Cebu City Philippines (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Sugbo) is the capital city of Cebu and the second city in the Philippines. It is the second most significant metropolitan centre in the Philippines and also known as the oldest city established since the Spanish times in the country.

The city is located on the eastern shore of Cebu and was the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Cebu is the Philippines’ main domestic shipping port and is home to about 80% of the country’s domestic shipping companies. Cebu also holds the second largest international flights in the Philippines and is a significant centre of commerce, trade and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao region.

Cebu City is the centre of a metropolitan area called Metro Cebu, which includes the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Talisay. Metro Cebu has a total population of about 2 million people. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located in Lapu-Lapu City is only a twenty-minute drive away from Cebu City. To the northeast of the city are Mandaue City and the town of Consolacion, to the west are Toledo City, 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 where Lapu-Lapu City and an aquarium attraction are located.

History of Cebu

In the 16th century, Cebu City was an area part of the Rajahnate of Cebu with an Islamic, Hindu and Animist population. On April 7, 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu. He was welcomed by Rajah Humabon, the King of Cebu, who together with his wife and about 700 native islanders, were baptized by the Spaniards on April 14, 1521. Magellan, however, failed to successfully claim the Philippines for the crown of Spain, having been killed by Datu Lapu-Lapu, a Muslim king in Mactan Island on April 27, 1521 in the Battle of Mactan. On April 27, 1565, Spain colonized the area with the arrival of Spanish explorers led by Miguel López de Legazpi, together with Augustinian Friar Andrés de Urdaneta, sailing from Mexico, arrived in Cebu. The Spaniards established settlements, trade flourished, and renamed the city on January 1, 1571, from San Miguel (Saint Michael) to Villa del Santísimo Nombre de Jesús (Village of the Most Holy Name of Jesus). During this six year period of exploration and settlements by the Spaniards, Cebu City was the capital of the Spanish East Indies. In 1898, the city was ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War. In 1901, the city was governed by the United States for a brief period, however it attained the status of a charter city in 1936, and was governed independently by Filipino politicians. Following the end of the Japanese occupation in World War II, the city gained independence from colonial rule in 1946 as part of the Republic of the Philippines.

Cebu City Philippines  Government

Cebu City is an independent and chartered city. Registered voters of the city cannot vote for provincial candidates unlike its nearby counterparts (Mandaue and Talisay cities) that form part of Metro Cebu. It is the capital of the province mainly because the provincial capitol is located in it. There were proposals, however, during the time of Governor Emilio Mario Osmeña to establish an “administrative district” that would be independent from Cebu City Philippines. This would literally mean carving out Cebu City’s Barangay Capitol where the provincial capitol and other provincial offices are located. The plan however didn’t push through and was even followed by other proposals like the transfer of the capital to Balamban.

Cebu City is governed mainly by a city hall, composed of one mayor, one vice-mayor and sixteen councilors (eight representing the northern, and eight representing the southern region). Each official is elected publicly to a three year term. The chief of the Association of Barangay Captains and the President of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation also managed in the city council. The day to day administration of the city is handled by a city administrator.

Michael Rama is the incumbent mayor of Cebu City Philippines. He was a former vice mayor, and was elected during the 2010 Philippine elections. The current vice mayor is Joy-Augustus G. Young.

Source: wikipedia.org

Camotes Map - Camotes Islands, Cebu

Camotes Island is located east of Cebu Island (the central part of the Philippines), West and south of Leyte Island, and north of Bohol Island.

Camotes consists of four islands, — a.) Pacijan Island or San Francisco town, b.) Poro Island that includes Poro and Tudela town, c.) Ponson Island, where you can find the town of Pilar, and d.) Tulang Island, a very tiny island.

The islands of Pacijan and Poro are connected by a paved road.

Camotes Islands are low-lying lands. There is only one hill on Pacijan and another hill on Poro. Pacijan has a fresh-water lake around two kilometers in length.

Palm trees are the most dominant plants in the Islands. There are also numerous native varieties of fruit trees and other plants.

You can also find variety of white sand beaches and tourist attractions that you will enjoy.

The figure above is a simple Camotes map, consisting of four islands. Pacijan, Poro, Ponson, and Tulang.

Coordinates:

10° 40′ 0″ N, 124° 24′ 0″ E

More here:
http://stable.toolserver.org/geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Camotes_Islands&params=10_40_N_124_24_E_region:PH_type:isle_source:GNS-enwiki#Help

The early settlers of Camotes came from Samar, and later from Cebu, Bohol, and Panay.

In 1521, the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, landed in Limasawa Island, in Leyte, Philippines. According to Pigaffeta’s notes some 5 ships dropped anchor in an island called  Polo (poro) , whom they waited for Kolambu, the chieftain of Mazaua. After that they proceed to Zubu, now known as Cebu. The word Camotes in Mexican means  ”sweet potatoes”.

