Cebu: A Comprehensive History of the Queen City of the South

October 4, 2025 Bioy Ajijul

Introduction

Cebu, often referred to as the “Queen City of the South,” is one of the most historically rich and economically dynamic provinces in the Philippines. Located in the Central Visayas region, it comprises the main island of Central Visayas and 167 surrounding islands and islets. Known as the oldest province in the Philippines, the province has long been a center of culture, trade, and governance, bridging the ancient and modern history of the nation.

Today, Queen City of the South stands as a thriving hub for business, tourism, education, and technology, but its story began long before Spanish colonization — in a time when it was known as Sugbu, a bustling trading port that connected the Philippines to the rest of Asia. The evolution of the island from a pre-colonial trading settlement to a modern metropolitan province is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its people.

Here’s a direct Google Maps route link from Luneta Park (Rizal Park, Manila) to Cebu City: 👉 View route on Google Maps

Pre-Colonial Visayan province: The Trading Hub of Sugbu

Before the arrival of the Spanish, Cebu was known as Sugbu, derived from the old Visayan term sibu or sugbo, meaning “to walk in the water.” This reflected its coastal geography, with shallow shores suitable for docking small boats used for trade and fishing.

A Center of Ancient Maritime Trade

Subgu’s location in the central part of the archipelago made it a natural trading center for merchants from neighboring regions. Traders from China, Siam (Thailand), Borneo, the Malay Peninsula, and Indonesia frequently visited the island, exchanging goods such as porcelain, silk, gold, and spices. Archaeological excavations have unearthed Chinese ceramics from the Tang and Song dynasties, confirming that long-distance trade had flourished centuries before European contact.

Sugbu’s early communities were led by datus and rajahs, local chieftains who governed independent barangays. Among them were Rajah Humabon of Queen City of the South and Datu Lapu-Lapu of Mactan, both of whom would later play key roles in the arrival of the Spanish.

Cultural and Religious Influences

The people of southern Philippine province practiced animism, a belief system centered around nature spirits and ancestral worship. However, trade and migration also introduced influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Artifacts such as the Ganesha statue found in Mactan and the gold death masks found in nearby regions indicate that pre-colonial Sugbuanos were part of a vibrant cultural exchange network across Southeast Asia.

Socially, Cebuano society was organized into three main classes:

Datus (ruling nobles),
Timawas (freemen and warriors), and
Oripun (dependents or servants).

This hierarchical yet cooperative structure allowed Cebu’s society to prosper and maintain order even before the formation of a centralized state.

Spanish Contact: The Arrival of Ferdinand Magellan

In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, sailing under the Spanish flag, landed on the shores of Cebu during his expedition to find a westward route to the Spice Islands. This marked the first recorded European contact with the Philippines.

Magellan met Rajah Humabon, ruler of the province, and his wife, Hara Amihan (Queen Juana). The two were baptized as Carlos and Juana, respectively, and in honor of this conversion, Magellan presented them with an image of the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) — now regarded as the oldest Christian relic in the Philippines.

However, not all local rulers welcomed the Spaniards. Datu Lapu-Lapu of nearby Mactan Island resisted foreign domination, leading to the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521, where Magellan was killed. Lapu-Lapu’s victory made him a symbol of Filipino resistance and national pride.

Although Magellan’s expedition failed to colonize the islands, it set the stage for Spain’s later return and long-term influence in Cebu.

The Return of the Spaniards: Miguel López de Legazpi and the Founding of the capital City

Forty-four years later, in 1565, Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi returned to the Philippines, this time successfully establishing a permanent settlement in the Queen City of the South. The Treaty of Cebu, signed with Rajah Tupas, marked the beginning of Spanish rule in the islands.

The Birth of the First Spanish Settlement

The Central Visayas destination became the first Spanish colony in the Philippines, serving as the seat of government before the capital was moved to Manila in 1571. This urban center — originally known as Villa del Santísimo Nombre de Jesús — became the center of Spanish administration, religion, and trade in the Visayas.

The Basilica del Santo Niño, established in 1565, was built on the site where the image of the Santo Niño was rediscovered. It remains one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the country today.

Nearby, Fort San Pedro, a triangular stone fortress, was constructed to protect the settlement from pirates and Muslim raiders. It is the oldest fort in the Philippines and now serves as a museum showcasing colonial-era artifacts.

Spanish Colonial Cebu: Faith, Architecture, and Culture

The Spanish brought Catholicism, education, and Western governance, transforming Cebu’s cultural and political landscape. Missionaries spread Christianity across the island and neighboring provinces, establishing schools, convents, and churches.

Religious Influence

The Augustinian friars led the evangelization efforts, and this southern Philippine province quickly became one of the strongholds of Christianity in Asia. The annual Sinulog Festival, which began as a native dance ritual, evolved into a grand Catholic celebration in honor of the Santo Niño.

