Cebu Travel

History in Bohol 0

Aug 5, 2010 by Admin in Adventure Travel, Cebu Travel

Belonging to an archipelago of a Christian nation, Bohol is proud to behold many historical religious landmarks in the Philippines. The Baclayon Church, completed in 1727 has become one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. Built during the Spanish Colonial age, the church building is already 283 years old then in 1835, a huge bell tower was added in front of the church.

Chocolate HillsI like to visit historical places, more like a trip to the history of the Philippines. Our nation was colonized by the Spaniards in search for spices, in about 300 years.

This is the clear reason why the Spanish culture was widely adopted by the Filipinos. I always considered Philippines to be partly lucky about the Spaniards. They left us with a lot of magnificent structures to behold. People who wanted to see the landmarks of the Philippines should never miss Baclayon Church.

Before the coming of the Spaniards, Bohol like many other provinces in the Philippines, already had a government system. When the first Spaniards came to the Philippines, they slaughtered about a thousand inhabitants of Bohol. This tragedy led to the natives to becoming hostile to all whites who stepped in their land.

During Governor General Legazpi, he aimed to have a good relationship with the native Boholanos. The Datus (native term for a tribe’s chieftain), often mistakes the Spaniards as Portuguese. Legazpi offered peace treaties to Datu Sikatuna of Bool and Datu Sigala of Loboc (Loboc and Bool are municipalities of the Bohol Province). Luckily, his offer was accepted by the chieftains and to ensure the positive outcome of the treaty. A blood compact was made.

Blood is taken from each arm of the leaders, Legazpi and Sikatuna then mixed with wine, and the potion is then drunk by each other. Today in Bool, a commemorative monument was made for this significant event.
BoholNoble families in early times also made houses that overlook the neighborhood.

However, I discovered this ancestral home of the Clarin family, a good example of big houses during the Spanish colonial age. Houses are built on second floors, and the interior is fascinatingly designed with ornaments and furniture that are made by both Filipino hands and foreign hands.


credit to: Roberto Verzo

Keeping my Faith with Sto. Nino 0

Jul 23, 2010 by Admin in Adventure Travel, Cebu Travel Tags: ,

When we talk about Cebu City, the first that will come into my mind is the Santo Niño Church or the Minor Basilica of the Santo Niño, because when we tackle about Magellan’s Cross in my Social Studies class, my teacher always mention this church. As far as I remember, this church is almost five centuries old, built last 1555 using bamboo sticks.

Minor Basilica of the Santo Niño

During my first visit to this church, I found it very holy and solemn. I almost cry upon seeing the Santo Niño. It was said that the Santo Niño was known as a Cebuano Roman Catholic patron as a presentation of a child Jesus Christ, but cannot be considered as a patron or intercessor to God in behalf of the Cebuano’s.

As I start praying I feel the presence of Santo Niño in me, as if he is talking to me. When the mass started, I can see that everybody is participating. As I go around the church, I found a lot of praying ladies as I call them, they offer you help to pray for you. You’ll just need to pay for the candles used by these ladies once you ask for their prayers.

Minor Basilica of the Santo Niño

There are also some souvenirs and prayer items sold outside the church. The prices are very much cheaper compared to those sold in malls and department stores. At the right of the church, you will find a small eatery just in case you get hungry after the mass, the food is very affordable and yummy.

In front of the church reminds me of some pictures from Europe, they call this place as the coliseum. This place will be used mostly when there are big events in the church like celebrating the “Sinulog” or the feast of Santo Niño, wherein a lot of people around the country will be there to join the celebration, most of them feel and receive a miracle from Santo Niño. A lot of devotees come to Cebu to witness this event and many of them are lining up just to kiss or see the holy child. My first visit to the church was really memorable, and it keeps me to have a strong faith with God.


Cebu Taoist Temple 0

Jul 19, 2010 by Admin in Adventure Travel, Cebu Travel, Nature Trip, Travel Tips Tags:

Due to the geographic location, close to Taiwan and China, Chinese community is growing so fast in the Philippines. Chinese traders were attracted to stay in the country. As the years pass, Chinese shared their traditions and beliefs to the Filipinos.

Cebu Taoist templeOne of the infrastructures that Chinese had built in Philippines is the Cebu Taoist Temple. You can find the temple along Beverly Hills, just 6 kilometers away from the downtown of Cebu.

This was built on 1972 by the Chinese community. Unlike the neighboring Temple, Taoist temple continues to attract not only the worshipers of Buddha but also the non-worshipers. Many of the tourists from all over the country always include this temple as one of the tourist landmarks in Cebu.

My first visit here in this place was way back 4 years ago when I was working in a Taiwanese- owned company. My boss always asks me to be with her as she visits the temple every Sunday. When I first saw the temple, found it really amazing, maybe because I am a Catholic, and it was my initial experience to visit such a place. As I entered, the Temple entrance seems so familiar to me, then I realized it looks like the replica of the Great Wall of China, which I only saw in my Social Studies books. You can also find a chapel, a library, a souvenir shop and a wishing well inside the temple.

A lot of tourists and believers were there during my first visit since it was Sunday. The Chinese worshipers are doing their traditional prayer where one prays to the gods to grant one’s wish. There are some rituals performed by them, which include hand washing and praying barefoot. If you also see blocks of wood, try dropping them. They say that your wish would be granted when you drop the wood, and they are facing upwards. If not then it is not yet the time for one’s wish to be granted and one has to come to the temple some other time. If you are looking for a Chinese scenery visit, try to include Taoist Temple in your list.


credit to: Capella
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