Cebu Philippines: Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, and Mactan Shrine

Cebu has amazing tourist spots, but for beginners, the basics would be Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Nino, Fort San Pedro, and Mactan Shrine.

My friends and I went to all those places after a three-day convention, which limited us within the confines of SM Cebu.

First stop was Magellan’s Cross, where we got to see the mighty cross that made Roman Catholics out of almost all Filipinos. The cross can be found within a small chapel.

Up the ceiling were paintings depicting the story of this cross. Some believe that the cross was not the original cross brought by the renowned Portuguese explorer, and that the real one was either hidden somewhere else or had already been destroyed. Nevertheless, we took pictures for souvenir.

Outside the church were old women who offered to pray for our well-being, but first, we needed to buy candles from them. So I purchased some. No big deal. It’s for culture’s sake, and there’s nothing bad about getting some good farewell from a stranger. And yes, I did try to feel if there were positive vibes from the prayers the old lady performed.

We visited Basilica del Santo Nino right after. There was a mass going on at that time, so we didn’t get a chance to take pictures, or even get close to the altar to look at the shrine closely.

Our next stop, Fort of San Pedro, was only a block away, but since we didn’t know that it was just a few steps away, we hailed a taxi to get there. You can imagine the taxi driver all too happy about his luck.

Fort San Pedro gave us a glimpse of Philippine history, back when the Philippines was still under Spanish rule. Inside were museums and shops of bric-a-bracs as well as other hand-made and native products perfect for gifts and souvenirs. We moved around to admire the architecture and to relax on some benches underneath a trellis.

There were stairways leading to the rooftop where the fort canyons can be found. The fort served many wars, from the time it was built in 1736 up to the time of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

Mactan Shrine, a park dedicated to the heroics of Lapu-Lapu against the Spanish soldiers who landed on that part of the island, is on the same island where Cebu International Airport is located. Inside the park is a statue of the Mactan chieftain and a huge painting depicting the Lapu-Lapu in a duel with Portuguese Captain Ferdinand Magellan.

The Mactan Shrine painting shows a battle along the shoreline, although a professor in one of my Environmental Science classes suggested another story. He said that Lapu-Lapu and his men defeated Magellan’s group because of the mangroves. The shoreline back then was covered with mangroves and the Spanish soldiers had difficulty moving in the sticky mud and forest-covered battleground. Curiously enough, you can still see traces of mangroves along the shoreline, so the popular story that’s even shown in paintings could be false after all.

There’s nothing really grand or extraordinary about the park. But nearby are nice humble restos where visitors get to select the seafood they want cooked for them. We got to eat at a veranda with a view of the mangrove areas. That’s just perfect prior to us catching the flight out back to Manila.

Overall, the trip was a blast! I’ll visit the place anytime for the fresh seafood, the beautiful beaches and historic sites, and the friendly people all around.

The Top Five Island Tourist Destinations in the Philippines

1. Boracay


Number one on the list, of course, a world class resort, the most popular island destination and the number one tourist spot in the Philippines – Boracay. It is regarded as “the finest beach of all Asia”. Likewise, popularly known as, “the number one tropical beach in the world”. Everyone will surely enjoy swimming and sunbathing on its 4 kilometer “white sand beach”. You will definitely like this island paradise. It is situated in Panay Island, Philippines, about 300 km south of Manila.
2. Palawan


Next on the list is Palawan known as “the last Philippine frontier “. It is blessed with beautiful tourist attractions like Club Paradise Resort, El Nido Resort, and many others. The famous underground river is also here, and the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park which is the best place for snorkeling in Asia is also located on this island.
3. Dakak


Third on the list is another world class beach resort, Dakak. It is famous not only for its “powdery white sand” but also famous for its coral reefs and diving that is why it was named the “Diving Mecca in Mindanao”.
4. Siargao


In the fourth spot, we have Siargao, the haven of surfers from all over the world. Popularly known as, “the surfing capital of the Philippines”. International Surfing Cup is held here annually.

