Cebu City
Ce-bu Ci-ty
Usage
The second largest city in the Philippines and Visayas regional center
Grammar Note
Cebu City is one of the Philippines' oldest cities and the first Spanish colonized site. Famous for Magellan's Cross.
Chocolate Hills sa Bohol
Cho-co-la-te Hills sa Bo-hol
Chocolate Hills in Bohol
Usage
Iconic natural landmark of Bohol island
Grammar Note
"Sa" is the locative preposition. Chocolate Hills consists of 1,268 conical hills. A Philippine national natural monument.
Osmena Peak
Os-me-na Peak
Osmena Peak (Cebu's highest point)
Usage
Cebu island's highest peak and hiking destination
Grammar Note
Named after former President Sergio Osmena. At 1,013m elevation. Famous for jagged limestone ridges and panoramic views.
Basilan
Ba-si-lan
Basilan Island
Usage
Island near Mindanao where Cebuano is also spoken
Grammar Note
Basilan is an island off the southern tip of Mindanao. Cebuano extends beyond the Visayas into much of Mindanao.
Surigao
Su-ri-ga-o
Surigao (Mindanao city)
Usage
Major Mindanao city where Cebuano is widely spoken
Grammar Note
Capital of Surigao del Norte province. It is the gateway to Siargao Island, the famous surfing destination, and ferries to the island leave from here.
Siargao Island
Si-ar-ga-o Is-land
Usage
World-famous surf paradise and tropical island destination
Grammar Note
An island in Surigao del Norte, northeastern Mindanao. Home to "Cloud Nine", one of the world's top surfing waves. Cebuano is the dominant language.
Boracay
Bo-ra-kay
Usage
Famous resort island with one of the world's most beautiful beaches
Grammar Note
A small island in Aklan province, Visayas. Its "White Beach" is frequently ranked among the world's best. The Aklanon language (related to Cebuano) is spoken locally.
Palawan
Pa-la-wan
Usage
Known as the most ecologically diverse island in the Philippines
Grammar Note
Called "the last frontier" of the Philippines. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Nido's lagoons are also iconic.
Oslob sa Cebu
Os-lob sa Ce-bu
Oslob in Cebu
Usage
Southern Cebu town famous for whale shark encounters
Grammar Note
"Sa" is the locative preposition. Oslob is world-famous for swimming with whale sharks ("butanding"). About 3 hours south of Cebu City.
Magellan's Cross sa Cebu City
Ma-gel-lan's Cross sa Ce-bu Ci-ty
Magellan's Cross in Cebu City
Usage
Historic and religious symbol of Cebu City
Grammar Note
A cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, symbolizing the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. Located next to the Sto. Niño Basilica.
Mandaue City
Man-da-ue Ci-ty
Usage
The city immediately north of Cebu City, at the mainland end of both bridges to Mactan. Industrial and port area; signage reads "Mandaue City" in English
Lapu-Lapu City
La-pu-La-pu Ci-ty
Usage
The city occupying Mactan Island; the airport and most beach resorts are inside its limits. Saying just "Lapu-Lapu" works with taxi drivers
Mactan Island
Mac-tan Is-land
Usage
Island linked to mainland Cebu by two bridges. Holds the international airport and the resort strip; 30–60 minutes by car to central Cebu City
Moalboal
Mo-al-bo-al
Usage
Town on Cebu's west coast known for the resident sardine run and diving. About 3 hours by bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal
Bantayan Island
Ban-ta-yan Is-land
Usage
Island off Cebu's northwest coast with long white-sand beaches. Reached via Hagnaya Port, about 4 hours overland from Cebu City, then a ferry
Santa Fe
San-ta Fe
Santa Fe, Bantayan
Usage
Port town on Bantayan Island where ferries from Hagnaya dock; most accommodation and beaches are here
Malapascua Island
Ma-la-pas-cua Is-land
Usage
Small island off Cebu's northern tip, known for thresher shark dives. About 30 minutes by outrigger boat from Maya Port
Camotes Islands
Ca-mo-tes Is-lands
Usage
Island group between Cebu and Leyte, part of Cebu province. Quiet beaches and a cave lake; reached by ferry from mainland Cebu
Toledo City
To-le-do Ci-ty
Usage
City on Cebu's west coast. Ferries cross from here to San Carlos on Negros, making it the main west-side island crossing
Tagbilaran City
Tag-bi-la-ran Ci-ty
Usage
Capital of Bohol province. Its port receives the fast ferries from Cebu and is the base for Panglao and the Chocolate Hills
