Despite the proverb that a full stomach spoils sleep, I
slept like a baby and woke up fully refreshed, ready for Cebu’s layered history
and adrenaline-pumping modern thrills.
From Bacolod to Cebu
Two hours before my flight, I left Bacolod carrying a leftover sandwich. Touchdown in Cebu. My plan: a
twin-city tour with Bohol offered the perfect blend of convenience and cultural
immersion. The package included transit, accommodation, and breakfast. It’s a
blessing when you're solo and on the move.
Santo Niño Basilica & Magellan’s Cross
By 10:15 AM, my guide whisked me to the Basilica
Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. This basilica was built in 1565 on the place where
the image of Santo Niño was found.
The
statue, which was gifted by Magellan to Rajah Humabon’s wife, is encased in
bullet‑proof glass. Despite a packed mass, the basilica’s rich blend of
Baroque, Romanesque, and neo‑classical styles left a big impression on me.
Just
outside, the Magellan’s Cross Pavilion, built in 1834 of coral stone, houses
Magellan’s original cross, preserving the site of the Philippines’
Christianization. It was the cross that Magellan had brought with him when he
arrived in Cebu in 1521. Beneath its ornate ceiling mural, I soaked in the sense of
centuries and devotion.
Fort San Pedro
A short walk away lies Fort San Pedro, the nation’s
oldest triangular bastion fort (1565). The fort was erected to protect against Muslim raids in the early 1700s
but served as a stronghold for Filipino revolutionaries at the end of the 19th Century.
It now houses artifacts amid its 20-foot-high stone
walls.
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| at Fort San Pedro |
Exploring
the cannons and battlements offers a tangible link to Cebu’s colonial past and
strategic importance. The fort has no admission fee, so people can come and go whenever they
want.
Museo Sugbo
Next stop: Museo Sugbo (Sugbu is the native name of Cebu, hence the name), housed in the former Cebu Provincial Jail. It's a
walking timeline, from pre-colonial artifacts to Japanese‑era documents,
including grim reminders of prison life. I learned about Filipino revolutionaries who endured there.
An emotional and enlightening detour.
Cebu Taoist Temple
Breaking from colonial history, I ascended the 81
steps of the Taoist Temple, inaugurated in 1972 by Cebu’s Chinese community.
Situated in the Beverly Hills subdivision, its entrance mimics the Great Wall
and offers sweeping views of Cebu City below. Walking barefoot inside, I felt the serenity of
ritual and the meld of cultures across this hilltop sanctum.
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| The entrance of the Philippine Taoist Temple in Cebu is a replica of the Great Wall of China. |
Mactan Shrine
A historic site that honors the legendary Battle of Mactan. At the entrance
stands the Magellan Monument, built in 1866,
marking the spot where Ferdinand Magellan is believed to have fallen in battle.
Just
a few steps away is the imposing statue of Lapu-Lapu,
the native chieftain who led the resistance against Spanish colonization. This
place isn’t just a tourist stop. It’s where history lives and reminds us of the
bravery that shaped the Filipino identity.
Guitar
Factory & Crown Regency Thrills
Later, I toured a local guitar workshop, seeing skilled artisans
handcraft instruments exported worldwide. This behind-the-scenes glimpse echoed
Cebu’s blend of heritage and modern craft.
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| Guitar Factory in Cebu. |
Checking
In and Heading Back Out
It
was only after the tour ended that I finally saw my hotel for the next two
nights. Cozy room, and warm staff, just what I needed. After an hour of rest, I was
back on my feet and off to the Crown Regency Hotel,
the tallest in Cebu. The city lights were calling, and I wasn’t done exploring
just yet.
Crown Regency Thrills
It was in Crown Regency where adrenaline awaited. My dinner came with access to the Skywalk Extreme and the dizzying Edge Coaster on the 38th floor. An insane mix of thrills and panoramas. Clad in a harness, I walked on a glass platform, heart pounding but eyes wide at the city lights below. (Pro tip: a stuffed stomach and steep drop may trigger a quease or two!)
Back then,
only the Skywalk Extreme and Edge
Coaster were available, as the attraction was still new. Today,
Crown Regency offers even more thrills. You can now try wall
climbing, take a dip in the pool,
or enjoy a movie at their 4D theater.
Reflecting
on a Day Steeped in Layers
In one whirlwind day, I traced Cebu’s spiritual genesis,
colonial clashes, cultural fusion, artisanal pride, and modern daring. From
sacred basilica and stone fort to sky-high retail and rides, you sense the city
isn’t framed by one era but a mosaic of all who shaped it.
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