Religious Sites And Shrines
Spain left a legacy of churches and convents all over the countryside. Some of them, strong enough to withstand the ravages of time and war, have grown graceful with age, others have been rebuilt but still retain the awe-inspring magnificence of their original structures. And all of them continue to foster the faith the innately religious Cebuanos.
The Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino, in the heart of Metropolitan Cebu, dates from 1740. It houses the oldest Christian relic in the Philippines, the antique statue of the Santo Nino or Boy Jesus, which was given as a gift by Magellan to Juana, the queen of Rajah Humabon, on the occasion of her baptism in 1521.
Carcar, established as a parish in 1624, has a lovely quasi-Baroque church completed in 1867. As a junction town in olden times, it was prosperous, as evidenced by the imposing Spanish-era mansions that still flank the town square. Today, the town is famous for its native pastries and its shoes and slippers industry.
The Naga Church is a marvel in coral and limestone. Its exterior remains unchanged since it was built over a century ago. Angels and gargoyles guard its doors.
Argao, south from Cebu City, is famed not only for its beaches, but also for its handwoven blankets - an industry introduced in pre-colonial days by Chinese cotton traders. Argao is also the site of a beautiful rococo church, its interior boasting of an unusual canvas ceiling paonted with religious motifs.
Dalaguete Church, dedicated to San Guillermo, has a baroque altar burmished in gold leaf and crystal chandeliers shipped by the Spanish galleons of yore.
Danao City is a thriving industrial town whose main source of income is derived from the commercial and industrial complex established by the prosperous Durano clan. In the outskirts of the city is the Ramon Durano Foundation compound, where life-size busts of all the saints and popes who ever lived and were canonized line the walks leading to chapels dedicated to various saints and religious occasions.
Evidences of a different faith, and also of the prevailing number of Chinese
who have settled down in the province, is the Taoist temple in Beverly Hills, an upscale
subdivision in the hills surrounding Cebu City. Ninety-nine steps lead up to the
flamboyantly-attractive place of worship looking out towards a panoramic view of the city
and Mactan island. In its halls redolent with incense, one can light joss sticks and have
his fortune told by kindly monks.
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Shopping For Arts & Crafts
Cebu has a rich cultural heritage, born out of centuries of Spanish influence and the innate creativity of its people. Thriving arts and crafts industries have increased the fortunes of the provience, while dedication to traditional methods and meticulous detail have paved the way for export quality items famed far and wide.
Mambailing is famous as the hometown of lepido-mosaic artist professor Julian Jumalon, who collects damaged butterfly wings from all over the world and pieces them together into paintings that seem to throb with living color.
Minglanilla down south is an industrious town of skilled carpenters and embroiderers at present enjoying a boom in the resdy-to-wear garments industry.
Mactan and Maribago produces Cebu's famous guitars. In the many backyard enterprising and factories, one can observe guitar makers turn out hand-crafted instruments which enthusiasts swear compare to the best in the world.
Rattan furniture, one of Cebu's top exports, is positive proof of Cebu's enterprising spirit. Although the province does not grow its own rattan, almost two-thirds of the country's rattan furniture is manufactured here.
Colon Street, considered the oldest street
in the country, is a haven for shoppers who enjoy the comforts and conveniences of
air-conditioned malls. Sleek new department stores like Gaisano Metro, Gaw's, Fairmart,
Gaisano Main, Gazini UV and Gazini Main and other smaller malls offer everything from
native handicrafts to designer labels.
Carbon Market, on the other hand, is a bargain-hunter's bazaar crammed with every conceivable buy. Hobnob with the Cebuano folk as you pick out your choice of handicrafts, sweets, fruits, flowers, household items, vegetables, meat and fish! (It is a marketplace, after all.)
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Resort-hopping and Nature Trips
Ahhh...Cebu's beaches and fantastic divesites. Resorts vie for your attention with international standard accommodations and complete facilities for a sporting vacation. And what's great is the fact that many of them are located within one or two hours' drive from downtown!
Mactan Island boasts of a dozen or more beach resorts scattered all around its coastline. Divesites along the edge of the island are convenient for beginners and advanced divers alike. Adequate diving facilities are available. There is a 10-meter ledge which is a favorite fish-feed-ing area. Buyong and marigondon are notable dive spots with drop-offs great for night diving.
Olango Island across the Hilutangan Channel east of Mactan has an underwater peak for the more experienced diver. Beautiful coral gardens and a dense fish population make this site ideal. The town of Sta. Rosa is delightful with its natural rock formations composed of coral cliffs rising up from the ocean floor.
Sogod up north beckons with its crystal clear waters, said to be the spawning
ground of giant marine turtles. An extensive natural cave network with subterranean rivers
entice the adventurous.
Bantayan, a three-town island off the northern tip of Cebu, is fringed with fine white sand beaches, sheltering coves and lagoons, shoals and reefs with good coral cover.
Moalboal, the famous coastal town along Cebu's southwestern shores, is the diving capital hereabouts. Just off the town is Pescador Island, with its drop-offs down sheer cliffs studded with caves and overhangs. Other sites in the area included Sa-avedra and Bas Diot, particularly rich in corals and having bigger varieties of fish than other Moalboal sites.
Panagsama Beach, at the edge of a small peaceful fishing village due west from Moalboal, is an unspoiled strip of white beach lapped by clear-bottomed waters. Rustic cottages line the shore, where fishermen hual in their catch at daybreak.
Badian Island, south of Moalboal, entices with breathtaking coral formations and wonderfully tame fish. Divers are sure to encounter one or more large sea snakes on any dive.
Gato Islet, named after its shape which resembers that of a sitting cat, has peculiar caves, lagoons and crevices that harbor breeder sea snakes and their young from march to September.
Sumilon Island, at the southern tip of Cebu, was developed as a marine sanctuary by the Siliman University in Negros Oriental province west of Cebu. Snorkeling and diving are good as its waters are rich breeding grounds for many marine species.
Argao and Dalaguete are southern towns with both exclusive and public resort facilities lining its white sand beaches. Windsurfing, sailing and snorkeling are popular.
Good beaches can be found along the many coastal towns of Liloan, Compostela, Consolacion, Danao and Carmen in the north; as well as the southern towns of Danajon and Caohagan. Talisay, a short 15-kilometer drive south of Cebu City, bustles with resorts lining its fine sandy shores. Along the road to the beach, the air is redolent with roasting lechon (sucking pig) and frying chicharon (pork crackling).
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