Trip to the South – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Talisay
When you go on a road trip to the southern part of Cebu, the first place you will visit is the City of Talisay. Talisay was originally an estate established by the Augustinians in 1648 before it became a municipality in 1849. The town also played an important role in the history of Cebu since it was the haven of colonial military forces during the American occupation and World War 2. The beaches of Talisay also served as the landing point of returning American forces in the liberation of Cebu during World War 2.
When you go on a road trip to the southern part of Cebu, the first place you will visit is the City of Talisay. Talisay was originally an estate established by the Augustinians in 1648 before it became a municipality in 1849. The town also played an important role in the history of Cebu since it was the haven of colonial military forces during the American occupation and World War 2. The beaches of Talisay also served as the landing point of returning American forces in the liberation of Cebu during World War 2.
Some of the places you can visit in Talisay City are the National Historic Shrine Liberation Monument, World War 2 Pillbox, and the Museo de Talisay. In addition, you can also check out Crocolandia, a park where visitors can observe and appreciate some of the animals found in the country. But Talisay is more famous for its food, specifically the lechon. In fact, the city celebrates the annual Inasal Festival where the lechon is showcased adorned with colorful decorations and costumes. You should not leave Talisay City until you’ve had your fill of their famous lechon.
Trip to the South – image source: Crocolandia Facebook Page
Minglanilla
After Talisay City, you can visit the town of Minglanilla. The old name of the town is “Buat” since the place was where early settlers used to lay out their fresh bounties from the sea to dry (buad or buat). Minglanilla is also known as the Sugat Capital of the South since it holds the Kabanhawan Festival on Easter Sunday of each year. The term Kabanhawan is Cebuano for resurrection.
After Talisay City, you can visit the town of Minglanilla. The old name of the town is “Buat” since the place was where early settlers used to lay out their fresh bounties from the sea to dry (buad or buat). Minglanilla is also known as the Sugat Capital of the South since it holds the Kabanhawan Festival on Easter Sunday of each year. The term Kabanhawan is Cebuano for resurrection.
Trip to the South – image source: newsinfo.inquirer.net
When you visit Minglanilla you may want to exercise your muscles and explore the seven caves in Campo Siete. You can also pass by the Tubod Flowing Water Resort to rejuvenate yourself after exploring the caves. Another place worth visiting in the town of Minglanilla is the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, which is among the oldest churches in the island of Cebu.
Trip to the South – image source: Tubod Flowing Water Resort Facebook Page
Naga
Naga is the next place on our list of places to visit when you go on a road trip to the south of Cebu. Before the coming of the Spaniards, Naga was already a thriving community. Settlers from different places in the archipelago were attracted to the rich fishing grounds of the place. The discovery of coal deposits in the town laid the foundations of the coal industry of Naga.
Naga is the next place on our list of places to visit when you go on a road trip to the south of Cebu. Before the coming of the Spaniards, Naga was already a thriving community. Settlers from different places in the archipelago were attracted to the rich fishing grounds of the place. The discovery of coal deposits in the town laid the foundations of the coal industry of Naga.
Trip to the South – image source: Naga Akong Garbo Facebook Page
Naga City is now home to the largest cement factory in the country, Apo Cement Corporation, as well as a 290-megawatt power plant. Even as Naga City touts itself as the Industrial City of the South, there are actually some places you can visit while you are in the city. One of these places is the Naga City Baywalk where you can relax and have a breath of fresh air. You can also drop by the St. Francis of Assisi Church, which was built in the 17th century using coral stones.
Trip to the South – image source: Naga Akong Garbo Facebook Page
San Fernando
Our next stop after Naga City is the town of San Fernando. San Fernando was once a part of Naga before the leaders of four barangays petitioned civil and religious authorities to give them autonomy. A Royal Decree was issued in 1858 that led to the merging of the barangays. The town was initially named San Isidro Labrador before it was changed to San Fernando in honor of Father Fernando Sanchez.
Our next stop after Naga City is the town of San Fernando. San Fernando was once a part of Naga before the leaders of four barangays petitioned civil and religious authorities to give them autonomy. A Royal Decree was issued in 1858 that led to the merging of the barangays. The town was initially named San Isidro Labrador before it was changed to San Fernando in honor of Father Fernando Sanchez.
Trip to the South – image source: San Fernando Cebu Facebook Page
The San Isidro Labrador Parish Church is one of the places you can visit in San Fernando. Construction of the church began in 1870 and it was completed nearly two decades later in 1886. Similar to other Spanish churches in the archipelago, cut coral stones were used in building it. The town also has a number of resorts you can visit, ranging from beachside resorts to mountain resorts. These resorts include the Pulchra Beach Resort, Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort, and Singli Mountain Resort. San Fernando is also home to the Bacalla Campsite where you can unplug yourself from the world since there is no cellular signal at the place. Before leaving the town of San Fernando, make sure you get to taste their polvoron and buko pie.
Trip to the South – image source: San Fernando Cebu Facebook Page
Carcar
The Heritage City of Carcar is our next stop in our journey to the southern part of Cebu. Carcar City is also called the Heritage City of Cebu due to the presence of numerous houses and structures from the Spanish and American periods. But before it was called Carcar, the place was once called Sialo, which was a thriving community that traded with visiting Chinese merchants. When the Spaniards arrived, the community became a town named Valladolid. But the natives called the place Kabkab, which comes from the name of a sturdy fern that can be found in the area, the kabkaban. The name was later changed to Carcar by a Spanish priest after a town located in Navarra, Spain. Aside from being called the Heritage City of Cebu, Carcar is also known as the Shoe Capital of Cebu due to its thriving shoe industry.
The Heritage City of Carcar is our next stop in our journey to the southern part of Cebu. Carcar City is also called the Heritage City of Cebu due to the presence of numerous houses and structures from the Spanish and American periods. But before it was called Carcar, the place was once called Sialo, which was a thriving community that traded with visiting Chinese merchants. When the Spaniards arrived, the community became a town named Valladolid. But the natives called the place Kabkab, which comes from the name of a sturdy fern that can be found in the area, the kabkaban. The name was later changed to Carcar by a Spanish priest after a town located in Navarra, Spain. Aside from being called the Heritage City of Cebu, Carcar is also known as the Shoe Capital of Cebu due to its thriving shoe industry.
Trip to the South – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Some of the places you can visit in Carcar City include the Balay na Tisa, Mercado Mansion, the Leon Kilat Monument, and the St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, which is the second oldest church in the province of Cebu next only to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. You can also drop by the rotunda of the city, which is considered as the second most iconic circular public park in the island. From the rotunda, you can go to the Carcar City Public Market. You may be wondering why we are asking you to pass by the market. Well, the answer is to buy the Carcar lechon. The renowned Carcar lechon is sold at the rear part of the market. In fact, you can buy the lechon and eat in one of the eateries right beside the lechon stalls. In addition to the lechon, you can also buy the other delicacies of the town, including the chicharon, ampao and bucarillo.
Trip to the South – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
A trip to the southern part of Cebu is not only a journey to the history of Cebu it can also delight your senses, especially if you get to try the delicacies offered by these places. Are you planning to go on a road trip to the south of Cebu? Tell us about it on the comments section below.
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