Discovering Cebu | The Poster Child of Philippine Tourism

A collage of photos of the best of Philippine tourism.

Discover the beauty of Cebu and find out exactly why it’s touted as the poster child of Philippine tourism.

With over 7,000 islands to explore, it’s almost impossible to run out of beautiful places to see and exciting things to do in the Philippines. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a beach bum, a history buff, foodie, or someone who enjoys the great outdoors, there’s definitely a place across the Philippine archipelago that can satisfy your cravings.

But there’s one particular island in the Philippines that stands out from the rest: Cebu. Sitting directly at the heart of the archipalago, the island of Cebu boasts an abundance of white sand beaches, vast and lush jungles, rich heritage, amazing cuisine and colorful culture - not to mention its warm and friendly people.

If you want to spend your vacation at a place that can cater to all kinds of activities you can possibly think of, Cebu is the place to be! To help you get to know the island of Cebu a lot better, here are four of the island’s most endearing traits, the reasons why it continues to be a major draw for Philippine tourism:

The Rich History

Cebu played a vital role in the shaping of the Philippines that we know today. For starters, it is the birthplace of Christianity in the country, the faith that a significant majority of the Filipino people practice. It is also where the Philippines first welcomed the Spaniards into its lands.

Amidst being the first to welcome Christianity, Cebu is also where the first known skirmish against foreign invaders took place. On the shores of Mactan, Cebuanos showed the bravery of the Filipino people and killed the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

Today, traces of the rich Philippine history left mostly by the Spaniards are found in the islands of Cebu. In fact, the oldest church, religious relic, and street can be found in the city.
The Colorful Culture

Cebu is undeniably a kaleidoscope of varying cultures, a fusion of Eastern and Western influences. Although the authentic and old-school Cebuano culture has changed along with the modern times, much of its traditions and beliefs remain intact and widely practiced. One concrete example of which are the annually celebrated fiestas. Not only does it showcase the grandeur of Filipino culture, it also shows the vibrancy of the place and the devotion of the Filipino people.

With varying personalities and groups from all sorts of backgrounds converged into one place, the island is given a culture that is truly and uniquely Sugbuanon.
The Wonderful People

People from Cebu are often called Cebuanos or Sugbuanons. They are warm and welcoming individuals that will surely make you feel at home. They possess the Filipino people's characteristics such as resilience, strong-willed, loving, outgoing and happy. They honor and value the Filipino culture and values that have been passed down and still adhere to it, yet embracing modernity all at the same time.

Cebuanos are also known for their talents. May it be music, literature, or arts and crafts they will certainly leave you in awe. In fact, many Cebuanos have gained international recognition for their talents. They are also good at speaking in English which makes it easier for them to show tourists around their beautiful city.
The Beautiful Tourism

Cebu comprises of a wide variety of manmade and natural wonders. It is rich in white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and marine life. It also boasts greeneries with its mountains, hills, and falls.

If you want a time away from the bustling energetic metropolis and experience that laid-back island vibe, there are plenty of beautiful and serene islands to choose from. Its historic destinations and spots will certainly tell you the stories of its heroes and the island itself. Cebu also offers you a life of luxury with its numerous world-class hotels and resorts and an amazing gastronomic experience with its local food.

The island's tourism that continues to develop has drawn international attention, making it one of the most visited destinations in the country. It is no doubt a wondrous place to be in.

Cebu is indeed royalty in all aspects. Its beauty stretches out from end to end. From a busy, vibrant city to a laid-back, chill island and everything else in between, who wouldn't fall in love with Cebu when it checks all the important boxes?