Panglao
Pang-lao
Usage
Island connected to Tagbilaran by bridge, holding Bohol's beach resorts and its international airport
Alona Beach
A-lo-na Beach
Usage
Beach on the south shore of Panglao and the densest cluster of hotels, restaurants and dive shops in Bohol
Loboc
Lo-boc
Usage
Inland Bohol town known for its river cruises and Spanish-era church, on the road to the Chocolate Hills
Dumaguete City
Du-ma-gue-te Ci-ty
Usage
Capital of Negros Oriental, a university town and the departure point for boats to Siquijor, Apo Island and Cebu
Apo Island
A-po Is-land
Usage
Small island marine sanctuary off Negros Oriental, famous for sea turtles and coral. Boats leave from the coast south of Dumaguete
Siquijor
Si-qui-jor
Usage
An island that is also its own province. Known in folklore for sorcery but in practice a quiet island of beaches and waterfalls, about an hour by boat from Dumaguete
San Juan, Siquijor
San Juan, Si-qui-jor
Usage
Town on Siquijor's west coast where most visitors stay; the beachfront lodging strip of the island
Larena
La-re-na
Usage
Port town in northeastern Siquijor. The island's second gateway alongside Siquijor Port, used by some Cebu-bound sailings
Tacloban City
Tac-lo-ban Ci-ty
Usage
Main city of northeastern Leyte. The local language is Waray, though Cebuano is widely understood. Linked to Samar by the San Juanico Bridge
Ormoc City
Or-moc Ci-ty
Usage
City on the west coast of Leyte, 2–3 hours by fast ferry from Cebu City and the quickest way into Leyte. Cebuano-speaking
Maasin City
Ma-a-sin Ci-ty
Usage
Capital of Southern Leyte, a Cebuano-speaking city with ferry links to Cebu and Bohol
Limasawa
Li-ma-sa-wa
Usage
Small island in Southern Leyte, recognised as the site of the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines in 1521, marked by a monument
Kalanggaman Island
Ka-lang-ga-man Is-land
Usage
Uninhabited island off western Leyte, known for its long white sandbars. A day trip by boat from Palompon
Palompon
Pa-lom-pon
Usage
Town on Leyte's west coast and the jump-off for Kalanggaman Island; boat registration is handled at the town's tourism office
Davao City
Da-vao Ci-ty
Usage
The largest city in Mindanao and the largest by land area in the country. Base for Mount Apo and Samal Island; signage is in English
Samal Island
Sa-mal Is-land
Usage
Resort island in Davao Gulf, officially the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS). Not the same as Samar island in Eastern Visayas
Mati City
Ma-ti Ci-ty
Usage
Capital of Davao Oriental. Its Pacific-facing Dahican Beach is known for surfing and skimboarding
Cagayan de Oro
Ca-ga-yan de O-ro
Usage
Main city of Northern Mindanao, commonly abbreviated "CDO". Known for whitewater rafting on the Cagayan River and as a gateway to Camiguin
Iligan City
I-li-gan Ci-ty
Usage
City in Lanao del Norte called the "City of Majestic Waterfalls", home to Maria Cristina and Tinago Falls. About 1.5 hours by road from CDO
Camiguin
Ca-mi-guin
Usage
Volcanic island province off the north coast of Mindanao, packing hot springs, waterfalls and a white sandbar into a small area. About an hour by ferry from Balingoan Port
Mambajao
Mam-ba-jao
Usage
Capital of Camiguin on the island's north coast, where the lodging and restaurants are; boats to White Island leave from here
Bukidnon
Bu-kid-non
Usage
Upland province in the Mindanao interior. Cool because of its elevation, known for pineapple plantations and mountain scenery; reached overland south from CDO
Butuan City
Bu-tu-an Ci-ty
Usage
Main city of the Caraga region. Its airport is one of the entry points for the overland route toward Siargao
General Luna
Ge-ne-ral Lu-na
General Luna, Siargao
Usage
Town in southeastern Siargao, universally called "GL". The island's base for lodging, food and surf shops
Dapa
Da-pa
Usage
Port town of Siargao where ferries from Surigao City dock; about 30 minutes by road to General Luna
Dipolog City
Di-po-log Ci-ty
Usage
Capital of Zamboanga del Norte, a Cebuano-speaking city with an airport, adjoining Dapitan City
Dapitan City
Da-pi-tan Ci-ty
Usage
Town where José Rizal lived in exile from 1892 to 1896; the Rizal Shrine preserves the site
General Santos City
