CebuLapu-Lapu Monument, erected <strong>in</strong> honour of Lapu-Lapu,a famous chiefta<strong>in</strong> who defeated Spanish soldiers.10Cebu is a prov<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>in</strong> the Southern Philipp<strong>in</strong>es,compris<strong>in</strong>g of Cebu Island and 167 surround<strong>in</strong>gislands. Named the 7th best island dest<strong>in</strong>ation<strong>in</strong> the Indian Ocean-Asia region <strong>in</strong> 2007 and4th best Asian-Pacific island dest<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>in</strong> 2009by Condé Nast <strong>Travel</strong>er Magaz<strong>in</strong>e, Cebu is along strip of land spann<strong>in</strong>g 225km from northto south, and is one of the most developedprov<strong>in</strong>ces <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. Its capital CebuCity, the oldest city <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, is thema<strong>in</strong> focus of bus<strong>in</strong>ess and education <strong>in</strong> theVisayas.Also the epicentre of colonial civilization <strong>in</strong> thecountry, Cebu City has the richest history, asshowcased <strong>in</strong> the many museums exhibit<strong>in</strong>gFilip<strong>in</strong>o culture from centuries back. Otherlandmarks not to be missed <strong>in</strong> the city arethe Basilica M<strong>in</strong>ore del Santo Niño, Fort SanPedro, Lapu-Lapu Monument, Magellan’sCross, Cebu Tops Lookout and Cebu TaoistTemple. In addition, make time to visit thechurches that l<strong>in</strong>e the city’s well-known streetsas Cebu is the seat of Christianity and religionplays a significant part <strong>in</strong> the daily lives of theCebuanos.For the nature lovers seek<strong>in</strong>g adventure,there’s the House Close to Nature built byNestor Archival – an eco-house advocat<strong>in</strong>gsusta<strong>in</strong>able environment liv<strong>in</strong>g – and the 24haHighland Farm by Rene Mercado <strong>in</strong> Agsungot,a 45-m<strong>in</strong>ute drive from the city proper. Forbeach lovers, head to the northern part of theisland or the southwest coast, where beacheswith the whitest sand and the most amaz<strong>in</strong>gdiv<strong>in</strong>g can be found. On the southern end,Moalboal Panagsama Beach is a focus for divecentres, while off the coast <strong>in</strong> the north, thetranquil islands of Bantayan and Malapascuamake for a pleasant excursion. You can alsovisit the other nearby islands on an islandhopp<strong>in</strong>gtour.The Cebu TaoistTemple, built by theCh<strong>in</strong>ese community<strong>in</strong> 1972.
Philipp<strong>in</strong>esBasilica M<strong>in</strong>ore delSanto Niño, the oldestRoman Catholicchurch established <strong>in</strong>the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es.Fort San Pedro, atriangular fort builtby the Spanish.Magellan’s Cross,planted by the famousexplorer Ferd<strong>in</strong>andMagellan upon land<strong>in</strong>gashore Cebu <strong>in</strong> 1521.The skyl<strong>in</strong>e of Cebu City.Photos credit to Adamdaley, Mike Gonzalez, Editor999999 / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0, Carl Frances Morano Diaman / CC-BY-SA-3.011
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