Cebu is an island province in the Philippines, consisting of the island itself and 167 surrounding islands. Its capital is Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines, and the home town of Ms Cathrina. Cebu is the hub around which the Visayas revolves. It is the most densely populated island in the Philippines and is second only to Luzon in its strategic and economic importance to the country. Its language, Cebuano, is widely spoken throughout the Visayas and parts of Mindanao.
Dubbed as “The Queen City of the South”, the lovely Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines is bursting with rich cultural heritage through its old colonial buildings, archaic churches and interesting museums. To experience the old vibe of this lively city, head to the Old Cebu quarter in downtown Cebu and do a walking tour.
Fort San Pedro (Fuerza San Pedro)
Cebu Walking tour in Fort San Pedro, standing near the shoreline of downtown Cebu.This well-preserved fort is uniquely-shaped – triangular, unlike most rectangular bastions in the country and it is fringed by 14 cannons. It takes pride for housing the first Spanish community in the Philippines – the Villa de San Miguel de Cebu that was renamed as Villa Del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus later on. Fort San Pedro is the smallest and the oldest fort in the Philippines, its construction begun in 1565 under the command of the Spanish colonizers. But if it weren’t for the great local Cebuano laborers back in the days, this mighty fort would not have existed.
Carbon Market
From Fort San Pedro, walk to the main road and turn left and follow the street that turns into Cebu City’s oldest and biggest produce market – the legendary Carbon Market. Like archetypal markets in the Philippines, Carbon Market is flanked by fresh produce, handicrafts, souvenirs, dried fish and intestines and even live poultry for sale. Interestingly, its name is derived from the depository of coals back in the days that were used to run the old steam train nearby.
Magellan’s Cross
From Fort San Pedro, you can walk to the main road and just cross the street to see the iconic Magellan’s Cross, the top tourist attraction of Cebu. The colossal cross is encased inside a wooden cross and enshrined in a chapel just standing beside the Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño. According to the inscription on the plaque, it is the original cross used by Ferdinand Magellan, the well-known Spanish colonizer.
Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño
From Magellan’s Cross, look for the crowded gate (just a few steps away) that leads to the Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño, the famed church of Cebu. You can light a candle and offer a prayer at the Prayer and Candle Court.
Enshrined inside the Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño is the oldest image of Santo Niño (The Child Jesus) which is used for Cebu’s grandest festivity – Sinulog Festival. The Santo Niño image is believed to be a birthday gift of Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana, the wife of Rajah Humabon, back in 1521. Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño’s façade may look ordinary but get inside and you’ll be surprised by its lavish interior. Marvel at the artistic ceiling hemmed by religious murals also not to miss is its charming courtyard. Here you’ll find an archaic fountain fringed by a garden and you can line up nearby to see the oldest image of Santo Niño.
Fronting the archaic basilica, you can also find the Pilgrim Centre, the Museum of the Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño and the Basilica Del Santo Niño Library.
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
From Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño just cross the small street (near Jollibee) that is crowded by street vendors and walk further until you reach a massive white church. The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archdiocese of Cebu, is tucked in the tranquil side of Old Cebu. You can also take a peek at the Mausoleum situated at the back of Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral where the remains of the Catholic bishops are buried.
Cathedral Museum of Cebu
Walk outside the walled garden in front of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and notice a well-preserved Bahay na Bato painted in Brown. This old colonial house is the Cathedral Museum of Cebu where a collection of priest vest, chalices and statues of varied saints are enshrined.
Rajah Humabon Monument
Barely noticeable is the statue of Rajah Humabon, standing in a modest park clad by grasses, just across the Cathedral Museum of Cebu. I just find it sad that Rajah Humabon’s Monument, the highly respected chieftain of the indigenous inhabitants of Cebu seems forgotten. His statue is sporting a turban, tribal ornaments, and a loin cloth. His face is painted his chest, legs and shoulders are inked with tribal tattoos. Rajah Humabon was the first amongst the original settler of Cebu who first embraced Christianity when Ferdinand Magellan and his Spanish comrades arrived in the Philippines. Before the Spanish invasion, the indigenous Cebuanos were involved in the South East Asian maritime trade with Chinese traders as well as East Indian and Siamese.
Colon Street
Continue walking past Rajah Humabon’s Monument until you see an obelisk. The legendary Parian, or commonly known as Colon Street derived its name from the explorer Cristobal Colo (Christopher Colon). It is actually the oldest street in the country that was built by the Spanish colonizers and it is easy to spot because of the obelisk.
Heritage of Cebu Monument
Walk further in Colon Street and you’ll find The Heritage of Cebu Monument, a massive sculpture showcasing the history of Cebu. The evocative monument created by Edgardo Castrillo proudly stands at the heart of the Old Parian district. It is said that back in the days, Parian is the place where the wealthy Filipino businessmen and Chinese merchants reside.
Yap-San Diego Ancestral House
Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, an old house built out of coral stones and hardwood, brick roof tiles and windows adorned by Capiz shells. This house turned museum displays a wide range collection of antique Chinese jars, glasses, artworks, and dinnerware among others.
Jesuit House of 1730
I had a hard time locating the Jesuit House of 1730, I remember someone pointing me to a warehouse in Old Parian District with a towering gate but I did not enter because it looks locked. Anyway, this old colonial structure made of coral stone slabs is reputed to be the oldest house in the country. The Jesuit House of 1730 was the seat of the Jesuit Superior in Cebu.
Casa Gorordo Museum
The old house of the late Bishop Juan Gorordo, the first bishop of Cebu is also turned into a museum. It is like most typical bahay na bato of wealthy families in the Spanish colonial era that is fringed by a well-manicured garden. It houses antique furniture, artworks and heirlooms. Photography is not allowed in Casa Gorordo Museum.
Shangri-La may be one of the more expensive hotels in the list, but it’s definitely worth it. If you’re looking for a hotel that has it all – amazing food, beach front, soothing spa, and a happening bar just to name a few then this is the way to go. It also incorporates fun for all ages. There’s a Sports and Games Room for the teens, a spa and bar for the adults and the Adventure Zone for kids.
Location: Punta Engano Road, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu, 6015, Philippines
.jpg)
The Waterfront is definitely for those who enjoy the social scene. This is the de facto venue for Cebu’s biggest events like Miss Cebu and Queen of Cebu. Of course, they do not limit themselves to local events.
Location: 1 Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City
Known for their beautiful and expansive lagoon, Plantation Bay is perfect for a romantic getaway or fun family vacation. The lagoon is literally the center of the resort. This allows for most rooms to enjoy a magnificent view and in many cases be right by the water. Aside from the usual water activities like aqua rides, fishing and diving, they also offer plenty of alternative activities not normally found in a hotel. How many resorts can boast of archery, wall climbing and an indoor firing range?
Location: Marigondon, Mactan Island, Cebu City
Crown Regency hotel offers a lot of adventures like zipline, skywalk, etc..
"Crimson Beach Resort and Spa welcomes you to a world beyond your wildest dreams..."
Abaca, a standout amongst the most select boutique resorts is found in the wonderful focal Philippines on Mactan Island. Abaca is a tropical hideaway that offers the serenity of exceptionally private luxurious suites set in a lavish tropical oceanfront retreat. Notwithstanding the extensive suites and villas, visitors get a charge out of full richness spa and restaurant encounters.
