From a small fishing village and trading port, Cebu has grown into a highly urbanized metropolitan area while retaining its stature since the Spanish colonial times as the center of trade and commerce in Souther Philippines. Cebu has since transformed into a choice tourist destination, with many leisure establishments taking full advantage of its sea-valley-and-mountain location.
Metropolitan Cebu, the country's second biggest metropolis, is the political, economic, educational and cultural center of the Visayas. Hotels, shopping malls, entertainment halls, casinos and golf fairways are ever present in the metro to cater to every tourist's whim.
"Cebu is strategically located at the center of the Visayas Region. When you come to Cebu, you can also visit neighboring islands in just a matter of hours," said Patricia Roa, the Regional Director of the Department of Tourism.
Cebu also takes pride in having the country's oldest colonial city, Cebu City. Many landmarks attest to the richness of its history. On April 14, 1521, Spanish voyager Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross to mark the spot where some 800 natives - led by Rajah Humabon and his wife, Queen Juana - were baptized into the Catholic faith. The original cross is now encased in a hallow hardwood cross and can be found in a roofed kiosk along Magallanes Street.
Cebu's accessibility, its reputation for excellenct peace and order, and the fact that is houses most of the best beach resorts in the country, makes it a primary destination of more than 40 percent of foreign tourists who visit the Philippines.
Cebu's attractions, however, do not only cater to the itinerant beach lovers. For the sightseers, Cebu's tourist spots are abundant. The cityscapes also have their own brand of cosmopolitan charm, touched with unique island warmth. There are luxurious hotel accommodations, complete sports facilities, cuisine, from native to exotic and a vibrant nightlife.
As Cebu is home to the two greatest Asian golfers, Ben Arda and Celestino Tugot, it's no accident that several excellent championship courses have been located around the the area.
