Queen city of the south:Top five historical landmarks | Cebu "Sugbu"

SUGBU| The Queen City of the south. The city is located on the eastern shore of Cebu island. It is the first Spanish settlement and the oldest city in the Philippines. Cebu is the Philippines' main domestic shipping port and is home to about 80% of the country's domestic shipping companies.

HISTORICAL LANDMARKS to visit:

Magellans Cross | Magallanes Street, Cebu City

The Cross was rooted on April 21, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan. This marks the spot where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana and about 400 followers were baptized by Father Pedro Valderama. In 1525-1740, the Augustinian priests built an open shrine for the cross. However, the locals began to chip off the cross believing it had miraculous power. To salvage what has remained of it, a kiosk-like structure was built as protection. Innovation has been made to the minimum and at present, a hollow cross made of “Tindalo” wood stands to incase the original cross for further protection and preservation.

Fort San Pedro | Plaza Independencia, Cebu City

The fort was named San Pedro, most probably, in honor of Legaspi’s flagship. Fort San Pedro is the smallest and oldest triangular bastion in the country, which was built in 1565 and completed over a century and a half later. The original structure of Fort San Pedro was temporarily built in such a way so as to provide immediate security from the presence of the Spanish expedition encamped within the shores of Zugbu (Cebu). It has also witnessed the different changes, struggles, and wins Cebu had gone through over time although inevitably, much of it was destroyed during the Japanese occupation when it served as a prison camp.

The present fort, a triangular structure of stone and mortar overlooking modern Cebu’s busy port, was rebuilt in 1835 to protect the Spanish settlement from pirates and marauders who used to plunder coastal villages.

Capitol Building | Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City

It was first built in front of Plaza Independencia , under the realm of the Filipino Revolutionist in 1898 and American Military in 1899. The seat of the Provincial Government is of pre-war vintage and has the undulating mountains of Cebu as its background. Majestic and imposing its high dome, the Capitol was designed by Architect Juan Arellano (1936) and it was relocated geographically along Osmeña Boulevard. Seen as a replica of the United States’ White House, it is one of the many beautiful capitol buildings in the country, constructed in 1937 under the administration of Governor Sotero Cabahug.
“We cannot leave to our posterity the legacy of a life without difficulties and struggles. If we do, we would develop a weak and impotent nation, unfit to survive by its own strength and courage.” -- Sergio Osmeña, Sr.

Lapu-Lapu Monument | Mactan Shrine, Lapu-Lapu City

The monument is dedicated to Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino hero which stands inside the Mactan Shrine facing Magellan Bay. Lapu-Lapu is considered as the greatest fighter in Philippine history because he was among those who rejected foreign power. He was the chieftain of the area during his time, and defeated Ferdinand Magellan, the leader of the Spanish fleet, in the famous Battle of Mactan.

Taoist Temple | Beverly Hills, Cebu City

Taoist Temple is a concrete reminder of the well-established Chinese Community in Cebu City who has contributed much towards the industrialization of Cebu. The temple was built around 1964 and is a classic example of Chinese architecture which houses the teachings of Lao-Tse (600 B.C. Chinese philosopher). Everyday tourist would climb its 81 "stair steps" (representing the 81 chapters of Taoism scriptures), light joss sticks and have their fortune read. Today, the structure depicts Chinese architecture shared to Philippine culture.

Experience Cebu!

Cebu's famous souvenir shop.

City of Cebu

Dakbayan sa Sugbo

Lungsod ng Cebu

Ciudad de Cebú

A travel to Argao "town of famous torta" | Cebu

 

CABECERA de ARGAO| a town down south of Cebu. It was once a fortified Spanish pueblo or town designed according to the Spanish Crown’s blueprint for its settlement in the colonies. The town center, used to be enclosed by rectangular high walls made of coral stone that has a four main gates located on each side of the perimeter. At present, two entryways still exist. In addition, other main structures that remain of Argao’s wall pueblo of the 1800’s include the San Miguel Archangel Church, Capilla Mortuario, Casa Real and the “paso” or processional courtyard.

Having been to the coastal town, there are beaches everywhere, vast rice fields, as well as varied fishponds in some areas.

Places to visit Argao:

 

Municipal Hall. An ancient looking structure where public business affairs are officially and legally conducted.

Town Plaza. A simple accommodating lawn with white stone benches, with free wifi connectivity as somewhat one of the freebies for visiting their place. You could update your status while sitting on the benches which more often than not, every traveler does. I, for one have done so!

