“Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.” – Frank Borman
By this time, you should be in your last part of your road trip through the south of Cebu. In this leg, you get to see the richness of the cultural heritage of the island. Aside from a lesson in the history of Cebu, you will also be in awe at the natural wonders the island has to offer.
By this time, you should be in your last part of your road trip through the south of Cebu. In this leg, you get to see the richness of the cultural heritage of the island. Aside from a lesson in the history of Cebu, you will also be in awe at the natural wonders the island has to offer.
Trip to the South – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Dumanjug
On this leg of the journey, you will pass by the town of Dumanjug. There are a number of stories about how Dumanjug got its name. One account tells a story of traders who would sell the famous native chicken of the town. They would shout out “Du, Manok Tinuhog” while selling their products. Another account tells the story of three brothers: Binonga, Yongyong, and Dumanjug. The place was supposedly called “Kang Dumanjug,” which indicates it was the residence of Dumanjug. Another account tells the story of Duman, a famous tuba gatherer in the place. One day he fell from a coconut tree while getting tube. At the same time some Spaniards passed by and asked some natives for the name of the place. The natives thought the Spaniards were asking what happened and they replied “si Duman nahug” or Duman fell. The Spaniards thought the name of the town was Dumanjug. But, according to historians, Pedro Ricamora and Father Agustin Melgar were the founders of the town.
On this leg of the journey, you will pass by the town of Dumanjug. There are a number of stories about how Dumanjug got its name. One account tells a story of traders who would sell the famous native chicken of the town. They would shout out “Du, Manok Tinuhog” while selling their products. Another account tells the story of three brothers: Binonga, Yongyong, and Dumanjug. The place was supposedly called “Kang Dumanjug,” which indicates it was the residence of Dumanjug. Another account tells the story of Duman, a famous tuba gatherer in the place. One day he fell from a coconut tree while getting tube. At the same time some Spaniards passed by and asked some natives for the name of the place. The natives thought the Spaniards were asking what happened and they replied “si Duman nahug” or Duman fell. The Spaniards thought the name of the town was Dumanjug. But, according to historians, Pedro Ricamora and Father Agustin Melgar were the founders of the town.
Trip to the South – image source: flickr.com
Dumanjug has a rich heritage as shown through the century-old houses in the town. The St. Francis de Assisi Parish Church is another structure that is more than a century old. The church reflects the faith of the people of Dumanjug. The Doña Josefa Paras Garcia Heritage Park, which is located right across the church, served the Cuartel of the Americans during the Spanish-American War. If you love nature, you may want to try the river cruise of the town or visit the Tubod-Bitoon Farm. Divers can also drop by the Camboang Marine Sanctuary and check out the different types of marine life in the area. But there is one thing that you should not miss out when you visit Dumanjug, their renowned inasal na Bisayang manok or the Bisnok, which has a distinctive flavor that will tickle your senses.
Trip to the South – image source: wikimapia.org
Barili
After enjoying the Bisnok of Dumanjug, you will reach the town of Barili. The name of the town comes from a local grass that grows in the area, the balili. While the town itself was established in 1632, there was already a parish in the area since 1614. There is also a cross that was planted in the town in 1602 by the Spaniards under the command of Captain Juan Juarado.
After enjoying the Bisnok of Dumanjug, you will reach the town of Barili. The name of the town comes from a local grass that grows in the area, the balili. While the town itself was established in 1632, there was already a parish in the area since 1614. There is also a cross that was planted in the town in 1602 by the Spaniards under the command of Captain Juan Juarado.
Trip to the South – image source: youtube.com
The town of Barili is home to a waterfall system with two levels, the Mantayupan Falls. Even as this natural wonder is not as majestic as the Kawasan Falls, it is not as commercialized as the one found in Badian. You may also want to drop by the Sayaw Beach, which stretches along the highway of the barangay. In addition, the Bolocboloc Natural Spring Pool may be the best way for you to cool off especially during the summer. The town is also home to a number of ancestral houses that withstood the test of time. Another place you should visit in the town of Barili is the Molave Milk Station. It is one of the stops of travelers who want to try fresh cow’s milk, soft ice cream, and kiseo or white cheese, among others.
Trip to the South – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Aloguinsan
Your next stop after Barili is the town of Aloguinsan. The name of the town comes from the kinsan, which is a grouper that is abundant in the area from May to July. In fact, the town also celebrates the annual Kinsan Festival, which is celebrated on the second Sunday of June. Aloguinsan was once a part of Pinamungajan before a Royal Decree created the town in 1886. The people of Aloguinsan continue to preserve their customs and traditions even after the whole island of Cebu came under Spanish rule.
