A tourist visiting Cebu City may be disconnected for the first time by some urban sites. The city has several world-class resorts, hotels, beaches and diving sites. It also has some areas of the most destructive poverty in the world. Cebu City is the capital of Cebu Province and is the second largest city in the Philippines after Manila. I always feel at home in the city and lived in the city before building my home in the rural province of Cebu on the Camotes Islands. Cebu City is a mixture of old and new, rich and poor, good and bad, cute and ugly. There is also a mixture of clean and really dirty or dirty. The rule for anyone going to Cebu for the first time is not to make a sudden offer.
My first trip to Cebu was in February 2004. I went to the Philippines to meet a girl (Judith), now my wife. I flew to Cebu-Mactan airport and met Judith and one of the sisters. My flight began in Florida, and the last leg of the flight was from Hong Kong. Cebu International Airport is a bit old, but very functional. One day, outside the airport door, I saw waves of people waiting to meet people departing from flights from Hong Kong. The airport was not so busy when I arrived, and I think my plane was the only flight arriving at the time. When people from my flight go out the door of the airport, they were fired by shuttles, taxis and V-rent tenants, everyone is trying to get through. I met Judith right at the door of the airport. She, her sister and I all jumped into an old Kia taxi and we were at my hotel.
The taxi was old and not very well maintained. The air conditioner did not work and the window did not go down. Of course, it did not matter, because I could not close the door because the door latch was broken. So, I have a lot of air. The hotel is approximately 30 minutes from the airport. As we traveled the streets of the city, I saw that the crowded sidewalks were even more crowded with many sidewalk vendors and street vendors. Some of the roads we transported were moderately maintained, while others were in very poor condition. The roads were crowded with many types of cars, but mostly Kia and Hyundais. There were also a lot of Jeepneys, the Filipino traditional method of travel. The jeepney looks like an elongated army hard-top jeep and a large cargo bay used for two benches for passenger seats. Jeepneys are usually painted in several different colors and a lot of chrome. Many of the jeepneys are poorly maintained, and most of them have bald tires, and brake systems can be questionable. In addition, there were many small motorcycles.
After only a few minutes, I decided that the most dangerous vehicle in Cebu was a Jeepney, a taxi, and finally a motorcycle. Jeepney drivers usually drive the road and stop on both sides of the road to pick up or drop passengers. I saw how many jeepneys cut both lanes only to drop people, and then they saw others quickly retreated to the side of the road, cutting off traffic so that the driver could jump out of the jeepney to urinate along the road. Taxis are not better, but pose a slightly lesser threat, because vehicles are smaller than jeepney motorcycles. It seems that motorcycles are a danger only to the driver and passengers of motorcycles, and anyone who goes on the road or on the sidewalk. Motorcycles make their own lanes on any small shoulder that the road may offer, or sometimes ride along a painted dividing line like a narrow road to make an extra lane for yourself. On other occasions, I saw motorbikes choke along sidewalks, whipping around pedestrians. However, pedestrians seemed to have little interest in carelessness and simply continued on their way.
As we continued on our way to the hotel, we went through many other areas of the city. Some areas were very old, and the buildings looked as if they were ready for demolition a few years ago. Many buildings and warehouse facades are concrete with plywood or corrugated steel sheets added to broken windows, and steel rods cover a window or plywood. I can not imagine what would cost the cost of steel bars, because the buildings were so poor. I was sure that the contents inside are no better. I noticed several small store fronts with one large open widow covered in chicken wire. These little shops are the size of a small cupboard, and there are dozens of these little shops on every street. They are called sari-sari-shops and sell only very few items, such as canned fish, rice, snacks, cigarettes, and so on. Most of these small shops are attached to the front of private houses and roughly built from unpainted plywood and tin roofs. Most Sari-sari shops block the sidewalk, forcing people to walk along the road to bypass a protruding plywood box. In other Sari-sari shops, there is a small table or tables along the narrow side walls for their rum buyers, and a karaoke machine helps to block sidewalks.
In many old districts, the sidewalks are filled with vendor shacks, tents, or some other type of rush housing to sell goods. The sidewalks belong to the vendors, and the pedestrian is left to find his own way around ugly obstacles. These small Hungarian shacks on the sidewalks block store buildings, and I still wonder why store owners allow retailers to block their stores. The old streets of the quarter and the sidewalks in most areas are dirty. Rubbish all over the street, chickens are tied to utility poles or street signs, as well as dogs. Many of the old houses along the city’s commercial streets may or may not have running water and sewage systems. Many people use the streets and sidewalks as their own bathroom and even a bath on the sidewalks. The infrastructure of the old quarters is practically absent. There is poor drainage, poor sewage systems, and electrical lines hang low above the ground, and hundreds of wires are attached casually to one strong pole. I often wonder how trucks do it under these wires without breaking through the wires. In many cases, larger trucks actually fall into the wires and knock out power to most of the city.
