Cebu or the Queen city of the south as -locals call it- is the capital city on Cebu Island, and the oldest Spanish city in the Philippines. The Island is located 365 miles (587 km) south of Manila and has the largest sea port in the country and is currently home of 80% of the country's shipping companies. While being an Island paradise, Cebu is a blooming commercial, trade and cultural center on one hand, is also a metropolitan, sophisticated city that is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Cebu is a blend of new and old which created a unique distention that has attracted both business and leisure travelers whether for a brief visit or an indefinite vacation.
Cebu's trail of progress dates back to pre-Hispanic times. "Sugbu" or "Zebu", as Cebu was known to early merchants, was 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 the most progressive city, second to Manila.
As with other busy trading ports, foreigners settled in this tropical haven and adopted it as their own. These included Chinese, Malay and Arab traders, as well as the Spanish colonizers. With the influx of these settlers, Cebu´s culture was influenced and enriched by foreign practices, flavors and traditions, conceiving a multifaceted culture that is distinctively Cebuano. Cebu is the land of the country´s earliest Christians and the oldest educational institution, fortress and street. Many edifices and colonial relics still stand proudly today as testaments of its colorful history.
In addition to its historical prominence, Cebu offers mesmerizing natural wonders. Stretches of white sand beaches, pristine waters, rich marine habitats, emerald mountains and lush rainforest have never failed to impress travelers with their exceptional grandeur. All these, along with its distinct Filipino hospitality, make a visit to Cebu truly unforgettable.
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