The image of the Sto. Nino, Cebu's icon, is painted on a bilao as part of a prop during a Sinulog performance

Speak of Cebu and images of the Sto. Nino, Cebu’s patron, comes to mind. And so does the valiant Lapu-Lapu, sweet mangoes, guitars and beaches. But it is more than that. Cebu is my home.

I’ve been thinking about doing this series for quite a time and so, with the end of the Cuyo Loop and as a fitting segue from my short sojourn in Masbate, I might as well feature my home province as seen from the perspective of a native son. Ahem. That might be a tall order but I’ll try. “I will stir clear of clichés… and trite writeups that has plagued us all these years.”

I promise, no dried fish market in Taboan. No guitars. No mangoes. No Malapascua and other known beaches that have been hogging other blogs and websites. And most of all, not another Taoist Temple done to death. I will stir clear of clichés, hackneyed features and trite writeups that has plagued us all these years. This will be the other Cebu beyond the tourist traps. The other, lesser known but equally important reasons to rush down to your local Cebu Pacific agency or log onto www.fly.com and get your tickets to come visit. Cebu has so much to offer, beyond all the postcard-perfect things! You won’t know what you’re missing until you come and explore.

Detail of a minibus that is more like a hybrid between a bus and a colorful jeepney that is found only in Cebu.

The name Cebu is the hispanized version of the original Sugbo that some historians say has its etymology to the vernacular meaning shallow water. During the Spanish colonial period, it has been identified in maps as Zebu.

It’s history goes back to pre Spanish times but archaeologists have only started to appreciate it better now with several excavations undertaken like those in Boljoon and quite recently, at the Plaza Independencia where the discovery of a gold death mask marks the second site it’s been found in the country.

The island province is rich in history and culture and friendly people that some say are hard to please. It is the regional center in the Visayas and second only to Metro Manila as a commercial hub. It has a lot more to offer with many not too known aspects that I will try to feature.

This is Cebu. Sugbo kini!

Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger, freelance photographer and writer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has contributed to local and international publications including CNN Go, National Geographic Magazine, Geo (Germany), Sunday Times Magazine (London) and other publications.

To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.