It’s entirely normal for some people to ‘not like’ Cebu. I mean, Cebu is not perfect. We all know that. To us, Cebuanos, Cebu might be a perfect piece of heaven, but to them it’s just like all other Philippine cities – dirty, noisy, ugly.
While I understand that some people have high ’standards’ that govern their everyday living and ideals that they so seriously nurse to hopefully one day achieve, I could not fathom why some people wish ill of Cebu when in fact, SHE has done nothing but welcome them and embrace them like her own.
Last week, my blog entry “Frank Hits Cebu” got an incoming link. It means 
another site/blogger used the link to direct users to that MCPB entry. It was posted by a non-cebuano who is now here in Cebu. Working, most probably. He cited my entry as an example of ‘Gaba’ to the Cebuanos and Cebu. I’m not exactly sure why he felt that Cebu DESERVED to be hit by a typhoon despite the fact that he too lives here. In his Proud To Be Cebuano? post, he also talked about the things he didn’t like about Cebu.
Of course he has the right to speak his mind. No one’s stopping him. But to actually think that the entire Cebuano people, the very ones who took him in, deserved something bad because of the mistakes of some, is greatly repulsive. I’d absolutely understand him if he came here to just while away and spend his bucks on tourist spots and girls. But he lives HERE. So if an intensity 20 earthquake hit Cebu, he’d surely be affected, too. LOL!
Yesterday, the forumers of SSC Cebu talked about a blogger from Davao who is now here in Cebu to review for his licensure exam. In his recent blog entry, he talked about his first week in Cebu. I’m not sure if he’s exaggerating, but he laid out a good number of ‘debatable’ claims.
1. “Water is a scarce resource in Cebu City, as well as sunlight, clean air and good food.” – Seriously?
2. “Drinking from the faucet is suicide, when you are in Cebu.” – I’ve been drinking tap since I was a kid. You’ve got to be kidding me.
3. “It’s located in Colon Street, which we consider as the scariest place on earth.” – LOL. Well, if you walk around with your entire jewelry collection, you have to be really scared.
4. “Tagalog/Filipino is taboo.” – Well, yeah. It’s either Cebuano or English. Hahahaha.
5. “Mwah! (Cebuano) – MOA (Davao Bisaya) – Mall of Asia (English)” – Uhmmm. Last time I checked, Cebuanos ARE good english speakers.
6. “Finding a good and affordable restaurant to eat is very difficult.” – Sure. Sure. LOL.
Well, my very good friend Ramesh (who used to work here) of My Davao Photo Blog is obviously also from Davao. And though he too speaks his mind, his ideas are usually not too far-fetched. And I actually learn from his insights about the dynamics of our cities.
Whatever floats your boat, right? Hehehe.
Like what I just said, everyone’s free to blab. But be very careful when you bite the hand that feeds you. You might get the punt you deserve. Hehehe.
I don’t get the hate either. He can move away or get another job away from cebu, dili ba? I don’t get it. And “gaba” is a term that is so disrespectful and inconsiderate of the people who lost loved ones during Frank. Who’s to say they deserved to lose a loved one? That’s just harsh.
Maybe it’s a matter of nostalgia. Didn’t he mention working almost 20 years in Cebu but always considering Mindanao (somewhere in that big big land) as his home? In my experience, a person removed from his/her hometown always remembers beautiful memories. It’s as if the town is the best in the world.
Personally, the fastest memories of Cebu (my dad’s home province) and Leyte (me and my mom’s home province) to come to mind are always the happy ones. Only later do I remember the noisy, dirty, ugly pieces. ^_^
He’s from Davao, that’s why he doesn’t know about Cebu, it’s understandable. He’s entitled to his opinion, but he should be more appreciative.
This blogger obviously needs more time to appreciate the wonderful place that is Cebu. Hopefully, he’ll grow to realize the errors of his sweeping generalizations. In any case, let’s not stoop to deride him or his hometown. I haven’t been to Davao, but I’m sure it’s a great place too. Let’s show him our hospitality instead, and make him see and feel that Cebu makes a fantastic home away from home.
i remember the story of how the elephant was described by a blind man who touched its tail which differed from the description of another who held its ears.
