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The Province of Cebu

CEBU PROVINCE has natural delights aplenty. The sun-soaked island ebuanos call home boasts of miles and miles of exquisite beaches laid side by side with rolling hills and rigid mountaintops. Its coastline varies from east to west, and north to south. The northwest portiion is noted for its sugar-white beaches, while the norteast boasts of cliff terrains that look out to Tañon Strait.

Affluent in tradition and history, the province is dotted with monuments, ancestral homes and centuries-old churches. In every town, in every village, there is at least one church, many of them remnants of the bygone era as a Spanish colony. One can easily be transported to the past—especially in Carcar City—where the lush elegance of Spanish-American ancestral homes and colonial mansions are in wide array. The diversity of each town makes the province all the more interesting.

Commemorating feasts, in honor of a patron saint, is essential for every town dweller, as it throuhout the country. The various saint’s day are celebrated with much pomp and pageantry in the form of relitions processions folloed by much feasting, fairs and games—no matter how small the town is.

The people are treasures themselves. Though a visitor is usually greeted with curious glances, it is easy to win a friend among the barrio-folks, who are a warm and friendly people with ready smiles. The easily share the best of what they have. Provincial life is simple, slow-paced and serene. The rustic scenes invite you to take pleasure and bask in its natural bounty. Even a fisherman throwing a net into the ocean and farmers planting rice are sights to behold.

Still modern comforts have reached many Cebuano’s homes, whre even a humble hovel boasts of colored television sets and the ubiquitous karaoke machines. In most barrio life, these two can be the only form of entertainment, and the barrio-folks take their entertainment quite seriously. It is not uncommon for the Cebuanos to belt out a song at the slightest provocation. Music is in their hearts, and the fact that many of the country’s top singers hail from the island in a living testimony.

This is perhaps another reason why the guitar-making industry is one of the more enduring crafts that is practiced, particularly in Mactan up to the present. Cebuano guitars are noted for their clear tones and high quality production.

A large portion of Cebu province is still agricultural. It is the premier corn-producing province, aside from as yielding abaca, sugarcane, tobacco, and root crops. The local mango variety is noted for its fleshy taste, devoid of fibers. Delicacies like otap, masarea, chicharon and dried mangoes are favorite items for souvenirs.

With its strategic location, Cebu easily becomes a center for maritime industries, and is home to the country’s two largest shipping lines. Which transport a million passengers per month and an equally impressive quantity of cargoes.

Inter-island fastcraft was first pioneered in its ports and, today, this means of transportation serves as a vital link among the provinces and its people.

With the abundance of sea-life, Cebu’s shell-craft industry has metamorphosed into one of the island’s top exports. The Cebu Fame (Fashion Accessories Manufactuer and Exporters) traced its roots from the humble puka-shells of the 1980s to its present state of sophisticated costume jewelry reaching the Europe and the United States markets in all shapes and forms-from cheap to darn-expensive. This segment exports close to US$100 million worth of products annually.

Not to be outdone, the furniture producers entered the big time as early as the 1950s when the prestigious American firm, McGuire, contracted a local manufacturer to create quality rattan furniture. This initial order jump-started the industry, whose pioneers started as suppliers of rattan and other materials to the local counterpart. In a short time, several firms opened, the likes of the English firm Maitland-smith, in the 70s, the German company of Dedone in the 90s, as well as several high-volume manufacturers whose products are sold under several known labels in the Middle East, Europe and the United States. Today, the vibrant furniture industry holds the distinction of high style, well-designed products that are esteemed by the discriminated markets worldwide.

Cebu is also the country’s favorite tourist destination, more so with the opening of the Mactan International Airport. There are several world class beach resorts that dot the costline, as well as several budget accommodations that carry their own charms. The island is blessed with a clement, tropical weather. More importantly, the local populance is well-versed in English, which is the medium of instruction in all schools.

The province of Cebu was created on March 10, 1917 during the American colonization. Today, the island is politically divided into local government units comprising of 47 municipalities, seven cities—Cebu, Danao, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, Toledo, Talisay and Carcar City and several islets—Camotes, Bantayan and Malapascua, among others.

Sorrounded by other island provinces—Samar, Bohol, Leyte, Negros and Panay, Cebu is home to a charming people, colorful festivals, rich culture and lavish hospitality.