“Sabay ang tugtog ng gitara...ohhh . . . Idadaan na lang sa gitara” – Gitara by Parokya Ni Edgar
The 2005 hit song of Parokya ni Edgar evokes memories of sitting at the beach under the moonlight with some friends and a guitar. Strumming the strings of a guitar while singing well-loved tunes with friends during a weekend at the beach is a good way to relax after slaving the whole week at work.
One can wonder if the guitar used by the band came from Cebu. It would not be surprising since the Queen City of the South is famous for its world-class, high quality guitars. The guitar industry of Cebu dates back to the Spanish era. During this time, whenever the guitars of Spanish friars in Cebu needed repairs, it was necessary to send them back to Mexico and wait for them to be brought back. However, the friars decided to let the townsfolk of Opon repair the guitars rather than wait for months on end before they can play their beloved musical instrument again. Aside from fixing guitars, the townsfolk were also ordered to make new guitars, which was the start of the Cebu guitar industry.
The 2005 hit song of Parokya ni Edgar evokes memories of sitting at the beach under the moonlight with some friends and a guitar. Strumming the strings of a guitar while singing well-loved tunes with friends during a weekend at the beach is a good way to relax after slaving the whole week at work.
One can wonder if the guitar used by the band came from Cebu. It would not be surprising since the Queen City of the South is famous for its world-class, high quality guitars. The guitar industry of Cebu dates back to the Spanish era. During this time, whenever the guitars of Spanish friars in Cebu needed repairs, it was necessary to send them back to Mexico and wait for them to be brought back. However, the friars decided to let the townsfolk of Opon repair the guitars rather than wait for months on end before they can play their beloved musical instrument again. Aside from fixing guitars, the townsfolk were also ordered to make new guitars, which was the start of the Cebu guitar industry.
Cebu Guitars – World-Class Souvenirs From The Queen City Of The South - image source: pagcor.ph
Lapu-Lapu City is the center of the guitar industry of Cebu. Banjos, ukuleles and mandolins are also produced in the city. Aside from local tourists and Filipino expatriates, who bring the guitar to the countries they settled in, Cebu guitars are also popular among foreign tourists.
Many of the guitar manufacturers in Cebu are family-owned businesses. The more prominent guitar manufacturers in Cebu are Alegre Guitars, Celia’s Guitar, Susing’s Guitar, Jerry’s Guitar and Guitar Master.
Cebu guitars are typically made of soft and hard wood such as narra, jackfruits and black wood ebony. There are also some instances when imported wood is used for the guitars made in Cebu. The designs on the guitars can be simple while others may have intricate patterns or even have shells incorporated into the design.
Many of the guitar manufacturers in Cebu are family-owned businesses. The more prominent guitar manufacturers in Cebu are Alegre Guitars, Celia’s Guitar, Susing’s Guitar, Jerry’s Guitar and Guitar Master.
Cebu guitars are typically made of soft and hard wood such as narra, jackfruits and black wood ebony. There are also some instances when imported wood is used for the guitars made in Cebu. The designs on the guitars can be simple while others may have intricate patterns or even have shells incorporated into the design.
Cebu Guitars – World-Class Souvenirs From The Queen City Of The South - image source: commons.wikimedia.org
While Cebu guitars can be purchased from music stores in some malls in the city, most of the stores specializing in the sale of guitars in Cebu can be found along Lincoln street. The guitars sold on these stores come mainly from guitar manufacturers in Lapu-Lapu City.
The hard work and excellent craftsmanship of local guitar makers have resulted to the melodious tune guitars made in Cebu produce. Despite the entry of China-made guitars, Cebu guitars continue to remain on top of the list of tourists who want to bring home a souvenir from the Queen City of the South.
“dadaan na lang.....Sa gitara.......”
The hard work and excellent craftsmanship of local guitar makers have resulted to the melodious tune guitars made in Cebu produce. Despite the entry of China-made guitars, Cebu guitars continue to remain on top of the list of tourists who want to bring home a souvenir from the Queen City of the South.
“dadaan na lang.....Sa gitara.......”
Cebu Guitars – World-Class Souvenirs From The Queen City Of The South - image source: flickr.com
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