BTW, are there no competent review centers in Davao, that he has to travel to Cebu?
the poor guy was just telling the truth about Cebu. But Cebuanos can’t accept it. Would they question the subjective perception of people about their city? It hurts but hey thats the truth anyway.
How can you enjoy a city that is too expensive and not to mention so unsafe. Go to Davao and then compare it to Cebu and you be the judge.
Enjoy a city that is too expensive? Go to any large city in the world and you will see that prices there are higher than in the rural areas. Cebu is no exception.
Unsafe? Each city has its own dark pockets. None, not even the most remote village in the world, is free from crime.
he’s telling the truth that drinking tap means suicide? i refuse to yield. your ‘truth’ is but a product of YOUR subjective perception.
pretty soon you’re gonna end up with a flame war in your hands here leylander. nip this issue now because all of us know that this is just a pissing contest.
ley, its not worth it. moving along
yeah. let’s not talk about this anymore.
(ive deleted the links. ty)
for a person to utter a word ‘Gaba’, has a deep sense of anger or just too jealous-in his case, to our beloved Cebu. He could be envious of how Cebu has evolved from her deep slumber during the time of Marcos. Lots of infrastructures are sprouting up recently. Or maybe, his friends belittle him like a 2nd class citizen. He could have thrown that ‘word’ to the person who offended him-not the entire populace.
I can understand Davaoeno finds it disgusting drinking water from the tap. When i visited my relatives in Davao ages ago, what they drink in there is not tap water, but ‘rain’ water-they conserved enough for the next rain. On colon street (hmm. .my birth spot), throw that issue to that big mouth Mayor-let him rebutt the claim of that Davaoeno. Davoaeno speaks more of BisaLog, rather than pure Cebuano-He could be comparing notes with his birth city.
He owes an apology to the entire Cebu. he is ingrate to the city that adopts him/her else, he’ll go home with cotton on his nose.. . .bwahaha . . .hope he reads your blog!!!!
Everyone has the right to freedom of speech…. but ignorance can be treated with education and learning!
I feel bad for this person from Davao, he must have been so
broke and poor that:
1st , he cannot afford to buy bottled water (if he desired to)
2nd , he has to stay in a cheap motel in Colon for he cannot afford to stay in a modest hotel in town (why even bother making a comment if the only reason is “can’t afford”
3rd, don’t go shopping in Cebu your ‘CHEAPSCAKE!”
Ley, don’t even bother, don’t give this individual any time of your day, don’t waste your breath with his ignorance, his a big w/ capital “A” hole!
You are far more better person than him….
tagalasang, UNGOY ka nga. no way we go to Davao not safe.
don’t you know Cebu is the Queen City of the South, your just a jealous bastard. What can you praise or address about Davao, the kidnapping? Your just a cheappepoy cant afford to pay a bottle of water. Dont you dare belittle Cebu.
Hi guys! I agree with what you said about the unkind words that the Dabawenyo guy said about Cebu. His entitled to his opinion but he is not suppose to say that when in fact he has not spend much time in Cebu. Don’t waste your time on him. We all know how wonderful Cebu because I am also a Cebuana who now lives in Davao. In case you want to know Davao is more cleaner, more peaceful (honest), the water taste good because they don’t have deep wells. All their waters are supplied by the water district. It is really a livable city but I still long for my hometown Talisay. I happen to browse this site and since then I visit this occasionally to get updates. Thanks to the author for letting the viewers know how wonderful Cebu really is. Keep up the good work. I’m still working on my site because it’s just new but in case you wanna see what Davao is, try browsing lovingdavao.wordpress.com
How could he say “Gaba”? Do you know what “Gaba” connotates? That God is really angry!! Does he think that my brother Domino Omega gigabaan ba that’s why he is still missing to this day, being a passenger of the Princess. Who is he to judge? My brother is a good person who is only 38 years old, married with 4 children who had a bright future and big family who loves him very much. What happened was not an act of God but, clearly human error!! So does Mr. Davao think that every tragedy, every death that happens in Cebu is because God is angry at the Cebuanos? Take it back you foolish man. Do not live in Cebu if all you see are the negative things. Move back to your Davao!!! How do you dare insult the Cebuano people? I always believe in Karma..What goes around comes around. For you to say such stupid and hurtful things is very very wrong. An apology is in order!!!