St. Michael’s Church. The square stones that make up the exterior walls still have the traces of the tools that were used to shape the boulders around the building. The bell tower is beautifully preserved, still functional and is yet at its best amidst the test of time. Surely a proof of great filipino artistry and handicraft.

Argao Nature Park. 

An ideal avenue for nature lovers. One may prefer to "chill out" by sitting on the benches, while nibbling on snacks they brought, and merely enjoying the breeze.

However, if you prefer to move around and be active, well,you might want to experience the "short" zip line (with it's height and length safe even for children above 10 years of age at 20php only. It’s a brief trip from the top of the trees to the other side of a man-made lake), or wall-climb and row a boat, all at a budget-friendly cost.

With a meager entrance fee of 5php you can aready explore the park, dine in their kiosk cottages and take a glimpse of some wild life.

Alex Kafe. A simple antique restaurant near the church, it exudes a feeling of an old house with a high ceiling with antiques such as paintings and drawings hanged on the wall. Eye-catching objects such as an old and rusty sewing machine, shelves full of old books and albums from the 80's, a used laver which I believe used to be the trend during the old eras, and many other antiques are on display. When the witty attendant was asked of, she proudly claimed their Halo-halo to be one-of-a-kind, and thus their specialty along with the popular “torta” in town.

How to get there:
Catch up buses bound to Oslob or Dalaguete from the South Bus Terminal. You can choose between a non air conditioned(78php)or airconditioned(86php) bus. Traveling time takes 1.5 hours.

SNAPSHOTS

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”

Hiking Talks #17: Day hike to Osmeña Peak | Cebu

MINOR CLIMB| Osmeña peak which is widely located at the Mantalungon mountain range, is unique from other mountain ranges in the Philippines. Why so?..it is because of its unique multiple jagged hills that are wonderfully grouped together. The highest of these hills is the Osmeña Peak itself, named after the reknowned Osmeña clan in Cebu.

At a quick glance, Mantalungon range may seem similar to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. However, what sets it apart is the fact that the jagged hills of the ranges are much thinner, much edgy or sharp-pointed, and is far more rough.

What's more exhilarating is once you reach the peak, you get to have a 360-degree view of the southwestern coastline of Cebu. You can even see the province of Negros Oriental, and if you are keen enough, even get a sight of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros in a very clear sky.

HIKING

The trek to Osmeña peak is more of relaxing than strenuous. It will only take approximately 20-30 if one would start from the trail head. One could also do a more intense hike starting off from Mantalungon market. This covers a hiking time not less than 2 hours passing through the main road, farm land and community houses.

Per own experience, our trek started at 0930H. A little boy of 8 named,“Alvin” welcomed us with his shy yet warm smile. He offered to guide us up. Even though the trail seemed short and not that complicated, we agreed to let Alvin go with us, since he just ask 50pesos for the guide fee.. and much more, WE fell under his charm. While walking along the trail, we can't help but stop to take a closer look at noticeably wild yellow flowers called“otot-otot” and the multicolored flower said to be named as“ering-ering” (visayan dialect).

The trek may be a bit long but once we have reach the Osmeña Peak, surely, a 360-degree view of the range have captivated our eyes that includes the southwestern coastline of Cebu, and even the province of Negros Oriental. The peak stands approximately 1,013 meters above sea level making it the highest peak in the island of Cebu.

Osmeña Peak and the Mantalungon range are accessible to hikers and mountaineers all-year -round but it is best to climb the peak in the first half of the year since the rainy season tend to fall from June to October. During such time, the peak and mountain ranges more likely become wet and slippery making treking more arduous and risky,for that matter.

Every mountain has a unique experience to give. I highly recommend you trek Osmeña Peak and discover the beauty of the nature. Once you get to the peak, you can definitely exclaim,.."surely,God is the master artist of all"

TRANSPORTATION
One could take the buses traveling southward bound to Oslob or Bato via Dalaguete (Cebu South Bus Terminal) and get off at the Dalaguete junction going up to Mantalungon. Dalaguete is about 85 kilometers from Cebu City and is about 2 hours ride by bus. When you reach Dalaguete, you can take a Habal-habal that will take you up to Mantalungon until into the trailhead (30mins.traveling time).

Thank's to RV and Tom my brother for hiking with me.

TRIVIA
The Utanon Festival, a celebration of dance and music as thanksgiving for the good harvest of Mantalungon. “Utanon” is the Cebuano word for vegetables. Mantalungon is famous as the "Summer Capital of Cebu" because it is 700 to 800 meters above sea level giving it a pleasant climate all year round. The high elevation has made the village an ideal place to grow flowers, vegetables and other high-value crops, which gives Mantalungon the reputation of being the "Vegetable basket of Cebu."