PEOPLE and LANGUAGE
Most people living in Cebu speak Cebuano. Cebuanos can also speak Tagalog and English, so it is not that difficult for non-cebuano speaking people to communicate with them. Some may have different accent because of other dialect’s influence, but rest assured that you could have a good conversation with the Cebuanos. They are not only hospitable but also friendly and patient.

Weather
Cebu enjoys a dry, hot season from December to May where temperatures can reach as high as 37 degrees centigrade. The rainy season usually starts on June and ends on November. Temperatures are pleasantly cool around 24 to 30 degrees.

Philippine Time
Philippine standard time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime.

Religion
Predominantly Roman Catholic. Other major denominations include Protestantism, Moslem.

Business Hours
Banks-9am to 3pm. Mon. to Fri.; Government agencies and offices- 8am to 5pm Mon. to Fri.; Private firms - 9am to 6pm-Mon. to Fri. and 9 am to 12 noon on Saturdays; Shops-9am to 7pm Mon. to Sat. Most Department stores are open on Sundays and Holidays.

Currency/Credit Cards
The monetary unit is the Philippine Peso, divisible into 100 centavos. There are 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 Peso notes; coins for .05, .10, .25, P1 and P5. Commercial banks, hotels, and tourist-oriented businesses exchange foreign currencies and cash travelers cheques. Pesos may be reconverted to US$. Major international cards such as VISA, Diners Club, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted in major establishments.

Transportation
The Jeepney is a conventional form of public transport. It is a remodeled US military jeep extended to accommodate 18 passengers including driver. Getting around Cebu on Jeepney´s is puzzling especially for first time visitors but its worth the adventure. Their routes are indicated on the sides of the Jeepney and fare range from P4.00 or more depending on destination. Other forms of transportation include the bus, taxi, and chauffeur-driven cars. Buses provide service in the city and outbound journeys. The taxi is the most convenient way of getting around Cebu and could be flagged down anywhere. Taxis also queue at most hotels and shopping centers and can be requested by telephone. Car rental companies have offices around Metro Cebu, in major hotels, and at the airport.

Country Code
The Philippines country code is 63. When calling Cebu direct, pls. add 63 + 32 , Cebu's area code. Please remember the Philippines is 8 hours ahead of GMT.

Communication Facilities
Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), the leading telecommunications company, offers modern facilities and services that include international direct dialing (IDD), telex, and facsimile. Worldwide courier delivery, postal, and telegraph services are also available. Major newspapers are in English. Foreign publications such as newspapers and magazines can be found in bookstores, supermarkets and in major hotels.

Specialties
Cebu is known for it's delicacies, handicrafts and stone crafts. Stone craft, coral craft and seashells are are very in-demand. Mangoes from Guadalupe - fresh, dried or pureed; cut flowers from Busay, world class guitars from Maribago.
Chicharon (pork rind) is one much-sought-after delicacy. Dangit, dried fish for a hearty breakfast, Puso, the hanging rice, Budbud, made from sticky variety of rice locally called pilit mixed with coconut milk
Hand-woven blankets from Argao, Medallions of the Christ Child.
Polished Mactan stone, accent chairs made of wood or rattan, elegant barongs, basketry, brass & bronze-ware; cigars, mats, shell craft. Fashion jewelry, trendy mixed media (wood, stone, shell).

CLIMATE
Fortunately, Cebu is blessed with a tropical climate. No wonder many foreigners love to visit Cebu. We have the moisture of 78% and so far, we evaluated 189 degrees as the warmest day we ever had. It usually rains during the month of November and heats up at the months of December, January and February.

GEOGRAPHY
Located between 9925' and 11915' latitude and between 123913' longitude in the center of the Philippine archipelago, Cebu is 365 miles south of Manila and can be reached in an hour through air travel.

TEMPERATURE
Mean Annual Temperature: 26.50 C
Mean Highest Monthly Temperature: 34.80C
Mean Lowest Monthly Temperature: 20.60C
Coldest Month: January
Warmest Month: May

RELATIVE HUMIDITY
Average Relative Humidity: 75%
RAINFALL (Source: PAG-ASA)
Average Annual Rainfall: 1,636.70 mm in the old
Lahug Airport, and 1,609.70
at the Cebu Customs House.
Rainfall Decreases: February to April
Rainfall Gradually Increases: May to July

WIND VELOCITY AND DIRECTION
Average Wind Velocity: 10 km. per hour for varying direction
Northeast Wind (amihan): November to May
Southwest Monsoon (hagabat): June to September
Typhoon usually comes: October to December
Strongest Typhoon Occurred: 1989 Typhoon Ruping