Region VII in the central Philippines includes four provinces and three highly urbanized cities. It has a total population of over 6 million people, making it the 5th most populous region. The region's economy depends heavily on tourism, with popular attractions including beaches, dive sites, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and historical Spanish colonial structures. Cebu City is the largest city and center of commerce in the region.

1. R E G I O N VII CENTRAL VISAYAS PREPARED BY: Angcon, Van Vinncent S, Rublica, abigael Pacinio, Dindo

2. Region VII A region of the Philippines located in the central part of the Visayas island group . It consists of four provinces — Bohol , Cebu , Negros Oriental , and Siquijor — and the highly urbanized cities of Cebu City , Lapu-Lapu City , and Mandaue City . The region is dominated by the native speakers of Cebuano . Cebu City is its regional center. Total land area: 15,875 km². Total population: 6,398,628 making it the 5th most populous of the country's 17 regions.

4. Do you know of food products that you can buy in the region? The mangoes of Cebu are also famous for its sweetness and size. Mangoes are harvested all year round These fruits are exported to other countries. The center of commerce in the southern part of the Philippines is Cebu. Many foreigners establish their businesses there. This is one reason why the Mactan International Airport was constructed. Tourism plays a big part in the economic development of the region. The tourists flock to see the Shrine of Magellan's Cross in Cebu. Bohol's pride is the Chocolate Hills. Oil is also being tapped in the region. It is believed that in the years to follow, the progress in the region would be greater if oil is properly drawn out and it will help in the needs of the country. There are other natural resources waiting to be nurtured and used properly. Businessmen, both local and foreign, would be more than willing to put up their trade. The local and national economies would be a lot better if these plans would push through.

5. Province of Cebu Cebu is a large island in the Visayas region of the Philippines . The larger Negros Island lies just across the Tanon Strait to the west. The largest city (and the oldest in the Philippines) is Cebu City , often called the Queen City of the South . The main touristic areas are Mactan Island and Badian Island where you can find large high-end resorts and hotels offering all kind of luxury. There is also an Aquarium Attraction named Mactan Island Aquarium Museum [1] on Mactan Island. Apart from that there are smaller resorts in fisher villages in the South offering a more Filipino experience.

6. Strategic Location Longtitude:123°18' and 124°40' eastLatitude 9°25 and 11°21' north Congressional Districts: 6 Land Area in Hectare508,844 Chartered Cities: 2 ComponentCities:7 Municipalities:44 Barangays:1,202 Population:2,377,588

7. Households:2,876 Income Classification:1 st Distance From Capita:l588 kilometers (365 miles) Time Travel From Capital:1 hour by plane BoundariesNorth - Visayan Sea Northeast - Camotes Sea West - Tañon Strait South - Mindanao Sea Southeast - Bohol Strait

8. CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE Cebu is a kaleidoscope of varying cultures and lifestyles, a meeting of east and west, a fusion of things traditional and modern. These, plus the convergence of various personalities and groups from varying backgrounds give the island a culture and lifestyle that is uniquely Cebu. Traditions remain unchanged over the years, while every taste of things that are modern is embraced.

9. Forty-four towns and seven cities, various urban centers and countryside, islands and mountain ranges, age-old crafts and new technology. These diverse factors give the many faces of Cebu but still, all lead to one culture of excellence and piety, and a lifestyle of stylish fun all rolled into one.

10. Food Rice is the main staple for Cebuanos. Being an island-province, fish (fresh or dried), crabs, seashells, shrimp and other seafood are a common sight in most tables, although pork, chicken and vegetables are equally accessible as well. Barbeque and puso (hanging rice or boiled rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves) have become customary. Fast-food abound, although international restaurants--- whether European, Korean or something else, are everywhere.

12. Traditions and Fiestas

13. Famous among a myriad of festivities in the province Siloy Festival of Alcoy, every last Saturday of August, pays tribute to Patron Saint Rose of Lima Mantawi Festival of Mandaue City, illustrates the city’s heritage and identity as industrial center through floats, food festival and trade fairs. Kadaugan sa Mactan of Mactan Island, commemorates the historic battle between the Spanish leader Ferdinand Magellan and Mactan Chieftain Lapu-lapu.

