CEBU- Philippines (my place of residence)

January 23, 2009

Cebu is often called “the Island Paradise”, with 167 islands with land area of 5,088 sq. km. 80%mountainous and 20% flat. Cebu City  the “Queen City of the South” Once voted by Asia Week as one of Asia’s Best Cities, it  is the country’s oldest City, with a rich historic past. Cebuano are extremely proud of their cultural and historical heritage, a legacy which has endured thru centuries from the time of the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan first planted the Cross on the Cebu shore.

Time has been kind to Cebu, from Zubu, the fishing village and busy trading port; it has evolved a highly urbanized Metropolitan Center which now serves as a focal point of growth and development of Southern Philippines. It has eight cities and forty eight smaller towns and the traditional products are copra, mango, sugar and banana. And the nontraditional products are electronics, computer software, semi-conductors, watches, components, clothing, accessories, woodcraft and furniture’s. Currently it has six economic zones and industrial product. It is one of the biggest outsourcing in Southeast Asia. Cebu has more than enough engineers and fluent speaking college graduates to man call centers and IT related services. Shipping industry is one of the busiest in the country and the Cebu international Airport with direct flights in the key Cities of South East Asia; domestic flights are available practically to all Cities of the Philippines.

 

Cebu has become the country’s most favorite tourist destination and jump off point to the neighboring Islands of the visayas region. It has a narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus, and coastal plains, all characteristics of a tropical island. It has gained with idyllic white sandy beaches and pristine clear waters and the popularity for its fantastic diving grounds evidenced by the proliferation of resorts which offer luxurious accommodations, like Shangrila, Plantation bay, Hilton resort, White sands, Alegre beach resort and more.  

 

Yet, Cebu’s attractions do not only cater to the itinerant sun-worshipper or beach-lover. The business traveler to this bustling port of call may not have time for more than a day’s trip around town. Still, Cebu’s cityscapes have their own brand of cosmopolitan charm touched with unique island warmth. Luxurious accommodations, like Waterfront hotel and Casino, Marco Polo hotel, Marriot Hotel, complete sports facilities, cuisines from the native to the exotic, vibrant nightlife: It has also an international convention center, and world class Malls. Cebu will not be found wanting in all the amenities of a growing, booming metropolis.