Ge-ne-ral San-tos Ci-ty
Usage
Port city in southern Mindanao, abbreviated "GenSan". The country's leading tuna port, with its own airport
Mactan-Cebu International Airport
Mac-tan-Ce-bu In-ter-na-tio-nal Air-port
Usage
The largest international airport in the Visayas and Mindanao (code CEB), on Mactan Island. International flights use Terminal 2, domestic flights Terminal 1; signage is in English
Francisco Bangoy International Airport
Fran-cis-co Ba-ngoy In-ter-na-tio-nal Air-port
Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao)
Usage
Davao's airport (code DVO). Usually called Davao International Airport rather than by its official name; the busiest airport in Mindanao
Laguindingan Airport
La-guin-di-ngan Air-port
Usage
The airport serving Cagayan de Oro (code CGY), about an hour west of the city. Note the airport name differs from the city name when booking
Bohol-Panglao International Airport
Bo-hol-Pang-lao In-ter-na-tio-nal Air-port
Usage
Bohol's airport on Panglao Island (code TAG), opened in 2018 to replace the old Tagbilaran airport
Sibulan Airport
Si-bu-lan Air-port
Sibulan Airport (Dumaguete)
Usage
The airport for Dumaguete (code DGT). Its official name comes from the town of Sibulan, but tickets and signs say "Dumaguete Airport"
Sayak Airport
Sa-yak Air-port
Sayak Airport (Siargao)
Usage
Siargao's airport (code IAO), in the Sayak area of Dapa. Signage and tickets say "Siargao Airport"; about 45 minutes by road to General Luna
Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport
Da-niel Z. Ro-mual-dez Air-port
Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (Tacloban)
Usage
Tacloban's airport (code TAC) and the gateway to northern Leyte; commonly signed simply as Tacloban Airport
Bancasi Airport
Ban-ca-si Air-port
Bancasi Airport (Butuan)
Usage
Butuan's airport (code BXU), also called Bancasi after its location; an entry point for the Caraga region
General Santos International Airport
Ge-ne-ral San-tos In-ter-na-tio-nal Air-port
Usage
The airport serving General Santos City (code GES), with one of the longest runways in southern Mindanao
Dipolog Airport
Di-po-log Air-port
Usage
Dipolog's airport (code DPL), close to the city center and a short drive from Dapitan
Pier 1, Cebu City
Pier 1, Ce-bu Ci-ty
Usage
Cebu City's fastcraft pier, used by many short-haul routes such as Bohol (Tagbilaran). Piers are numbered — always check the number printed on your ticket
Pier 4, Cebu City
Pier 4, Ce-bu Ci-ty
Usage
Passenger pier in Cebu City used by large ferries and fastcraft. Because the piers are split by number, tell the taxi driver the number — "Pier 4"
Cebu International Port
Ce-bu In-ter-na-tio-nal Port
Usage
Cebu City's main port facility, part of the numbered pier complex, handling ocean-going vessels and large ferries. Signage is in English
Tagbilaran Port
Tag-bi-la-ran Port
Usage
Bohol's main passenger port, about 2 hours by fast ferry from Cebu City. Taxis to Panglao wait outside the terminal
Tubigon Port
Tu-bi-gon Port
Usage
Port on northwestern Bohol with the shortest crossing from Cebu City; a shortcut for heading inland toward the Chocolate Hills
Jagna Port
Jag-na Port
Usage
Port on southeastern Bohol with sailings to Camiguin and the north coast of Mindanao — a key Visayas–Mindanao link
Sibulan Port
Si-bu-lan Port
Usage
Port in Sibulan just north of Dumaguete, with frequent small ferries to Liloan Port at the southern tip of Cebu
Liloan Port, Santander
Li-lo-an Port, San-tan-der
Usage
Port at Cebu's southern tip in Santander, the crossing to Sibulan on Negros. Not to be confused with the other Liloan in Southern Leyte
Dumaguete Port
Du-ma-gue-te Port
Usage
Passenger port in central Dumaguete with fastcraft to Siquijor and sailings toward Cebu; within walking distance of downtown
Siquijor Port
Si-qui-jor Port
Usage
Siquijor's main port where the Dumaguete fastcraft docks; tricycles run from here to the San Juan lodging strip
Larena Port
La-re-na Port
Usage
Port in northeastern Siquijor — a different pier from Siquijor Port, so check which port name is on your ticket
Ormoc Port
Or-moc Port
Usage
Port on western Leyte, 2–3 hours by fast ferry from Cebu City, with a further 2 hours overland to Tacloban
