I couldn’t forget the first time I roamed around the City of Cebu, way back when I was 15 years old. I took an entrance exam at the University of San Carlos and it was actually my first time to wander here all by myself, without my family or friends.

Upon seeing the crowded streets, I felt afraid of being lost in this strange place. Although I was born in Cebu City, I was raised in the province of Asturias, a town situated at the Northwestern part of Cebu Island, at a peaceful rural area 80 kms. away from the Capitol.

As I began to walk towards N. Bacalso Street, I never stopped noting landmarks and buildings for my possible route back to the South Bus Terminal. Hearing the horns of the vehicles passing by made me want to go back to the bus station and ride back home, but it was my courage and determination that made me pursue my journey.

I was very keen at that time to watch every vehicle that passed by, although my family always brought me to the City and we would ride a jeepney together. At that time, it was so different and riding one would make my journey seem long and difficult.

After minutes of observing, I noticed numbers on top of every PUJ aside from the sign boards in its front glass. I wondered why there is a number when both sides of the vehicle are painted with its destination. I got curious.

There was one time, when I traveled to Metro Manila, I did not see similar number signs on top of the Public Utility Jeepney. I went to Bacolod City, Ormoc City, Tagbilaran and Ilo-ilo City and my observation is the same, that number codes are unique to Cebu City.

So I decided to write those numbers with their corresponding routes thinking that in some instance perhaps this can be of great help to those who are first-timers in the Queen City of the South.

Happy wandering!

A Guide to Avoid THIEVES in Cebu: Jeepneys are Dangerous