|
Historical
Magellan’s Cross
(Magellanes St.). Planted in April 21, 1521 by
Ferdinand Magellan; spot where the first
Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen
Juana and about 400 followers, were baptized
by Fr. Pedro Valderema. In 1525 to 1740, the
Agustinian priests built an open shrine for
the cross but the natives began to take chips
from the cross believing it had miraculous
power so a kiosk-like structure was built to
protect the cross from total destruction. To
protect it further, a hallow cross of tinadalo
wood was made to encase the original cross
which still stands today.
Fort San Pedro
(Pier Area, Cebu City). The smallest, oldest
tri-bastion fort in the country. This served
as the nucleus of the Spanish settlement in
the Philippines. It has a total inside area of
2,025 sq. meters. The walls are 20 feet high,
8 feet thick, and the tower is 30 feet high
from the ground. Work was first started on May
8, 1565 with Miguel Lopez De Legazpi breaking
the ground. After the battle of Manila Bay,
Commodore George Dewey turned the fort to the
local Cebuanos, and then it became the
American Warwick Barracks during the American
Regime, which was later converted into
classrooms where the Cebuanos received formal
education.
During World War II, from 1941 to 1945, it
served as fortification for Japanese soldiers.
When the battle for liberation was fought, the
fort served as an army camp. After 1950, Cebu
Garden Club took over and fixed the inner
court into a miniature garden. For a couple of
years it also housed the Cebu City Zoo. In
1978 to August 15, 1993, it housed the offices
of Department of Tourism and the Philippine
Tourism Authority. At present, it is under the
care and administration of the PTA and now
houses the National Museum that showcases the
San Diego shipwreck & Fort San Pedro diggings.
Heritage of Cebu Monument
(Colon St., Cebu City). Located in the
original Plaza Parain, it showcases the
significant and symbolic events in the history
of Cebu from the time of Rajah Humabon to the
recent beatification of Cebuano martyr Pedro
Calunsod. The monumental sculptural tableau is
the work of national artist Edgardo Castrillo.
Construction began on July 1997 and it was
inaugurated on Dec. 8, 2000.
Magellan Marker
(Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City). Inspired by his
success in Christianizing the people of Cebu,
Magellan crossed the channel to Mactan Island
in an effort to spread the faith. Before he
reached the shore, he was killed by island
chieftain Lapulapu and his men during the
battle for supremacy and freedom on April 27,
1521. Efforts to retrieve the body of Magellan
were futile inspite of the offer to trade
jewelries and spices for the dead body. This
marker was erected in 1866 to mark the spot
where the great explorer died.
Colon Street
The oldest street in the Philippines was built
by the Spaniards in the time of Miguel Lopez
de Legazpi. Named after Christopher Columbus,
it is the heart of downtown Cebu, a glittering
area by night lined with moviehouses,
restaurants, department stores, and other
business establishments. An obelisk detailing
its historical significance was constructed on
its northern end.
Lapulapu Monument
(Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City). Site where the
battle between Mactan Island Chieftain
Lapulapu and the foreign aggressor Ferdinand
Magellan occured in April 27, 1521. It depicts
the hero holding a bolo in one hand and a
pestle on the other. Said weapons were
believed to have been used during his combat
with Magellan. This monument stands as a
reminder of Filipino bravery.
University of San Carlos
(P. del Rosario St., Cebu City). The oldest
school in the country established in 1565.
This was formerly called Colegio de San
lldefonso, established by the Jesuits.
Capitol Building
(Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City). The seat of the
Provincial government, is of pre-war vintage,
and has the undulating mountains of Cebu for
its background. Majestic and imposing, its
high dome can be seen along Osmeña Boulevard.
A replica of the United States' White House.
One of the many beautiful capitol buildings in
the country, constructed in 1937 under the
administration of Governor Sotero Cabahug.
Cultural
Casa Gorordo Museum
(35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City). Home of the
first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo
(1862-1934). A tour inside this residence is a
brief journey into a Filipino lifestyle in a
particular period between 1860 & 1920. The
place presently features noted paintings,
museum relics, a courtyard, antique household
items and furniture.