Maasin Port
Ma-a-sin Port
Usage
Port of Maasin City in Southern Leyte, a regional terminal with sailings toward Cebu and Bohol
Lipata Ferry Terminal
Li-pa-ta Fer-ry Ter-mi-nal
Lipata Ferry Terminal, Surigao
Usage
Roll-on ferry terminal outside Surigao City with car ferries to Liloan in Southern Leyte — the main Mindanao–Visayas road crossing
Dapa Port
Da-pa Port
Dapa Port, Siargao
Usage
Siargao's gateway port, receiving ferries from Surigao City. Shared vans to General Luna wait at the pier
Hagnaya Port
Hag-na-ya Port
Usage
Port in San Remigio, northwestern Cebu, with ferries to Santa Fe on Bantayan Island. About 4 hours by bus from Cebu City
Maya Port
Ma-ya Port
Usage
Port in Daanbantayan at Cebu's northern tip, where the outrigger boats to Malapascua leave
Benoni Port
Be-no-ni Port
Benoni Port, Camiguin
Usage
Port on Camiguin's south coast serving the ferry to Balingoan on Mindanao; about 30 minutes by road to Mambajao
Balingoan Port
Ba-li-ngo-an Port
Usage
Port in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental — the mainland end of the Camiguin ferry. About 2 hours east of CDO by bus
Macabalan Port
Ma-ca-ba-lan Port
Macabalan Port, Cagayan de Oro
Usage
Cagayan de Oro's passenger port, with large ferries to Cebu and Manila. Locally referred to as Macabalan after the district
Sasa Wharf
Sa-sa Wharf
Sasa Wharf, Davao
Usage
Port in the Sasa district of northern Davao City; the ferries across to Samal Island leave from the wharves here
Cebu South Bus Terminal
Ce-bu South Bus Ter-mi-nal
Usage
Terminal in central Cebu City for buses down the southern half of the island — Oslob, Moalboal and Badian all leave from here. Signage is in English
Agora Bus Terminal
A-go-ra Bus Ter-mi-nal
Agora Bus Terminal, Cagayan de Oro
Usage
Cagayan de Oro's main bus terminal, serving Iligan, Butuan, Bukidnon and Balingoan
Davao City Overland Transport Terminal
Da-vao Ci-ty O-ver-land Trans-port Ter-mi-nal
Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (Ecoland)
Usage
Davao's intercity bus terminal, known by its location as "Ecoland" — the name taxi drivers recognise
Colon Street
Co-lon Street
Usage
The main street of downtown Cebu City and reputedly the oldest street in the Philippines. A jeepney hub; stay alert here after dark
Fuente Osmeña Circle
Fuen-te Os-me-ña Cir-cle
Usage
Roundabout in central Cebu City ringed by hotels and restaurants. Jeepney signboards and taxi directions just say "Fuente"
Cebu I.T. Park
Ce-bu I.T. Park
Usage
Office district in the Lahug area of Cebu City with late-night dining; a standard landmark to give a taxi driver
Lahug
La-hug
Usage
District in northern Cebu City containing the I.T. Park and the road up to the hilltop viewpoints; many hotels here
General Maxilom Avenue
Ge-ne-ral Ma-xi-lom A-ve-nue
General Maxilom Avenue (Mango Avenue)
Usage
Main avenue in central Cebu City. Street signs use the official name, but locals still say "Mango Avenue" — that is what taxi drivers understand
Cebu Provincial Capitol
Ce-bu Pro-vin-cial Ca-pi-tol
Usage
Provincial government building at the north end of Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City. Saying just "Capitol" is enough for a taxi
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Ba-si-li-ca Mi-no-re del San-to Ni-ño
Usage
Church in Cebu City founded in 1565, the oldest in the Philippines. It enshrines the Santo Niño image left by Magellan and is the focus of the January Sinulog festival
Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pe-dro
Usage
Triangular Spanish-era fort near Cebu City's waterfront — the oldest and smallest stone fort in the Philippines, walkable from the piers
Cebu Taoist Temple
Ce-bu Ta-o-ist Tem-ple
Usage
Taoist temple of the Chinese community on a hill in the Beverly Hills subdivision, northern Cebu City, with wide views over town
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Ce-bu Me-tro-po-li-tan Ca-the-dral
Usage
Seat of the Archdiocese of Cebu, a short walk from Magellan's Cross and easily combined with the rest of the old-town walk
Mactan Shrine
Mac-tan Shrine
Usage
Historical park at Punta Engaño on Mactan Island marking the 1521 Battle of Mactan where Magellan was killed; the Lapu-Lapu statue stands here
