To Cebu. Cebu is now considered the most important trading and commercial hub outside Metro Manila. Strongly entrepreneurial, Cebu is a sophisticated metropolis with the charms of an island destination. Shopping, dining and entertainment complement the other facets of the Queen City of the South: a world-class export industry for such products like furniture, gifts, toys and fruits (mango), special economic zones, IT Parks, central business districts, educational and medical institutions all help to make Cebu one of the premiere cities in Asia.

Why Cebu is No. 1?

Even before the Spanish colonization, Cebu already played a vital role in trade and commerce in Asia because the island has been gifted with a natural harbor. Its channel is deep enough to accommodate the flow of goods through international cargo sea vessels, and the Mactan island serves as protection from winds and current.

Cebu’s weather promises to be good for business because typhoon activities are minor and rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. Moreover, the island is not located within any earthquake belt, there is no known active volcano and its international airport has been large enough to connect the island to several continents.

Its public administrators have been known to be development-oriented, steering Cebu to greater heights by putting in place infrastructure facilities needed for economic growth.

Cebu has at least nine economic zones that offer to cut bureaucratic red tape by providing a much easier system for investors, plus incentives.

Cebu is number one because of good fiscal management: it ranks highest among the country’s provinces in terms of assets and cash in bank.

Most importantly, Cebu ranks number one because of the current unity that has never before been seen in any province: unity among elected officials, unity among business groups, unity among its people, and unity between the private and public sectors.

There are many universities and other educational institutions that serve as magnet to students from other provinces, a major factor of a highly skilled and efficient workforce in Cebu.

 Overall, Cebu continues to excel and investors are drawn to Cebu because of the culture of professionalism and craftsmanship among its people, the vast highly skilled manpower resources resilient amid trying times, its fair weather, relative peace and business-friendly atmosphere.

 Today, Cebu leads in traditional and non-traditional exports and has the highest economic growth rate anywhere in the country. The people of Cebu are known to be pioneering and innovative businessmen. Cebu International Airport in Mactan Island facilitates comfortable and easy movement for travelers. The number of weekly international flights to and from Mactan is constantly increasing. To date, Cebu has regular direct international flights to Singapore, Hongkong, Narita (Japan), Kota Kinabalu, Seoul and Qatar. There is also a steady stream of chartered flights from Incheon, Taipei, kansai, Nagoya and Kaoshiung.

 Cebu has a relatively moderate climate that makes it highly attractive tourist destination. It is blessed to be at the center of Negros Island, Leyte, Bohol and Samar and other various Islands that cushion the impact of bad weather conditions, the reason why Cebu is very rarely affected by strong typhoons. While Luzon areas as well as Samar islands down to Mindanao are battered by strong winds during typhoons, Cebu in most cases remain calm with tolerable winds and weather conditions.

Identified by Asiaweek as one of Asia's best cities, Cebu's quality of life has kept pace with its growth. Needed infrastructure and utilities, especially, power, water and communication have been put in place. Commuters in the metropolis rely on computerized traffic management system. Housing is also adequate and reasonably priced.

Major attractions are Cebu's numerous historical sites, such as the Magellan Shrine. One is within minutes of any of Cebu's abundant attractions: five-star hotels, casinos, white sand beaches, world-class golf courses and shopping malls. For those who prefer the rugged outdoors, there are four National parks for hiking, climbing and the like.

Come and savor the spectacular and wondrous beauty of Cebu, your virtual paradise and Queen City of the South.

Capital : Cebu City Districts Eight (8) Cities: Cebu, Danao, Lapu- Lapu, Mandaue & Toledo, Talisay Municipalities: 47 Barangays: 1,201 Location : Center of Visayas Islands - 584 km. (385 miles) South of Manila Population: 2.85 M Cebu Province; 1.5 M Metro Cebu or 53% of the island (NSO data as of 1995) Average Annual Rainfall: 1,638.20 mm Minimum Monthly Rainfall: 50.40 mm Maximum Monthly Rainfall: 206.50 mm Mean Temperature Range: 26.49 C - 28.79 C Minimum Temperature: 22.69 C Maximum Temperature: 33.19 C Land Area: 508,839 hectares (5,088.4 sq. km) Certified Alienable and Disposable Land : 253,341 Classified Forest Land: 100,775 Unclassified Forest Land: 154.723 Arable Land: 338,816 hectares Firms Registered (1994-1998) with DTI : 33,911 with SEC : 4,581

Agricultural Products: Corn, rice, legumes, fruit trees, root crops, ornamental plants, coffee, cacao and spices

Topography: Predominantly rugged & mountainous with its highest peak at 1,000 m. above sea level. It is elongated; approximately 250 km. long. Its widest point is 45 km.

Ethnic Origins: Malay mixed w/ Chinese & Spanish ancestry

Languages: Cebuano (spoken by 98% of population), Tagalog, English & Chinese (Fookien & Mandarin)

Dialects: Cebuano is the dialect in the province, which is also widely spoken in the Visayas and Mindanao. Tagalog and English are also spoken and understood.

Dress : Casual dress in light, natural fabrics, preferably cotton. Dinner jacket and tie or Philippine Barong Tagalog for formal events.

Currency : Philippine Peso. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at hotels, banks or authorised dealers. Major credit cards are accepted at major outlets and facilities.

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. Humidity is 78 percent, warmest temperature is at 189C usually expected during the months of December to February, while the wettest time of the year occurs during November.