Ley,
Good thing you deleted the links. Your blog is “up” there somewhere on top of Google ranking for things about Cebu….and if he linked to your site, great! That only add up to your rank.
Don’t give him any favor with links. LOL!
Obviously, this person loves his birth city more than he does of Cebu but too bad that his town/city doesn’t have all the amenities and opportunities that our dear Cebu offers.
If he doesn’t like it here, he can always pack his bag and go home.
I just hope that he’ll be more tactful next time when it comes to voicing out his opinions especially with events such as that of Typhoon Frank where too many lives were lost and a lot of families are still grieving.
That’s all Ley, keep cool!
*mwah*
i hate to admit it but cebu has its flaws. i can’t accept the term ‘debatable’ if the laid arguments are proven to be true.
as for the other guy who said Gaba, it’s irresponsible for him to use such words. grrrrr….it makes my heart pound of anger.
a basic example of crab mentality….
OA ra sha…i bet someday, he’ll see himself working for the very city he despise…
Ley, don’t waste your time with this kind of people ,narrow minded. MCPB is more popular than his blog, that’s why he/she is jealouse.
More power to your Ley………………we are with you.
aye, most of the hate is subjective in nature indeed,eh……i don’t see any particular reasons to hate Cebu at all, in fact Cebu has the most English speakers that i can clearly understand……… greetings from Leith, Edinburgh
my mom is from cebu by the way!!!!!! keep up the good work mate!!!!
i won’t say its shite to be Cebuano and i wouldn’t say its shite being Scottish either, right?….. every place has it’s own balance of beauty and flaw, so if some cunt would be saying that there place is much more better than ours then no reason to be stooping down to their level then, us cebuanos know what cebu really is, right?…… looking forward to living here someday.
I know of many Kano living their retirement days in Cebu Ctiy and around the province. Many of them complain of the life there. Why in the H–l did they move there I ask? They were sick and tired of the US so they move to Cebu and complain because people don’t do things the US way! I get so frustrated with them.
You know I love Cebu. My motto has long been “Kano akong lawas pero Cebuano akong kasing-kasing”!
I do have an issue with the tap water though. I only drink bottled water when there because I am not acclimated to the tap water. Once I make my permanent move there I plan on slowly introducing my system to tap water as I transition.
Yeah, Colon can be stressful. Not because I’m scared it’s just from the throngs of people there. Like you said, just use common sense. Don’t dress yourself up in your best diamonds and gold and then take a stroll down Colon. LOL
Yes, Tagalog/Pilipino is not spoken much there. Well, it’s in the Visayas! Duh!! They speak Bisayan/Cebuano. Knock, knock, hellooooo? In my opinion Bisaya is a more eloquent language anyway. And Cebuanos are definitely good English speakers. Much better than those who have other native dialects. I should know. I’m Kano and a former radio announcer so I can recognize good English.
Restaurants? C’mon, I’m rolling on the floor laughing now. ROTFLMAO! There are too many wonderful restuarants to even begin to list them. From roadside karenderias, to fast food chains, to local dining establishments to world class restaurants offering the finest cuisine. Hahaha. Let the poor fellow starve, he doesn’t know what he’s missing.
In summation I have noticed that Cebu City is getting a little crowded these days though. So my suggestion is to let him think Cebu is so bad that he stays away. Then we won’t have to put up with him!
aye, it is mate… i’m here in cebu right now and presently putting a dot in this statement which goes, ” i fucking love this place, eh.” and as what i said before every place a balance of flaw and beauty and its commonsense, right? ivs been here in cebu a couple times and now relocating for good….waiting to be enrolled in UCLM…. so to all half-cebuanos who wished to be full-bloodied cebuanos you need not to do the blood compact ritual as you are welcome here and it goes without a saying…… goodbye for good, edinburgh.
We all have our own opinions: some may love it, some may hate it. Whether you love it or hate it, show it! If you hate Cebu, don’t come near it and avoid it. If you love it like we do, LLLOOOVVVEEE it.
