Check Out Cebu

Cebu - dubbed as "the brightest star on the Philippines economic horizon", Asia's newest boomtown", and "the Queen City of the South", is enviably the number one tourist and business destination in the Philippines. For what else can beat the ingredients that make Cebu a complete destination -- a booming economy and a tropical paradise all at the same time? And to think, it is just an hour's flight from Manila and a few hours away from Tokyo, Singapore and Hongkong.

Pristine, sun-drenched beaches. Balmy, blue waters. An abundance of islets bordered with white sand shores and coral reefs teeming with marine life. A pleasant, tropical weather. Cebu is unbelievably blessed with all the elements that make for a perfect holiday. It is an excellent getaway, or better yet, a hideaway, from the monotomy of sophisticated urban living and dreary concrete jungle atmosphere. Indulge in water sports, go diving or island-hopping.

The business traveler in this bustling metropolis is in for a grand time. Luxurious accommodations, gustatorial treats, complete sports facilities and a pulsating nightlife all await him. There are also excellent conference/convention facilities, which is why many corporations choose Cebu as their convention venue. All the conveniences of a bustling, modern metropolis are in Cebu. And yet, wonderfully, it has not really lost its unique, down-to-earth island charm.

Adding to Cebu's tourist attractions are the many religious, cultural and historical places. Old Spanish colonial churches, ancestral homes, forts, historical markers and monuments abound in the province. Cebu City itself, as the Philippines' oldest city, shelters many of these tourist attractions. In January, the tourist may witness the Sinulog Festival, when Cebuanos (as the people of Cebu are called) dance on the streets on a symphony of drums and stamping feet as they pay tribute to the Sto. Niņo, the statue of the Child Jesus. Of course, nothing will beat the graciousness and hospitality that the Cebuanos treat every guests as they go an extra mile in trying to make his stay most comfortable and enjoyable.

Shopping and dining in Cebu is just delightful! Hand-crafted souvenirs or world-famous brand names may be found at the market, the plush malls or even the local shopping store giants. Keep a sharp eye on those bargains! Cebu's best buys include: hand-made guitars from Mactan and Maribago, antiques, Mactan stonecraft, fine barong tagalog, rattan furniture, shellcraft, baskets, woven items, brass and bronze wares and all sorts of hand-crafted items. After the shopping spree, vneture into any of the wide array of specialty restaurants and hotel outlets which offer native, continental or oriental cuisine. Savor nature's bounty such as fresh fruits and seafood, or the local delicacies and pastries. General Maxilom and Gorordo Avenues are notable for their many restaurants. Downtown Cebu tempts the tourist to tickle and titillate his tastebuds.

To cap one's day, shake off some excess avoirdupois at the discos, try one's luck at the Casino Filipino, exercise the vocal cords at the karaoke pubs or entertain new friends over cold drinks and gambas at any of the watering holes and hotels that Cebu has. Yes sir, the nightlife here is really A-LIVE!!!

Cebu has all the amenities of a booming, bustling metropolis and yet there are more than enough nooks and crannies where one can enjoy being alone with the sun, sea and sky. Indeed, Cebu is THE place to be. Check it out!

Source from Philippines Visitors Guide