14. Famous among a myriad of festivities in the province Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island, every last week of June, locals and guests alike participate in street dancing which captures the traditional fishing, a livelihood inherent in the island. Haladaya Festival of Daanbantayan Sinulog Festival in honor of Señor Sto Niño de Cebu which is celebrated every third Sunday of January.

15. Hotels, Beaches and Beach Resorts in Cebu City

17. Hotels, Beaches and Beach Resorts in Cebu City Alegre Beach Resort -approximately 75 km from Mactan Cebu International Airport and 66 km from Cebu City. Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort -16 kilometers from Cebu City. 10 kilometers from the Mactan International Airport. Badian Island Resort -Minimum stay in low season: 3 nights. Minimum stay in high season: 5 nights. The Badian Island Resort & Spa at the southwest side of Cebu is just a two and a half hours drive from Cebu International Airport, where our guests are warmly welcomed by our staff.

18. Hotels, Beaches and Beach Resorts in Cebu City Olango Wildlife Sanctuary Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary and Art Gallery Cebu White Sands

19. h o t e l s Waterfront Cebu City Hotel Marriott Cebu City Crown Regency Hotel Shangri-las Mactan Resort and Spa Plantation Bay Hilton Cebu Hotel and Spa

20. h o t e l s Imperial Palace

21. Cebuano Cuisines Lechon Baboy Guso Salad Baked Oyster Barbeque Larshan Th

22. The Land of History and Natural Beauty

23. The Province of Bohol

24. Geography and Topography The Island of Bohol is oval- shaped mainland surrounded with 73 smaller islands, having a gently rolling terrain, ideal for commercial and industrial site development. Bohol's mountainous interior is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna. At certain points, hills drop steeply to the coast from a maximum elevation of 870 meters above sea level. The interior uplands are fit for agro-forestry and high value agricultural production. The central and northern lowlands have also fertile grounds and abundant water supply. Over a hundred caves have been identified, the biggest of which is found in the eastern part which makes Bohol ideal for spelunking adventures

25. Geography and Topography Name : Bohol Location Region VII (Central Visayas) 803 km. south of Manila 79 km southeast of Cebu Capital Tagbilaran City Cities 1 ( Tagbilaran City ) Municipalities : 47 Barangays 1,109 Land Area 4,117.26 square kilometers Population Province: 1,230,110 (2007 Census) City: 92,297 (2007 Census) Language/Dialects Boholano, English, Tagalog, Chinese

27. Bohol boasts of six pillars of tourism. Where can you ever find this generous package of ALL six tourism attractions in just one island? Only in Bohol.

28. CHOCOLATE HILLS The world-renowned cone-shaped Chocolate Hills is Nature's expression of beauty, mystery and romance. Spread over the Municipalities of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan , the Chocolate Hills is the province's signature attraction. It consists of approximately 1,268 haycock hills with heights ranging from 40 to 120 meters. Formed centuries ago by tidal movements, the hills are considered as a National Geologic Movement. During the summers, the dome-shaped grass covered limestone hills dry up and turn brown, transforming the area into seemingly endless rows of chocolate “kisses”. Two of the highest hills have been developed and provided with facilities such as a restaurant, hostel and viewdeck.

29. Would you believe that the tarsier , the smallest living primate, measuring 4 to 5 inches and a tail longer than its body, can easily fit snugly in the human hand and is 36 million years old? Being endemic in limited forest pockets in Bohol and having the status of an endangered species, the tarsier has generated substantial interest. TARSIER

30. DIVE SITES A1 dive sites in Balicasag and Cabilao Islands enable one to marvel at one of the most colorful and exotic display of marine life comparable to Tubattaha of Palawan, a world heritage site. Three words describe diving in Bohol: deep, steep wall. The undersea terrain is predominantly limestone and there are overhangs, crevices and declivitous walls that contribute to the underwater beauty of the province's dive sites. Marine life is abundant even in the off-season. The steep walls provide permanent niches for moray eels, lionfish, coral stalactites, sponges and a lot of other specie

