CEBU, Philippines — About 32 kilometers northeast of Cebu City is the town of Compostela. Perhaps its close distance to the capital city is the reason why Compostela is not as well known to travelers as it is to its neighbors. It is, in a way, overshadowed by the many glitzy things that the city offers.
Despite its proximity to the city, Compostela is still generally a rural town. The main source of income for the people of Compostela is farming and fishing. People in the mountain barangays raise animals like chicken, goats, pigs, cows and carabaos.
Compostela is composed of 17 barangays: Poblacion, Estaca, Magay, Cogon, Canamucan, Cambayog, Bagalnga, Tubigan, Panangban, Basak, Lupa, Mulao, Dapdap, Tag-ubi, Buluang, Cabadiangan and Tamiao.
The name Compostela surely sounds Spanish, like many other towns in the province. Obviously, this is due to the several centuries of Spanish rule in the country. While other religions have since been established in the town, Roman Catholicism still accounts for the largest religious group in Compostela.
Compostela is named after a town in northwestern Spain, by a friar who supposedly came from that place. The St. James the Apostle Church of Compostela, Cebu, has been declared as an Archdiocesan Shrine. The church, built in 1866, is also the oldest structure in the town.
Compostela is known for its “queseo,” a white cheese made from carabao’s or cow’s milk. Making “queseo” is a home industry in the town. Its economic impact in the lives of the town people is celebrated in the Queseo Festival during the town fiesta, on July 25.
Compostela is also popular for its beaches that mostly line along the national highway. The town has other water resorts too. Visitors may check out:
Gatubod Spring Resort. This is the first mountain resort to open in Compostela, in 2014. It’s a small water park that’s now frequented by locals, both kids and adults.
Stakili Beach Resort or Estaca Bay Garden Resort.
It’s perfect for those who want to spend time away from the bustle of the city. There’s a swimming pool for those who are not in the mood for the vast sea.
Boardwalk Beach Resort. The nice thing about this resort is that it can actually be reached by regular bus or jeepney. It’s easy to locate from the Compostela Municipal Hall. And it has ample space for group activities, too.
Green Lagoon Park. It is one of Compostela’s most popular places during summer, mainly because of its ‘friendly’ rates.
Of course, there are other attractions in the town. On the food side, aside from the “queseo” Compostela is also known for its “Adobo de Compostela,” a uniquely delicious fried adobo. Many people from neighboring towns come to Compostela for these delicacies.
There’s a lot more to discover in Compostela. The town’s tourism office, at the municipal building, will be short to help visitors to the town. It’s just an hour-and-a-half bus ride from the city’s North Bus Terminal. (References: www.everythingcebu.com; www.compostelacebu.com; http://neiledwinwagas5.blogspot.com) Reginald Orio