All Roads Lead to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  All year round, Filipinos who have the itch to travel domestically would always consider

Cebu among their probable destinations. The Cebuanos themselves couldn’t seem to get enough of their home place. There’s always the next corner to explore, or the next town and the next – and every time there’s something “else” to discover.

Cebu is a hit among travelers, including foreign tourists. There’s just a lot here for everyone to want to experience first-hand. The famous beaches, the equally famous Cebu Lechon, the history, the culture etc. are only some of the attractions.

Its strategic location is one of Cebu’s best advantages. Cebu is right at the heart of the Philippine archipelago. It’s easy to get here from any point in the country; and with the awesome new international airport terminal, all the more foreign visitors are enticed to come.

Top executives find Cebu to be quite ideal for business-and-leisure trips. Good communication facilities are in place here. The city’s banking system is linked to the rest of the country and internationally.

And there are enough hotels and resorts to retire to at the end of a busy day – a comfortable bed awaits in a peaceful and secure environment. Those who want to party are well covered by the exciting city nightlife. Drinks and dancing are offered at various bars and discos around.

Cebu is also the favorite of senior travelers who want pampering and serenity. The nearby suburban resorts are a completely different world, without a hint of the hustle and bustle of the city just a short distance away. Massage and spa services are offered there, too, aside from possible immersion with local community life, which can be a truly refreshing experience for tourists.

The health and medical facilities in the Queen City are world-class. The frail and the sickly are in good hands here. There’s even a new wellness hotel to cater to health-conscious travelers as well as those with special health needs.

Shopaholic visitors will find their favorite international brands at the city’s malls, which also carry quality local products. Whether fashion items, tech gadgets, sports gear, novelty pieces or knickknacks, there’s a lot to find. The experience is actually at par as in the big cities of the world.

And the Lechon is not the only great food in Cebu. Food tourists will discover that the “bibingka,” the “masareal,” the “chicharon,” the “torta,” the “budbud,” and other local delicacies are delectably noteworthy too. Every town in the province prides of its own special treats to offer.

The young and energetic looking for adventure will have their fill, as well. A world of possibilities opens for them just a short drive from the city. The mountains and the sea in the Cebu countryside brim with adventure.

This month Cebu is the singular destination for visitors. It’s the time of “the biggest fiesta of the Philippines!” The Sinulog Festival has since become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the country and the world.

Happening every third Sunday of January – this year on January 20 – the Sinulog Festival is related to but not the same as the Fiesta Senor, which is the religious celebration. The Sinulog is mainly a cultural extravaganza.  The distinction between the two events make for a stronger appeal for visitors to come – some will come for religious reasons, others for the merrymaking.

While the visitors are here, they’ll be prompted to try the many other good things that Cebu has to offer. The experience is good for them. Their coming over is good for Cebu.