Cebu City History, Philippines
History-wise Cebu has a significant history that amuses every curious visitor. He, who asks about how the city has become the first Spanish colony and remained so for 333 years, will get his answer by journeying down memory lane. Cebu has an interesting metamorphosis from being a quiet fishing community to becoming a busy trading port in 1521.
It’s interesting how it was called by merchants various names like Sugbu, Zebu, Zubu and Sebu. After Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan discovered the city and later planted a wooden cross, the townsmen started embracing the religion of Christianity. Magellan was commanded by Spain to explore towards the Pacific and he was privileged to have come across the so-dubbed Queen City of the South where he befriended Rajah Humabon and Reina Juana, but later killed Mactan chief Lapu-lapu. His Cebu discovery was globally renowned to be a momentous expedition as it kicked off Spanish settlement in the Philippines.
Don Legaspi and Fray Urdaneta arrived in town and ordered to built San Augustine Church which is now the most celebrated church: Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in honor of the miraculous child Jesus Senior Santo Nino. Every third Sunday of January Cebu celebrates the Sinulog Mardi gras which is flocked by tourists from all over the world.
Cebu is bursting with first happenings. Aside from being the first Spanish hamlet and first crib of Christianity, it is also the oldest city in the country that has the oldest school University of San Carlos and the oldest lane, Colon Street. After more than three centuries of being under Spanish rule, a revolt against the Spaniards was initiated by General Leon Kilat of Bacong on April 3, 1898 along V. Rama and Tres de Abril streets. To protect themselves the Spanish fighters thought of putting up a shelter but Miguel Lopez de Legazpi insisted on building Fort San Pedro instead. As the invasion got intense and uprisings heated up, Spain finally relinquished the city in December 1898 when the Americans led by Commodore George Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet at the Manila Bay Battle.
When American supremacy ruled in 1901, Cebu and the rest of the country took the plunge for freedom. One cherished event in Cebuano’s past was when it was bestowed with its charter on February 24 1937 as per Commonwealth Act 58 authored by late Senator Vicente Rama. It was in then that the Interior Secretary, Elpidio Quirino picked the mayor and the board members of Cebu. Because of its rising populace and smart location on the map, it was picked by the Japanese forces to be its headquarters upon their arrival on April 10 1942. Years later Cebu finally beamed for being freed by the Americans in March 1945. Independence was in full circle in March 1946, which led to the restoration of law by establishing the Philippine Civil Affairs Unit.
The rich tradition and significant history that Cebu has kept makes the world curious. Beyond that is a hospitable clique of residents who do not fail to greet global visitors. Cebu never sleeps and continues to shine as the Queen City of the South and Island Jewel of the Pacific. International visitors from America Europe Asia and Australia flock to this town any season of the year.
Read our members' reviews about Cebu City
Favorite attraction in Cebu
review by ultimatetravel posted more then 30 days ago
Being newly weds has it's own ups and downs. All the loving, little arguments here and there made my marriage with my husband strong. One thing that I really admire about my husband is his ability to think outside the box. Instead of talking a little bit of here what he does is to let me ride on...- Yap-Sandiego, the treasure of Cebu
review by ultimatetravel posted more then 30 days ago
The Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home is referred to as "bahay na bato" which means a house made out of stone. Yes, the house was made out of stone but not just ordinary stone but "coral stones" and they used egg white to let the coral stones stick with each other. Kinda odd but it... - A 'must see' in Cebu
review by ultimatetravel posted more then 30 days ago
This is a review of Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home. Place: It was situated in a very odd area, a street with full of concrete buildings and houses. The house is near to a busy street where jeepneys, cars, and taxis always pass through. House: The gate was not renovated. The gate can only fit one...
Read our members' travel tips about Cebu City
No travel tips have been added yet for this category. Be the first to add a new one.
© Copyright 2004 - 2024 Travelgrove, Inc.