Lesser-known facts about Cebu City

  1. The name “Cebu” came from the old Cebuano word sibu or sibo (meaning “trade”), a shortened form of sinibuayng hingpit (“the place for trading”). It was originally applied to the harbours of the town of Sugbu, the ancient name for Cebu City.
  1. It is home to the oldest street in the country: Colon Street. Named after Christopher Columbus, Colon Street’s can trace its roots to the original town design of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. Formerly the heart of Cebu’s business and shopping district, Colon Street plays home to classical infrastructures and edifices. Although it is now considered a tourism site, Colon Street is officially a national road – albeit the shortest one.
  1. Cebu City played a big role in World War II – as it served as the fighting grounds for the Battle of Cebu City. The clash, which lasted from March 26 to April 8, 1945, resulted in the liberation of the Queen City of the South – with the Allies eventually overcoming the fierce defence of the Japanese army, who held the port city.
  1. It is in Cebu City where you can also find one of the longest and widest bridges in the Philippines – the Marcelo Fernan Bridge. Inaugurated in August 1999, this 4,000-ft long bridge connects Cebu island to the nearby Mactan Island.