ANYONE who has been traditionally bound to the northern and the southern will most likely unearth secrets in the west. And even after discovery, some are still kept under wraps. To see is to believe: not a mouthful of sales-talk could ever convince the skeptic.

Both the northern and southern poles of Cebu have been established by history, mysticism, and attractions. But, either to know the secret first or to chase waterfalls, travelers are allured by mid-west Cebu.

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The Suroy-Suroy Sugbo: Explore the Mid-west unraveled these secrets to more than a hundred tourists. The caravan covered Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo city, and Balamban, Asturias, Tuburan, and Tabuelan.

Approximately two hours from South Bus Terminal and through Valencia, Car-Car, you may begin your own mid-west excursion.

Read on to find each town’s surprises and secrets.

Top Secret No. 1: that they know
how to party hard

Except Balamban, all towns in the mid-west have festivals (the provincial version of cosmopolitan parties). Street dancing is a means of gathering people on common ground, accompanying the feast of their patron saints.

In Tuburan, Toledo, Pinamungahan, and Asturias, it is participated in by private colleges and national high schools. Apart from trophies and plaques, the contingents receive cash prizes, ranging from P10,000 to P50,000.

For most of the residents, family reunions are held during these feasts.

Top Secret No. 2: that these
silent towns are advancing

The Commercial Village in Toledo city, where fast-food chains sprawl, thrives in Barangay Poblacion; at the same time, the World War II defense camp and Sta. Ana-Veloso heritage are preserved.

If Toledo city has Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development, Balamban renders hectares of land to Tsunieshi Heavy Industries, a construction and repair plant of ships in Barangay Buanoy. Though it might be a risk to invest in this sleepy town, the company continues to flourish for more than a decade.

The second floor of Tuburan’s old municipal building is now transformed into a town museum that houses artifacts, pronouncing its glorious past. Five galleries represent significant events that happened in this pueblo.

Top Secret No. 3: that you can
chase waterfalls

Start the trail in Sinungkulan Falls in Pinamungajan. Then, dip in the cool waters of Gwanon. But those who are addicted to pristine beaches can take a dive in Campalabo Islet.

In Tuburan, the Molobolo Spring water falls on an aesthetic rock formation that connects with the sea. You can also bathe in Manguyakuya Falls or in Malubog Lake in Toledo city.

Top Secret No. 4: that you can
still live in caves

If cold springs are sending you chills, go caving. Explore the Kantungkab Cave in Tabuelan, and then trace the burial site of Filipinos and Japanese soldiers during World War II.

Two caves are found in Toledo city: Bulongan Cave in Bulongan, and Pandong Bato in Media Once.

Caves were used as residences of the early settlers. Even until now, these rock formations are sturdy enough to withstand heat, wind, and storm.

The Marmol Cliff in Pinamungajan and Pulta in Aloguinsan remain to be two of God’s mysteries in the mid-west.