Bisaya Ta Bai! Tara Mag Baklay Ta!
ANG KAANYAG SA CEBU
The busy streets, noisy horns, unfamiliar faces, and huge buildings are just a few things that describe Cebu. The island may look typical, but it has more to offer than what you think. Aside from the gargantuan malls and heavy traffic jams, Cebu has many fascinating places, languages, food, and cultural aspects that make the Cebuano people unique. Cebuano in its linguistical essence is derived from the island’s name. “Sebu” is typically taken from the Bisayan phrase “nigahi nga mantika sa baboy,” meaning hardened pork oil and the Spanish word suffix “-ano” meaning “native of.”1
Known as the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu has been listed as one of the top tourist destinations in the country. It is located in Central Visayas, which is in the center of the Philippine archipelago.2 It is surrounded by more than 150 smaller islands and islets, 48 municipalities, and 1,066 barangays. Cebu is rich in Spanish heritage and was influenced by the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, who landed on the island in 1521. On April 14, 1521, 800 natives were baptized as Christians during the first Mass of Cebu, including the chieftain and his wife.3
WHAT MAKES CEBU SPECIAL?
The happy disposition of the people despite hardship in life is what makes the Cebuano people special. Even their homes demonstrate this. A variety of simple houses, whether along the road, or afar in the mountains, dot the roadsides. Homes are typically made of native and indigenous materials, such as nipa tree, cogon grass, kawayan (bamboo), and uway (rattan). These kinds of houses may look gloomy and poor, yet you will be captivated by the smiles of the natives that live in them. Many older residents show this warm hospitality through their habit of drinking coffee while interacting with their neighbors.
TARA SUROYON NATO ANG CEBU! (LET’S EXPLORE CEBU!)
Let’s start the tour of Cebu’s wonders while listening to the song “Baklay” by Jerika Teodorico. In the northern part of Cebu, Bantayan Island is full of white sand beaches, azure water, and mesmerizing sunsets. Try a different vibe by the sea of Catmon’s black sand beaches or relax under the cold Blue Hole Spring in Tuburan. The southern part of the island offers diving with the sardines in Moalboal or the mesmerizing, colorful coral reefs in Alegria. If you want more adventure, swim with “butanding” or “tuki” (whale sharks) in Oslob. After all the fun, relax under the Inambakan Falls in Ginatilan. Now traveling to the southeastern part of the island, you can camp out with your friends near Lake Bensis in Loay, Toledo City and float through the freshwater lake on a “balsa” (bamboo raft).
To escape the anxiety and tension in life brought by the pandemic, wildlife exploration, trekking, and biking are great diversions. Enjoy the beauty of wildlife at the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park in Carmen. If you want to pump up some energy, trek up to Mt. Manunggal in Balamban, or soothe yourself while walking through the Bamboo Forest in Medillin. Unwind at the breathtaking man-made forest of Camp 7 in Minglanilla, also known as the Osmeña Reforestation Project (ORP). This forest continually restores and preserves the vegetation after experiencing harsh damage from quarrying and mining activities. It is an experimental forest station that covers 2,710 hectares of land that preserves the endangered species of trees, plants, birds, and insects.4
The happy disposition of the people despite hardship in life is what makes the Cebuano people special.
TARA TILAWAN NATO ANG MGA LAMIANG PAGKAON SA CEBU! (LET’S TRY THE DELICACIES OF CEBU!)
Cebu is known as the lechon capitol of the Philippines. “Lechon baboy” is a slow-roasted pig cooked over charcoal and is usually stuffed with lemongrass, garlic, onions, and chives. When it is fully cooked, one of the most interesting parts is the reddish-brown and crispy skin that is perfectly paired with hanging rice, known as “puso.”5 Other recipes from pork meat that you can savor are the delicious chicharon from Carcar. If you are a vegetarian or looking for an affordable meal, stroll around the streets of Cebu City where you can dine on the ultimate “pungko-pungko” favorites: “lumpiang taugi” (wrapped mongo sprout) and “ngohiong” (wrapped singkamas/coconut). Are you full yet?
Don’t forget to save room for desserts! If you crave breads and cakes baked under a native oven, then you must try the delectable torta of Argao or the creamy bibingka of Mandaue City. If you prefer steamed or boiled cuisine, enjoy the masi of Liloan, the pintos of Bogo City or the gooey budbud of Sogod.
The mouth-watering delicacies of Cebu are symbols of the island that tourists from around the world want to come back to time and time again.
BISAYA LANG MALAKAS!
Binisaya is one of the most diverse languages with over 30 dialects and the second most important local language in the Philippines (after Tagalog, the official Filipino language). One of the many famous Cebuano words is “Bisdak,” which combines two Cebuano words: “Bisayang Dako.” Bisdak refers to a person who grew up in Cebu and is proud of being a Bisaya. Cebuanos also have romantic words like “langga” and “gugma.” In English, “gugma” is simply called love. “Langga” is an endearment for two lovers. It is used not just for the sweet couples but sometimes by parents calling their child in a lovable and calm way. Sometimes, “langga” could be heard in markets by sellers—especially when they try to convince you to buy their products. “Kanunay” is another Bisaya word which means “consistency” or “always.” Let’s try to use these three words that we have learned from our adventure in Cebuano language: “Langga, kanunay tikang gihigugma.” In English, “Dear, I always love you.”