Hello Cebu City

Weeks ago, I originally planned to visit all of Cebu, including the islands of Bantayan and Malapascua, the beaches of Oslob, Aloguinsan, and Moalboal, the peaks of Osmeña and Mantayupan in Dalaguete and Barili, respectively, and the falls of Kawasan in Badian. However, I realized that this goal was unachievable with only two days to spare. I ended up only touring Cebu City, but I still had a great time. I learned that Cebu is a beautiful and diverse place with something to offer everyone. I plan to go back soon and explore more of what Cebu has to offer.

Truly my trip was regrettably short, however, this didn't stop me from creating a post and because this is my first one, here are some of the things I enjoyed during my short trip to Cebu:

1. Visit museums

If you have plenty of time and want to indulge with a recollection of the past, then you could go visit every museum in the city since it has a lot of them, seriously. You could start off with museums nearest to the city proper like the Rizal Memorial Library and Museum, located along the busy street of Osmeña Boulevard and just a few meters away from Cebu Provincial Capitol. The museum houses the works of the finest painters and sculptors of Cebu, several important archaeological finds,  portraits of famous Cebuano personalities among others. When you're done, you can hop on a multicab next then drop off in front of Cebu Normal University then visit their own museum.

The beautifully designed Rizal Memorial Library and Museum facade.

Cebu Normal University Museum houses a permanent collection of Pre-Spanish, Spanish, Philippine Revolution and World War II era memorabilias including religious articles such as the "La Verdadera Vina Cristiana" an 1830's religious print, a nude statue of Armi Kuusela, a Finnish celebrity and the very first Miss Universe, collections of native flora and fauna, projects dating from the Spanish and American period, and many more.

The Cebu Normal University Administrative Building contains their in-house museum.

A few meters' walk away from CNU going to Pelaez Street, you could visit the University of San Carlos Museum where the Spanish Colonial, Ethnographic, Archeological and Natural Science galleries can be found.

The University of San Carlos Main Campus

If you're not tired yet and still has the time, then you can visit other museums like Casa Gorordo Museum in Lopez Jaena, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño Museum, Museo sa Sugbo, Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Convent Museum, Fort San Pedro National Museum and so much more.

2. Take a quiet time at Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu

After going places, you can take a quiet time and say a prayer in Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica del Sto. Niño de Cebu. These churches are two of the most famous and oldest churches in the country, the reason why it suffered with quite noticeable damages from a magnitude 7.2-earthquake which rocked Visayas region in 2013. Nonetheless, the two churches still stand proud as the early symbols of Christianity in the Philippines, the interior being unharmed and the condition of religious items and relics remain pristine. If you happen to visit Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu on a Friday, you may want to attend a mass being held at the pilgrimage site in front of the main church.

Inside Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Historical marker of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú

The breathtaking altar of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú

3. Drop by Plaza Sugbu, Plaza Independencia and Malacañang sa Sugbo

Plaza Sugbu is the city's primary plaza located in front of Cebu City hall and only a few steps away from Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu. Here you can snap photos of some of the beautifully-architected buildings in Cebu erected during the Spanish and American periods. These include the BPI Building and Museum, built in 1924 and the Cebu City Hall.

One multicab ride away from Plaza Sugbu, you will stumble upon Plaza Independencia, a very popular and important city square located just a stone's throw away from Cebu Pier and Fort San Pedro. This plaza is one huge garden filled with a number of trees and monuments and is a popular hangout for students and tourists as well. On the heart of the plaza you will see the monument dedicated to Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general of the Philippines, on its far right, the monument to Ramon Magsaysay, and yet on the other side, a memorial to Cebu's veterans. You will also find fountains, trees, gazebos, benches and flower pots scattered all over the plaza.

If you walk farther, you will notice a white building sitting in front of the Plaza, this is Malacañan sa Sugbo, the official residence of the President of the Philippines in the Visayas. The building was originally built in 1910 as the Aduana intended to house the Bureau of Customs in Cebu. It was during the incumbency of President Arroyo when the building got converted to Malacañan sa Sugbo. It is also one of the many buildings damaged by the earthquake which ravaged the Visayas region last year the reason it was foreclosed.

