Everything is in Cebu - My City, My SM

So, what makes the Queen City of the South different? What are the reasons behind every Cebuano’s pride for their native home? And what are the highlights that local and foreign visitors should expect? With a pout, I asked myself these questions while thinking what to include to my entry for the My City, My SM contest.


 

Well first, let me start with Cebu City’s origins. It was originally named Zubu, according to the records of Antonio Pigafetta who was Ferdinand Magellan’s chronicler. Magellan, by the way, came first upon the islands due to some glitch in his navigational calculations. Soon after, he realized that the group of islands he stumbled upon is an archipelago. The name later evolved into Zebu and is now called, Cebu. But, why the moniker “Queen City of the South” and what makes it rightfully called so? Aside from its geographical location which puts the metropolis on the center of neighboring cities, Cebu is also known as the “Queen City” because it is the Philippines’ second capital next to Manila in terms of economic growth. Being a rapidly growing hub of the Philippines, it holds about 80% of the country’s shipping ports, and has the second largest number of international flights. 

A number of factors contributed to its growth, which gives it a far cry from the exotic land that Magellan once stumbled upon one dark, cloudy night. Being an island, it has an abundance of flora and fauna, exotic beaches are aplenty, and its natural resources attract investors to capitalize on their business and trade here. So, what else is new? The following highlights about my prized homeland will even delight you more.

Accommodations. Along with the rapid expansion of the metropolis is the need to cater to foreign and local businessmen hence, numerous types of accommodations sprouted almost everywhere. From the most affordable pension houses to 5-star hotels, you name it and Cebu has it. Big names such as Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Marriot Hotel and Parklane Hotel to name just a few, provides comfort for those who can afford convenience during their travels. Meanwhile, those who have limited budget can choose from a wide range of budget-friendly accommodations without having to sacrifice quality of service simply because Cebuanos, by nature are hospitable and customer-oriented. 

Sinulog Festival. We, Cebuanos of the Catholic flock are not just proud of the prestige that our very own Sinulog Festivity brings. We also revere our faith in the “Child Jesus” and we show this by going to novenas, hearing mass at the Sto. Nino Basilica and of course, joining in the procession during the Sinulog Feast which happens every third Sunday of January. This is the month that Cebu streets are alive with various activities and events. 

Food and Dining. There are plenty of local delicacies from Cebu that has now reached worldwide popularity. Pintos, Otap, Rosquillos, and Masareal are just some of the products that balikbayans always make it a point to come back to. And don’t you ever forget the mouth-watering, crisply lechon from Talisay which have become quite the life of the party whenever a certain occasion calls for a celebration. This is also one of the main dishes that Cebuanos would love to brag about to their foreign visitors. But what about the restaurants, you may ask? Well, the influx of different foreign nationals frequenting Cebu has made the dining scene here world-class. Thai, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Persian, Mexican and Indian as well as a taste-of-everything type of dining establishment are quite very accessible here and even the locals have grown fond of these cuisines. But for those who want to try the natural Filipino taste, there are carenderias and pungko-pungko (sit by the sidewalk and eat there) stalls which are both friendly to the buds and the pocket as well. 

SM Shopping Mall. Actually, if I’ll sum it up, everything about Cebu can be experienced at SM. This is why this is my most favored shopping center among the many here. Aside from the essentials such as a supermarket complete with all the basics and posh boutiques that provides all my splurging needs, there are a myriad of other delights at SM. You need to know about history and culture? From time to time, SM’s activity center holds exhibits of painters, photographers or any type of artist with works worthy to show off to its visitors. Then suddenly, you have this craving for dimsum or tempura? Never worry, simply proceed to the Foodcourt at the lower ground floor and every cuisine you crave for is all there! When your hunger is satisfied and you would like to check out the latest movie, go up to the highest level and you will experience there a cinematic experience like no other. SM’s IMAX theatre is a personal favorite of mine because this is where I get to spend quality time with friends, family and of course, my very special, significant other. SM movie houses have this atmosphere that is very comfy, surroundings that are clean and don’t let me start on the audio and video quality! Truly, I always feel I am being transported to the world that I am watching when I am inside an SM movie house. 

When I don’t feel like going to the movies however, and I just need to buy something from Ace Hardware or right inside SM’s in-house department store, I would window shop for a while on the different items that they showcase. This happened more often especially when the North Wing was newly opened. There is always something new to look at and it never tires me to roam around SM’s corners. I feel right at home there because I know they take care of their customer’s needs. The several Information Booths they have put up in strategic locations inside the store has even made me feel secure; when I am at SM, I feel all I ever need is just around the corner, just like when I go around Cebu City. 

***This was an entry for the My City, My SM essay writing contest last 2010. I think I did not win, but for some reason the contest ended without any official notice.