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Published: January 6th 2013
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Magellan's Cross
The cross erected by Ferdinand Magellan when he landed on Mactan. Perhaps Cebu City's most iconic sight. Cebu City has long been thought of nothing more than a Visayan gateway, a quick stopover for travelers on their way to something more interesting or languid. But this image is quickly becoming old-fashioned in a region that has seen record number of tourist arrivals in recent years. In 2011 nearly two million tourists arrived in the island, and the figures rose by around 11 percent in 2012. Property developers are seeing the potential of Cebu City and are planning to focus on tourism starting this year.
Much of the sprucing up takes place in the uptown area, especially around the Cebu I.T. Park across the Waterfront Hotel. The park has several popular chain restaurants, which serve as the hangouts of yuppies who work in neighboring call centers. The Waterfront is an attraction in itself -- it has upscale facilities and a large gaming room to attract high rolling types. Else, there's the Ayala Mall, which should keep visitors occupied with all its urban comforts, including restaurants that serve international cuisine, and cinemas.
While much of Cebu City is making a run towards progress, parts of the city (the downtown area in particular) still retain their stone fortresses. Places
Fort San Pedro
The walls served as a military defense structure against Muslim raiders in the 16th century like Fort San Pedro remind visitors of the city’s colonial past. Built in 1565 by the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi to defend against raiding Muslims, the structure predates Intramuros by six years. Today there are no signs of the violence that the walls have witnessed. Fort San Pedro and the area around it seem peaceful even in the busiest hours of the day. It’s pleasant enough for an early morning or late afternoon walk.
A short walk to the west leads to Magellan Cross, perhaps the city’s most iconic attraction. A stone structure houses the large wooden cross erected by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in his attempt to Christianize the natives. The ceiling of the structure is painted with images of natives erecting the cross while Magellan and his fellow explorers look on. Vendors walk around the area, selling candles and incense to visitors who wish to say their prayers.
Beside Magellan’s Cross stands the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. Built in the 16
th century, it’s one of the country’s oldest churches. It’s also one of the most persistent. Fires have almost destroyed it three times in the past, but it’s still standing. Today the church
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Cebu City's most famous church is a witness to countless devotees who flock to it to worship the image of a child Jesus, whom the church is named after.
Despite the urban mayhem, Cebu City is still forgiving compared to Metro Manila. Taxi drivers don't choose passengers and you're still likely to be reunited with your lost wallet. It's a pleasant introduction to the island of Cebu, or to the Visayas region for that matter, and if you're returning from a self-imposed isolation in one of the islands, it's a great way to reintroduce yourself to the world.
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liliram
liliram
Nice
Very informative and well-written, Jay. Safe travels!