The old-looking facade of Malacañan sa Sugbo

4. Visit Fort San Pedro in Pier Area

Fort San Pedro or Fuerza de San Pedro, is a small fortification ordered built by Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legzapi on the shore of Cebu City. It is located inside Plaza Independencia, in the pier area of Cebu City.  The fort is triangular in shape, with two sides facing the sea and the third side fronting the land. The two sides facing the sea were defended with artillery and the front with a strong palisade made of wood. The three bastions were named La Concepción, Ignacio de Loyola, and San Miguel. The fort acts as a resilient witness to the rich history and as the symbol of Spanish might and influence in the city. Today the fort houses a museum which has a wide collection of Spanish memorabilias. It also has a display of 18 cannons originally used by the Spanish.

Front entrance to the fort.

And that's me. 

5. Buy pasalubong at Tabo-an and Prince City Hall

You're mom got mad at you the last time you came back from your out of town trip for not bringing home the "pasalubong" she longed for. Keep that from happening again and drop by Tabo-an public market to buy her favorite dried seafood. Tabo-an has plenty of dried seafood choices to offer, from squids, to fishes, to squids and to fishes. Heck, I just don't know what they're called. Your 500 pesos could buy you a few hundred grams of dried squids, the famous "danggit" and a lot of other fish varieties.

But if your mom wants some dried mangoes and other items stamped with the word "Cebu" then you can go to the Prince Supermarket just a few steps away from Cebu City Hall. Here they have plenty of stalls where you can buy a lot of souvenir items like t-shirts, keychains, table displays, coin purses, handicraft bags and pasalubongs like dried mangoes, rosquillos, otap, peanut fingers, durian candies, ampao and so much more for a very reasonable price.

6. Try Larsian's barbecue and go on a food trip around the city

Now we're on number 6 of our list, I bet you're hungry. If you are, then head out to Larsian barbecue place, eat out to your heart's delight and worry not about your "Werewolf Diet" coz sometimes its definitely forgivable to be guilt-ridden, especially when the food is just appetizing. Larsian's has the best barbecue in town, from stuffed squid to isaws, to bangus bellies, chiken inasal and grilled liempo to just anything. If that would not entice you, tell me what would.

Isn't that tempting?

Aside from Larsian, you can also go anywhere in the city for food tripping. I swear you would not forget your visit to Cebu City for doing so. Sarap!

Puso, ngohiong, squid rolls and longganiza on stick.

7. Unwind at Cebu's restobars

Cebu City is not just a city of museums and old monuments, it is also a city with vibrant night life and eye-blinding lights coming from disco bars and night clubs. It has tons of it frequented not just by patrons coming from all around the city but also foreigners from other countries. The famous Mango Square near Osmena Circle alone has up to 10 nightclubs. Every Friday and Saturday nights, this area transforms from a quiet street side square to a wild, ear banging party hub. But if you're not really into hitting the dance floor with a flood of strangers, you may want to listen instead to bands performing your favorite songs on a stage while taking a shot of your favorite liquor. You can do exactly just that at the Dark Planet Restobar, located beside Osmena Boulevard near the corner of Sanciangko Street.

8. Go on a shopping trip at Ayala Center or SM Cebu

If you still have some bucks left after going on a food trip, buying pasalubong and partying all night, then you can opt to go on a shopping trip at the Ayala Center or SM City Cebu. Ayala Center Cebu is located a few meters away from the Cebu Provincial Capitol, you can ride any multicab displaying the sign "Capitol" or "Ayala" from anywhere the city to get to it. Sm City Cebu, meanwhile, is located in the North Reclamation Area. You can ride any multicab bearing the sign "SM" from Colon Street or Cebu City proper to get there.

9. Tour the Cebu Provincial Capitol grounds

Going straight north from Fuente Osmeña or Osmeña Circle, you will stumble upon the stunning Provincial Capitol of Cebu. "The Authority of the Government Emanates from the People". This phrase is inscribed in front of the building and is the single phrase constantly identified with it. Declared a National Historical Landmark, the Cebu Provincial Capitol is known as one of the most beautiful Capitol buildings in the Philippines.

10. Snap a photo of Magellan's Cross

A visit to Cebu City is not complete without seeing Magellan's Cross, a national treasure of the Philippines. The cross is said to be the original cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, in Cebu upon his arrival in 1521. It is now housed in a small chapel located near the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino.

Magellan's Cross is a popular tourist destination, and it is not uncommon to see long lines of people waiting to see it. However, it is well worth the wait. The cross is a beautiful and historic object, and it is a reminder of the important role that Christianity has played in the Philippines.

Scaffolding was added to the cross to prevent further damages during an earthquake (ca. 2014)

I hope you enjoyed reading about my trip to Cebu. I had a wonderful time, and I hope you will too if you decide to visit. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for reading!