Suroy-suroy | Cebu City

I've heard so much about the queen city of the south and wanted to visit it. Opportunity came knocking at the door when a cousin sent an invitation to attend her wedding there. Yebah! Lez go!

Going around Cebu City's tourist spots can be done in a day by walking, more walking, jeepneyrides, tricycle rides and the most convenient, taxi rides. With only an extra day to roam around after the wedding, we quickly jotted down the major spots/attractions we wanted to visit. 

Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, one massive structure located at the heart of the city, its facade that seems to be a combination of neo-classical, Romanesque architecture exudes beauty and delicate craftsmanship. Being the oldest Roman Catholic church in Cebu, it still retained its classic look despite restorations through the years.   

A crowd-drawer was the glass-encased Sto. Niño statue located at the side of the church. People from all walks of life queue patiently in their desire to touch and offer petitions to the miraculous Holy Child. 

Since the line was too long, we proceeded to the area where we can light some candles and offer our prayers.

Magellan's Cross

A few steps from the church, in front of the city hall was Cebu's famous landmark a red tiled-roof, hexagonal kiosk that a first-timer in the city shouldn't miss. It was no other than Magellan's Cross. It was the site where Magellan's expedition erected a cross when they set foot on Philippine shores in the summer of 1521.

Written at the foot of the cross, "this Cross of Tindalo wood encases the original cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan on this very site April 21, 1521". The painting on its ceiling depicts the conversion of Raja Humabon and Sugboanons to Catholicism.

Since we did a lot of walking, looking for the next tourist spots, here are some street shots. We passed by children playing what seemed to be their version of tug of war. I really did not know what they were up to. :)

We came across a street sign which probably prohibits anyone from urinating on the sidewalks. Translation needed. :) What I noticed with Cebuanos, was that they were very loyal to their dialect. There were times when I personally had a hard time asking for directions since the locals were answering me in their native tongue.              

Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines

Casa Gorordo

Four generations of the Gorordo family lived in this house including Juan Gorordo, first Filipino Bishop of Cebu. I managed to take a photo, though prohibited, of one of the rooms of the house.

We took a taxi to Taoist temple, located at Beverly Hills subdivision some 6 kms from downtown. A place of worship where silence must be observed (or be prepared to be hushed by guards on duty).

We were supposed to go skywalking but got lost and found ourselves in Mactan. Oh well, charge to experience a 250-peso cab ride. Since we were where we were, Lapu-lapu City, we checked out Lapu-lapu's shrine. This was the site where Chieftain Lapu-lapu fought together with his men the Spanish invaders and killed Ferdinand Magellan. Also, a memorial tower was built to mark the site where Magellan was killed in battle.  

A bronze Lapu-lapu monument, standing 20 meters tall. It was not as shiny as I had envisioned it to be. It probably begs for some good painting job.  

Cebu is also known for their high quality and durable guitars. We passed by some shops and strummed a few notes. They come in different colors, sizes and prices. 

To cap the day off, we went skywalking! This would complete our trip since for the longest time, I have been dreaming of doing this. Oh but did I mention I was scared of heights?! Here we go! Supposedly there was nothing to worry about since you were really kept safe by all those harnesses. I thought it was very simple to just walk around Crown Regency tower's 6 feet platform at 37 floors high. But it was windy when I stepped out in the platform. Oh boy, it was a lot harder and scarier than I thought! I envy some korean kids who were with us during the walk, they weren't scared at all! Once in a while the guide will ask you to strike a pose or two for the camera - some souvenir you can claim after but it costs a whooping P200+ per picture. haha! It took us around 15 minutes to skywalk, enjoying a panoramic view of Cebu City's lights from up above. It was one great extreme experience indeed. A must-do when in Cebu!

Tower 1, Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, Fuente Towers, Fuente Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City, 6000 Philippines

Telephone Nos.: (032) 418 - 8888 / (032) 418 - 7777 

Now, I can go home smiling. Daghang Salamat Cebu! 

Do you see what I think I'm seeing? The perfect cone... picturesque Mayon... hope to see you up close soon.