Kawasan Falls
Ka-wa-san Falls
Usage
Waterfall in Badian, southwestern Cebu, known for its turquoise pools and canyoneering. About 3 hours by road from Cebu City
Tumalog Falls
Tu-ma-log Falls
Usage
Waterfall in Oslob with a curtain-like flow, usually visited on the same trip as the whale sharks
Sumilon Island
Su-mi-lon Is-land
Usage
Small island off Oslob, the first marine sanctuary declared in the Philippines, with a white sandbar that shifts with the tide
Pescador Island
Pes-ca-dor Is-land
Usage
Rocky islet off Moalboal, a well-known drop-off dive site about 15 minutes out by boat
Simala Shrine
Si-ma-la Shrine
Usage
Castle-like pilgrimage church in Sibonga, southern Cebu, officially the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist. Crowded on weekends
Loboc River
Lo-boc Ri-ver
Usage
River in Bohol known for its lunch-cruise boats, usually built into the same day trip as the Chocolate Hills
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
Phi-lip-pine Tar-si-er Sanc-tu-a-ry
Usage
Tarsier sanctuary in Corella, Bohol, where the animals are seen in near-wild conditions. Noise and camera flash are prohibited
Blood Compact Shrine
Blood Com-pact Shrine
Usage
Monument outside Tagbilaran marking the 1565 blood compact (Sandugo) between Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna. Signage is in English
Baclayon Church
Bac-la-yon Church
Usage
Old coral-stone church in Baclayon, Bohol, damaged in the 2013 earthquake and since restored. A national cultural treasure
Hinagdanan Cave
Hi-nag-da-nan Cave
Usage
Limestone cave on Panglao Island with an underground pool lit by holes in the roof; swimming is allowed
Balicasag Island
Ba-li-ca-sag Is-land
Usage
Small island off Panglao, a noted dive and snorkel site for sea turtles and schooling jacks
Bilar Man-Made Forest
Bi-lar Man-Made Fo-rest
Usage
Stretch of planted mahogany lining the road in Bilar, Bohol — a standard photo stop on the way to the Chocolate Hills
Cambugahay Falls
Cam-bu-ga-hay Falls
Usage
Multi-tiered waterfall in Lazi, Siquijor, known for its blue pools and rope swing; a fixture on island tours
San Juanico Bridge
San Jua-ni-co Bridge
Usage
About 2.16 km long, linking Leyte and Samar just north of Tacloban; one of the longest bridges in the Philippines
Mount Apo
Mount A-po
Usage
At 2,954 m the highest mountain in the Philippines, west of Davao City. Climbing it takes several days and requires a permit and registration
Maria Cristina Falls
Ma-ri-a Cris-ti-na Falls
Usage
About 98 m high, in Iligan City. It powers a hydroelectric plant, so the flow is scheduled — time your visit to the release
Tinago Falls
Ti-na-go Falls
Usage
Waterfall outside Iligan whose name means "hidden" — reached by a long stairway into the ravine, with a deep blue pool for swimming
Katibawasan Falls
Ka-ti-ba-wa-san Falls
Usage
About 70 m high, near Mambajao on Camiguin, with a cold plunge pool. A standard stop on the island loop
White Island
White Is-land
White Island, Camiguin
Usage
Bare white sandbar off Camiguin's north coast. There is no shade and it shrinks at high tide, so most people go in the morning
Sunken Cemetery
Sun-ken Ce-me-te-ry
Usage
Cemetery on Camiguin submerged by a 19th-century volcanic eruption, marked by a large cross standing offshore
Tinuy-an Falls
Ti-nuy-an Falls
Usage
Three-tiered waterfall about 95 m wide in Bislig, Surigao del Sur, nicknamed the "Niagara of the Philippines"
Hinatuan Enchanted River
Hi-na-tu-an En-chan-ted Ri-ver
Usage
Spring-fed river in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, known for its deep sapphire pool. Swimming pauses for the midday fish feeding
Sohoton Cove
So-ho-ton Cove
Usage
Cove on Bucas Grande Island, Surigao del Norte, known for its stingless jellyfish lagoon and a rock gateway passable only at low tide
Cloud Nine
Cloud Nine, Siargao
Usage
Surf break at General Luna on Siargao. A wooden boardwalk runs out over the reef to watch from, and it doubles as the island's main landmark
Philippine Eagle Center
Phi-lip-pine Ea-gle Cen-ter
Usage
Breeding and conservation center for the national bird in Malagos, northern Davao City, about an hour from downtown
More Cebuano phrases
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