CEBU: QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH?

 Iloilo  around the mid 1800's was known as one of the as the biggest center of commerce and trade coming second to Manila. In 1900s, The Queen of Spain gave Iloilo the title as the Queen City of the South. The title was decreed to be incorporated in the official seal of the city.  However, the luster of the city was dimmed by another bright star, Cebu City and in the 1990's the City Government of Iloilo unofficially removed the title from the city seal as can be shown in its printed letterheads. So the debate of "who is the REAL Queen City of the South?" began....

As a proud Ilongga , I decided to explore the city of the "enemy". As I step down the fragile aircraft that transported us to Cebu city, I could help but noticed smugly how our new airport in Iloilo appears far superior than theirs. However, after that observation, my competitive spirit faded in the horizon and started admiring this rustic, culturally-rich and mysterious city. I was spellbound. It have an aura of mystery that keeps you begging for more in this booming city. 

After dropping the mental points-system competition I made between the two much compared cities, I decided to love Iloilo for what it is and ready to enjoy and discover Cebu some more....

Here is what I learned and discovered in Cebu:

1. CEBUANOS ARE VERY RELIGIOUS PEOPLE

This is the island where the Spaniard first injected their Catholic influence. We can find here the famous Magellan cross. It was planted by Portuguese and Spaniard explorers as ordered by  Ferdinand Magellan. It symbolizes the Roman Catholicism imprinted in the Philippines. Now it is in an enclosed in a wooden cross to protect it from people trying to chip away parts of the cross for souvenir.

Nearby is another famous landmark: The Basilica Minore de Sto. Nino. A long que of devotees and tourists wait patiently to pay respect to the image of the Child Jesus. If Sto. Nino has a passport, He would definitely put Cebu City as His home address. Cebu City is pretty much synonymous to Senor Sto. Nino. After offering Him with personal intentions and supplications, people would wave goodbye to him in a playful manner. They said He is a little child and He likes it if you wave goodbye to him just like any little child. 

Another religious destination is the Miraculous Lady of Opon: Nuestra de Senora de Regla. Some would travel to Opon to pay respects to this powerful intercessors. There is  a story that one rich lady of Cebu had a fervent prayer. She went to the Lady of the Rule and prayed. She was so grateful for her intercessions were answered she donated her precious jewelry to the statue. Now the Lady of Opon is adorned with lots of gold jewelries and precious stones, some were too many they are pinned on her gown, these were given by people she has granted their prayers. Her complexion is dark because it was told that long ago the church burnt down but she remained unscathed. The only difference were her skin became dark as coal.

2. SKYWALK

I was never been afraid of heights and I love the adrenaline rush of trying something new. Crown Regency Hotel is the highest hotel in Cebu City. Taking advantage of its height, it offered some spice to the thrill seekers. They offer 4D mini-theater, edge coaster and the sky walk. Out of the 3, I had fun on the edge coaster. In the edge coaster, you need another person to seat on a cable-like car on the edge of the wall of the hotel, with nothing but a hard structure that holds your stomach, no belts or straps, they tilt u 45 degrees downward. You get to enjoy the lights of the city in a vomiting position,hehe. For the acrophobic, this is a nightmare but for the daredevils, its just a nice place to sit "differently" enjoying the city lights and a chat with your friend while the cable car  rotates the hotel wall. The 4D theater was fun especially if you share it with your family and friends. You get a good laugh and a lot of screaming. Though the gadget used may be still not up-to-date as with those 4D entertainment in Universal Studios or Disneyland, still it was enough for a 100pesos rate. The Skywalk, however, didnt live up to my expectation. I guess because heights was a non-issue, after wearing the orange-blue overall and all the strapped in placed, I just I was walking around the park with funny entertaining guys taking our pictures. The price was a bit steep. It cost 750 pesos  and per picture you want to purchased cost 230 pesos. But still, it was a different experience and I am glad I tried it.

3.TOPS


I was told I was going to a very romantic spot. I couldn't help but wish I went with my boyfriend. However, I was attacked by the freezing cold and menacing drizzles and I did wish I went with my boyfriend because I needed a warm hug!!! Brrr!  Tops is about 30-40 minutes from the center of Cebu. You would be lucky if you know someone in Cebu to take you there. You will be charge with 100pesos upon entering the premises. It is like, it's name, on top, about 2000 above sea level and you can see the wonderful view and the hypnotizing city lights of Cebu and Mactan.The main ground is decorated by concretes in geometric forms and Bermuda grasses. There is a covered area for resting and eating that is artistically made by interesting concrete stones. They say it is best to there at sunset with your loved ones. Though in my opinion, the effort to go there and the 100pesos fee are not worth it.

4. MALLS & RESTOS


Yes, Cebu City is a lot like Manila, maybe that a big reason why they manage to snatch the 'Queen City" title. It is a lot like Manila because most establishments found in Manila are also in Cebu. So I was in heaven to see The Beauty Bar, Rustans, Bread Talk and a lot more boutiques & stores that couldn't be found in Iloilo.


Also, there were not short in having a lot of good restaurants to choose from like LemonGrass, Casa Verde, Ching Palace, Golden Cowrie and etcetera etcetera.. I still wasn't able to try their famous Cebu lechon though.


5. PLANTATION BAY


We were in a tight schedule so we just manage to have a quick lunch at plantation bay. We could have had a wonderful day trip in this man-made paradise if we had a longer time to spare  but still we couldn't help enjoy the breathtaking atmosphere of the place.























Some places I plan to go to went I come visit Cebu again:
-Taoist Temple
-Gorordo Museum
- Go Kart (owned & managed by PBB ex-housemate Paul Jake)
 - Cebu beaches


The Verdict: At this point, who is the real queen city of the south is now quite a futile debate. Both city has their own charm and their shortcomings. I am still a true blue proud Ilongga but I also could help falling for the "other queen city" just a little bit too......