A 1988 hit by Enya tells the tale of wishful travel and visiting the world's most spectacular places; patches of paradise scattered across the earth, some of which otherwise unheard of and thus remain unspoilt. One of these, Cebu.

Where is Cebu?

Cebu is one of over 7,100 islands in the Philippine archipelago. Found in central Philippines, Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the country and the main center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the country's central and southern parts.

Cebu City; the capital city of the province is the oldest known city in the Philippines. It is the center for internet and communication technology investments and the hub of the country's growing outsourcing industry. The Philippines today ranks third in offshore services following India and China, earning $2.6 Billion in 2006. A recent study by industry publication Global Services and investment advisory firm Tholons reveals that Cebu ranks fourth as most favored technology outsourcing destination for global companies, out of 15 emerging outsourcing destinations; the first three cities Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune are in India.

Cebu has certainly found its way on the global map, but it actually has been, for almost 5 centuries now. Cebu is a name known to the conquistadores of Middle Age Europe.

Cebu In History

Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer whose voyage is known to be the first to have circumnavigated the earth, discovered the Philippine archipelago in 1521. He landed in Cebu City and befriended the natives led by Raja Humabon, whom he persuaded into pledging allegiance to Emperor Charles V of Spain. The Raja and his wife were later baptized. Cebu is the site of the very first Catholic mass in Asia, and Magellan erected a wooden cross on the spot that is today known as Magellan's Cross, a very popular tourist destination. Days later, Magellan would die in battle, felled by neighboring chieftain, Lapu-lapu.

Cebu is a link to old world history, as well a growing outsourcing destination. But despite its rapid grown and development, Cebu has not rid itself of its rustic charms and simple pleasures; traits that offer a much needed balance to busy and stressful urban living. It has five-star hotels, convention centers, casinos, shopping malls and a bustling business district; but all these you can easily leave behind in just 30 minutes, to find yourself watching the surf on a white sand beach or marveling over the city from atop a mountain resort; and there are many of these to choose from.

Paradise Not Lost

While other cities that have benefited from global business change, often influenced by the many that arrive seeking opportunity; Cebu does not. It hasn't for almost 500 years, and it has seen all sorts of people come; from Europeans, Americans, Chinese, Japanese and to the current influx of migrant Koreans. Other cities are shaped by its settlers; Cebu changes those who settle in it, making them adapt to its idyllic and laid back lifestyle in an otherwise busy urban jungle. Cebu makes a settler accept paradise as it is, as it remains firm in preserving what makes it one of the best places to live in.