Fort San Pedro National Museum
(Legaspi Ext., Cebu City). Artifacts taken
from the old Spanish Galleon known as San
Diego within the deep sea of Fortune Island
off the coast of Nasugbo, Batangas are on
display in this centuries-old fort. Artifacts
excavated within Forts San Pedro's premises
are also on display. The Museum used to house
the offices of the Department of Tourism and
the Philippine Tourism Authority.
University of San Carlos Museum
(P. del Rosario St., Cebu City). A product of
years of research activities of the
Anthropological Department’s faculty in
Central and Southern Philippines, it has four
galleries: Spanish Colonial, Ethnographic,
Archeological, and Natural Science.
The Southwestern University Museum
(Urgello Private Road, Cebu City). Holds the
extensive collection of Lydia Aznar Alfonso
reflecting the flourishing trade, lifestyle,
and culture of the port city Cebu in
pre-historic times. Exhibits of excavated
gold, trade beads, coins, iron-age potteries,
rare trade wares of porcelain from China,
Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand, including
Ming, Celadon, and other China trade jars, as
was Ban Chieng, Haripunchai pottery, and gold
teeth peggings were excavated in the areas of
Cebu, and the Visayas and Mindanao. The museum
also displays heirloom jewelry, santoses, and
church carvings and other church accessories.
Julian Jumalon's Butterfly Sanctuary and Art
Gallery
(20-D Macopa St., Basak, Pardo, Cebu City).
The country's oldest butterfly collection and
Butterfly Sanctuary with live immature- and
adult-stage local butterflies in their natural
settings. It also houses the Lepido Mosaic Art
collection, so called because it utilizes
butterfly wings as its medium. Beautiful and
intricate samples of these artworks can be
seen at the PROF. JULIAN JAMALON residence.
Rizal Museum and Library
(Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City). Located within Cebu
City Library along Osmeña Boulevard, it
showcases a collection of antiques donated by
famous and rich Cebuano families. Also on
display is a collection of artworks of the
Cebuano painters and artists. Its upper floor
is utilized as a performing arts hall for
concert and theatre productions by Cebu
talents. On the ground floor is the Rizal
Memorial Library which keeps some important
books on Cebuano history and culture.
Arcenas Antique Collection
Spanish period furniture and "santoses",
jewelries, pottery, porcelain wares are on
display at Dr. and Mrs. Ramon Arcenas’
residence located at Banawa, Cebu City.
Rose Ong Orchid Collection
So beautiful and varied, the biggest orchid
collection in the province.
Aznar-Alfonso Antique Collection
Owned by Dr. Lydia-Aznar Alfonso, the antique
collection is of much younger vintage. Pieces
of lovely period furniture, a very wide
collection of jewelry, “santoses” as well as
authentic “grave goods” from various
archaeological diggings in the island of
Mactan and Cebu helped enrich Dr. Alfonso’s
beautiful collection.
Pres. Sergio Osmeña Memorabilia & Cap Art
Gallery
(60 Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City). Contains an
estimated 500 personal belongings and
documents worthy of remembrance of the Grand
Old Man of Cebu, made possible by various
donations of generous friends and relatives of
the former president. Rizaliana Museum.
Contains the memorabilia of Dr. Jose Rizal
given by his sister to the University of
Southern Philippines Museum.
Rizaliana Museum
Contains the memorabilia of Dr. Jose Rizal
given by his sister to the University of
Southern Philippines Museum.
Sala Piano Museum
(415 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City). Houses
the Ingrid Sala Sta. Maria Miniature Piano
Collection donated to the family foundation in
January 1990. A unique collection of hundreds
of pianos of varying sizes and shapes. Venue
to classical concerts and houses a music
foundation.
Natural
Mactan Island
(across Mandaue City). A coral island and
famous scuba diving site, where beach resorts
of international standards are located. Also
the site of the Export Processing Zone, with
102 companies in operation, employing 37,118
people. Land area – 150 ha.
