CEBU CULTURE AND ARTS

  Cebu City Cebu City, a first-class highly urbanized city, rests on the eastern side of Cebu Island, within the Central Visayan region of the Philippines. Spanning 315 square kilometers, it neighbors Mandaue City to the northeast and Talisay City to the south. Boasting a population exceeding 920,000 as of the most recent census, it ranks among the country's most populous cities. Historical Roots: From Magellan to Modernity Cebu City holds the distinction of being the oldest city in the Philippines, founded by Spanish explorers in 1565 during the era of colonial expansion. Initially established as a Spanish settlement, Cebu City attained its cityhood on February 24, 1937, during the American colonial period (1898-1946). Ferdinand Magellan Ferdinand Magellan's Arrival and Legacy On April 7, 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu, where he was welcomed by Chief Rajah Humabon's people. However, a subsequent encounter on April 27, 1521, at nearby Mactan Isl

In today's interconnected world, where access to other continents and countries is just a click away via the internet and cable television, we find ourselves increasingly exposed to a dominant global culture. This exposure often leads to the unconscious erosion of our own cultural identities as we are inundated with influences from afar. It saddens me to witness how our traditional music and dances, for instance, are sometimes ridiculed or overlooked. Amidst this cultural homogenization, I find solace in initiatives like the radio FM stations that dedicate Sunday mornings in Cebu to airing Golden Visayan Songs. As a proud Cebuano, deeply rooted in this heritage passed down from my parents, I appreciate these efforts as they play a crucial role in preserving our identity as Cebuanos and Visayans at large. These songs are more than mere music; they represent a rich tapestry of our cultural tradition, painstakingly crafted by our artistic predecessors. It's through such artistic e