culture is laid back and has preserved Hispanic traditions in its culture. The Philippines being under American rule for the early part of the 20th century, American culture has influenced the way of life of some Cebuanos such as contemporary music, fastfood industry, etc. English is used as the medium of instruction of most subjects in private schools.

A QUICK LOOK AT CEBU HISTORY

2008-04-18T15:41:00.001-07:00

A flotilla of 5 ships with a crew of 237 sailed out of Seville, Spain on August 10, 1519 with Portuguese Explorer Fernando de Magallanes at the helm. In his earnest quest for the famed Spice Islands (Moluccas), the Spanish navigator traversed the Cape Verde Island of Brazil in the course of his two-year long and arduous voyage. His patience and determination paid off on March 16, 1521 when land was first sighted by his men. The day after, Magellan learned that he committed an error in latitudinal calculations since he wound up in an obscure island named Homonhon, some 10 degrees too far northwards. Upon further exploration, it turned out that Magellan and his men discovered not only one but several island groups - an archipelago.

CEBU SITES AND LANDMARKS

2008-04-18T15:37:00.002-07:00

Provincial Capitol Building(Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City)
An edifice of pre-war vintage, Cebu's seat of the Provincial Government is one of the most majestic and striking capitol buildings in the country. Constructed under the administration of Governor Sotero Cabahug in 1937, it was designed as a replica of the United States' White House by Juan M. Arellano, a nationally renowned architect.

Fort San Pedro(Pier Area, Cebu City)

Fort San Pedro is the smallest and oldest tri-bastion fort in the country that served as the nucleus of the first Spanish settlements in the Philippines. This fort has a total area of 2,205 sq. meters with walls 20 ft. (6 m) tall and 8 ft. (2.4 m) thick and with towers 30 ft. (9 m) tall. This was erected by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi on May 8, 1565.

Liloan Lighthouse(Liloan, Cebu)
Found in the municipality of Liloan, around 18km (11.8 mi) north of Cebu City, this lighthouse was built by the Americans in 1904.

Mactan-Mandaue Bridge
Built in 1972 at a cost of P65 million, this 846 meters (2,776 ft) long and 9 meters (29.5 ft) wide bridge connects the industrial city of Mandaue to the historical island of Mactan.

Magellan's Cross(Magallanes St., Cebu City)
Planted in April 21, 1521 by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, this cross is undoubtedly one of Cebu's most famous landmarks. It is here where Raja Humabon, his wife Queen Juana and about 400 followers were baptized in the Catholic faith and became the first ever Christian Filipinos.

Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge
The Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge is the second bridge to connect Cebu island and Mactan Island. More familiarly called " the Second Bridge " by locals, this bridge spans the Cebu Straight and boasts of breathtaking vistas of land, sky and sea. It is also more commonly used by motorists driving to Mactan Airport.

Plaza Hamabar Park(Legazpi St., Cebu City)
Once an eyesore and now a tourist attraction, the Plaza Hamabar is a renovated historical park initiated by former First Lady of Cebu City Mrs. Ninette Neri Garcia. Located in the vicinity of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Hamabar was a strollers's paradise of churchgoers during the Hispanic era.

Taoist Temple(Beverly Hills, Cebu City)
Located at Beverly Hills, Cebu City. This temple preserves the teachings of Lao-Tse, the 600 B.C. Chinese Taoist philosopher. Everyday people climb its 81 steps (representing the 81 chapters of Taoism structures) to light joss sticks and have their fortune read or simply to do self-contemplation.

TOPS(Busay Hills, Cebu City)
Situated 2,000 feet (610 meters) high on the cool Busay Hills, TOPS is Cebu's viewing deck for a breathtaking panorama of Cebu and the surrounding islands. Ideal for daytime picnics and instant evening parties. Entrance fee is at P50.00 per head.

University of San Carlos(P. Del Rosario St., Cebu City)

Fomerly called Colegio de San Ildefonso, University of San Carlos or USC is reputably the oldest college in the country. The Jesuits established it in the year 1565.

MONUMENTS

2008-04-18T15:37:00.001-07:00

Colon Street Marker(Downtown Area, Cebu City)
The Colon Marker is located at one end of Calle Colon, the oldest street in the Philippines. The street was constructed by the Spanish colonizers during the era of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Named after another famous explorer Christopher Columbus, Colon is at the heart of downtown Cebu, also known as the Parian District.

Heritage of Cebu Monument(Colon St., Cebu City)

This project of the celebrated sculptor Edgardo Castillo under the administration of Cebu City Mayor Alvin B. Garcia, this monumental tableau in brass and concrete was completed in the year 2000. This amazing work of art showcases significant and symbolic events in the history of Cebu from the pre-historic time of Rajah Humabon to the recent beatification of Cebuano martyr Pedro Calungsod. It is Castillo's largest and most comprehensive work so far, and was constructed to with-stand the ravages of tropical typhoons and earthquakes.

LaLapu Monument(Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City)

This bronze statue of the victorious Mactan Warrior-Chieftain Lapu-Lapu stands as tribute to the first Filipino hero and a testament to Filipino bravery. The monument is located on the site of the famous battle of April 27, 1521 between Mactan's courageous warriors and the foreign invaders.

Magellan Marker(Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City)
Encouraged by the gracious reception of Rajah Humabon in the island of Cebu, Magellan crossed the channel to Mactan Island. Before he reached the shore, Lapu-lapu and his men killed him during the battle of supremacy and freedom on April 27, 1521. This marker was erected in 1866 to mark the spot where the great explorer died

RESORTS and HOTELS

2008-04-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

San Remigio Beach Club
Holy Name Ext., Mabolo, Cebu City
231-0382
office

Shangri-la’s Mactan Island Resort
Punta Engaño, Mactan
231-0288, 231-5069
232-2351, 231-5082
231-8101, 231-5079
232-2214, 232-5071
231-5088, 231-3518
231-5070, 232-2190
231-5083, 231-5056
231-5058, 231-5081
231-5087, 231-5077
231-5063, 231-5076
231-5030 to 34

Tambuli Resorts
Buyong, Lapu-Lapu City
492-1880 to 89
495-7724

Tambuli Beach Club East Wing,
340-5930, 495-8292
495-8099

CEBU COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

2008-04-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

University of San Carlos

Cebu Doctors' College

Cebu Institute of Medicine

Southwestern University

University of Cebu

Cebu Normal University
Osmena Boulevard, Cebu City, Philippines
Phone No. : (6332)253-9611
Fax No. : (6332)253-9611
Website : www.cnu.edu.ph
http://www.cnu.edu.ph/

UP Cebu

University of the Visayas

University of Southern Philippines

University of San Jose-Recoletos

CEBU STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY(SCI.TECH.MAIN CAMPUS)
DR. ESTER B. VELASQUEZ
OIC-President
(032) 256-15-37
(032) 256-11-81

Cebu Institute of Technology
Bacalso Avenue Cebu City, Philippines
Telephone Numbers: +63 32 2617744 - 49
Fax Number: +63 32 2617741
E-mail: info@cit.edu

Asian College of Technology

AMA Education System

STI College

Philippine Air Force College of Aeronautics
Mactan Air Base, Lapu Lapu City, Cebu

Don Bosco Technology Center