Malapascua Island
(across the northernmost tip of Cebu). It was
on Christmas day when the Spaniards reached
the island. According to townfolks, it was
supposed to be a special day of celebration
but unfortunately a storm hit the island and
so came the name “Malapacual”, Malas sa Pasko,
which means “Unfortunate Christmas” in
English. Malapascua is sometimes referred to
as “Logon”, the main community in the south.
“Logon” got its name when the Japanese and
Americans fought over the island during WWII.
The island is 3 km. long and 1 km. wide, with
a population of about 3,000. It has white sand
beaches and crystal clear waters. The west
coast is ideal for swimming and snorkeling but
one should be careful because of unpredictable
weather. A walk or tour on the whole island
can be done within half a day.
Camotes Island
(north of Cebu, across Danao City). The island
is composed of 4 towns: Poro, San Francisco,
Tudela, and Pilar. To cross the island, one
has to go to Danao City, an hour away from
Cebu City, or take a fastferry. There are two
boats which travel to and from the island and
Danao City everyday. One fastcraft travels
from Cebu City.
Kawasan Falls
(Matutinao, Badian). One can feel the
surrounding lush greenery of the panoramic
waterfalls.
Badian Island
97 km. southwest of Cebu City. Famous for
beautiful corals, reefs, and white sandy
beaches, making it an excellent diving spot.
Olango Wildlife Sanctuary
Olango Island supports the largest
concentration of migratory birds found so far
in the country. Migration starts from the
birds’ breeding places of in Siberia, Northern
China, and Japan. Based in data gathering so
far, the birds use Olango as a major refueling
station as well as a wintering ground. At
Olango, the birds can replenish their fat
reverses by feeding on rich supplies of
invertebrates in the intertidal mudflats.
These fat reserves must fuel the birds on the
next lap of their journey which may cover from
3,000 to 15,000 km. of nonstop flight.
Moalboal
89 km. southwest of Cebu City. Offers white
sandy beaches and rich marine life for scuba
diving. Notable as an excellent diving area is
the water around Pescador Island.
Nonoc Cave
(Borbon). 83 km. north of Cebu City. Very
picturesque view, shelter for picnic goers and
bathers.
Mactan Island
(across Mandaue City). Famous for its beach
resorts of international standards and
excellent diving, its proximity to Cebu makes
it a prime destination for local and foreign
travelers. It is also the site of the Export
Processing Zone, with over 100 companies in
operation, employing close to 40,000 people.
Religious
Basilica Minor del Santo Niño
This church was built by Miguel Lopez de
Legaspi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta on the site
where the image of Santo Niño was found in
1565. The first structure of the church was
however destroyed by fire on November 1, 1568.
It was rebuilt in 1602 under the
administration of Juan Albaran and was
rehabilitated in 1740. On May 1965, the church
was conferred the title of Basilica Minor del
Santo Niño by Cardinal Antonuitte, Papal
Legate during the Fourth Centennial
celebration of the Christianization of Cebu.
Image of Santo Niño
Considered as the oldest religious relic in
the Philippines. It was on April 21, 1521 that
Magellan gave the image to Queen Juana as a
baptismal gift. Forty-four years later, on
Apri1 27, 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi
arrived in Cebu, Fr. Andres de Urdaneta, who
formally Christianized the Cebuanos, found the
natives hostile. Legaspi himself besieged the
settlement and set the village on fire. It was
on one of the burnt houses that Juan Camus, a
soldier, found the image of Santo Niño
unscratched. Since then the miraculous image
has been venerated by the Cebuanos as their
Patron Saint. At present, the miraculous image
is kept in the Parish Covent, and a replica is
adorned with gold and precious stones and
enshrined in glass. It is housed in a side
altar inside the Basilica Minor del Santo
Niño.
Taoist Temple
(Beverly Hills, Cebu City). The temple
preserves the teachings of Lao-Tse, the 600
B.C. Chinese philosopher. Everyday people
climb its 81 steps (representing the 81
chapters of Taoism scriptures) to light joss
sticks and have their fortune read.