Your next stop after Barili is the town of Aloguinsan. The name of the town comes from the kinsan, which is a grouper that is abundant in the area from May to July. In fact, the town also celebrates the annual Kinsan Festival, which is celebrated on the second Sunday of June. Aloguinsan was once a part of Pinamungajan before a Royal Decree created the town in 1886. The people of Aloguinsan continue to preserve their customs and traditions even after the whole island of Cebu came under Spanish rule.
Trip to the South – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
One place that you should not miss out in doing when you visit Aloguinsan is taking the river cruise along the Bojo River. The river cruise takes you on an eco-cultural tour of the river that is both fun and educational since you have to go through a short lecture about the area before you take the cruise. After the cruise, you may want to proceed to Hermit’s Cove, which is located at the end of the same road going to the river cruise area. Another beach you can visit is the Hidden Beach, which is considered as one of the prized treasures of the town. If you are interested in history, you can visit the Baluarte Heritage Park where you can find the ruins of the old watchtower or baluarte of the town. You should also try the native delicacy of the town, the puto buli, before you continue your road trip through the south of Cebu.
Trip to the South – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Pinamungajan
The town of Pinamungajan is your next stop in your road trip through the south of Cebu. The name of the town is derived from the Cebuano term for the share of the worker in a harvest or “pinamu-ohan.” The term also shows that the town is an agricultural community. Pinamungajan is one of the biggest suppliers of milkfish, coconut, and other agricultural products in Cebu. The town was established in 1815 during the Spanish period.
The town of Pinamungajan is your next stop in your road trip through the south of Cebu. The name of the town is derived from the Cebuano term for the share of the worker in a harvest or “pinamu-ohan.” The term also shows that the town is an agricultural community. Pinamungajan is one of the biggest suppliers of milkfish, coconut, and other agricultural products in Cebu. The town was established in 1815 during the Spanish period.
Trip to the South – image source: youtube.com
The town of Pinamungajan is home to a number of natural wonders, including the Udlom Falls and Sinungkulan Falls. The Campalabo Islet is also another place you should visit when you reach the town of Pinamungajan. The islet is a sandbar that emerges in the middle of a marine sanctuary when the tide is low. The islet provides an excellent view of the Tañon Strait and the island of Negros. The best time to visit the islet is when the tide is low since the sea level can rise up to seven feet when the tide is high. Another place you can visit in the town is the Kamangon Cave, which is home to nocturnal bats and was once used as an evacuation center during the World War 2. But the main draw of the town is the Hidden Valley Mountain Resort, which is home to the only wave pool located on a mountain.
Trip to the South – image source: Hidden Valley Mountain, Wavepool and Beach Resort Facebook Page
Toledo City
After Pinamungajan, you will reach Toledo City. The city was once called Pueblo Hinulawan, which comes from the river located in the place. It was later renamed to Toledo after the name of a province in Spain. The place used to be a barangay under the jurisdiction of the parish priest of Balamban. Since the original location of the old town was frequently flooded when the Hinulawan River overflows during the rainy season, it was transferred to its current location in Barangay Poblacion. The city is one of the gateways to the island of Negros.
After Pinamungajan, you will reach Toledo City. The city was once called Pueblo Hinulawan, which comes from the river located in the place. It was later renamed to Toledo after the name of a province in Spain. The place used to be a barangay under the jurisdiction of the parish priest of Balamban. Since the original location of the old town was frequently flooded when the Hinulawan River overflows during the rainy season, it was transferred to its current location in Barangay Poblacion. The city is one of the gateways to the island of Negros.
Trip to the South – image source: flickr.com
Toledo City is also known as “The Copper City with a Heart of Gold,” and is home to the biggest copper mining company in the Philippines. You can take part in a mine tour of the former Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation (now Carmen Copper Corporation). You can also visit the Malubog Lake, which is an artificial lake that was made to provide freshwater to the mining company. You can also visit the Capilla Santa Ana Museum and Community Center, which was built by the Tesari Charitable Foundation as a multi-purpose building for their charity works. The Manguyakuya Falls is another place you can visit while in Toledo City. Since you are already on your way back to the Queen City of the South, you may also want to stay a night or two at The Ranch Resort The resort features a number of facilities to make your stay in Toledo City memorable. But before you leave the city, make sure you get to try their local delicacy, the puto lancho.
Trip to the South – image source: The Ranch Resort Facebook Page
The island of Cebu offers numerous options for both local and international tourists. The southern part of the island gives you the chance to revisit the past through the different heritage sites each town has to offer. It also allows you to see and experience the different natural wonders of the island. Taking a trip to the south of Cebu will not only be an enjoyable experience for you and your family, you will also get to learn a thing or two about the history of Cebu.
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