Celebrating Historic Cebu
Hie off to these historical landmarks that trace ties that bind.
By Maan D’Asis Pamaran
BALMY beaches that beckon, plus danggit to the max. These are the most common mental images of Cebu these days. But if we all turn the pages of the Philippine history books which were required reading in our grade school years, those mental pictures of Cebu will zoom out to reveal historical spots that show the rich cultural heritage of the region, which is interspersed with strong Chinese and Spanish influences.
The Chinese were said to be the first to arrive in the country, ahead of the Spanish by about 500 years. Chinese traders have ingrained in the early Filipinos a plethora of influences that are still felt today — from beliefs about feng shui, ceremonies for the dead, and that entrepreneurial spirit that has encouraged the proliferation of many small businesses that range from sari-sari stores to tiangges. To this day, Chinese enterprises are flourishing in the region.
The Spanish, who arrived in search of land to claim in the name of their king, brought a lot of influences that encompass centuries of colonization — Christianity, Chavacano, and Commerce, to name just some of them. It is just under a short time upon Magellan’s arrival that the first seeds of Filipino freedom fighting were planted, resulting
in the Battle of Mactan. Here are some Cebuano spots that can renew a love for country,
along with a better appreciation for other cultures. Once you have done the rounds of these historical spots, head off to the other sites that Cebu has to offer, with its wonderful beaches such as the gorgeous Malapascua Island, the breathtaking Tops viewspot, and the romantic Liloan Lighthouse. For a pot of shopping, there are the guitar factories, Mandaue furniture shops, and the Tabuan Market for pasalubongs such as danggit and the super sweet dried mangoes.
The Lapu Lapu Monument. Lapu Lapu was among the first of the Islanders to resist the Spanish colonizers. The 20-meter bronze statue stands proudly at Punta Engaño on Mactan Island. The Magellan Marker, also located in Mactan, Lapu Lapu City, was built on the spot
where the ill-fated explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, died on April 27, 1521, at the hands of Lapu Lapu and his men.
Celebrating Cebu. A merrymaker holding an image of the Sto. Niño during the Sinulog Festival.
Magellan’s Cross. A large cross is planted inside a chapel next to the Basilica Minore
del Santo Nino. The cross commemorates the spot where the first Mass and Baptism
took place. It was said to have been erected under the orders of Ferdinand Magellan himself, on April 8, 1521.
The Parian (circa 1900). Another Cebu landmark that had its glory days as a commercial district, the Parian is a center populated by the Chinese community. It started out as a ghetto for the outcasts in the 1600s, until it became a boomtown for Chinese-owned businesses at the turn of the century. Old structures that give a glimpse of the rich Fil-Chinese heritage, such as the Jesuit House of 1730 (left), now Ho Tong Hardware, built by Chinese artisans from Manila, still stand today.
The Casa Gorordo Museum along Lopez Jaena Street is among the structures from the Parian district which still stand today. It originally belonged to Cebu’s first bishop, Juan Gorordo, and was restored in 1985 as Casa Gorordo under the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation.
Taoist Temple.Twice a week, devout followers of Taoism flock to this Chinese temple
to perform their religious rites such as climbing the temple steps to light their incense sticks and to have their fortunes told by a monk. The temple is also a beautiful example
of typical Chinese architecture with its pagoda-style roof and ornate gate.
University of San Carlos (USC). The oldest school in the Philippines, and in Asia, the University of San Carlos was founded by the Spanish Jesuits on August 1, 1595, older than the Dominican-run University of Sto. Tomas which was founded in April 28, 1611. Formerly known as the Colegio de San Ildefonso, USC was founded under the directions of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. In 1769, the university closed upon the expulsion of the Jesuits. It reopened in 1783 under a new name, Colegio Seminario de San Carlos. In 1867, the Vincentians took over the administration of San Carlos. Then in 1935, the Colegio was turned over to the Society of the Divine Word (SVD – Societas Verbi Divini), which has managed the school for 70 years now. As proof of the Spanish and Chinese ties to Cebu, two of its noted alums are the late President Sergio Osmeña and Chinese taipan John Gokongwei Jr. This campus houses the University of San Carlos Museum, which holds treasures such as Pre-Spanish artifacts like our ancestors’ weapons of choice — the kris and the blowgun, side by side with an exhibit of antique ivory santos.
Colon Street. This is the oldest street in the Philippines, and it is still in use today. This is also the shortest National Road that was a busy commercial area in bygone eras. Miguel Lopez De Legazpi himself was said to have conceptualized this street in his urban plan for the new colony.