Welcome to Cebu!

HISTORY

The history of Cebu goes way beyond 439 years ago when the island became a province at the start of the Spanish colonization.

Long before that, Cebu was already the center of trade of what is now the southern Philippines, dealing with traders from China, Malaysia, Japan, India, Burma and other parts of Asia.

Cebu had an organized social structure before the Spaniards came — with small groups headed by a datu who served as leader.

A datu governed his community, settled disputes, made decisions, protected his village from enemies, led them into battle, and received labor and tributes from his people. The position being both a political office and a social class, his authority was taken from his lineage.

A community ranged from 30 to 100 households grouped as a barangay and based mostly on kinship. Aside from the datu, there were free men called timawa and olipon. Spanish reports called the role of an olipon as dependent rather than a slave because of the absence of violence and harshness notable in European slavery.

People in Cebu then were called pintados because men were heavily tattooed. Lavish ornaments such as gold jewelry were used not only by women but also men.

Prior to Spanish colonization, there were already permanent townhouse-looking wooden structures where the datus lived. Ordinary people lived in field cottages or balay-balay that were on stilts. Hagdan (house ladder) was a common sight, with floors (salog) made of bamboo or wood and roof (atop) made of palm tree shingles.

Magellan’s arrival

In the summer of 1521, Ferdinand Magellan and his troops on board five ships arrived in Cebu. They were warmly welcomed by Rajah Humabon’s community.

Magellan’s group was sailing from Sanlucar de Barrameda in Spain.

But Magellan was not received well at the island of Mactan, where he was slain by the local chieftain, Lapulapu. Cebu remained free until Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrived in 1566.

It was then the start of the transformation of Cebu’s civilization under the Spanish regime: Catholic churches were built, priests ruled communities alongside civil leaders, watchtowers were scattered along the island to guard against Moro raids.

On the economic and cultural side, fiesta celebrations were embraced, new agricultural products were introduced, royal decrees led to commercial and agricultural expansion and the establishment of elementary schools in every municipality.

From 1872 to 1896 however, there were extensive propaganda against abuses of Spaniards. A sugar crisis ended the agricultural prosperity Cebu province enjoyed and in 1892, sugar barons or hacienderos were forced to declare bankruptcy.

Philippine Revolution began against Spain in 1898, but before the fruits of independence could bloom, the American troops arrived. United States sovereignty over the Philippines was declared and in February 7, 1900, the Filipino-American war broke.

The rest of Cebu’s history was tied to events in the country and the rest of the world — World War 11, Japanese occupation, postwar reconstruction, Philippine independence, then the declaration of Martial Law, and so forth.

But amid all these events, history has witnessed the valiant spirit of the Cebuanos — principled and resilient, exercising hard work and high standards of morality and professionalism that have since made Cebu a cut above the rest.

QUICK FACTS

Geography

Cebu is located 365 miles south of Manila, the capital of Philippines. The province belongs to the country’s Central Visayas Region. It can be reached in an hour by air travel or 22 hours by cruising the sea.

Topography

Cebu is characterized by narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus, coastal plains but with predominant rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges traversing the northern and southern lengths of the island. Although Cebu’s steep mountains reach over 1,000 meters, the island lacks substantial forest cover. In the towns of Bogo, San Remigio, Medellin, and Daanbantayan at the northern tip of the province, considerable tracts of land are found. Of the three biggest islands, Mactan and Bantayan are relatively flat while Camotes is hilly.

Population/Language

Cebu Province has a total population of more than 3.85 million. Cebuano is the native tongue. While Filipino is commonly understood and spoken, the English language is widely used in business transactions and education.

Climate

Cebu’s weather is relatively moderate, having no distinct wet and dry season, the perfect vacation spot for all seasons. One can bask under the sunshine the whole year through since Cebu is blessed with tropical climate with generally fair temperature range of between 23 to 33 degrees Celsius or 73 to 91 degrees Farenheit. Coolest temperature can be felt in January and warmest in May. The rainy season begins in July bringing torrential downpours that would sometimes inhibit movement.

Philippine Time

Philippine standard time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime.

Dress/What to Bring

Wear natural-fibre, lightweight clothing. You will feel more comfortable. Bring shorts, hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, insect repellant, flashlight, sun block cream, tough shoes for walking, rubber slippers for the beach.

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

Money

The Philippine currency is peso, divided into 100 centavos. Next to the peso, the US dollar enjoys wide acceptance. Most foreign currencies can easily be changed at banks, hotels, and authorized dealers. Foreign currency is not readily taken by the establishments in Cebu. Major foreign credit cards may be accepted only at major hotels, resorts, shops, and restaurants. Visitors are advised to bring sufficient amount of change in small bills or coins.

Business Hours

Banks open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays. Government offices accept and process transactions 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays. Private firms are operational 9 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday. Shoppers can enjoy establishments 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays. Most department stores stay open on Sundays and holidays.

Tipping

Bellhops expect a tip, as do waiters, taxi drivers, hairdressers, beauticians, and porters. Most hotels and restaurants add 10 percent service charge on top of the government tax. Tipping 5 to 15 percent of the bill appropriate if no service charge is included.

Public Transport

Getting around Cebu, one may take a colorful jeepney or a bus at a minimal fare. Tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) and multicabs are popular in outlaying areas and in the suburbs, quiet notably within Mactan island. Metered taxicabs are widely available.

Electrical Appliances

Most areas in Cebu are supplied with 220 volts, 60 cycles. A plug with 2 flat parallel prongs is the norm.