I am an old man, Sugbu-anon, kanhi taga Danao ug taga Sugbu. I left Cebu in early 70’s, and now reside in New Jersey. I don’t normally post in blogsites. The phraseology “gi-gabaan ang Cebu ma-o nang gibagyo” is very offensive. Think of all the lives lost in that typhoon. Kid from Davao, you owe the bereaved families an apology. If you do not like Cebu, LEAVE.
Huna-huna-a ni sangga, ang unang mga Kristiyanos, nga milusad sa
Davao, mga Sugbu-anon. Daghan guikan sa Danao, usa nila ang akong iya-an. This was way back in late 1920’s. The infrastructure of Davao City, Sta. Cruz, Digos and Padada. were started by many good Sugbu-anons. (The best gun makers in Davao are from Danao.)
Young man from Davao, “DO NOT SPIT AGAINST THE WIND”; it might get back to you.
hoy! ang hinampak ko nga ig-agaw nga taga scotland ay!!!!!!! angus, nadawat na ka sa UC? maayo unta kay aron makasinati ka ug culture, pure cebuano culture!… pagbinisaya pud panagsa, doh.. mura mag wala ka matudluing tiya dah… sige ayo-ayo gaw….
maayo na noy para ma-sayud siya kung asa gikan ang kasagarang kristiyano sa mindanao.
Lan, what’s the URL of this guy? I wanna f*ck him up.
By the way, I’m also drinking tap water. It has more flouride and mineral salts than mineral or purified water.
nalooy ko niya.. good luck nalang sa iyang liscensure exam.. hehe.
by the way.. mag binisaya ko ha.. kasabot mana silag bisaya pero mag sige og tinagalog.. nganong diri man siya mo board? way board sa ilang bukid? hehe
really ? GABA ? thats not good at all , we all live here in Cebu and Typhoons wont opt-out your house if you are not a real Cebuano. Think twice
personally dili ko mutuo ug gaba kay its either pure consequence or pure coincidence…pero kato-ang bagyo pure coincidence ra gyud.
i’m an ilonggo. when a cebuano or a person from davao is in manila, they are called “bisaya”. i not so keen with that. but what i’m dirve here is that, who is he, that davao blogger to say those things? as if he’s not bisaya? who does he think he is?? at least people from iloilo or bacolod speak ilonngo, while cebuanos speak bisaya or cebuano. what about people from davao? they pretend they have Tagalog as their dialect! what a shame.
i’m an ilonggo. when a cebuano or a person from davao is in manila, they are called “bisaya”. i not so keen with that. but what i’m DRIVING here is that- who is he, that davao blogger to say those things? as if he’s not bisaya? who does he think he is?? at least people from iloilo or bacolod speak ilonGgo, while cebuanos speak bisaya or cebuano. what about people from davao? they pretend they have Tagalog as their dialect! shame. and if he thinks he’s better off in davao why not leave cebu? i have worked in cebu. it’s a great place. and yes, cebuanos speak good english. so stop the pretense. we’re all filipinos here.
i’m an ilonggo. when a cebuano or a person from davao is in manila, they are called “bisaya”. im not so keen with that. but what i’m DRIVING here is that- who is he, that davao blogger to say those things? as if he’s not bisaya? who does he think he is?? at least people from iloilo or bacolod speak ilonGgo, while cebuanos speak bisaya or cebuano. what about people from davao? they pretend they have Tagalog as their dialect! shame. and if he thinks he’s better off in davao why not leave cebu? i have worked in cebu. it’s a great place. and yes, cebuanos speak good english. so stop the pretense. we’re all filipinos here.
I don’t get it. Why do some people hate Cebu when they are Cebuanos anyway. LOL.
It’s just funny. Their ancestors came from Cebu, so in essence, they are cursing the land of their ancestors. LOL.
they come to cebu just to apply work as a maid, construction help, and or just study. anyway all of these people came and molded in an UNCIVILIZED WORLD. anyway they’re poor, its obvious thats why they find greener pasture here in cebu… hope you all of those uncebuano can understand what i say. i bet you cant even read nor write. nor use a computer. LOL