Cebuano Boat Building
Various types of boats are recorded to have been built in Cebu even before the Spanish colonization. These boats range from damlog or balasiyan, small boats which are light enough to be carried by one man, to the big inter-island baroto, a meter and a quarter wide. But the most impressive of these local boats was the sleek and fast warship called karakoa. It had elevated platforms and catwalks on its outriggers and could hold as many as six... Read More
Business Contacts / Trade Associations
A handy reference for contact info from key associations/ industry within Cebu. PHILEXPORT-CEBU3/F GMC Plaza Building Legaspi Extension, Cebu City Tel. Nos. (6332) 254-4240 / 254-4333Fax No. (6332) 254-0774Mr. Charles Streegan, PresidentMs. Sylvia Comendador, Executive Director CEBU FURNITURE INDUSTRIES FOUNDATION, INC.3/F GMC Plaza Building Legaspi Extension, Cebu City Tel. Nos. (6332) 253-3091/ 253-0274TeleFax (6332) 253-7408 / 254-8246Email... Read More
Property Laws in Philippines
Republic Act 2728 [RA 2728 Sec. 3, amended by RA 3715, RA 3969] – regulation of the brokerage business Republic Act 6552 [RA 6552] – Realty Installment Buyer Protection Act [Maceda Law] Republic Act 4726 [RA 4726] – Condominum Act Republic Act 7279 [RA 7279] – Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 Republic Act 7160 [RA 7160] Republic Act 6657 [RA 6657] – Landmark law of 1988, which brought about comprehensive... Read More
Property Brokers/ Agents
For rental properties, one month worth of rent for a one year contract is standard. This is not recurring; in other words, if the tenant chooses to renew, the owner does not have to pay any more commission. Since a real estate agent's income is tied to the purchase amount, the temptation is always there to keep the price as high as possible. That is why often, brokers and sellers will work together to inflate the price and dupe the... Read More
Dauin and Apo Island’s splendor
A few hours by ferry from Cebu, dive lovers will find themselves in the pretty coastal town of Dumaguette. Famous for its Siliman University and clean city. However, a 45 minute journey from the city brings one to the spectacular dive sites of Dauin. To stay in Dauin is to drown in all the marine pride of Oriental Negros. Most dive sites, if not all, are declared Marine Protected Areas. Along the coast, some of the most popular sites are Masaplod,... Read More
Bohol: An adventurers Mecca
For those that have visited Bohol, they can attest to the spirit of the local people. Their knowledge of their forebear's history and the land that they inhabit, is full of wisdom. If you're into adventure, don't miss this article. Sink your teeth into history, nature and adventure. For 85 long years, freedom fighter Francisco Dagohoy and around 23,000 of his men fought against Spanish rule. Through the patriotic deeds of Dagohoy... Read More
Nature is Alive in Cebu
As an inducement to visit the sunny shores of Cebu, we have put together a list of options for you to consider. There are various trustworthy organizations which can get you off to a flying start in some cool outdoor activities. If you’re hungry for an adventure package, look no further than the Moalboal-based outfit Planet Action run by a German National. They have the expertise to organize exhilarating activities such as canyoning,... Read More
Golfing in Cebu
Therefore, it's probably no accident that several excellent championship courses are located in Cebu! Mactan Island has a handy 18-hole course and driving range. Their club house setting is picturesque and their kitchen serves wonderful food. Perfect after a long day hacking the course! Across the bridge from Mactan, you will find the more stately Cebu Country Club – one of the oldest clubs in the Philippines – and the... Read More
Cebu’s Secret Gems
One of my favorite things to do in Cebu is to head off to the Shangri-La's Cowrie Cove on a full moon. The bar is set right on the water's edge, overlooking the vast ocean. Here you can socialise in pure bliss. Your conversation, dotted with the occasional sound of a wave gently lapping up to the shoreline below. To secure the best location (and take advantage of two-for-one happy-hour) I arrive there just before 5pm. This also... Read More
Guitar Capital
Though pre-colonial Visayans had a variety of string instruments – including the buktot (“hunchback”) which used a coconut shell or gourd as resonator – the guitar is a Spanish introduction. Called gitara or kitara (from the Spanish guitarra), the guitar must have been manufactured in Cebu during the Spanish period. Yet, it developed as a local industry only in the present century, receiving a boost from the government’s... Read More