The only thing that stood out for me when we passed all these zones in a taxi was that all people seemed happy. After what I saw as great poverty and terrible living conditions, these people, or the least many people, were happy. Although, most of the people I saw were rushing along the sidewalks that went through their daily lives. I thought that these people do the same thing that other people do in any major city around the world. However, my first visit to Cebu City opened my eyes to the fact that, at least, the city was poor or had a large population living in poverty.
After about 30 minutes by taxi we entered a much more pleasant area of the city, and there, like an oasis in the midst of all poverty, this beautiful hotel and a large modern shopping center next to it, as well as several large modern well maintained high-rise buildings. The scene was a dramatic difference from the old parts of the city. This area can be found in any modern US city and is very similar to the commercial district of an American city. This area is called the Ayala Business Park and the Ayala Shopping Center. This is the modern city of Cebu, and this is all that you will find in any modern city.
Once at the hotel, in Marriott, I checked into a very pleasant room, and we all went to the dining room for a pleasant lunch. Soon after that, it was just Judith and me when her sister went home. Then Judith drove me through the park to the Ayala mall, just five minutes walk, and once in the mall I was amazed. The stores were the same as in the USA, Ace Hardware, Levi, MacDonald, etc. In addition, several Filipino department stores and many different restaurants and cafes. All the shop salespeople and salespeople spoke English, and most Filipinos who went shopping spoke English. Others used a mixture of English and their native Cebuano. All signs of the store are written in English, and the restaurant menu is written in English. In many ways, it seemed to me that I just traveled 20 years ago from Florida to be in an American city.
Although there were many other foreigners in the mall, many Filipinos, walking, asked where I was from, and in general everyone was very friendly to me. While at the mall I bought a few souvenir items to take home, and Judith and I just did a lot of shopping in the window. I was glad to see that the prices of most things in stores were very cheap compared to the USA. At that time, one US dollar bought 56.00 pesos. Today it is one dollar to 44.00 pesos. There is still a lot, but today I am very careful about my expenses. By the middle of the day, I was ready for some sleep after my long flight to Cebu. Judith returned home and I went to my hotel room.
The next morning, Judith was bright and early in the hotel, and we had breakfast at the hotel, and then went to see the city and some of the beach resorts. In Cebu there are beautiful and beautiful resorts and all very affordable. The resorts are all well preserved and modern. The largest population of clients in the resorts are foreigners and employees of Filipinos. I quickly change my opinion about the city from the poverty of the third world to the modern commercial and tourist city with several old districts that need a lot of help.
During my trip to Cebu, we went to the old district of Colon. Colon is the oldest street in the country and has several landmarks. However, Colon is a dirty area of very old and poorly maintained buildings. Prostitution is a serious problem in the colon zone, like street crime. There are some great markets and great deals that can be found in Colon, but not for the new tourist to wander alone. Hotels can be found at a very low price in Colon. Some are only $ 20.00 per night, but these hotels cater for those who collect street girls, and both girls and rooms are really dirty. Last year, Judith and I stayed in two different Colon hotels. We went to town for our monthly shopping trip from the islands of Camotes. We decided to try the hotels because they are cheap and close to many foreign markets. I will never stay in any of these hotels again. The best words to describe them are old, dirty, infected with rats and full of prostitutes. Both of these hotels seem to cater for single foreign men and any girls that men can find in Colon’s bars or on the streets. In the area there are several small bars like Bikini with Bar Girls (Prostitutes), also called GRO &. If you are not looking for a prostitute, there is no reason to go to Cologne after dark, and even then you have to be very careful. This does not mean that the whole Colon is bad. There are several good shops and restaurants in Colon. I like to shop in the colon area, but be careful in Colon.
During my first visit, I saw most areas of Cebu and always felt safe. Of course, we did not enter the old part of the city after dark. Rather, we were in or around the resorts of Ayala Park, and all of these are very safe and pleasant areas. I would recommend Cebu City to anyone who wants to go to a great resort and spend time on a beautiful beach, go diving, go on a boat trip to the outer islands and not spend a lot of money. There are so many things to do in Cebu City. A stay at any of the resorts is very affordable for about $ 60 per night, and some up to $ 250. Dinner in restaurants is also very cheap. Meals in good restaurants can cost as little as $ 10.00 to $ 20.00 for two people, I had a great time during my first visit. However, I had Judith as my guide and my girlfriend. I'm not sure that I would like Cebu city as much as I did if Judith would not be with me during the first trip.
Shortly after my first visit to Cebu City, I moved from Florida to the city of Cebu in 2004. By this time, Judith and I were forced to marry, and I wanted to live on the Kamotes Islands. However, we decided to live in the city, looking for land to build a house in Camotes. Kamotes Islands is a rural province of Cebu and only two hours from the city by boat. We rented a new two bedroom house in the Lahoug district of Cebu City. The monthly rent was only $ 125 plus our television cable for about $ 15 a month. The house was located on a hillside overlooking the city and close to everything we need. Lahug is a very pleasant area, and now there are many new housing units in this area. Our monthly budget, living in Lahug, was approximately $ 700.00, including rent, utilities, food, taxis, and even many dinners in restaurants and entertainment venues. I assume that if we still live in Lahug, the budget will be just a few dollars a month.