5. Batanes

And the last, but certainly not the least, we have Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines. It is the smallest province in terms of land area and population. You will surely love this place. It is the best place for nature lover and people who love tranquility and serenity. This is where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. Batanes is great for summer vacation, fishing, diving and hiking.

Mount Apo Natural Park in Davao, Philippines

Mount Apo is considered a favorite destination of extremist climbers because of its slopes forest of exotic flora, steaming geysers, rainwater lakes, swift-flowing rivers, and cascading waterfalls. The Department of Tourism Regional Office usually allows climb in around March or April.

It is one of the richest botanical mountains in the region hosting hundreds of rare, endemic and threatened species of flora. There are 629 of identified floral species 42 of which are endemic and 18 species are considered at risk, including the Vanda sanderiana (Waling-Waling) which is known as the “Queen of Philippine Orchids.”

There are endangered species that lives there specifically the Philippine Eagle mostly preys on monkeys, flying lemurs, flying squirrels, and occasionally, pigs and goats. Mount Apo is also a sanctuary for some rare birds such as the flycatcher, fairy blue birds, flower catchers, coltos, doves, sunbirds, and racket-tailed parrots.

Located 32 kilometers west of Davao City, and the provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato; The 64,053.00 hectares Mount Apo Natural Park is dominated by the highest mountain in the Philippine archipelago at 2,954 m. Although, there is also Mt. Talomo appears to be an extinct volcano in the area, but Mt. Apo, though it is quiescent at this time, has numerous vents producing steam and sulphurous gases.

Mount Apo was declared as National Park by late President Manuel L. Quezon on May 9, 1936 through Presidential Proclamation No. 59 with an aggregate area of 76,900 hectares. However, it was amended by former President Carlos P. Garcia through issuance of Proclamation No. 413 which converted some 3,946 hectares into agricultural areas reducing the park’s land area to 72,954 hectares. On September 24, 1996, President Fidel Ramos issued another Proclamation 882 declaring Mt.Apo as protected area under the category of Natural Park.

Tagaytay City & BATANGAS CITY- General Information

Welcome to Tagaytay City & Batangas City!

Best of the Islands Philippines

Batangas is the home of sages and the birthplace of the country's notable nationalist. These historical places are the legacies of the old colonial era. The province is also widely known as the home of baraco coffee (rich, robust-tasting coffee beans) and dedicate embroidery crafts on locally woven jusi and piña fibers.

While tagaytay has traditionally been one of the most visited tourism destinations in the Philippines. It was the most visited Philippine tourist destination in 1998, and the trend is likely to continue. The weather in Tagaytay is one of the primary attractions for people to live outside Manila, but the spectacular view of Taal Volcano is undoubtedly the biggest tourism draw. Tagaytay is only about 45 minutes from Makati, Manila's business district. It is only 30 minutes from Alabang, an area which is currently Manila's most exclusive suburb. It is only 15 minutes from Santa Rosa, Manila's fastest growing suburb which is destined to replace Makati as "the place to live" and Santa Rosa will likely be the Philippines main financial district within 10 - 15 years.

Travel Tips in Batangas City

Nature has endowed Batangas with natural resources and picturesque sceneries. Coconut, orchids and mango trees lie alongside smooth sand beaches and their submarine gardens. Just a few kilometers from the shore will bring you to diverse dive sites - from the ones fit for novices (relatively shallow, constant water current), up to those which can pose a big challenge to experts. Without question, the most popular attraction is the Taal Volcano and Lake.

Batangas used to lie along the route of the Spanish Galleon Trade from Mexico to Manila. The recent discovery of the San Diego Galleon in Nasugbu, Batangas yielded precious artifacts, including Ming dynasty jars which were exhibited in Paris, France during this decade. The San Diego is considered one of the foremost archeological finds of the 90's.

Batangas is the characterized by elevations such as Mt. Makulot where the trainee pilots of the Philippine Air Force Flying School in Lipa City practice their maneuvers. The blue waters of Anilao Beach can prove alluring to swimmers. The well-preserved town of Taal boasts of its old churches, handicrafts, and historical landmarks. Batangas is the home of one of the country's national heroes, Apolinario Mabini who is known as the "Sublime Paralytic".

