Somehow, when planning for a holiday, Philippines is never really in the tourist's radar. Maybe because of its not so appealing safety issue or because nothing really stands out. On top of that, geographically, Philippines is made up of a few thousand islands. Yes, few thousands and its in the high thousands. So, logistically it is just quite troublesome, quite costly and quite time consuming to visit the country.
I have been to Manila twice for business trip but late last year, we decided to somehow visit Philippines for our year end school holiday getaway. I've known a good friend from Cebu Island for many years and decided why not follow her back to Cebu to take a look ourselves ... and so we did.
Cebu Island is located somewhere in the middle of the Philippines map. Its capital city, the Cebu City is apparently the oldest city in the Philippines. How old back? I'm not too sure.
This cross named the Magellan Cross is planted by Ferdinand Magellan (either a Portuguese or Spanish missionary) back in the 1500s. It marks the Catholic influence in Philippines.
The wooden beams to ensure the cross stays at its place was erected after the earthquake hitting Philippines not more than 1 month before we visited the site.
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| The building that houses the Magellan Cross |
Next to the Magellan Cross is one of the oldest church in the Philippines, Basilica del Santo Nino.
This church though is quite out of bound when we visited there. Again due to the earthquake, a lot of the pillars has shown cracks and some collapsed. Luckily the outside structure of this 1500s church is still intact.
A wall on the inside perimeter of the church with beautiful carvings marking the genesis of Roman Catholics in the Philippines.
Location : Cebu City, Philippines
