The City of Cebu is the capital of Cebu and is one of the most important cities in the Philippines, both financially and culturally. Within Cebu luxury hotels can be found in many convenient locations throughout the city.
While Cebu is generally considered to have just two seasons, the dry and the wet, precipitation is not common within this area. The wet season occurs from June until December, with the dry season arriving in January and lasting until May. The highest temperatures in Cebu are around 96 degrees Fahrenheit from March until May, with the lowest averaging at about 62 degrees Fahrenheit in the mountainous areas from October to January.
Cebu is well known for its year round festivities, in particular, the Sinulog. It is a religious event that draws people from all around the world. The festivities are held over a nine-day period, during which locals give offerings and thanksgivings. The highlight of the festival is the Sinulog Mardi Gras, which takes place every third Sunday during January and is the one of the island's largest events. Everyday activities and work grind to a halt in Cebu for the Mardi Gras and a parade of lavishly dressed dancers and impressive floats wind through the streets. The Sinulog becomes more and more popular every year that it is held. Initially it began as a small parade for students. The Sinulog dance step, consisting of two steps forward and one step back is inspired by the 'sinug' (burnt offerings) dance prayers of candle vendors at the Basilica Minore del Sto.
For those visiting Cebu luxury hotels are in abundance and have a wealth of modern facilities, such as valet parking, concierge services, a minibar as well as room service 24 hours a day. There is a turndown service each evening, as well as conference rooms and other facilities for those visiting on business.
The native cuisine in Cebu consists of delicate and exotic oriental flavors. Fresh seafood is often served and 'Talisay lechon' or roasted pig, is a very popular local dish prepared with fresh herbs and spices. One can also sample 'puso', made of rice wrapped in coconut leaves, which is then cooked. Many restaurants serve puso instead of plain rice as a meal accompaniment.
In Cebu luxury hotels are very often within walking distance of many of the local tourist attractions. A visit to Cebu's historical Basilica Minore del Santo Nino is a must when visiting the area. Its towering structure consists of a mixture of Muslim, Romanesque and Neoclassical architecture. There is a museum within the basilica that displays Cebu's history of Christianity. Antique items including furniture are displayed as well as priests' vestments and old cloaks belonging to Santo Nino. Religious artifacts such as statues can also be seen here. Today, the church attracts devotees, churchgoers, tourists, pilgrims and candle vendors. As the church was unable to hold the growing number of people who came to hear Mass in the basilica, a pilgrim center has been built within the church compound and priests now give sermons and Mass in the open air.
Magellan's Cross is a popular spot for visitors with an interest in history. It was here that Fr. Pedro Valderema baptized Christian Filipinos as well as hundreds of other people. From the 16th century until the 18th century, the Augustinian priests constructed a shrine for the monument and today a protective structure has been placed around it to prevent the cross from being damaged.
Fort San Pedro is the tiniest and most ancient tri-bastion fort in the Philippines. The fort was at the very center of activity for the Spanish settlers in the country. Colon Street is one of the most ancient streets in the Philippines and was constructed by the Spanish settlers. Its name originates from Christopher Columbus and it is the center of Cebu city. A vibrant area at nighttime, the street is lined with cinemas, restaurants, shopping malls and other businesses.
Julian Jumalon's Gallery and Butterfly Sanctuary houses a magnificent butterfly collection. The sanctuary contains live butterflies in a beautiful environment. It is also home to the Lepido Mosaic Art collection. Wonderfully detailed examples of the artwork are also on display here.
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