The proximity of Batangas to Manila and the good quality of most of the main roads make the province very accessible thereby fueling the local tourism industry and the provincial economy.

Batangas' pre-eminence in the area of eco-industrial growth cannot be disputed. It ranks as one of the country's richest provinces for being the producer of high grade coffee varieties among the other agriculture products, which won world acclaim in the past.

There are more possibilities to unravel about Batangas which investments can nurture, with eco-tourism and the controlled use of natural resources as strategies for socio-economic development. To date, the intensified development of Batangas Port as an alternative port to Metro Manila augurs well for the province.

Travel Tips in Tagaytay City

Taal Volcano is reputed to be the world's smallest and yet most active. It stands on its own island amid a landscape of ash and cinder.

Tagaytay, considered as the country's second summer capital because of its crisp and cool climate all year around, is a treasure box of pleasure points in by itself. At nightfall, one sees the lake sparkle with the pinpoint lights of fishing boats. It is a perfect picnic spot. Here, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Tourism Authority built Picnic Groove, a public park in the city which generates public patronage through user fees and the sale of low priced goods, thus contributing to the industrial growth of Tagaytay.

Tagaytay, however, is more than a picnic haunt. The place has given rise to many congregational houses and retreat centers. It is also conductive to spiritual meditation, that is earned yet another title for being the "Center of Spiritual Retreat."

Thus, the masterpiece of nature that is Tagaytay is a not to be missed item in a tourist itinerary. It should always include a visit to the Volcano Island, and its enumerable side spots.

Tagaytay City, located 2,500 feet above sea level enjoys a cool and invigorating climate characterized by a relatively low temperature, low humidity, and abundant rainfall. Average temperature is 22.7 degrees Celsius. For this reason, Tagaytay with its cool weather, balmy winds and foggy mists is called the "second summer capital" of the country after Baguio City.

Tourist Attractions

Mabini Shrine
The Shrine houses the remains and personal belongings of the late revolutionary hero and "Brains of the Katipunan," Apolinario Mabini. Mabini is known as the "Sublime Paralytic" who, despite his physical handicap, fired nationalism in the Filipinos and urged them to unite, with the sheer power of his writings. He wrote fiery articles against Spanish atrocities in revolutionary papers. His wrtings and memorabilia are kept here. His tomb lies at the middle of the site where a replica of the house where he was born also stands.
Location : Barrio Talaga, Tanauan
How to get there : Located about seven kilometers from the town proper of Tanauan and can be reached in an hour and 15 minutes' drive from Manila. Upon reaching the market area, one can turn to A. Mabini avenue laeding to Barangay Talaga. The Shrine is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except during holidays. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Travel Time : Approximately 15 minutes from the town proper.

Casa de Segunda Katigbak
The ancestral home of prominent Batangas family, the Casa is a typical "Bahay na Bato". It is Spanish Colonial yet tropical in ambiance. It was named after Segunda Katigbak, reputed to be the first love of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippines' national hero. Casa segunda is declared by the National Historical Commission as a heritage house for having harbored generations of artists, poets and persons of learning and distinction.
Location : 198 Calle Rizal, Lipa City

Jose P. Laurel Memorial Library
The personal property of the family of the late President Jose P. Laurel, it was donated to the Philippine Government as a historical site and public library. The library is open everyday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location : A. Mabini Ave., Tanauan
How to get there : The place is located in the town proper and can be reached by land. Upon reaching the town , turn to A. Mabini Road. The library is about 100 meters from the national road, jeepneys and tricycles service the area.
Travel time : About 15 to 20 minutes' drive from the town proper.

Marcela N. Agoncillo Historical Landmark (National Landmark)
The birthplace of Marcela N. Agoncillo who was known as the marker of the first official Filipino Flag during the Philippine revolution against the Spanish authorities. The different flags of the revolution are also prominently displayed.
Location : Marcela Agoncillo St., Taal
How to get there : One can take a bus or rented car from Manila to the town of Taal. Once at the town proper, one may take a tricycle to reach the place.
Travel time : About 1 1/2 hours by car from Manila.