In December 15, 1701 , a municipal was built in Poro. And few years after, it was recognized by the Spanish Colonial government only on January 16, 1780, led by Pedro Estrera, the first Capitan of Poro.

Below are some historical events happened in the Islands:

The establishment of Poro brought about the creation of three more parishes in the Camotes Islands :
1859 – Pilar
1863 – San Francisco
1898 – Tudela

In October 22, 1902, the Philippine Commission Act 952 was enacted on  reverting back Camotes Islands of Cebu Province

In 1942, the occupation of  Japanese forces reached in Camotes Islands.

In 1945, the liberation was taken by the Philippine Commonwealth troops landed in Camotes Islands, Cebu,- fronted the battle  against the Japanese forces in the Battle of Camotes Islands during World War II.

To get to know more of the history of Camotes, visit the following sources:

wikipedia.com
http://porocamotes.blogspot.com/2011/10/history.html

– Population of 21,397 people in 4,430 households. (2000 census)

Barangays: Politically subdivided into 17 barangays.
Livelihood and Resources: farming

• Adela
• Altavista
• Cagcagan
• Cansabusab
• Daan Paz
• Eastern Poblacion
• Esperanza
• Libertad
• Mabini
• Mercedes
• Pagsa
• Paz
• Rizal
• San Jose
• Santa Rita
• Teguis
• Western Poblacion

San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu

– Population: 41,327 people in 8,189 households.

Barangays: Politically subdivided into 15 barangays.
Livelihood and Resources: farming, fishing,  tourism, beaches, beach resort

• Montealegre
• Cabunga-an
• Campo
• Consuelo
• Esperanza
• Himensulan
• Northern Poblacion
• San Isidro
• Santa Cruz
• Santiago
• Sonog
• Southern Poblacion
• Unidos
• Union
• Western Poblacion

Tudela, Camotes Island, Cebu

– Population of 10,401 people in 2,313 households(2000 census)

Barangays: Politically subdivided into 11 barangays.
Livelihood and Resources: farming, fishing

• Buenavista
• Calmante
• Daan Secante
• General McArthur
• Northern Poblacion
• Puertobello
• Santander
• Secante Bag-o
• Southern Poblacion

Pilar

– Population of 11,226 people in 2,638 households. (2000 census)

Barangays: Politically subdivided into 13 barangays.
Livelihood and Resources: farming, fishing,

• Biasong
• Cawit
• Dapdap
• Esperanza
• Lanao
• Lower Poblacion
• Moabog
• Montserrat
• San Isidro
• San Juan
• Upper Poblacion
• Villahermosa
• Imelda

Camotes Ferry Boat, Jomalia Shipping

For first timers, we always find asking ourselves, how to get to Camotes Island? Well, this for me is the easiest route to take.

First, take your stop at SM Cebu City, Philippines then take a jeepney that goes straight to Danao City or you can take a taxi to the North, Terminal Station and from there, take a north bus going to Danao City. There are also Vans-for-hire, also called “V-hire”, ready in the SM terminal located just beside the main entrance of the mall.

Alight at the Danao City Port and take the Ferry to Camotes, Island.

Option 1: By Ferry
Jomalia Shipping / Tel No. +63 (032) 346-0421

You can reach Camotes Island by taking a ferry boat from Danao City, to Consuelo Pier. It will take 2 hours.

Rates: Php180 per head, Php200 (Aircon)

Danao Port, Cebu to Consuelo Pier, Camotes
Depart: 05:30 AM | Arrive: 07:30 AM
Depart: 08:30 PM | Arrive: 10:30 PM
Depart: 12:00 PM | Arrive: 02:00 PM
Depart: 05:30 PM | Arrive: 07:00 PM

Consuelo Pier, Camotes – Danao Port, Cebu
Depart: 05:30 AM | Arrive: 07:30 AM
Depart: 09:00 AM | Arrive: 11:00 AM
Depart: 02:00 PM | Arrive: 04:00 PM
Depart: 04:00 PM | Arrive: 06:00 PM

Option 2: Fastcraft
Golden Express Ocean Jet / Tel. No. +63 (032) 255-7560

Rates: Php350

Pier 1, Cebu City to Poro, Camotes
Depart: 05:30 PM | Arrive: 07:30 PM

Poro, Camotes to Pier 1, Cebu City
Depart: 06:00 AM | Arrive: 08:00 AM

Option 3: Pumpboat (Not Available to Consuelo)

Danao Port, Cebu to Puerta Bello, San Francisco Camotes
Depart: 01:00 PM | Arrive: 03:00 PM

Pictures

Motorbikes, and “Habal-Habal”

Motorbike is the main Camotes transportation in the Island. You can rent a motorbike or have the driver with you to get to your desired destination in Camotes. “Habal-Habal” is a motorbike that can carry more than 6 passengers. You can find motorbikes for rents mostly at ports waiting for passengers.

