Cebu: The Queen City of the South

Every time I visit Cebu City I am transported back in time when I was still in high school. One of my classmates was from the said city and he always told us stories of the places he visited each time he went home.  

So, each time I come to this “queen city of the south,” I am looking for those places my classmate had been to. It was a long, long time ago and so I never remember the names of the destinations he mentioned. “I wonder if this is the place he had talk about,” I told myself.

Now, I think it is my time to share my stories of the places I like about Cebu. There are too many but allow me to cite some which have impressed me – or worth mentioning. Forgive me if your favorite spot is not included.

What is most impressive about Cebu is its colorful history. In its streets, mountains, hills and corners, there are memories of an amazing past. Take the case of Colon Street, the oldest known street in the country that was built by the Spaniards in the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Also known as the Parian District, it lies at the heart of downtown Cebu.

While in Colon Street, visit the Heritage of Cebu Monument. 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.

Don’t be surprised if you find Cebuanos, as locals are called, to be extremely proud of their cultural and historical heritage. After all, Philippine history seems to start here from the time the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan first planted the cross on Cebu’s shore.

This brings us to Magellan’s Cross, the symbol of Roman Catholicism in the country, which is located on the corner of Magallanes and Burgos Streets. The historical site was the spot where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon, Queen Juana, and about 400 of their followers, were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderama. Inside a roofed kiosk, you will see what is reputed to be the remains of a cross Magellan planted in Cebu. Cebu historians doubt if this indeed is the cross planted by Magellan because it is recorded that the Cebuano rose up against the Spaniards 17 days after the cross was planted.

The Capitol Building is a sight to behold. 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. One of the many beautiful capitol buildings in the country, this replica of the White House in the United States was constructed in 1937 under the administration of Governor Sotero Cabahug.

Another historical must-see: Fort San Pedro, the smallest and oldest tri-bastion fort in the country which took 200 years to complete. Located at city’s wharf area, it was once the very heart of the first Spanish settlement in the country, it has been at various times a watchtower, a prison, an American army barracks and a World War II prison camp. Today, it has been converted into a museum, where visitors can learn the history of Cebu at their leisure.

Casa Gordon Museum is also worth a visit. Originally the house of the first Filipino bishop of Cebu, this museum offers a peek into the Filipino lifestyle during the periods between 1860 and 1920. It is open from Mondays to Saturdays only.

You should not miss Fuente Osmeña, a lovely circular park that has a beautiful fountain in the middle and a skating rink on one side. It was named after Cebu’s “Grand Old Man,” the late President Sergio Osmeña, Sr.

Religious people will have a grand time in Cebu as its churches reflect architectural design with foreign and local-folk influences. The Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, the oldest church in the country, was built in 1565 on the site where the image of the Infant Child was found. The original structure, however, was destroyed by fire in 1568. It was rebuilt in 1602 and renovated in 1740.

Inside the church is the image of the Santo Niño, touted to be the oldest relic in the country. It was given by Magellan to Queen Juana as a baptismal gift on April 14, 1521 and brought to the country 44 years later by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.

Don’t forget to see the Taoist Temple, one of the most visited tourist spots, which preserves the teachings of Lao-Tse, the 600 B.C. Chinese philosopher. Built in 1972 and located at Beverly Hills (the city’s millionaires’ quarter), the Taoist Temple is constructed in a highly ornate style of Chinese architecture, and is topped with a pagoda-style roof. Everyday, people climb its 99 steps to light joss sticks and have their fortune read.

Cebu’s main claim to fame is its colorful festival, held every third Sunday in January, known as the Sinulog. This annual festival honors the child Jesus, known as the Santo Niño (Holy Child). It is a dance ritual that commemorates the Cebuano people's pagan origin, and their acceptance of Christianity.

The festival features a street parade with participants in bright-colored costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and native gongs. Smaller versions of the festival are held in various parts of the province, also to celebrate, and honor the Santo Niño.

Cebu is a paradise for divers, water sports enthusiasts and beach lovers. The area around Cebu is blessed with beaches, which is one the reasons why visitors flock to the city. Among the best known beaches are Kawit, Mahawak and Mahayahay.

Ninety-seven kilometers southwest of the city is Badian Island, which is famous for beautiful corals, reefs, and white sandy beaches, making it an excellent diving spot. Just 89 kilometers southwest of the city is Moalboal. It offers white sandy beaches and rich marine life for scuba diving. Notable as an excellent diving area is the water around Pescador Island.

Across the northernmost tip of Cebu is Malaspacua Island. It was on Christmas day when the Spaniards reached the island. According to the locals, it was supposed to be a special day of celebration but unfortunately a storm hit the island and so came the name “Malapacual” (from “malas sa Pasko,” which means “unfortunate Christmas” in English).  
The 3-kilometer island has white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

Nature lovers who want to take a break from the sun and the sand can explore the natural scenery. The Central Cebu National Park is a forest reserve and wildlife sanctuary perfect for appreciating Cebu’s flora and fauna. For picnics, travelers can explore Cawasan Falls, Sudlon National Park and The Tops. The Tops, which is on Busay Hills, offers panoramic views of Cebu, Olango and Mactan.

Don’t worry about food when you are in Cebu.  It has a wide range of decent restaurants to choose from.  It has Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Continental, Fusion, and of course local restaurants. Some restaurants also offer international cuisine like American, Spanish, Thai and Indian

For your pasalubongs, you can buy them at any malls in the city. But if you want something from Cebu, then go to the Tabo-an Market. Here, you can buy all kinds of dried fish and squids. Don’t forget also the chorizo de Cebu.

How to get there? Almost daily, international flights from Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong arrive in Cebu through the Mactan International Airport. From Manila, it is about an hour away by plane or 22 hours by boat. Cebu is an ideal jump-off point for other tourist attractions in the Visayas and Mindanao.


Photos by Paolo R. Lim