IAFT Cebu and the Mactan Cebu Island
When the cameras stop rolling after classes and during the weekends, IAFT filmmaking, acting and animation students can take advantage of the diverse activities Cebu has to offer. With its lush island backdrop including white-sand beaches and striking mountainous regions, Mactan Cebu truly is a paradise on its own.
Mactan Island – An island located on the southeast of Cebu Island, Mactan Island is a paradise in itself boasting pristine waters, beautiful white sand beaches, making the place famous worldwide. If one is up to an exceptional vacation experience, Mactan can be a great option. Furthermore, the resorts in Mactan offer superb accommodation facilities, scuba diving, wind surfing, boating and other aqua sports opportunities. Considered one of the country’s tourist destinations, Mactan Island offers one-of-a-kind attractions that capture the hearts both of the locals and foreigners. In fact, it is considered as the diving mecca of the south. Locals and foreigners alike often the place since Mactan has more than a dozen beach resorts with complete diving facilities. This particular activity is great especially to diving enthusiasts or even the newbie. Meanwhile, the dive sites along the edge of the island, which is very convenient for beginners and advances divers alike, make everything worthwhile. Some account for a slight current and a perpendicular drop-off which goes down 30 to 50 meters.
Moreover, Mactan Island is a place full of historical accounts—the very site where the Battle of Mactan occurred. According to history, Mactan Battle is the first battle between native Filipinos and Europeans in 1521. In this historic battle, the explorer Ferdinand Magellan met his death at the hands of Lapu-Lapu, one of the island’s most famous rulers. This place has what then became as Lapu-Lapu City—an honour for one of the Philippines very first heroes. The marker can also be found in the island, making the account more interesting–interesting enough for locals and foreigners to flag the place every year. In fact, a yearly celebration has been conceptualized to commemorate this event. Moreover, Mactan Island is one of the country’s symbolic indications of the Filipinos love for freedom and bravery in the face of battles. Furthermore, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which is the country’s second busiest airport, is found on Mactan Island making the place more than accessible to foreigners or to locals. The place has also been popular due to their major product line which include guitars and ukeleles—which also serve as one of the income-producing livelihood for people in Mactan.
