Mabolo Tree in Mabolo, Cebu

Place Named After Tree (I)

Mabolo is called velvet apple or persimmon (English) and peach bloom (India). This is indigenous in the Philippines. This oblate fruit comes in different colors: pink, brownish, yellow, orange or purple-red skin. In Mabolo, Cebu the fruit looks like santol in the first glance
but on closer look it coated with coppery hairs. Its smell can compete to durian. It is pungent and unpleasant comparable to rotten cheese that emanates from the skin. Therefore it is recommended to peel the fruit first and then refrigerate for few hours before serving. By then, the odor had largely dissipated. The inside is cream colored, moist but not juicy. It tastes sweet like bananas and apples mixed together or, looking at it can be discribed as banana-flavored apple.

There is a little literature the history of the town, Mabolo. There are many stories regarding this town from old folks but those are hard to authenticate. The only thing that is sure of is that the Augustian who owned much of the estates in Cuidad Cebu formed the town. The town became official in 1600. This town obviously has vast land covered with mabolo trees that it is named after it. Unfortunately, centuries later seldom mabolo trees left due to urban development. For almost three years staying in this town I've only seen these within the St. Joseph Parish premises.

Mabolo is located in the center most part of Cebu City. It is walking distance to SM Cebu as well as Ayala Mall. There are also several hotels, schools and banks. Though there many establishments it is still has considerable residential area. You can also access other places like Sto. Niño, IT Park, Fuente and Mandaue with just one ride in jeepney.