CEBU EXPERIENCE

        Visiting one of the most popular places in the Philippines was like a dream come true. Cebu City, officially the City of Cebu (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Sugbo, Filipino: Lungsod ng Cebu, Spanish: Ciudad de Cebú), is the capital city of the province of Cebu and is the "second city" of the Philippines, being the center of Metro Cebu, the second most populous metropolitan area in the Philippines after Metro Manila. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 866,171 – making it the fifth most populated city in the country. Cebu City is a significant center of commerce, trade and education in the Visayas area. The City of Cebu is also known as the "Queen City of the South."
         The city is located on the eastern shore of Cebu island. It is the first Spanish settlement and the oldest city in the Philippines. Cebu is the Philippines' main domestic shipping port and is home to about 80% of the country's domestic shipping companies.

         It is the center of a metropolitan area called Metro Cebu, which includes the cities of Carcar, Danao, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, Naga, Talisay and the municipalities of Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla and San Fernando . Metro Cebu has a total population of about 2.55 million people (2010 Census). Cebu City is bordered to the northeast by Mandaue City and the town of Consolacion, to the west are Toledo City, and the towns of Balamban and Asturias, to the south are Talisay City and the town of Minglanilla. Across Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan Island.

         The name "Cebu" came from the old Cebuano word sibu or sibo ("trade"), a shortened form of sinibuayng hingpit ("the place for trading"). It was originally applied to the harbors of the town of Sugbo, the ancient name for Cebu City. Sugbo, in turn, was derived from the Old Cebuano term for "scorched earth" or "great fire". As where its name came from, Cebu is one of the places in the Visayas who is the center of trading and industry. We can tell that Cebu has gained a lot in terms of its  economic status over years.

          The Visit at the Queen City of the South was so overwhelming and fantastic indeed. The historical sites and its tourists attraction was being preserved and well cared by the city government  well as the people itself. The City Government indeed has a good job in taking care of its people and its society for it keeps on disciplining them. For example are the ordinances that they arranged for the traffic and as well as for the nomads. Every rules that has tend to be broken has a corresponding fine and punishment. Maybe its too strict but I salute them for being one because I know it is their way of disciplining their people as of to the tourists that came in their city.

         My four days of experience at Cebu cannot be erase and replace, for I know to my self that it is and will be one of  the greatest moment and opportunity that came into my life. That even just for four days, I land my feet on the ground of the most popular city in the country.

         Cebu's historical sites like the Magellan's Cross, Lapu-lapu Shrine, the Sto. Nino Church and many more has attracted lots of tourists and because of that it increases the economic growth of the city. And I cannot disagree to that because it was so beautiful, every Cebuanos has take good care of their national treasures and preserve it well for the new generation would know that they are part and always be part of the Philippine History which is good.

         Since Cebu is one of the center of trade and industry here in the Visayas, it is understandable that we visited eight companies. Each company had shared to us their stories and experiences to achieved their dreams. They also talked about their company descriptions, their mission and vision as well as the goals of their company. And since they were in the business for a long time, some of them discussed about what is the nature of being in the business industry. And for us students, that was so knowledgeable and full of learning that we will be bringing back home.

         The food in Cebu was good also, especially the FISH FILLET. I could say that it was the specialty of most of the restaurant that we visited. Fish Fillet did not missed the banquet table for two days I guess but further more the food that they prepared was too good enough for the growling stomach of the IICTzens.

          For the hotel, it was a good accommodation. I together with my roommates, humbly apologizes for the rearranging of the beds and also thanking the staffs of the hotel for giving us the opportunity to use one of their routers. That was so amazing, and very great experience.

         In conclusion, for me the whole tour was a blast for it was a very and most amazing moment of my life. The food, the place, the people, the learning and the experience is one hell of a package wrapped in a very colorful smiles of every Cebuano, especially of Ma'am Ofelia's. I am hoping that one day I will be coming back to Cebu to experience more, learn more, and eat more! Best tour that will always be remembered.