Cebu City Tour (Insights)

"Indulging in the cultures and places that our country has to offer is a means to self-discovery and the introduction of change in one's psyche - unlike superficial material things that don't have the capability to fill an aching void in a person's desire to be in places he'd never been - traveling is always worth every cent you spend."

Followed through the itinerary prepared by the travel agency. Ticked off a list of tourist spots to go to. Experienced Cebu at its worst and best. Our five day tour with three day stay in Cebu filled my February with extraordinary and unforgettable memories. Yet another terrific experience to add on my college life treasure box.

Rich in history, food delicacies, and luxurious beach resorts; surrounded by scenic tourist attractions, towering buildings and five star hotels, suites, and residences - Cebu is best known as the "Queen City of the South" and rightly so.

As a curious and first time traveler in the busy streets of Cebu, it is rightfully fulfilling to have reaped some changes in my insights towards the differences we Filipinos have - born in different places all over the country and raised in varying cultures and beliefs.

Cebu is filled with buildings, businesses, posh restaurants, malls and centers trying to compete with each other but in between lies the aspiration for development and success. Its streets filled with throng of people walking back and forth - mindless of their surroundings as they rush on to work or other scheduled appointments. Its roads filled with private cars and jeepneys trying to outrun one another in trying to get to their destinations on time. Its sidewalks filled with souvenir shops, statement shirts that says "I Love CEBU" hanging from the ceiling, and cheap food delicacies for pasalubong. Its malls filled with internationally famous signature shops. Its buildings in finest architectural designs and high-end security systems. Its business parks swarmed with rich investors and businessmen. It was, all in all, a mighty sight for an Ilonggo like me who haven't quiet seen much of the world, much less other cities apart from Iloilo.

Our company site visits made me aware of how well-developed and successful Cebu is in field of IT business. IT investors found the newly developed IT Business Park of Cebu an ideal site for investment and putting up IT businesses - big and small. It has widen my knowledge and understanding about my course, and has opened new doors for on-the-job training opportunities and ideal internship programs. It has presented me with endless possibilities in finding jobs as an IT Graduate in the near future. It has made me realize that despite the advancement of technology, and fast-paced progress in business, Cebuanos remain true to themselves and never forget their historical ties. They value their historic past enabling them to embrace the changes brought about by the present and the future. They remain resilient from the upheaval of the current times, and they welcome with open arms the pros and cons of the 21st century's revolution.

Our Cebu City Tour is indeed educational and entertaining all at the same time. From our very friendly tour guide who is all in with our trips and jokes during the bus ride, to our advisers Mr. Arnel Secondes and Ms. Jemelda Suganob who have been both our parent and disciplinarian through out the tour, to my classmates and fellow SD-Majors who have kept the ball rolling amidst the traffic and fatigue brought about by the constant travel from one company site to another - there'd never been a dull moment with these ever energetic people. It had been tiring but worth it. All thanks to the built-in karaoke and TV in our coaster and the humorous dubbing and inside jokes with my classmates.

Every penny spent to cover the tour expenses, the pasalubong and souvenirs, every waking hour at sea or in some suite's bed, every company site visit, every snapshot taken in tourist destinations, every buffet meal from some fancy restaurant, every Cebuano language learned, every traffic endured with the help of some crazy friends, every bit of experience and first time moments, was worth it. This tour will always be treasured and remembered. Yet another tasteful experience that spiced up my college life. Salamat kaayo, Cebu! Until we meet again.