Just a couple of weeks after moving to the house of Lahug, it seemed to me that Cebu was my city, and I really enjoyed life in the city. There are many things in the city to offer to a foreigner, and the city is always trying to attract more foreign retirees. This is really a foreign (expat) friendly city. The largest group of foreigners in Cebu are the Koreans, and then the Americans, the Australians, the British and the Japanese. There are no racial tensions or problems in the city that I know about, and the city is very safe. However, as in any major world city, there is a crime, but using general precautions and precautions, you can live happily in the city of Cebu. Driving in the city is something that I have never tried, and I do not think that I will ever drive around the city. Taxis can get you almost anywhere in the city for $ 1.00 to $ 2.00, which is good for me.
Shopping in the city is great, and Filipino stores have products from all over the world. Many food stores sell western brands, so you will never miss your favorite dishes from home. Foreign markets located throughout the city offer great deals, and it is always nice to discuss prices with suppliers. The city has cable TV and offers many American shows and news programs. You can go to the cinema and watch a new film about the release of about $ 1.00, and popcorn - just a few pennies. The city has grown since I moved to the Philippines. There are many new closed Sub-Division buildings that serve foreign buyers, new high-rise condominiums and resorts, all continue to attract foreigners. Two large shopping centers in the city, Ayala and SM are also expanding. Many roads have been modernized, as well as infrastructure in many areas. The city is a major attraction for tourism and is always trying to attract more tourists and more foreign retirees.
Any expat on a monthly pension of about $ 1,000 can live like a king in Cebu City. You can live for less than $ 1,000, but I think $ 1,000 is the right figure if you include monthly savings in case of emergencies, trips home, and medical needs. The city has very good hospitals, and medical expenses in the Philippines are much less. Good dental care at very reasonable prices is also available in the Philippines. Many people go to Cebu for a medical or dental vacation. Just remember, if you think you want to move to Cebu City, do your homework. Do you want to live in a new country? Do you want to be separated from your family and grandchildren? If you are married, how does your wife feel in Cebu? If you have small children, do you want them to live in a new country and what about their education? Do you have the patience and understanding to learn and live in a new culture? Do you have the money to live a good life in Cebu without having to look for a job? Do you have enough money to cover any kind of emergency that may require from five to ten thousand dollars? Finally, what is the reason for your desire to live in a new country? If you can be honest with yourself and have a positive answer to the above questions, then maybe Cebu City is for you?
Remember also, the Philippine economy is struggling. Philippines with four and six years of university degrees run a taxi or work as shop clerks. Unemployment in the country passes through the roof. Poverty is a serious problem in the country. With all the beauty of the Philippines, Poverty continues to destroy many Filipinos and their future and creates an ugly face in a beautiful country that otherwise. Только на этой неделе 8 ноября 2007 года 11-летняя девочка в Маниле, живущая со своей матерью, отцом и маленьким братом в лачуге, повесилась. Причина, оставленная в записке от маленькой девочки, была связана с бедностью, с которой она и ее семья жили. Отец не мог найти работу в течение нескольких месяцев, а мать работала всего за 1,00 долларов в день. Маленькая девочка только что накануне попросила своего отца за P200.00 за школьный проект. У отца не было денег, чуть меньше 4,00 долларов. Все, что хотела девушка, это закончить школу и купить новый велосипед. Простая мечта, осложненная тяжелой нищетой в стране, которая пытается преодолеть политическую коррупцию и кражу. Пожалуйста, помните, что вы можете потратить всего за один день на Филиппинах, что филиппинцы, возможно, придется прожить в течение месяца. Бедность действительно забирает жизни.
Я по-настоящему люблю свой образ жизни на Филиппинах, но потребовалось некоторое время, терпение, понимание и несколько жертв, чтобы жить на Филиппинах. Я допустил несколько ошибок, прежде чем приехать сюда, а также несколько человек, живущих здесь. У меня не было достаточно денег, когда я приехал сюда в 2004 году. Я совершил несколько поездок обратно во Флориду, чтобы выполнить некоторые контракты, а затем вернулся на мои любимые острова Камотес. В настоящее время я ухожу от дома по учебному контракту. Однако для меня это стоит того, чтобы иметь всего несколько месяцев в году в моем раю под названием Камотес-Айленд, Себу, Филиппины. Я думаю, что любой, кто ищет отличный отдых, будет наслаждаться городом Себу. Те, кто хочет уединиться на скромной пенсии, могут здесь хорошо жить, но просто убедитесь, что вы живете в новой стране. Прежде чем принять решение переехать сюда, нужно сначала отправиться в отпуск и посмотреть город самостоятельно. Тогда вы можете решить, нужна ли вам такая жизнь. И снова для меня это рай.
