Often called the "Queen City of the South" and the Seat of Christianity in the Philippines, Cebu is the country's oldest city. Exploring Cebu City, one encounters a rich historic past. Cebuanos are extremely proud of their cultural and historical heritage, a legacy which has endured thru the centuries from the time the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan first planted the cross on Cebu's shore.
Time has been kind to Cebu. From Zubu, the fishing village and busy trading port in 1521 has evolved a highly urbanized metropolitan center which now serves as focal point of growth and development in Southern Philippines. With its five cities; Cebu, Danao, Lapulapu Mandaue and Toledo; and its 48 smaller towns, Cebu. has more than kept pace with the nation's progress. Today ' the island province leads in traditional and non-traditional exports and has the highest economic growth rate anywhere in the country. Likewise, recent indications pointed out that Cebu has become the country's most favorite tourist destination.
In contrast to the bustling metropolis, the rest of Cebu's 167 islets and islands are lined with idyllic white sandy beaches and pristine clear waters. Cebu. has gained wide popularity for its fantastic diving grounds evidenced by the proliferation of resorts which offer luxurious accommodations, excellent dive facilities and the services of competent dive masters and dive guides.
Cebu's strategic location makes it ideal for those who wish to travel to the other islands and provinces. By plane, boat or bus, nowhere could be too far from CEBU.
Among the culture of islands and islets that comprise the Visayas, one province stands out: Cebu, a unique blend of tropical paradise and business haven. Dubbed variously as "the next great economic miracle", " Asia's newest boomtown" and "the Queen City of the South", Cebu basks in its enviable status as the most popular tourist and business destination in the Philippines.
Sheltered by the other Visayan islands of Negros, Panay, Leyte, Samar and Bohol, this thin sliver of land is blessed year-round with clement, tropical weather--all the better to enjoy its pristine, sun drenched beaches, washed by the balmy blue waters of the Cebu and Tanon Straits. A plethora of neighboring islets fringed with coral and white sand shores add appeal to an island-hopping vacation.
Yet, Cebu's attractions do not only cater to the itinerant sun-worshipper or beach-lover. The business traveler to this bustling port of call may not have time for more than a day's trip around town. Still, Cebu's cityscapes have their own brand of cosmopolitan charm touched with a unique island warmth. Luxurious accommodations, complete sports facilities, cuisines from the native to the exotic, vibrant nightlife : Cebu will not be found wanting in all the amenities of a growing, booming metropolis.
Bohol, just across the Tanon Strait from Cebu, is a mysterious land of wondrous geological formations, lush forests alive with rare species of flora and fauna, and idyllic seaside towns with Antillan houses that cluster around centuries-old churches. Outlying islands are marine sanctuaries with a wealth of coral reefs harboring a colorful world of tropical marine life.