CEBU CITY

         
         
          Cebu the country's oldest city dating back to Magellan's arrival in 1521.

          Often called the "Queen City of the South" and the Seat of Christianity in the Philippinest. 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.


          Cebu Province has a total population of around 3 million. Cebuano is the native tongue. English and Tagalog are commonly understood and spoken.

          Cebu is best from December to May when the weather turns dry. It is coolest from December to February, hottest from March to May. Temperature can rise higher than 100F in the summer. The rainy season begins in July bringing torrential downpours that would sometimes inhibit movement.

          Philippine standard time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime.

          Wear naturalfibre, lightweight clothing. You'll feel more comfortable. Bring shorts, hat sunglasses, bathing suit, insect repellent, flashlight, sun block cream, tough shoes for walking, rubber slippers for the beach. Pack tissue paper in your purse as public toilets almost never have any.

          The Barong Tagalog is acceptable formal wear for men. Shorts or sleeveless shirts should never be worn when visiting churches, mosques or temples.