Practicals

Cebu, Philippines Travel Guide

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Practicals in Cebu

LAYOUT
The Cebu province is the most densely populated island in the Philippines archipelago. Cebu is central to the Visayas region and Cebu City is the capital of Cebu’s 6 cities. The other cities surrounding Cebu City in the Cebu province are Danao, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, Toledo and Talisay.

Fuente Osmena: City Center, Uptown
Fuente Osmeña is a circular park located at the intersection of Cebu City’s major arteries: Osmena Blvd and B. Rodriguez and General Maxilom Ave. The intersection surrounding the park forms a rotunda. Fuente Osmena is the most centrally located area in Cebu City, with major hotels and attractions in the area and nearby.

Fuente Osmena is considered the center of Cebu City as well as “uptown” (as opposed to Cebut City’s downtown). In this area are banking and commercial businesses, the Capitol and more. Osmena Blvd runs north (ends at the Provincial Capitol) and south (ends at the harbor) from the Fuente Osmena rotunda. B. Rodriguez St sits west of the Fuente Osmena rotunda and Maxilom Ave, aka Mango Ave, sits on the east side of the rotunda. Some main streets that run north and south and parallel with Osmena Blvd are V. Rama Ave (west of Osmena) and Gorordo Ave and Juan Luna Ave.

Some main east and west streets running parallel with B. Rodriguez and General Maxilom Ave (which veers south and merges with Gorordo Ave) are Archbishop Reyes Ave to the northeast of Gen. Maxilom Ave and Cebu North Road. Colon Street makes up Cebu City’s downtown area and it is south of Gen. Maxilom.

Downtown Cebu
Downtown Cebu City is south (kind of east) of Fuente Osmena and near the pier area. Downtown is comprised of the historic area where Magellan’s Cross, Cebu Cathedral and other landmarks are located, and the pier area.

Mactan Island
Mactan Island is where the high end, resorty hotels are.

ADDRESSES
It is not common to use street numbers in addresses. Addresses are comprised of the street name, area and the city.

VISAS
Westerners only need a passport to stay up to 21 days. No visa is required. To extend your stay by 59 days, get a Tourist Visa in Cebu.

ELECTRICITY
220V 60 Hz. Two flat prongs are used.

TIMES TO GO
Low Season: July – September, heavy rain and storms. Cebu has less rains than Manila
High Season: November – May, dry season

LANGUAGE
Cebuano Tagalog is the official language. Some folks speak Spanish. English is widely spoken and below are some helpful terms.

• Hello – Mahubay
• Good Bye – Paalam
• Thank you – Salamat
• How much is it? – Magkano ito?