Cebu

The island of Cebu already had trade relations with China and other Southeast Asian countries when Ferdinand Magellan first arrived. He was welcomed by the Rajah Humabon and his followers who were baptised into the Roman Catholic faith. Magellan was killed in battle by Lapu-Lapu, king of Mactan Island and the surviving Spanish departed after relations with the Cebuanos deteriorated. When the Spanish returned with the intention of establishing a colony, Cebu became the first capital. The old province of Cebu included the islands of Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar and Northern Mindanao. By the 19th century, the province of Cebu had been reduced to its current size. During the Japanese occupation, Cebu was the principle base due to its strategic location and substantial population.

Cebu City

Cebu City is the first and oldest city in the Philippines. Within Cebu City lies Colon Street, the oldest street in the country. Likewise, just across the street from Cebu City Hall is Magellan's cross. Not far from here lies Fort San Pedro, the oldest and smallest of the Spanish forts in the Philippines. When the Spanish returned to colonise the islands, the town of San Miguel (the present day core of Cebu City) was established. This was the centre of Spanish colonisation and the seat of the colonial government until sometime around 1569 - 1571. Cebu City was granted its charter on February 24, 1937.

The entrance to Fort San Pedro, one of the smallest and oldest forts in the Philippines. The triangular fort was built in 1565. (May 2004)

Once the centre of the first Spanish settlement, it has served as a fort, watch tower, prison, army barracks and a prison camp over the centuries. (May 2004)

Fort San Pedro is now a museum park. The museum within its walls holds some artefacts from a sunken Dutch galleon in Philippine waters, sunk by the Spanish. (May 2004)

Cannons can be found on the top of the three walls that surround the fort. (May 2004)

Magellan's Cross

Within this kiosk lies Magellan's Cross. Magellan discovered the Philippines in 1521 and named the island the Archipelago of San Lazaro. (May 2004)

Contained and preserved inside the cross shown is Magellan's Cross, the cross Ferdinand Magellan brought with him in 1521 when set foot upon Cebu. (May 2004)

On the ceiling of the kiosk there are illustrations of Magellan's landing on Cebu and the planting of his original cross on the shore. (May 2004)

Facing the kiosk that houses Magellan's Cross is Cebu City Hall. Cebu City is also the regional centre of the Central Visayas. (May 2004)

Basilica Minor del Santo Niño

The Basilica Minor del Santo Niño houses the Image of the Holy Child Jesus, recognised by the Vatican as the cradle of Christianity in Asia. (May 2004)

The church was burnt down by fire twice and subsequently rebuilt. The church is a pilgrimage site due to the significant religious artefact it houses. (May 2004)

Opposite the Basilica Minor del Santo Niño is the Santo Niño Academy. (May 2004)

Colon Street

The busy and crowded Colon Street (Parian district), the oldest street in the Philippines. (December 2000)

A monument to Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines. It was paved in the late 16th century and named after Christopher Columbus. (May 2004)

The Heritage of Cebu Monument, Colon Street. It shows the significant historical events of Cebu starting with the arrival of the Spaniards. (May 2004)

The other side of the Heritage of Cebu Monument. This side shows the arrival of the Spanish. (May 2004)

Casa Gorordo Museum

The Casa Gorordo Museum, the home of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo (1862 - 1934). (May 2004)

Capitol Site

The Rizal Museum and Library on the Osmeña Boulevard. (November 2002)

The Cebu Province Capitol building. The dome is a replica of that from the US White House. (May 2004)

A statue of President Sergio Osmeña outside the province capitol building. Osmeña was the fourth president of the Philippines and born in Cebu. (May 2004)

Also outside the province capitol building is a statue of Lapu-Lapu, the first Philippine hero who opposed Spanish sovereignty and killed Magellan in battle. (May 2004)

Taoist Temple, Beverly Hills

The Taoist Temple is one of several temples throughout Cebu City. It is located in Beverly Hills, an upper class residential area in Lahug. (May 2004)

There are 81 steps to reach the temple which represent the 81 chapters of Taoism scriptures. The temple also preserves the teachings of Lao-Tse, the 600 BC Chinese philosopher. (May 2004)

Everyday, people will climb the steps to the temple to light joss sticks and have their fortune read. The temple is also commonly visited by school children as part of an educational short field trip. (May 2004)

A view of Cebu City taken from the Taoist Temple in Beverly Hills. (April 2006)

Lapu-Lapu City

Lapu-Lapu City got its named from the local and first Philippine hero, Lapu-Lapu, the ruler of Mactan Island. When Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and the Spanish first arrived in 1521, Lapu-Lapu opposed Spanish sovereignty. In battle, Magellan was killed and the Spanish defeated by Lapu-Lapu and his men. Formerly the Municipality of Opon, Lapu-Lapu City is well known for its world class resorts and beaches.

Lapu-Lapu and Magellan Monuments

A monument to Lapu-Lapu, ruler of Mactan Island and the first Philippine hero who opposed Spanish sovereignty and defeated them in battle in 1521. (May 2004)

This illustration depicts the battle between the Spanish explorers and Lapu-Lapu and his men. Soon after defeat, the Spanish departed. (May 2004)

This marker is on the spot where the battle took place. There were four more failed attempts to colonise the islands. It wasn't until 1565 that Miguel Lopez de Legazpi succeeded. (May 2004)

This monument, also on the battle site, was erected by the Spanish in 1886. It is a memorial monument to the explorer Ferdinand Magellan. (May 2004)

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