Phu-Sian Temple
A Buddhist Temple, the third Chinese temple on
Beverly Hills, located at the right side of
the road to the Taoist Temple.
Chapel of the Last Supper
Life-sized carvings of the Lord Jesus and his
12 apostles seated at a long table for the
Last Supper. This is the only one of its kind
in the country. This treasured relic is found
in the Church of Mandaue City that dates back
to 1601.
Celestial Garden
(Banawa Hills, Cebu City). Owned and managed
by the Tanchan Foundation. Twelve hectares of
rolling hills where life-size statues
depicting the drama of the Stations of the
Cross were built.
Man-Made
Cebu Botanical Garden
(Camp Marina, Capitol Hills). Where plant
hobbyists can see a collection of greenery.
Liloan Lighthouse
Found in the municipality of Liloan, around 18
km. north of Cebu City. Built by the American
in 1904.
Mandaue-Mactan Bridge
Built in 1972 at a cost of P65 million. This
864-meter bridge connects the islands of
Mactan and Cebu.
Plaza Independencia
A popular hangout during weekends,
centuries-old acacia trees dot this park.
Fuente Osmeña Park
(Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City). A lovely circular
park with a beautiful fountain in the middle.
Named after Cebu’s Grand Old Man, the late
President Sergio Osmeña, Sr.
Tops
Situated 2,000 above sea level on the cool
hills of Busay, it is an excellent
sight-seeing spot which offers a breathtaking
view of Metro Cebu and the islands of Mactan
and Olango. Open kiosks are available for
daytime picnics and instant evening parties.
Guitar Factories
(Maribago District, Lapulapu City). One can
actually see how guitars are made. It is
amazing to note that while guitar-making is
the occupation of the people of Mactan
District, the raw materials used have to be
shipped from Mindanao and nowhere on the
island can be found such materials.
Festivals
Sinulog
(every 3rd Sunday of January). Cebu’s biggest
and most popular festival. The feast is in
honor of the Holy Image of Senyor Santo Niño
de Cebu. Fiesta Senyor, as it is widely known,
is the most celebrated among Cebu’s festivals,
where people converge along the routes of a
grand solemn procession and partake in the
gaiety amidst a madri gras parade immersed in
wild colors and the constant beating of drums.
Pasko sa Sugbo
(Cebu City/province-wide). An annual Christmas
celebration by lighting & decorating the main
thoroughfare in Cebu, starting from capitol
down to Plaza Independencia. Other activities
include nightly cultural shows by the
different schools, parol, Christmas tree &
daygon competition.
Sanayon
Agro-tourism festival in the southern towns of
the second district about 100 km. from the
city. A month-long activity to spread out
tourism to the countryside.
Paskuhan
(Cebu City/province-wide). A Christmas
celebration of songs and lantern making held
during the month of December to spread good
cheer to local residents and visitors alike.
Kadaugan sa Mactan
(Lapulapu City). A one-day re-enactment
celebrated with pomp and pageantry every 27th
of April to commemorate the historic battle of
Mactan between the forces of Lapulapu and
Ferdinand Magellan.
Pasko sa Kasakit
(Bantayan Island; Holy Thursday & Good
Friday). A religious procession of life-size
images of the death and passion of Jesus
Christ carried in richly decorated & lighted
carrozas.
Tagbo
(Poro, Camotes Island, Cebu; every January).
Celebrated in honor of the Patron Santo Niño
de Poro. Beloved memoir of a living past,
Tagbo is the cornerstone from which this great
municipality has sprung. Rich in cultural
heritage and deep in spiritual values, Tagbo
is a very significant event preluding the
birth of a town very dear to the hearts of her
sons and daughters.
Cassava Festival
(Camotes Island, Cebu). Held with the aim of
creating awareness among the people on the
different uses and economic opportunities
offered by cultivating cassava.
