Mandaue, Industrial city in Cebu, Philippines
Mandaue is an industrial city on the eastern coast of Cebu in the Philippines, covering roughly 25 square kilometers (about 10 square miles). The city consists of factory districts, residential neighborhoods, and a narrow coastal strip linked to a neighboring island by two large bridges.
The settlement was documented in 1521 during Ferdinand Magellan's expedition as Mandawe. Spanish missionaries later transformed the site into a village, which grew into a major production hub during the 20th century.
The name comes from Cebuano and means "made of wax", referring to the candle-making tradition of early settlers. Today you see workshops and factories everywhere, with craftsmen shaping wood into tables and chairs inside open halls.
Two bridges connect the city to a neighboring island and allow easy access to coastal areas. Most factories and workshops sit on the eastern side, while residential zones occupy the western part.
The city produces roughly three quarters of all Philippine furniture exports, using materials sourced from surrounding regions. Small family-run shops often operate beside large factories, crafting pieces according to traditional methods.
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