The six major cities in Cebu province are Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay, Lapu-lapu, Danao and Toledo, while there are 47 towns or municipalities. Facing Bohol Strait is the island's capital, Cebu City and historic Mactan Island lies just across the city's harbor. Cebu City is bounded by the City of Mandaue and the Municipality of Consolacion in the north; the city harbor and Bohol Strait in the east; Talisay town in the south and Toledo City in the west. Of the 73 barangays comprising the city, 30 are categorized as mountain barangays with land area totaling 27,797 hectares. There are 6 congressional districts, 3 component cities, namely: Lapu-lapu, Danao and Toledo; 3 highly urbanized cities: Cebu, Mandaue and Talisay. 47 municipalities; and 1,122 barangays.

Power Capacity: Over 600 mw

Water Supply: 107,337cu. m

Road Network: 3,811.650 km By Type of Pavement (in km)
Concrete : 195.602
Asphalt: 605.294
Gravel: 2,837.435
Earth: 173.320 Existing Road Category (in km)
National Road: 622.857

IN PHILIPPINE SOCIETY

The most important initial step in efforts of gaining insights about the local resident is to understand him in his own setting. The following are 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, insistence is a clear sign that the offer or invitations is genuine.
• Do give the local residents a way out of the situation so he can save face, thus avoiding embarrassment. Embarrassing him will cause “hiya” or loss of face.
• Don’t use the common sign of OK In the local community, it 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 preferred to call the person by name. 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.

 POINTS OF INTEREST IN CEBU

JUMALON’S MUSEUM - is the home of a lepido mosaic art collection so called because of it utilizes butterfly wings as its medium. The museum is located at the residence of Professor Julian Jurnalon at Basak Elementary School side road.

COLON STREET - the oldest street in the Philippines named after the renowned explorer ‘Cristobal Colon’ a.k.a. Christopher Columbus is the heart of ‘downtown’ Cebu City. A glittering city by night lined with moviehouses, department stores and other establishment.

FUENTE OSMENA - is a fountain honoring Cebu’s favorite son, the late President Sergio Osmena, Sr. . It is one of city’s most famous landmarks dominating the uptown area where commercial and banking establishments have proliferated.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS MUSEUM - with a fine collection of antique ceramicware in archeological diggings in various parts of the country. It also presents samples of flora and fauna in the country and in Cebu particularly.

CHAPEL OF THE LAST SUPPER - 250 year old life-size replica of the Lord Jesus with His 12 Apostles seated for the last Supper.

MAGELLANS MARKER - Magellan crossed the channel to Mactan in the effort to spread the faith. Before he could reach the shore he was killed in kneedeep waters by Lapulapu, the chieftain of Mactan Island, and his men in a battle of supremacy and freedom on April 27, 1521. The marker stands on that fateful battle ground in Mactan Island.

MOALBOAL - located 89 kms. southwest of Cebu City. It offers modestly priced cottages for rent, white sandy beaches. A popular diving area having one of the best coral formations in the country. Scuba diving facilities are available.

THE TOPS - Situated high on top of cool Busay Hills is an excellent sight seeing spot which offers a breathtaking view of Metro Cebu and the islands of Mactan and Olango. Cottages are available for daytime picnics and instant evening parties. Only 15 minutes ride from Cebu City’s Lahug area.

IMAGE OF SANTO NINO DE CEBU - considered as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines and Cebu’s patron, given as a baptismal gift by Magellan to Queen Juana on April 14, 1521. Today the image is enshrined at the Basilica Minions del Santo Niflo. Everyday, a constant line of devotees flies through to kiss the image and offer prayers.

SAN MIGUEL INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX - the biggest glass factory, brewery, CocaCola and Agro Industrial Complex outside Metro Manila.

MACTAN EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE - is the country’s largest export processing zone with companies producing goods and items exclusively for export.

MACTAN BEACHES - Famous worldwide for its beautiful white sand beaches and pristine clear waters, for an exceptional vacation experience. Mactan beach resorts offer superb accommodation facilities, scuba diving, wind surfing, boating and other aqua sports.

If you are looking for a great selection of places to stay with discount prices ,

visit  Hotel in Cebu for more information.

FESTIVALS IN CEBU

SINULOG
Celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January, is Cebu’s biggest and most popular. The feast is in honor of the holy image Senor Santo Nino de Cebu. Fiesta Senor as it widely known, is the most celebrated among Cebu’s festivals where people converge along the route of a grand solemn procession and partake in the gaiety amidst a mardigras parade immersed in vivid colors and the constant drums of the Pit Senor

PASKUHAN
A Christmas celebration of songs and lantern making held during the month of December spread good cheers to local residents and visitors alike.

KADAUGAN SA MACTAN
A one day re-enactment celebrated with pomp and pageantry every 27th of April to commemorate the historic Battle of Mactan between the forces of Lapulapu and Magellan.

VIRGIN OF THE RULE FIESTA
Held to honor the patroness of Opon on Nov. 20-21, this religious and social event reveals the deep religious faith of the people and the penchant for merry making. A food fair, a procession and a coronation of the Fiesta Queen highlight the festivity.

SEMANA SANTA SA BANTAYAN
A unique mixture of solemn religious rites and local celebration highlights the Holy Week activities in Bantayan Island. The normally quiet island is visited by relatives and friends of the residents, as well as tourists to experience the scenic rites and to cool off the summer heat in the beautiful white sandy beaches and clear tropical waters.

FIESTA SA CARCAR
Is celebrated on November 24-25 in honor of the town’s patron. St. Catherine of Alexandria Carcar town is noted for Its old Spanish style houses in the quiet countryside setting. During fiestas, the residents would invite friends, relatives and town visitors into their homes to taste popular local delicacies. A lively and enjoyable event.

Getting Around by Sea
banca
(motorized outrigger) for island-hopping

Manuel Arengo Jr.

Real Estate Broker's License No. 0007808

About Me

Smart:  +63929-3333-777

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Tel.       (032)3614978

Email:  cebubesthomes@gmail.com

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