Dubbed as the Queen City of the South, Cebu City is a bustling metropolis filled with riches, both from the past and present. Below are some of the places the oldest city in the Philippines has to offer!
Top Spots in Cebu City
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
It’s hailed as the mother and head of all Catholic churches in the Philippines. Devoted Catholics must have put this shrine into their must-go-to list for their pilgrimage. I may not be one of them, but to set foot at a place as historic and important as this is, is definitely one of my dreams come true.
The outer halls were lined with oil paintings. In them are scenes that held historical and religious milestones. There’s a special place where you can line up and see the Philippines’ most beloved Santo Niño sculpture. I don’t know about any other Christian countries of the world, but know that even in a public place as this, the moment a devotee come face to face with the idol, it becomes the most private, the most intimate place of all. It’s the kind of private moment when instead of looking away, you’ll want to look on and share in the devotion. I’m not even a Catholic. But the emotion, the gestures, the faith that’s being made visible at the moment is so hard to ignore.
Magellan’s Cross
Outside the Basilica stood the enduring witness of Catholicism in the Philippines, the Magellan’s Cross. The wooden cross is just a replica, with the original one buried within it. How many layers of crosses buried within each other would we see? One thing is for sure, it will stand as long as the city professes the faith in Christ.
You can light colorful candles and help out the local ladies make a living. They said that the wishes you make when you light the candles will come true. It’s faith…it’s all on faith.
Taoist Temple
On the other side of the town though, stands the Philippine Taoist Temple. It’s a place that honors oriental teaching. Originally from China, Taoism is the religion of opposites – yin and yang, dark and light, etc. How apt that it should be here in Cebu City, a land of opposites.
Tabo-an Market
Haggle for the dried fishes all you want, just be ready with the strong smell coming off of this place. It can really stick to your clothes for the rest of the day. So if you’re touring Cebu, this place should be the last one to go to.
In and Around Cebu City
The Ayala Center here is so nice, especially at night. It’s so much like the ones we have in Manila, but I like the grounds here much better. It’s been 3 years now, so maybe something has changed since then. There’s also this Mexican restaurant, Moon Cafe in the place. The best nacho I had, ever!
We stayed at Diamond Suites and Residences. Perfect place to get to anywhere because it’s in the heart of the metro. Also, it’s convenient to go to these places from here. Nightly rates are reasonable and accommodation is nice and clean. The bed is awesome too!
Then there’s Cafe Namoo, kind of cute, with small compartments and yellow lighting. Perfect for high school and college people. Best thing is it’s practically a freedom board.
Larsian is also an interesting place. It’s a food complex, where fresh seafood and meat vendors line around. Patrons then sit on plastic chairs and eat on long tables at the center. Your food gets to be cooked and served there and then. You won’t need utensils, by the way. Enjoy eating with your hands (with plastic gloves).
Loved ones would always request lechon as pasalubong, but the small longanizas taste wonderful as well.
The last time I was around the town, we dined in this place called Abaca Boutique Resort and Restaurant. It’s real nice, so serene a place. We toured around and saw that the rooms are spacious; the lounge, relaxing. The food, served nice and delicious. We dropped by this place to dine. I was with corporate people then. But this place is more for couples and families.
Cebu City would always be a memorable place for me. I worked here. I learned so much here. I’ve been to places that I only read about before. And I’ve been with people I never thought I’d come across this lifetime. And I was glad, that even in the seemingly mundane and natural occurrence of it all, somehow, I formed part of this city’s history.
As always, thanks for dropping by!
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