Ronda Waiting

CEBU, Philippines - Unknown to many, Ronda has a lot to offer. With an endless coastlines, there is definitely no shortage of spots one can visit in the town: white sand beaches, a marine sanctuary, lush greeneries etc; there’s just everywhere to discover and enjoy.

The municipality of Ronda is 79 kilometers away from Cebu City, roughly a two-hour trip by bus towards the southwest of the province. Its neighbors are the towns of Argao, Dumanjug, and Alcantara.

According to folk stories, the place used to be called “Huluyaw.” In the olden times, people settled in plains along river banks where banana plants, called “huluyaw,” grew in abundance. It was a thriving settlement that the Spaniards found in the place when they claimed the archipelago. Upon their occupation of the settlement, the Spaniards changed the name “Huluyaw” to Ronda. They saw the place flanked by two highlands, very similar to a place called Ronda, in Spain.

Today, Ronda prides of its many attractions for tourists. There’s the Lusno Falls located in Barangay Langin. The Ronda Marine Sanctuary, launched in September 2002, is now attracting visitors, too, for its abundance in tropical fishes and other marine creatures.

Then, there’s this huge rock at the beach called Liog-Liog, because its form resembles the human neck. In Barangay Palanas, the Natural Pool or Palanas Spring is located. It offers a breathtaking view of the crystal clear water with fishes in the pool.

In Barangay Sta. Cruz, the white-sand beach stretches six kilometers. Some visitors call it a mini-Boracay. And, a monument to the religious faith of the people of Ronda is the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, which was constructed back in 1950s.

During the celebration of the town’s annual fiesta, Ronda is filled with colors and music with its Panginabuhi Festival, in honor of their patron Our Lady of Sorrow. The festival is held every September 13, showcasing the different livelihoods of the local people, such as agricultural, marine, and industrial.

Ronda is a nice place to visit. One thing nice about the town is – it’s not crowded. Which means it is quiet, both to the sight as to the hearing. And it’s just right there, eagerly waiting!