31. BEACHES & RESORTS

32. BOHOL RECOMMENDED RESORTS Alona Kew White Beach Resort Alona Tropical Beach Resort -located at Alona Beach, Tawala, Panglao Island, Bohol Alona Palm Beach Resort & Restaurant -located on a slightly elevated area in the middle of a tropical garden, spacious and quie

33. BOHOL RECOMMENDED RESORTS Amarela BOHOL BEACH CLUB BOHOL TROPICS PANGLAO ISLAND NATURE RESORT

34. HERITAGE SITES Without doubt, Bohol is also blessed with the most number of well-preserved, although deteriorating, heritage structures built during the Spanish colonial era . These structures, made of coraline limestones , include the churches, conventos, watchtowers, escuelas de niños y niñas, cabildos and presidencias, and old bridges.

35. ARTS & CULTURE Bohol's sixth pillar of tourism is our people's dynamic arts, artistic traditions, and cultural expressions. In music, painting, dance, literature, theatre, sculpture, and most recently the movies, Boholanos have reared both artistic talents and exceptional artists who rose to national stature and international distinction.

36. Come to Bohol - and experience the imaginative expressions of the Booleans spirit, the vitality of its culture, and the beauty of its artistic world.

37. SANDUGO FESTIVAL And these virtues and values have been celebrated in many a cultural event, through the efforts of a lot of artists and cultural works. The most festive of all is the SANDUGO FESTIVAL SEASON , celebrated every July.

38. TEATRO BOL-ANON Be magnetized by the dramatic power of Teatro Bol-anon , the first repertory theater company in Bohol

39. ECO-TREKS Experience the thrill of venturing towards natural heights and behold the world of green fields and blue waters . . . Discover unfamiliar trails where leaves are brown and crisp under your feet; or just plain camp out and commune with Mother Nature .

40. MANGROVES Banacon is one of the islets along the Danajon Bank, the only double barrier reef in the country and rich in marine life. Go kayaking, canoeing or the simple pleasure of rowing along the bakauan plantation , probably the first and biggest in Asia. Trek to sitio Pandayan for buri product demonstration tour, loom weaving of raffia, nipa thatches making and other local crafts.

41. SPELUNKING Or seek hidden adventures as you discover eerie formations, hidden springs of cool waters, or bats and insects that thrive in the beautifully mysterious caves of Bohol

42. RAJAH SIKATUNA NATIONAL PARK Discover life within the Rajah Sikatuna National Park through its flora, fauna, and wild life. It has a land area of 9,023 hectares, covering seven municipalities. The park could offer multi-faceted ecological tours due to its biological diversity.

43. BILAR MAN-MADE FOREST Witness the tingling shaft of sunlight that penetrates through lush canopies of teak and mahogany in the man-made forest of Loboc and Bilar .

45. DOLPHIN & WHALE-WATCHING Or just sit and stare in awe at the spinner and spotted dolphins during their early morning frolic. Nestled in the heart of the Bohol Sea is the island of Pamilacan - home of the different species of dolphins and whales. A fishing village, this island paradise is surrounded by pearly-white sand beaches and crystal clear waters where nature’s bounty and absolute beauty meet. The name Pamilacan comes from the word “ pilak ” which is a local term denoted to a large hook implement created and used by the local fisher folks in hunting whale sharks, manta rays and other marine creatures which abound in the area. Already a marine sanctuary, the island is now

46. B oh o l Native De l i c a c i e s TOP NATIVE DELICACES Calamay Peanut Kisses Chunki Nuts

47. Daghan Kaajung Salamat Ka Ninjung Tanan…! Balik…Balik…!

48. The Province of Negros Oriental Negros Oriental (also called Oriental Negros , "Eastern Negros") is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region . It occupies the south-eastern half of the island of Negros , with Negros Occidental comprising the north-western half. It also includes Apo Island — a popular dive site for both local and foreign tourists. Negros Oriental faces Cebu to the east across the Tañon Strait and Siquijor to the south east. The primary spoken language is Cebuano , and the predominant religious denomination is Roman Catholicism . Dumaguete City is the capital, seat of government, and most populous city

