j) ---- History and Culture of CEBU
Cebu was regarded as the most important city and port regarding business and trade throughout the Philippines and is still a very important hub of activity.
Chinese , Malay and Arab traders made this city their own along with the early Spanish colonizers. Because of the many different nationalities that made Cebu their home it has led to Cebu being known as the most diverse and multifaceted culture within the Philippine achepeligo
Cebu was the sight of the first Christians in the Philippines and has the oldest educational institution and fortress and also the oldest street , Colon Street. Many statues and relics still remain in Cebu to testify to its colourful history.
One of the countries oldest churches in the Philippines , the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino , was built in 1565 . After being destroyed by fire , it was rebuilt in 1620. It now houses the oldest and most celebrated religious relic in the country.
Fort San Pedro is the smallest tiangular fort built of wood but later rebuilt using local coral stone and was used to repel the Muslim forces.
Other important monuments to Cebu's history and culture are Magdellans Cross and the monument of Lapu Lapu ,Magdellans eventual killer and fiece and brave warrior.
Cebu's Sinulog Festival , held on the 3rd Sunday in January every year is Cebu's most colourful and vibrant festival with street parades , dancing in colourful costumes and loud stiring music. There are many other festivals throughout the year.
As well as the national dialect of Tagalog , the Cebuano dialect is known as Bisaya.
Cebu gained world wide fame as being the home of the 'Dancing Prisoners' of Cebu Jail after being featured on Utube. Where over a 1000 inmates dance in the prison courtyard to the Micheal Jackson Song Thriller ,with all the actions as in the famous video. Well worth a look .This is a shining example how music and dance is an important feature in the lives of people from Cebu.
