Introduction
Often called the "Queen City of
the South" and the Seat of Christianity in the Philippines, Cebu
is the country's oldest city. Exploring Cebu City, one encounters
a rich historic past. Cebuanos are extremely proud of their cultural
and historical heritage, a legacy which has endured thru the centuries
from the time the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan first planted
the cross on Cebu's shore.
Time has been kind to Cebu. From Zubu,
the fishing village and busy trading port in 1521 has evolved a highly
urbanized metropolitan center which now serves as focal point of growth
and development in Southern Philippines. With its five cities; Cebu,
Danao, Lapulapu Mandaue and Toledo; and its 48 smaller towns, Cebu.
has more than kept pace with the nation's progress. Today ' the island
province leads in traditional and non-traditional exports and has
the highest economic growth rate anywhere in the country. Likewise,
recent indications pointed out that Cebu has become the country's
most favorite tourist destination.
In contrast to the bustling metropolis,
the rest of Cebu's 167 islets and islands are lined with idyllic white
sandy beaches and pristine clear waters. Cebu. has gained wide popularity
for its fantastic diving grounds evidenced by the proliferation of
resorts which offer luxurious accommodations, excellent dive facilities
and the services of competent dive masters and dive guides.
Cebu's strategic location makes it
ideal for those who wish to travel to the other islands and provinces.
By plane, boat or bus, nowhere could be too far from CEBU.
Among
the culture of islands and islets that comprise the Visayas, one province
stands out: Cebu, a unique blend of tropical paradise and business
haven. Dubbed variously as "the next great economic miracle",
" Asia's newest boomtown" and "the Queen City of the
South", Cebu basks in its enviable status as the most popular tourist
and business destination in the Philippines.
Sheltered by the other Visayan islands
of Negros, Panay, Leyte, Samar and Bohol, this thin sliver of land
is blessed year-round with clement, tropical weather--all the better
to enjoy its pristine, sun drenched beaches, washed by the balmy blue
waters of the Cebu and Tanon Straits. A plethora of neighboring islets
fringed with coral and white sand shores add appeal to an island-hopping
vacation.
Yet,
Cebu's attractions do not only cater to the itinerant sun-worshipper
or beach-lover. The business traveler to this bustling port of call
may not have time for more than a day's trip around town. Still, Cebu's
cityscapes have their own brand of cosmopolitan charm touched with
a unique island warmth. Luxurious accommodations, complete sports
facilities, cuisines from the native to the exotic, vibrant nightlife
: Cebu will not be found wanting in all the amenities of a growing,
booming metropolis.
Bohol, just across the Tanon Strait
from Cebu, is a mysterious land of wondrous geological formations,
lush forests alive with rare species of flora and fauna, and idyllic
seaside towns with Antillan houses that cluster around centuries-old
churches. Outlying islands are marine sanctuaries with a wealth of
coral reefs harboring a colorful world of tropical marine life.
Brief
History
Cebu metamorphosed in more ways than
one, but always for the better. From a sleepy fishing village to a
fledging trading port in 1521, from the first Spanish settlement named
Villa del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus in 1575 to a municipality in 1901,
Cebu finally became a chartered city on February 24, 1937. Being the
first and oldest city in the country, ante-dating Manila by 7 years,
having the oldest school and oldest street and being the cradle of
Christianity in the Far East (i.e. Magellan's cross planted in Cebu
as a symbol of natives embracing the Christian faith), Cebu is replete
with historical first's.
The streeets of Tres de Abril and V.
Rama were the sites of a fierce battle on April 3, 1898 when General
Leon Kilat of Bacong, Negros Oriental spearheaded the revolution against
Spanish colonialism. The Spaniards sought refuge at the Fort San Pedro
and three days of relentless attacks would have spelledd victory for
the rebels were it not for the propitious arrival of the Spanish armada.
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi then urged
his men to construct the oldest and smallest fort in the country:
Fort San Pedro. As Spain intensified its colonization efforts, indifnant
islanders showed opposition by way of intermittent attacks against
the colonizers. Thus the rebellion paved the way to the construction
of Fort San Pedro, a Spanish military stronghold.
However, the fort fell to the hands
of the native Cebuanos when Americans commanded by Commodore George
Dewey vanquished the Spanish fleet in December 1898 in the battle
of Manila Bay. With the American reign in full force in 1901, then
Senate Pro Tempore and late President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. and
then Congressman and majority floor leader in the House of Representatives,
the late Senator Manuel Briones vigorously lobbied for Philippine
Independence.
February 24, 1937 was a milestone in
Cebuano history as Cebu City was granted its charter by virtue of
Commonwealth Act No. 58 enacted by Congress on October 20, 1936. The
late Senator Vicente Rama, formerly representative of Cebu's 3rd district
was instrumental as author and sponsor of the bill. It was at that
time that Secretary of Interior Elpidio Quirino appointed the mayor
and board members of Cebu City in his capacity as representative of
Manuel Quezon.
Shortly after the landing of the Japanese
Army in Cebu City on April 10, 1942, the entire province became the
principal Japanese base due to its strategic location and substantial
population. Cebu finally saw the light of freedom in March 1945 when
American liberation forces landed in Talisay town. Liberation came
in full circle in March 1946 and to restore law and order, a civil
government dubbed as Philippine Civil Affairs Unit (PCAU) was established
in the city.
In April 1965, the entire Christian
world focused its attention on Cebu City, considered as the cradle
of Christianity in the Far East as it played host to teh 40th Anniversary
of Christianity in the Philippines. The celebration highlighted the
contributions of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Fray Andres de Urdaneta
in proselytizing Christianity by way of establishing a Spanish settlement
in the province. In a coutnry where Catholics predominate, the conferment
of the San Agustin Church to the title Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
proved to be a momentous occasion as Rome sent its representative
Papal Legate, His Eminence Ildefonso Cardinal Antonuitte.