Punta de Santiago Lighthouse
Built in 1890, it is one of the earliest lighthouses that still function up to this date. Since it was constructed, no running ship has ever ran aground.
Location : Calatagan
How to get there : The lighthouse can be reached by taking a jeepney from the town proper of Catalagan.
Travel time : 40 minutes through semi-rough road.

Palace In The Sky
Originally designed to be the presidential guest house of former president Ferdinand Marcos, this complex was not completed. It is, however, now open to the public as a vantage area for viewing a 360 degree profile of Taal Volcano. It is within the Tagaytay environs.
Location : Tagaytay City.
How to get there : The place is a short drive from the Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City.
Travel time : 15 minutes' drive from Aguinaldo Highway.

The Flower Farm
On a windy slope of a hill in Tagaytay City sprawls a flower farm that keeps Manila abloom whole year round. The five-hectare flower farm has many varieties of flowers such as chrysanthemums with assorted colors, gerberas, carnations, roses, and anthuriums.
Location : Barangay Guinhawa, Tagaytay City.
How to get there : From Tagaytay City, the farm is a brief 10-minute drive from the Aguinaldo Highway.

St. Anne's Shrine
The shrine is a small garden where a grotto of the Virgin Mary stands. The shrubbery and flowers are well-trimmed and well-cared for. There is even a small grass clearing in front of the grotto which is conducive to quite reflection.
Location : Barangay Sungay, Tagaytay City
How to get there : From Manila, take BLTB buses that pass by Barangay Silang Crossing to the Tagaytay Marker. Here, one can alight to take a utility jeep leading to the Barangay Sungay where the gate of the Shrine can be spotted along the road.
Travel time : About 2 hours' drive from Manila.

Tagaytay City Location

How to get there : The area could be reached from Metro Manila via the Coastal Road or the South Superhighway. BLTB buses from Pasay, Metro Manila having a destination signboard of Nasugbu or Balayan ply the route passing Tagaytay City. If going through the South Superhighway, take the Carmona exit and drive down through Silang up to the entrance of Tagaytay City.
Travel time : 1 1/2 to 2 hours' drive from Manila.

TAGAYTAY RIDGE TOUR

At 2,250 ft. above sea level Tagaytay Ridge offers a magnificient view of the smallest and lowest volcano in the world, Taal Volcano resting in the middle of scene Taal Lake. A deceptive tranquility, the 1911 eruption claimed 1,300 lives, and 300 more in 1965 burying 6 barrios.

Half Day Tour
An 5-hour tour end at the Peoples Park in the Sky providing a pictureque 360 grees view of the three provinces of south of Metro Manila and westward to the preferred by visitors flying out the country late afternoon with free transfer to the airport.

Whole Day Tour
An 8 hour tours also provides a visit to GBR Museum (Wednesday - Sunday or LA Salle Museum (Tuesday - Friday). Refreshment or lunch will be taken in a cozy restaurant by the lake or overlooking the lake and the Volcano.

Day Tours		Inclusions	Rates
Tour Code	PHLEX	Pick-up time 07:00 AM * Aircon van Transfer * Tours at Bamboo Organ, Palace in the Sky, Tagaytay Picnic Grove, Tagaytay Mini Zoo. * Lunch at Josephine Restaurant * Sight Seeing at Taal Lake * Service of guide / coordinator * Travel Insurance * All Permits and entrace fee	$ 147 /person (min. of 2-3 pax) $ 90 /person (min. of 4-5 pax) $ 64 /person (min. of 6-8 pax) $ 56 /person (min. of 9-10 pax)
Rates are subj. to change w/out prior notice.

TAGAYTAY investment propery tour

Avail the Tagaytay Investment Property Tour at Tall View Heights Country Club for FREE !. Tour includes roundtrip transfer from hotel in Tagaytay, tour guide, for property sites and majestic view at Tall Lake. Qualified guest will be choosen by TravelPH team. Reservation at Tagaytay Ridge Day tour or booking made from TravelPH.Com/TravelPhil, Inc. and Manilaforwarders is high priority.

