Cebu City – the Queen City of the South

Cebu City Hall

Cebu City is being called the “Queen City of the South” and the seat of Christianity in the Philippines, this is the oldest city in the country. If you are exploring Cebu City, you can encounters a rich historical past. Cebuanos are extremely proud of their cultural and historical heritage, a legacy that has endured through the centuries. From Zubu, the busy commercial port in 1521, it has become a highly urbanized metropolitan center who now serves as a focal point for growth and development in Southern Philippines.

With its nine cities: Cebu, Danao, Bogo, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Toledo, Talisay, Naga and Carcar, and its 44 smaller towns, Cebu has more than kept pace with the progress of the nation. Today the island province leads in traditional and non traditional exports and has the highest rate of economic growth anywhere in the country. Likewise, recent indications pointed out that Cebu has become a favorite tourist destination.

In contrast to the bustling metropolis, the rest of Cebu’s 167 islets and islands are lined with idyllic white sand beaches and crystalline waters. Cebu has gained wide popularity for fantastic diving grounds evidenced by the proliferation of resorts, which offer luxurious accommodations, excellent dive facilities and services of competent dive masters and dive guides. Cebu ‘s strategic location makes it ideal for those wishing to travel to other islands and provinces by the plane, ship or bus. No place could be too far from Cebu.

What to bring:
Wear natural fiber, lightweight clothing. Bring swimsuit, insect repellent, flashlight, sun block cream, walking shoes, rubber slippers for the beach.

Tips
Bellshops expect a tip, like waiters, taxi drivers, hairdressers, beauticians, and porters. Tips 5-15% of the bill is appropriate if no service charge included.

Public transport
Getting around Cebu, you can take a colorful jeepney or a bus with a minimal fee. Taxis are widely available.

Some DO’S AND DON’T'S in Philippine Society

The most important initial step in gaining insights about the local resident is to understand him in his own setting. The following is just some general statements intended to help you in your behavior in the local community Avoid wearing sandals when attending special occasions in the local community-wearing shoes is a sign that the event is important to you.

* Do invite people at least three times. Local residents are taught that it is proper to refuse the first time or two. To them, an insistence is a clear sign that the offer or invitation is genuine.
* Do give the local residents a way out of the situation, so he can save face, thus avoiding embarrassment, Embarrassment, will cause “hiya” or loss of face.
* Don’t use the common sign of OK-in the local community, its means money. You may use the new sign OK. This is the thumbs-up sign which has been commonly seen on television.
* Don’t use your forefinger upward to call a local resident. It is considered somewhat degrading. One way of calling is to beckon with the hand in gentle downward motion. “Pssst” is another popular way to get someone’s attention. As a rule, however, it is even better to use nicknames, because these are reserved for close friends.
* Smiling is a form of friendship and a form of greeting

Do show respect for age-use the proper appellations for elders and relations. Find out right away what appellations are used in the family.

A few images of Cebu’s Tourist Attraction:

Article source: www.cebucitytourism.com