My hometown :)

Top View of Danao City, Cebu Philippines

Located in the northern part of Cebu is the bustling city of Danao.

It is situated in the eastern between Compostela (7.80 km to the South) and Carmen (8.20 km to the North). It is bounded on the west by the municipalities of Balamban, Asturias, and Tuburan. It is approximately 33.1 km from Cebu City. Danao City is a 3rd class city in the province of Cebu. It is politically subdivided into 42 barangays, namely: 

Baliang, Bayabas, Binaliw, Cabungahan, Cagat-Lamac, Cahumayan, Cambanay, Cambubho, Cogon-Cruz, Danasan, Dungga, Dunggoan, Guinacot, Guinsay, Ibo, Langosig, Lawaan, Licos, Looc, Magtagobtob, Malapoc, Manlayag, Mantija, Masaba, Maslog, Nangka, Oguis, Pili, Poblacion, Quisol, Sabang, Sacsac, Sandayong Norte, Sandayong Sur, Santa Rosa, Santican, Sibacan, Suba, Taboc, Taytay, Togonon, and Tuburan Sur.

HISTORY

No concrete record was able to support the story on how Danao go its name. In 1960’s, there were copies of a story about the beginning of Danao: however, the contents of the said story were said to be only a clear reproduction of an old legendary version which related of a Spanish Captain.

The name of the captain was Manuel Aniceto del Rosario who, as the story went, was commissioned by the early Spanish authorities in the province of Cebu to establish municipalities from what is now Danao City towards the northern part of Cebu.

In compliance with his mission, Captain del Rosario went to the places to perform his duties. When he arrived on a place called Cotcot, he came upon a few natives who were resting and taking time bathing their carabaos in one of the many lakes in the area.

Dismounting his horse, the captain took a little rest. After a short while, he made conversation with the natives. He inquired them what was the name of the place and at the same time pointing his forefinger vertically to the ground where they stood.

The natives thought that the stranger was asking for the name of the small lake where their carabaos were resting and instantly replied: "DANAWAN" (which actually means "small lake" in Cebuano dialect).

According to the story, on account of the Captain's defective sense of hearing, only heard and recorded the first two syllables DA-NAO. Thus begun the early naming of the place DANAO.

Gun Industry At Danao City

Manufactured Guns in Danao City

Through Captain Manuel Aniceto del Rosario’s defective hearing of the early 1960’s,  thus DANAWAN  had become  DANAO..

Danao City is well-known for its gun industry. The industry started around 1905-1906.When World War II came, the Danao gunsmiths went underground, joined the guerrilla movement or were inducted into the USAFFE. Their main task was to re-chamber the Japanese Arisaka rifles to fit the US .30 caliber round or to keep the original Japanese rifle in good service. The industry went on, still underground. In the 1960s, the term PALTIK was given to the homemade (and illegal) guns. In the early 1990s the industry was legalized by the government, with the creation of two organizations of local gunsmiths. The organization now left with proper permit is Workers League of Danao Multi-purpose Cooperative (World MPC), in Dungguan, Danao  City.

Where to go?

The great old church in Danao City: Sto. Thomas de Villanueva Parish Church

 Since the Philippines was explored and conquered by the Spaniards there are a great deal of old churches. One of the examples is the Sto. Thomas de Villanueva Church in Danao. This church was originally built in 1755 by Fr. Manuel de Santa Barbara and was made up of numerous materials including sugar cane and rocks from the sea. Most of the church was destroyed in 1942 during WWII, though the front of the church remained intact. The building was rebuilt in 1946, and in 1981 it went underwent a major reconstruction.

Front view of the church

During night time

Inside the church

Danao City Hall

The boldness and simplicity in design is commendable. By deftly inserting wall panels within the windows the elevation brings to mind a row of columns reminiscent of a classical temple façade sans the pediment. 

The strongly rendered columns attached to a straightforward lintel is a nod to the trabeated, the system of construction used by the Greeks. Emphasis could have been given to the entrance, as a focal point for the façade and for functionality, perhaps a wider overhang and grander stairs. The use of metal cladding underlines the fact that the classic and the contemporary can meld into a harmonious whole.

The Father of Danao City: Ramon Durano, Sr.

Children's Paradise

Situated in Barangay Poblacion where the kids can enjoy freely its facilities and maintained by the city government.

Durano-Macapagal Boardwalk

Situated along the National Highway in Poblacion with an area of 13, 000 square meter. It is infront of Danao City Police Station and beside Durano-Macapagal Fish Port. A Nice place to stroll along the seawal.

Plaza Rizal is just beside the boardwalk.

Danao's Coco Palms Resort

Coco Palms Resort is a newly opened beach resort in Danao, located a few minutes outside of town. The resort offers overnight stay in their deluxe rooms (also available for day use – 900 P check out time 3 pm) or cottages (P 500 8am – 10 pm -15 people) for day use. Jetski (Php 2,000/30 mins) and kayak (Php 100.00/30 mins) are available for hire. Coco Palms resort has a swimming pool (open 8am – 10 pm) complete with slide, restaurant and bar.

DANASAN ECO ADVENTURE PARK

Located in Barangay Danasan (a good hour away from Danao City, Cebu, Philippines), Danasan Eco Adventure Park boasts of 133 hectares of beautiful outdoors. The Park has three (3) caves, a waterfall with three (3) astounding drops, several fresh water springs, and a man-made lake. It also has a wide range of eco-friendly activities that will surely satisfy one’s thirst for adventure.All Park facilities are fully environment-friendly and were carefully planned so as not to cause any harm to the natural beauty of the environment. The Park leverages on nature’s splendor after all.

This one-stop adventure park is the brainchild of a Cebuano family, who had been trying for years to come up with the best way to make use of their property. Ever an adventurous bunch, the idea of building an adventure park on this particular property took hold of the members of the family during one exciting escapade on the other side of the world. What they first planned as a simple zip line and mini recreation center had blossomed into a full-blown adventure and nature park. They had plenty of room to explore and utilize, so why not offer more activities for people to enjoy? The Danasan Eco Adventure Park also provides the perfect chance to promote tourism for the Cebu province, as well as supply plenty of employment opportunities to the local community. For this family, this is their way of sharing their grand adventures to the world.

Activities

Biking

Pedal around the Park on one of our many bicycles and get to do twice the exploration in a day! 

Team Building

What more could strengthen a relationship than a good and memorable adventure? Build a strong bond among your team members through our eco-friendly team building facilities. Live to tell the awesome adventures you and your teammates have shared in Danasan Eco Adventure Park!

Camping

Put up those tents and sleep under the stars! The Park’s camping area has the best view of the night sky, so better get those wishes ready.

Way of the Cross to Grotto

Keep your faith in check and embark in a spiritual adventure at the Park’s Way of the Cross and grotto area, just a few meters from the Clubhouse.

Hiking

Enjoy a panoramic view of Danasan Eco Adventure Park as you walk off those unwanted calories!

 KARANSA FESTIVAL

The KARANSA FESTIVAL is in honor of the

Danao’s patron saint. Santo Tomas De Villanueva.

Karansa is a dance festival that shows the joy and happiness through performing the four basic steps, the kikay, karag, kurug and kurahay. In a little way, its adance to be merry and to celebrates – a word from Councilor Carmen “Ivy” Durano-Meca, committee on Tourism Chairperson. It was called Karansa because the people of Brgy. Suba in Danao City, a known for Potters will gather and celebrates for a successful day of work through performing adance. This the proud of Danawanons which remains its cultures and heritage of Danao City.

Let's now explore DANAO CITY. What are you waiting for, set now your schedule for your trip in wonder City of Danao! ;)