Strategically located at the center of the Philippine Archipelago, Cebu City is considered the oldest city in the Philippines. Even before the arrival of the Spaniards, the city was already at the crossroad of world commerce when its protected harbor was serving Chinese, Indian, and Malay traders. In 1565, it was made the first capital of the islands by the Spanish Conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fray Urdaneta. After only 6 years, the capital was transferred to Manila.

Cebu City (photo credit to cebucity.gov.ph)

Cebu City is found at the east central coast of Cebu Island. The seat of the Cebu provincial government, it has a land area of 315 square kilometers. It is the main gateway to the Visayas, having the busiest airport and seaport outside of Metro Manila. In terms of population, Cebu City alone is the 5th largest in the country but including the metropolitan areas, it is larger than Metro Davao and is second to Metro Manila. (see comparison) Its suburban areas include the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

Cebuano is the primary dialect in the city. However, due to the increasing migration of other cultural groups including foreigners, the city is fast becoming a cosmopolitan city. Tagalog and English are widely used in schools and in business and government transactions. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion.

Almost all the famous names in the Philippine business have a branch or office in Cebu City. The Aboitiz group of Companies has its headquarter in the city. The Gokongwei group traces its root to this city. Other big businesses that are considered homegrown are Norkis group, Ludo Corporation, Gaisano, and International Pharmaceuticals.

Owing to its natural harbor, the port of Cebu City is the base to over 80% of the inter-island shipping capacity of the country.

Shopping Centers in Cebu City include homegrown Gaisano with several branches, SM, Ayala Center, and Prince Warehouse Club. You can also visit the public markets like Carbon Market and Citi Center Wet Marke.

Golf courses include

1. Alta Vista Golf
2. Cebu Country Club
3. Cebu Valley Golf Club
4. Club Filipino De Cebu
5. Green Island Gold and Beach Club

Tourism, Real Estate, Technology, and export-import trading are the best investment areas to explore in Cebu City. The city is not yet as congested as Metro Manila. Specifically, the following businesses are recommended:

• Hotels and restaurants
• Amusement Parks
• Office buildings, commercial complexes, and mass housing
• Business Process Outsourcing, graphic design, software development, and animation
• Engineering services
• Training and Research centers
• Export and import activities

1. Maggelan's Cross
2. Basilica Del Minor Sto. Nino
3. Cebu Cathedral
4. Fort San Pedro
5. Taoist Temple
6. Osmena Cicle
7. Guadalupe Church
8. Casa Gorordo Museum
9. Heritage of Cebu

Cebu City (photo credit to wikipedia)

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