Usual fare begins at : Php 50 (30 minute drive)

Jeepneys

A jeepney is a public transportation in the Philippines similar to a bus that can carry more than 10 passengers. It is smaller than the actual bus. Jeepneys were originally made by US military jeeps in World War II. Today, they are re-assembled and enhanced with decorations, and is now well-known for their flamboyant decoration. They have become a symbol of Philippine culture.

Multicabs, a semi-jeepney vehicle without the adornments, are also there to provide transportation.

Jeepneys are available during Sundays, and often in the early mornings daily at Consuelo wharf, San Francisco public market, Poro wharf in Camotes.

Vans-for-hire

Vans are also one of the means of transportation in the island. You can find usually at Consuelo wharf, public markets, and Poro wharf.

Check our Rates for Camotes Day Tour Packages

• Pick up/ Tour / Drop off = Php2,600 (NON-AIRCON/14pax)
• Pick up/ Tour/ Drop off = Php3,200 (AIR–CON/10pax)
• motorbike rent = Php500 (2pax without driver)

The dry season is from March to June. This season is when you experience no rainfall and full sun. The warmest month is May. Humidity levels reach the maximum in April and May.

The rainy season is from July to February, where rain falls heavily especially on November to December. The coolest month is January.

Winds

“Amihan” or the north easterly wind blows from September to March.

From June to August, the southwesterly wind, called “Habagat” starts. It’s windy and in these times, the calming sea leashes its big waves. The “Habagat” wind normally goes through an eight days cycle, which means, eight days of storm, low depressions, and rain. After 8 wet days, the weather abruptly changes to sunny and dry. During this season, Camotes Island is visited by typhoons and low depression.

The Monsoons

These powerful winds carrying water from the ocean are returning every year, it’s a reason why they are often associated with the concept of season (monsoon comes from the Arabic wordmausin).

From the southeast (Pacific Ocean), from May to October, storms and Typhoons carry heavy rains, especially to the eastern part of the country. From the northwest from the month of November to April is not rain intensive.

The monsoons are actually drawing very distinct seasonal schemes in the Philippines. Hence, three seasons are observed throughout the year, more distinctively in the northwestern parts of the country:

December to February is cool and dry
March to May is hot and dry
June to November is rainy season.

Filipino, is the de facto standard version of Tagalog, spoken mainly in Metro Manila, and other urban regions. Tagalog and English are used in government, education, print and broadcast media, and business.

Cebuano, and Bisaya, are widely used in Central parts of the Philippines, like Cebu and Bohol.

Porohanon is a native language in Camotes Islands in the province of Cebu in the Philippines. Its closest relatives are Hiligaynon and Masbateño and is barely intelligible with Cebuano though it shares 87% of its vocabulary with it.

More at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cebuano_language

 The peso (Filipino: piso) (sign: ₱; code: PHP) is the currency of the Philippines. It is subdivided into 100 centavos (Spanish) or sentimo (Filipino). Before 1967, the language used on the banknotes and coins was English and so “peso” was the name used. The language was then changed to Pilipino (the name of the Filipino language then) and so the currency as written on the banknotes and coins is piso.

The peso is usually denoted by the symbol ““. This symbol was added to the Unicode standard in version 3.2 and is assigned U+20B1 (₱). Due to the lack of font support, the symbol is often substituted with a simple “P”, a P with one horizontal line instead of two (available as the peseta sign, U+20A7 (₧), in some fonts), as “PHP”, or “PhP”.

Philippine banknotes are currently issued in the following denominations:

5 piso*
10 piso*
20 piso
50 piso
100 piso
200 piso
500 piso
1000 piso
Source and more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_peso

People in Camotes are very warm, and friendly people. When someone comes new to the place, they keep looking at him/her and they smile at him. They are always welcoming and hospitable. Most of the people living are hardworking. They get up early in the morning everyday, to get ready, and cultivate the fields for growing rice and corn, to make a harvest. Earn money and food. Most of them sleep as early as 6PM, for a good rest to restore strength for the activites of the next day.

The spirit of bayanihan is a Filipino traditon is practiced in provinces like Camotes Islands. It is taken from the word bayan, (which means nation, town or community) in unity or effort to achieve a particular objective. An example of this is carrying the house to its new location.

They are simple happy people. They sing karaoke and celebrate fiestas with good cheer. They drink and dine to celebrate for living a good life. They have close family ties and honor their parents with much respect. Most of them marry at an early age or get an education in other provinces, like Cebu and Manila. The families live almost as close ties together, like a few blocks from their house. Most of them live in the same village (also called barrio). They entertain themselves by watching television and radios. But not most of them have electricity– one of the factors why peace and serenity reside in the island.