Formerly known as Pueblo Hinulawan, Toledo is a third class city situated on the central western coast of Cebu. It has a population of over 157, 000 people, according to a 2010 census and is composed of 38 barangays.
Toledo is about 50 kilometers away from Cebu City and is widely known for its huge mining industry owned by Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation (now Carmen Copper Corporation’s Toledo Mine). Aside from mining, the city’s primary sources of livelihood are trading, fishing, and agriculture.
The city’s original name, Hinulawan, comes from its river with the same name. It was then renamed after a Spanish province, Toledo, during the city’s re-establishment as a new town, as founded by Fermin Poloyapoy, Francisco Rodriguez, Francisco Blanco, Agapito Nieves, Juan Libre, Jestoni Estrada, Servando de Jesus, Jacinto Lopez, and Maximo Macapobre. Toledo also became a chartered city in June 19, 1960 under Republic Act No. 2688, which was authored by the late representative of the 6th District of Cebu, Congressman Manuel A. Zosa.
There are 2 operational ports in the city of Toledo. One is used to travel by ferry to San Carlos, Negros Occidental, which is right across the port, about 25 nautical miles away through Tañon Strait. Common transportation facilities in the city are tricycles, jeepneys, and buses.
ATTRACTIONS
Here are some of the reasons Toledo is one of the must-go destinations in the whole Cebu:
Malubog Lake
Source: coolwaterworks.blogspot.com
Located at the mountains of Barangay General Climaco, Malubog is an artificial lake especially made to provide a freshwater source for Atlas Mining and the whole Toledo. This lake is believed to be one of the largest privately owned lakes in the Philippines. It is so big that you can even see it from the Trans-Central Highway!
There is a Lake Cruise in Malubog where you can dine and bond with loved ones while being relaxingly carried through the tranquil waters and have a perfect view of the surrounding hills. You could also have a tour around Malubog Dam Creek, which boasts of stunning limestone cliffs and a magically cascading stream!
To get there, hire a jeepney from Toledo City proper to Malubog, which is scheduled every early morning and late afternoon only. Or better yet, get in touch with the Tourism Office of Toledo Garden City Hall through +63 (32) 3225625 so they can help you with your transportation.
Capilla Santa Ana Museum and Community Center
photo courtesy of http://tesarifoundation.org/
The Tesari Charitable Foundation built the Capilla Santa Ana in 2011 to serve as a multi-purpose building for charitable and religious works. It hosts a community center and a museum of religious artifacts. The capilla also offers spiritual, cultural, and educational guidance as well as community services to children and adults.
One of the most famous features of Capilla Santa Ana is its museum that has a quaint chapel and a wide range of religious icons, relics and artworks from Europe between 18th and 19th century. The exhibits have been acquired and gathered by the Gaite family, who also runs and preserves the place. Entrance fee here is 200 pesos for foreign tourists, 100 pesos for local tourists, and 50 pesos for students.
Hinulawan River & Festival
photo courtesy of viralnetworks.com
“Hinulawan” is the old name of Toledo and is an abbreviated form of “Hinaguang Bulawan”, a Cebuano phrase that literally means “hard-earned gold”.
The Hinulawan Festival, which is inspired by the city’s Hinulawan River, showcases cultural dances that portray Toledo’s past and present. It also highlights Golden Harvest, Golden Friendship, Golden Treasure, and Golden Faith – the four golden features of Toledo City.
Hinulawan Festival happens every 12th day of June during the city’s annual thanksgiving in honor of its patron saint, St. John of Sahagun.
Manguyakuya Falls
photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/West35EcoMountain
Considered as a hidden treasure, the Manguyakuya Falls is an unspoilt waterfalls in Toledo that offers visitors enticing waters, evergreen surroundings, and an overall exciting nature escapade! Experience a guided tour here by getting in touch with West 35 Eco Mountain Resort through (032) 520-2633. Or, email them through [email protected] and visit their official Facebook page
Check out the natural beauty and man-made attractions of Toledo by paying it a visit this summer or any time of the year! To get there, take a v-hire from Citilink Terminal or a bus from South Bus Terminal, which cost around 100 pesos and 60 pesos for the v-hire and the bus, respectively. Travel time would range from 1.5 to 2 hours.
