Located 28 kilometers from Mactan-Cebu International Airport and accessible via the new CCLEX bridge, Talisay City is a thriving community positioned to be a key economic player in the Visayas.

THE PAST

Talisay is said to be named after the magtalisay trees that grew in abundance in the area. In 1648, during the Spanish time, the Augustinian order was granted an estate which they turned into a sugarcane plantation. Starting as a small sitio around a humble church, it soon grew into a decent municipality known as friarlands, much like other vast acreage granted by the Spanish provisionary government during that time. Talisay sitio produced an active revolutionary faction against the Spanish colonizers, and was home to the Katipuneros and the Aliño family, composed of four brothers, who famously drew first blood against the Spaniards. Their courageous exploits during the 1890s extended to the Spanish-American war, establishing the townspeople’s bravery.

During World War II, Talisay served again as the center of guerrilla operations by the Philippine resistance movement in Cebu. Returning American troops, aided by Philippine Commonwealth forces and the local guerrillas, landed on its beach on March 26, 1945, and later liberated the province from the Japanese occupiers. That significant day in history is marked by the National Historic Shrine Liberation Monument located on the shores of Poblacion.

THE PRESENT

Much progress has been seen in infrastructure projects and public service since Talisay gained its cityhood in 2000 through the efforts of then Representative Eduardo Gullas, the former Cebu provincial governor who also became Talisay City’s first mayor.

These days, the city is linked to Cebu City and the town of Minglanilla by the South Coastal Road. This six-lane highway with exits to several areas in Talisay has dramatically eased traffic for the dwellers of this primarily residential city.

Talisay City’s administration, headed by Mayor Samsam Gullas, has several tourism initiatives to be rolled out in the next two years. For example, a lechon-inspired food court designed by Vito Selma will soon be introduced.

At the same time, another noted Cebu designer, Kenneth Cobonpue was tasked to draw a park for families with a skating rink which will be groundbreaking soon.

Most of these attractions are centered around the city’s Liberation Park in Poblacion, with the coastal boardwalk extended to reach the park. “We’d like Talisay City to be a family-centered city for everyone, and we invite tourists to come and appreciate our rich culture of history and food,” Mayor Gullas affirms as he moves forward to make his vision of molding Talisay City as the Tourism Gateway to the South.

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF TALISAY CITY

The historic city of Talisay, located in the southern part of the island of Cebu, has hidden gems for visitors to explore. It has natural tourist spots, like the dive spot, Lagundi Reef and Igotan Cave; a family park, Crocolandia; and many more. The original bells of the old Sta. Teresa de Avila church, built in 1836, no longer ring today but its parishioners remain devoted and congregate at what has now been declared an archdiocesan shrine. October 15 is the feast day of the city’s patron saint, celebrated with much fanfare, including the colorful parade called Halad Inasal Festival.

STA. THERESA DE AVILA CHURCH

The city’s historic church is a shrine to St. Teresa de Avila. The first church was built in 1836. A typhoon damaged the tower in 1877, but was quickly rebuilt. The current church is from 1880 and is one of the first churches in the Philippines done in the classic Greek architectural style. The structure was badly damaged in World War II with only the facade and some parts of the walls left standing. The church has since been rebuilt and plays a central role in the annual fiesta celebrated every October 15.

TABUNOK PUBLIC MARKET

For a truly immersive sounds and sights experience, the city’s public market and all its chaos of traffic and crowds, is a good primer for visitors. With hundreds of vendors peddling fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, all vying for attention, there are a lot of deals to be had for those who know how to bargain. The market was renovated in 2018, and is now housed under a high ceiling for better ventilation.

IGOTAN CAVE

This remote cave, located up the hills of Talisay, is a local favorite with its own folklore – as the hiding place for Japanese stragglers after the war, or even mythical creatures. The site has two

small waterfalls where visitors can bathe – close to the entrance and another one deep inside the cave. It takes about 20 minutes to trek once you enter the cave, from end to end. As in any water cave, guests need comfortable hiking or beach

shoes for protection. It is a good 20 minute walk from the main road, and the path is tough. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Minimal

entrance fee of P10 to P35 per person. Located in Barangay Jacuplan.

VILLA TERESITA RESORT

With several swimming pools in all shapes and depths, and matching water slides, this family-oriented resort is perfect for l groups and guests of all ages. It offers affordable day rates (admission is only P100 for day use, and P400 rental for a cottage) as well as overnight stays in regular rooms or dormitory type. Located in Barangay Biasong.

LARAWAN BEACH

This public beach with black volcanic sand is another local favorite as there are no entrance fees. Weekends are crowded with family and big groups. There are several food stands around the area where you can order fresh seafood like kinilaw (the local ceviche) or grilled catch of the day. But definitely try the famous Talisay lechon, best eaten with puso (rice), and dipped in local vinegar. This is also a good starting point to rent boats for cruising around the island. Located in Barangay Poblacion.

LIBERATION PARK

Also known as the Talisay Heritage Park, this National Historical Shrine commemorates the victory and marks the location of the landing of the American Liberation Forces on the island of Cebu in 1945. There are seven larger than life monuments of soldiers erected to honor Filipino and American soldiers who gave their life to free Cebu from the Japanese during World War 2. Located in Barangay Poblacion.