Book a Flight to Cebu and Experience the Philippines’ Queen City of the South
A Brief History of Cebu
Prior to the Spanish discovery of the Philippines, Cebu was already buzzing with human activity. It was home to the Rahjanate of Cebu, a Philippine state that was considered to have been a center of commerce. It is known that most early trades with Chinese, Malays, and Indians were once conducted here.
In 1521, the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed on the shores of what is now present day Mactan, a part of Cebu City. Not counting their unremarkable stop in Samar, this is where Europeans first made considerable contact with the natives. It was also here that Magellan was killed by the chief of Cebu, the infamous Lapu-Lapu. Several years later, the first Spanish colony in the Philippines was set up by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Today, almost 500 years later, it’s now among the most progressive provinces in the Philippines.
How do I get there and what’s there to do?
Booking flights to Cebu is pretty easy. It’s a modern metropolis, and the airport is hosts international, domestic, and budget carriers alike. There are lots of international flights that fly straight to the city. Some airlines offer cheap Manila flights for all those transiting to Cebu through the capital. For travelers who aren’t acquainted with airline travel, you’ll find by-land and by-sea options as well.
Due to the fact that Cebu was home to the first Spanish colony in the country, a lot of remnants of it continue to be noticeable today. One example, Magellan’s Cross, serves as among the most popular tourist sites in Cebu. The cross was placed by Magellan upon his arrival and was brought to introduce the locals to Christianity. It has been preserved through the years and is located in a chapel alongside another historical landmark, The Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. The Basilica, built during the 16th century, is the oldest church in the Philippines. It’s also home to a museum that features the history of the province.
Besides the historical landmarks in the city proper, Cebu also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. Most beaches have excellent white sand and clear turquoise waters. Visitors looking to head to the beach just need to travel a short distance from the city.
It’s ideal to come when the city is commemorating one of its many religious festivals. The most popular, Sinulog, happens every third Sunday of January. Local and international vacationers arrive in droves to experience the festivities. During the day, processions and parades go through the major thoroughfares in the city. In the evening, street parties are all around and bring people together.
Flights to Cebu are booked online through a travel or airline website. Cheap Manila flights can even be bought online for people using the Manila as a gateway. Visit Cebu to experience a laid back beach lifestyle fused with modern conveniences.
Kelvin Garcia is a travel agent who has booked many tourists on flights to Cebu. For more details on where you could travel the country, please check out cheap manila flights.