Architectural Legacy

Cebu’s Spanish heritage is visible in its historical architecture:

Basilica del Santo Niño – the oldest Catholic church in the country, built in 1565.
Fort San Pedro – symbolizing Cebu’s strategic military importance.
Casa Gorordo Museum – a 19th-century ancestral home that showcases the lifestyle of the Cebuano elite.
Magellan’s Cross – housed in a small chapel near the basilica, representing the introduction of Christianity.

Economic Development under Spain

The Queen City of the South thrived as a port city, facilitating trade between the Spanish Philippines and other Asian regions through the Galleon Trade. Local industries such as fishing, agriculture, and weaving flourished. Central Visayas also became a center for shipbuilding and sugar production, which sustained the local economy for centuries.

Revolution and the End of Spanish Rule

By the late 19th century, nationalist sentiments were spreading throughout the Philippines. Cebuanos actively participated in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule. Figures like Leon Kilat (Pantaleon Villegas) and General Arcadio Maxilom led uprisings in the province, inspiring others to fight for independence.

The revolution ultimately led to Spain’s defeat in the Spanish-American War (1898), and sovereignty over the Philippines was ceded to the United States through the Treaty of Paris.

Southern Philippine province under American Rule

The American colonial period (1898–1946) ushered in modernization and education reforms. English became the medium of instruction, and a public school system was established. Cebuano society became more urbanized and connected to global trade.

Infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and ports improved transportation and commerce. The Provincial Capitol, completed in 1938, stands as an architectural symbol of this era. Cebu’s local governance was strengthened, and democratic institutions began to take root.

World War II and Japanese Occupation

During World War II, Cebu was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. The occupation was marked by hardship, forced labor, and guerrilla warfare. The Cebuano resistance movement, led by figures like Col. James M. Cushing, played a crucial role in liberating the island.

The urban center was heavily damaged during the war, but post-war reconstruction quickly followed with the help of American and Filipino forces. The resilience shown by the people of the city during this period became a defining trait of their identity.

Post-War Reconstruction and Modern Growth

After the Philippines gained independence in 1946, Queen City of the South experienced rapid urbanization. Its central location and skilled labor force made it an attractive destination for investors and industries.

By the late 20th century, southern Philippine province had transformed into a metropolitan hub, second only to Metro Manila in economic importance. The establishment of the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) and later the Cebu IT Park marked Cebu’s entry into the global business arena.

Cebu’s Modern Economy and Infrastructure

Today, Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, boasting a diverse economy driven by tourism, manufacturing, IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management), and real estate.

Tourism and Culture

Cebu’s attractions include:

Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño for heritage tourism
Mactan Island and Malapascua for diving and beaches
Oslob for whale shark watching
Kawasan Falls and Osmeña Peak for eco-tourism adventures

The Sinulog Festival, held every January, remains one of Asia’s largest religious and cultural events, symbolizing Cebu’s vibrant fusion of faith and festivity.

Economic Innovation

The island province continues to attract investors due to its modern port facilities, international airport, and thriving tech industry. The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), inaugurated in 2022, stands as a landmark infrastructure connecting Mactan Island to mainland Cebu.

Cebu’s Cultural Heritage and People

Cebuano culture reflects centuries of local tradition and global influence. The Cebuanos are known for their hospitality, resilience, and strong sense of community. Music, dance, and craftsmanship remain integral to local identity.

Handicrafts such as guitars from Lapu-Lapu City, furniture from Mandaue, and shell crafts continue to be exported worldwide. The local dialect, Cebuano (Bisaya), is spoken by over 20 million Filipinos, making it one of the most widely used languages in the country.

Conclusion

Cebu’s history is not just a timeline of events — it is a narrative of adaptation, endurance, and progress. From its pre-colonial beginnings as the trading port of Sugbu, to the site of the first Catholic mass and settlement, and now as a modern economic powerhouse, Cebu continues to embody the spirit of the Filipino people.

As the Queen City of the South, Cebu stands as a living museum of Philippine history and a beacon of innovation for the future. Its journey reflects the story of the entire nation — rooted in tradition, enriched by struggle, and strengthened by hope.

For more insights about the Visayas region, check out our detailed guide here: Visayas Region Overview

References

National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (2023). History of Cebu.
Cebu Provincial Government. (2024). Cebu Heritage and Culture Portal.
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2024). Cebu Economic Profile.
Wikipedia. (2025). Cebu. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cebu
National Museum of the Philippines. (2023). Pre-colonial Trade and Culture in the Visayas.
Cebu City Government. (2024). Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office.
Sinulog Foundation, Inc. (2023). The Sinulog Festival History.
Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2024). Cebu’s Economic Growth and Modernization.

Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2024). Cebu’s Economic Growth and Modernization.