Cebu City
Image copyright jonsay.co.uk
When the Spanish arrived Sugbo as its original name used to be was a thriving community and very wealthy. Perhaps this is one of the main reasons the Spanish wanted to conquer the Philippines. The Spanish first arrived in Cebu City in 1521 along with Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan who was in charge of the expedition. At first the Spaniards were welcomed to the city but somewhere things went wrong and Magellan and the spanish were involved in a battle on the neighbouring island of Mactan against local chieftain Lapu-lapu. They lost.
The Spanish returned again in 1565 and took control of Cebu as their headquarters in the Philippines.
Since that time the Spanish have left and now Cebu City is a very busy city. There are close to 1 million inhabitants spread over 265 square kilometers. Cebu City still holds the record for oldest road in the Philippines called Colon Street which is in downtown Cebu. It is named after Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon). Unfortunately it is quite a run down area and the area surrounding it is known as a common territory for pick-pockets. If you intend visiting Colon Street, don`t take lots of money or anything of value like jewellery. If you do intend to visit the street you will find the shops and stores full of goods for sale wholesale such as native fans or hats. There is a very popular bead shop near Colon Street called Cebu Hardware on Manalili street.
The nightlife of Cebu City is quite interesting. You can find bars and clubs with live singers in many places in the City. Grills and local snack stalls are everywhere but make sure you check on the hygiene before you buy. Cebu City is also home to 2 very large malls called Ayala and SM Cebu and several more smaller malls. Ayala and SM Cebu are huge modern shopping environments with western brands and western prices or slightly below. There are also really excellent eating establishments in these malls with a much better hygiene than out on the streets.