Carcar Fiesta
(Carcal, Cebu; November 24-25). Celebrated in
honor of the town's patron, St. Catherine of
Alexandria. Carcar town is noted for its old
Spanish style houses in the quiet countryside
setting. During fiestas, the residents would
invite friends, relatives, and town visitors
into their homes to taste popular local
delicacies. A lively and enjoyable event.
Barangayan
An annual celebration of Philippine
independence held every June 12.
Via Crucis
(Banawa Hills, Cebu City). A Lenten activity
where devotees do their penitential procession
through the Stations of the Cross built on 12
hectares of rolling hills.
Dinagat Festival
(Cordova, Cebu). The festival is characterized
by street dancing & an interpretative dance
competition based on the fishing rituals &
culture of the Cordovahanons.
Nuestra Señora de Regla Fiesta
(Lapulapu City; November 20-21). Held to honor
the patroness of Opon. This religious and
social event reveals the deep religious faith
of the people and their penchant for merry
making. A food fair, carnival, procession, and
a coronation of the Fiesta Queen highlight the
festivity.
Special Interest
Crocolandia
(Biasong, Talisay City). Situated beside the
Mananga River in Talisay, it has for its main
attraction a mini-zoo and a botanical garden.
It is also equipped with picnic areas,
restaurants, refreshment center, souvenir
shops, butterfly sanctuary, boat & fishing
area, and a library. CROCOLANDIA Biasong,
Talisay City Tel. no. (63-32) 273-1842
Family Park
(Nasipit, Talamban). Nestled in the Nasipit
mini-watershed, it provides families with an
alternative and wholesome recreation site
within the city. This 20-hectare area is
nature-friendly. Trees surround the whole
complex, the product of a reforestation effort
in 1983. FAMILY PARK
Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City
Tel. no. c/o MCWD (63-32) 419-3124 to 25 /
254-8434 to 39
Mountain View Nature's Park
(Sitio Garahe, Busay). Overlooking the city,
it is situated near the cool flower gardens of
Busay. This park comes with a mini-zoo,
accommodations, and canteen. MOUNTAIN VIEW
NATURE'S PARK
Sitio Gorohe, Busay, Cebu City
Tel. no. (63-32) 231-5444 /231-5454
Manager: Edgar Castillo
Golf Courses
Alta Vista Golf and Country Club
(Aznar Road, Pardo). Situated in the lower
mountains of Pardo, this golf course offers a
different and challenging terrain for the avid
golfer. The golf course covers 60 hectares for
a world-class, par 72, 18-hole course covering
5,670 meters. CONTACT INFORMATION: Aznar Road,
Pardo, Cebu City;
Tel. no. (Registration Counter) (6332) 2727971
to 74 / (Golf Operators Office) (6332)
2727977; Telfax No. (6332) 2724090;E-mail:
avgcc@skynet.net
Verdemar Golf Club
(Barangay Bancasan, San Remigio, Cebu).
Situated near the sea, it also offers sea-side
accommodations (Casa del Mar Resort Hotel).
CONTACT INFORMATION: Barangay Bancasan, San
Remigio, Cebu;
Telfax no. (Cebu office) (63-32) 344-8181/82 /
(Resort & Golf club) (6332) 435-2222;
E-mail: info@vedemar-golf.com; Web site:
http://come.to/casadelmar
Cebu Country Club Inc.
Situated just a few minutes from the heart of
the city, it is the oldest existing golf
course in Cebu. The course is spread over an
area of 52 hectares of what used to be
sugarland in the pre-war days. CONTACT
INFORMATION; P.O. Box 698 Banilad, Cebu City;
Tel. no. (6332) 231-0345; Fax no. (63-32)
2314096
Club Filipino Inc. de Cebu.
It is an 18 hole golf course covering 59
hectares. CONTACT INFORMATION: Pulangyuta,
Sabang, Danao City;
Tel. no. (6332) 2311676/2311666;
Fax no. (6332) 231-1667; Danao office tel. no.
(6332) 200-4321 |
