Cebu, located in the Visayas area, is a popular destination among Filipinos and foreigners alike. Besides being called the Queen City of the South because of its huge contribution to trade and commerce in Visayas, it also boasts of lovely spots — from beaches to monuments to skyscrapers to museums. Despite its apparent beauty, I’ve never once dreamed of visiting it. I don’t know why… But after being ‘virtually’ close to fellow bookworms Laila and Roseby, I decided that I had to go there. It would be hitting two birds with one stone — I get to finally meet Laila and Vee in person while getting a short vacation, too. So I booked a flight with my sister. Laila volunteered to be our tour guide. It’s on.

Cebu is brimming with so much history, culture, and beauty that our 4 days/3 nights trip couldn’t cover it all. It was a happy, exhausting trip and I know for sure that I’ll be going back. Whether you’re a history nerd, an culture geek, a nature freak or an adventure junkie, there is something for you in this beautiful island province.

For this installment, let me share with you the places I’d recommend to travelers who are interested in learning more about Cebu’s history.

HISTORY

Lapu-Lapu Monument

Before going to Cebu City or other parts of the province, make sure you drop by the Lapu-Lapu Monument first. Also known as the Mactan Shrine, this monument is located in Mactan Island and was built in honor of Lapu-Lapu, Ferdinand Magellan, and the Battle of Mactan. If you’re Pinoy, you’ve known about this battle since you’re 6 or 7 years old. But for those who don’t know, Lapu-Lapu is the Datu of Mactan Island and known to be the first native to resist Spanish colonization by defeating explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

The monument is 20 meters high and made of bronze. When we saw it, it looked newly painted. It probably was, given that we visited days before the annual ‘Kadaugan sa Mactan Festival’ which commemorates the said battle.

Magellan’s Cross

You can’t go to Cebu City and not visit Magellan’s Cross. The cross was planted by Magellan when he landed in Cebu.

Photos make it seem like the cross and the chapel are so big. At least, it seemed that way to me. That’s why I laughed when I saw the pavilion or kiosk or whatever the building was supposed to be called — it’s so small!

Fort San Pedro

Fort San Pedro is a military defense structure that repelled Muslim raiders during the Spanish occupation. Much like Fort Santiago in Manila, it houses relics and Spanish artifacts, as well as cannons around the fort.

Heritage of Cebu Monument

This was the best monument I’ve ever seen in my life. Made of concrete, bronze, brass, and steel, the Heritage of Cebu Monument depicts different significant moments in Cebu’s history from the Battle of Mactan in 1521 to the beatification of first Cebuano saint Pedro Calungsod.  Multi-awarded sculptor and Cebu’s pride, Eduardo Castrillo, built the structure. If you want the low-down on Cebu’s history, the Heritage of Cebu Monument is the best way to get it.

Museo Sugbo: The Cebu Provincial Museum

Museo Sugbo is housed in what was once called Cárcel de Cebú, the provincial jail of Cebu. Now it houses various galleries displaying memorabilia, diggings, and artifacts which allow you to walk through the milestones of Cebu.

Escuela Catolica

Escuela Catolica, located in the heritage town of Boljoon, Cebu, was built in 1940 and served as a dorm for children receiving instructions on their first communion. It was a place for religious teachings and had, at one time, served as a school.

These are just some of the historical sites we visited in Cebu. On my next post, I’ll cover spots where you can experience Cebu’s unique culture. 🙂

Do you know other historical destinations in Cebu? Share it in the Comments section!