49. Region Central Visayas (Region VII) Founded March 10, 1917 Capital Dumaguete City Government - Governor Emilio Macias M.D. Area - Total 5,385.5 km2 (2,079.4 sq mi) Area rank 18th out of 80 Population (2007) - Total 1,231,904 - Density 228.7/km2 (592.4/sq mi) Population rank 18th out of 80 Population density rank 33rd out of 80 Divisions - Independent cities 0 Component cities 5 - Municipalities 20 - Barangays 557 - Districts 1st to 3rd districts of Negros Oriental Time zone PHT ( UTC+8 ) ZIP Code Spoken languages Cebuano (primary language) English (academe, business, government and other official communications) Tagalog (widely understood) Hiligaynon (minority)

51. Festivals Buglasan: Negros Oriental Festival of Festivals In olden times the island of Negros was referred to as Buglas, after the tall reeds that predominated.

52. Pasayaw Festival March 19 Honors St. Joseph with street dancing giving thanks for the harvest that makes the province rice and vegetable bowl

53. Libod Sayaw sa Bindoy April 4 Street dancing based on Philippine folk dances Fluvial Procession June 12 Decorated and lighted boats carry venerated images and devotees along the town’s coastal waters Budyas Festival June 29 Old ritual invokes good fortune on fishermen, image of patron St. Peter & St. Paul are ferried by decorated sea crafts between the two chapels of Tandayag

54. Sinulog de Tanjay 3rd week of July Choreographed procession recounts ancient Moro-Christian conflict and the intercession of patron Señor Santiago Silliman University Founder’s Day August 22- 28 Weeklong activities commemorating the establishment in 1901 of the first Protestant University in the country

55. Hudyaka Festival September 7 Mardi gras and elaborate floats bring secular revelry to the city’s fiesta. St. Paul College Founder’s Day October 21-29 Weeklong activities marking the founding in 1904 of the first St. Paul de Charters institution in the Philippines.

56.  o u r i s t s p o t s , R e s o r t s . Antulang Beach Resort . Apo Island Beach Resort . Atlantis Beach Resort El Dorado Beach Resort . El Oriente Beach Resort

57. Historical Sites Baldwin Locomotive - Bais City Spanish Fortress - Ayungon Central Azucarera de Bais - Bais City Balatong Point - Basay Silliman University - Dumaguete City Looc Memorial Shrine - Sibulan Fil-Am-Jap Amity Shrine - Valencia Spanish Fountain - Valencia Cata-al War Memorabilia - Valenc

59. Native delicasies Budbud piyaya

60. Siquijor is the smallest island province in the Central Visayas Region. It is geographically located midway between the Visayas and Mindanao islands. It is bounded on the Northwest by the islands of Cebu, on the Northeast by Bohol, on the East by Camiguin Island, on the South by mainland Mindanao and on the West by Negros Island. On its northern shore lays the Bohol strait, on its southeast shore, the Mindanao Sea. Siquijor is the third smallest province in the country both in terms of population and land area, after Camiguin and Batanes. For a time it was sub-province of Negros Oriental. Called Isla del Fuego or the "Island of Fire" by the Spanish before, Siquijor is considered by many Filipinos to be a mystical island, full of mysterious and other supernatural phenomena.

61. Map of Siquijor

63. Country Philippines Region Central Visayas (Region VII) Founded September 17, 1971 Capital Siquijor Government - Governor Orlando Fua, Jr. Area - Total 337.5 km2 (130.3 sq mi) Area rank 78th out of 80 Population (2007) - Total 87,695 -

64. Density 259.8/km2 (673/sq mi) Population rank 78th out of 80 Population density rank 25th out of 80 Divisions - Independent cities 0 - Component cities 0 - Municipalities 6 - Barangays 134 - Districts Lone district of Siquijo r Time zone PHT ( UTC+8 ) ZIP Code Spoken languages Cebuano