Known as the "Queen City of the South", Cebu is one of the country's favorite tourist destinations for its world-class beaches & resort. The province is also famous for its sweet mangoes, beautifully fashion accessories, rattan and buri furniture ,guitars and costume jewelry.

• Quick Facts
• History
• Economy
• Weather
• Visa
• Shopping
• Business Hours
• Dress
• Major Events

Quick Facts

• Area
  Cebu is roughly 124 miles (200 kilometers) long with a maximum width of 25 miles (40 kilometers). 940 linear yards (864 meters) away, across the Mactan Channel is Mactan Island. The island is made of coral stone and is approximately 23 square miles (60 square kilometers). It is connected to Cebu by means of two bridges.
  
• Airlines
  PAL, Air Philippines, Asian Spirit, Cebu Pacific , SEAIR
  
• Currency
  The unit of currency is the peso. 1 peso is equal to 100 centavos. Use the Xe.com Currency Converter to check the exchange rate that corresponds to your local currency. (If you have a pop-up blocker, please disable it first to allow the currency converter window to open.)
  
• Electricity
  220/250 volts, 60Hz AC
  
• Geographical Information
  Cebu is located in Central Visayas, 365 miles (588 kilometers) south of Manila---the country's capital city.
  
• Language
  Cebuano is widely spoken in the Visayas and Mindanao, English and Filipino are spoken and understood
  
• Population
  Cebu province: 3 million, Lapu-Lapu City: 131,660
  
• Time Difference
  +8 GMT

History

Cebu or Sugbu was a prosperous settlement before the Spaniards landed in 1521. Cebu has trade relations with China and the Southeast Asia countries. On April 14 1521 ruler Rajah Humabon and his wife together with 800 natives were baptized during the first Mass in Cebu. Thirteen days later Ferdinand Magellan died in battle against Lapu-Lapu in Mactan on the coast of Cebu. On April 27 1565 Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, with Augustinian Fr. Andres de Urdaneta, landed in Cebu. On January 1 1571 Legaspi founded the present city of Cebu, changing its former name of San Miguel to La Villa del Santissimo Nombre de Jesus. The province of Cebu was created on March 10 1917. It is the home province of Sergio Osmeña who succeeded Manuel L. Quezon as Commonwealth President during World War II.

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Economy

Cebu is the premier mango and corn-producing province. Cebu also grows coconut, sugarcane, abaca, bananas, tobacco, mangos and flowers. Guadalupe in the mountains of Cebu City grows the finest Mangos in the world, and that's according to dried mangos importers. Cebu island is rich in mineral resources. One of the biggest copper mines in Asia is in Toledo City Cebu. Cebu industries include the production of cement, fertilizer, paper, coconut oil and beer. The Mepz industrial park on Mactan Island has multi national companies of manufacturing of semiconductors, electronics, furniture, and many other products for export. Cebu is known for its high quality handicrafts made of bamboo, wood, shells, and many types of different materials. Metro Cebu is the largest and most progressive urban center next Metro Manila. Cebu real estate is an excellent long term investment.

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Weather

Visa

Visitors with valid passports may stay 21 days without a visa. Hong Kong and Taiwan passport holders require a special permit, obtainable from Philippine embassies and consulates.

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Shopping

Cebu offers a whole host of mall boutiques, specialty shops and traditional markets.

Shoemart City---One of the largest malls in the country and the largest in Cebu. Here, you'll find a multitude of shops ranging from optical to housewares with imported brands such as Esprit, Benetton and Best of New York, as well as the Philippines' best-known designers.

The Ayala Center---Packed with world-class names such as Cartier, Christian Dior, Max Mara, Charles Jourdan, Salvatore Ferragamo, Calvin Klein and conveniently placed for an exciting day's shopping.

The Gaisano Country Mall---Widely known for its regular entertainment and celebrity store promotions, Gaisano caters to the young and trendy and also offers a full range of household items.

All these malls have movie houses, a children's entertainment center, a supermarket and a wide variety of food and beverage outlets. For those who seek out bargains and big sales, Cebu is the place to be.

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Business Hours

• Banks and Government offices:
  Banks are usually open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
• Offices:
  Government and private offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays; though some may open on Saturday, the weekend is generally considered day off.
• Shops (Hours vary):
  Most shops open at 10:30 a.m., closing at around 7 p.m. Lunch hour is usually from noon to 2 p.m.

Pinnacle Travel & Tours is one of the few establishments open from 8a.m. to 8p.m. including lunch and maintains a full knowledgeable staff at all times.

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Dress

Lightweight summer clothing is sufficient. Jackets may be used for slightly more formal occasions. A light suit would be appropriate for business. Clothes for men and women is much like the West.

Major Events

Sinulog Festival (Cebu City) - third week of January
Cebu's biggest and most popular festival, celebrated in honor of the Holy Image of Sto. Niño de Cebu. The event is highlighted by a grand solemn procession and a Mardi Gras parade.
Kadaugan sa Mactan (Mactan Island) - April 27
A commemoration of the historic battle of Mactan between Ferdinand Magellan and Mactan chieftain Lapu-Lapu.
Cebu City Charter Day (Cebu City) - February 24
A celebration of Cebu City's charter day, highlighted by activities such as parades and cultural presentations attended by Cebu officials and guests.
Cassava Festival (Camotes Island) - April (moveable)
A festival depicting the different uses of the cassava and the economic opportunities it offers. Activities include a cooking contest, poster-making contest, a Best Booth contest, and a contest for the biggest cassava.
Banig Festival (Badian) - July (moveable)
A celebration of Badian's annual fiesta, showcasing the Cebuano and Badianganon culture, tradition, delicacies and local products, especially its famous mats (banig).
Cordova Dinagat Festival (Cordova) - August (moveable)
A festival characterized by street dancing and an interpretative-dance competition based on the fishing rituals and culture of the Cordovanhons.

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