Cebu is one of the provinces in the Philippines located in the central Visayas region. It's capital is Cebu city, the second most significant metropolitan centre in the Philippines. It is known as the oldest settlement established by the Spaniards in the country. Cebu is located between it's neighboring provinces, the province of Leyte located on Eastern Visayas region, Bohol island to the southeast and Negros on the Western Visayas region.
Population
Cebu has a population of about 3,500,000 people. Its largest city recorded a total population of 798,000 people.
Climate
Being s urrounded by neighbouring islands, Cebu does not get that many typhoons hitting their way. Except for Northern Cebu (from:Bantayan Island to Mandaue City that is a path of typhoon coming from east and west. Apart from the devastation that was brought about by Typhoon Frank in 2008, only Typhoon Ruping came close to what one can call a direct hit in Cebu from a Typhoon- to think this was way back in 1990.
Though Cebu has been classified officially to have two climates Dry and Wet, rainfall is usually not that high in the region, with average rainfall hitting around 100 millimeters per month. Wet season usually comes in June and December, while the dry season comes in January until May. Rainfall is highest in June and July. Cebu's temperatures can reach a high of 36 degree celsius during March to May, to as low as 18 degrees at the mountains during the cooler season from October to January. Between January and May, the temperature can get pretty hot. The average temperature in Cebu is around 24 to 32 degree celsius, and does not fluctuate much with the exception of the months of May, when it hits all year high temperatures. Cebu has a very humid environment with averages of 70-80 percent
Cebu is best from December to May when the weather turns dry. it is coolest from December to February, hottest from March to May. Temperature can rise as high as 37°C in the summer. The rainy seasons begins in July bringing torrential downpours that would sometimes inhibit movements.
The Barong Tagalog is the acceptable formal wear for men. Shorts or sleeveless shirts should never be worn when visiting churches, mosques or temples.
Money
The Philippine currency is peso, divided into 100 centavos. Next to the peso, the US dollar enjoys wide acceptance. Most foreign currencies can easily be changed at banks, hotels, and authorized dealers. Foreign currency is not readily taken by establishments in Cebu. Major foreign credit cards may be accepted only at major hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants. Visitors are advised to bring sufficient amount of change is small bills or coins.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday; Government agencies and offices - 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday; Private firms - 9am to 7pm Monday to Saturday. Most department stores stay open on Sundays and holidays. They are open from 9am to 9pm.
Public Transport
Getting around Cebu, one may take a colorful jeepney or a bus at a minimal fare. Tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) are popular in outlaying areas and in the suburbs, quiet notably within Mactan Island. Taxicabs are widely available. |
