Sunday, September 29, 2013

Cebu, Philippines

Visit Cebu 
A rich tropical and heritage paradise


In the heart of the Philippine archipelago lies Cebu, a prosperous island endowed with natural beauty and rich heritage.  Cebu is a bustling metropolis. Here, the old and the new blend to create a unique destination that has attracted both business and leisure travelers for a brief visit or for an indefinite vacation.

Cebu’s trail of progress dates back to pre-historic times. “Sugbu” or “Zubu “, as Cebu was then known to early merchants as the Island’s flourishing   trading port. Today, it remains the hub of trade and commerce in the south, given its strategic location in the heart of the Philippine archipelago. It is one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines.

As with other busy trading posts, foreigners settled in this tropical haven and adopted it as their own.  These included Chinese, Malay and Arab traders, as well as Spanish colonisers.  With the influx of these settlers,
Cebu’s culture was influenced and enriched by foreign practices, flavours and traditions, thus created a culture that is distinctly Cebuano. 

Cebu is the land of the   country’s earliest Christians and the oldest educational  institution, fortress and street.  Many buildings and  colonial relics still stand today as testaments of its colourful history.

In addition to its historical status, Cebu offers exciting natural wonders. Stretches of white sand beaches, pristine waters, rich marine habitats, mountains and lush rainforest have never failed to impress travelers.  All these along with its distinct Filipino hospitality make a visit to Cebu an ideal destination.

Don’t Forget your “Pasalubong”

Native Delicacies:
Dried mango preserves, crunchy sugar-coated biscuits (otap), rolled wafers with peanut and cashew fillings or turones, dried fish or danggit, tasty lechon and fresh fruits are some of Cebu’s known gastronomic delights .  Tourists can have a taste of Cebu’s delicacies by strolling along the city streets that are lined with numerous shops for souvenirs or  for “pasalubong”.

Guitars
Cebu also produces a wide selection of hand-crafted string instruments like guitar, ukulele, banjo and mandolin that are at par with the world’s best.  Maribago District, the centre of Cebu’s guitar-making industry produces the best  guitars in the country. 

 Source:  www.wowphilippines.com.ph

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