Badian Island, a Paradise in Philippines found in Cebu

This Paradise in Philippinesis Located 97 kms. southwest of Cebu, famous for beautiful corals and reefs, white sandy beaches excellent for diving. Accommodation is offered by the Badian Beach Resort, a "AAA" class resort.

Badian Island Resorts and Spas are equipped with every imaginable detail and designed for comfort and relaxation, a place in which to work and enjoy.
At Badian Island you can visit romantic beaches or explore the fascinating underwater world. The island Paradise of Badian is just about a 2.5 hours' drive from Cebu International Airport in Mactan, another tourist spot in cebu.

A tropical island situated in the province of Cebu, Philippines. The natural beauty of this island is breathtaking.
At Badian Island you will wonder that one quickly forgets the everyday grind, that you have become one with nature, and that such a Paradise still exists in this very busy world.

With the closest airport being Cebu International, your next dream holiday is only a flight away.
Diving is a must at the Badian Island, where you will be able to see amazing corals, and lots of colourful sealife.

Magellan's Cross

his spot was used to commemorate the cross, planted in April 14, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan when he first set foot on Cebu. The historical marker says that Rajah Humabon and his Queen, sons, daughters, together with some of their subject were baptized during Magellan's expedition (This was confusing as another story points to the year of the baptism to happen in 1565 during Miguel Lopez de Legazpi's expedition, more than 40 years later.)

Getting there:

Being located in the same vicinity, at least three famous landmarks can be toured on foot: Fort San Pedro, Magellan's Cross and Basilica del Sto. Ni?o. Historically, these three are related to each other.

It is not difficult to find your way there. From anywhere in Cebu, the easiest is to take a taxi. You may also ask the locals which jeepney will pass near the area. Jeepneys in Cebu are coded with a number and letter combination depending on the route. The locals would guide you about those jeepney numbers. But as you may have difficulty familiarizing those codes, the simpler way is for you to just read the route written on the sides. You are sure to reach your destination if you find "Magallanes" written on it. Or you may have a map on hand and find which street are near those landmarks and take a jeepney with that street name written on its side. If that route would not directly pass by those landmarks, it is always fun to get off somewhere nearby and enjoy walking. Wherever you get off, find either Osme?a Blvd..or Magallanes St. which are the two streets flanking the Basilica. Magellan's cross is situated just at the south gate of the Basilica. Walking southeast either at Magallanes St. or Osme?a Blvd toward the port area and then through the pathways of Plaza Independencia will take you to Fort San Pedro.

If you can't speak Cebuano, I found that the locals are more comfortable answering if you ask questions in English.

Waypoint narrative by: GBLontok 2002

Exploring Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Safety, Safety and Safety!

I was directed to Lake Sebu in South Cotabato when I asked a few Gen San locals where I could go to see more of Mindanao. It was the nearest safe tourist spot west of Gen San. In militarized Mindanao, safety is always an operative word. In fact, I was discouraged from venturing north of Lake Sebu. I was also warned about a place I wanted to see - Maragusan in Compostela Valley. Word of the wise was, there's increased military operations in the area. If I just show up without anyone vouching for me, the military was likely to mistake me for an NPA supporter/member (NPA - New People's Army: an armed revolutionary shadow government). The NPAs in turn will suspect me as a military plant. Both scenarios make me vulnerable to harassment, interrogation or worse, torture. Nope, I didn't go to Mindanao for that!

What Makes Lake Sebu Special?
Many reasons. It's a beautiful 300+hectare lake nestled 2316 feet up in the mountains. Also, it's the ancestral domain of the indigenous tribe, the T'bolis. There are also 7 magnificent waterfalls taking the lake overflow down to irrigate the lands of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.

7 Waterfalls
It is not clear how water is fed into the lake, but the overflow cascades down a flight of 7 waterfalls. It takes a habal-habal ride to get there (P100 - P150). I only went to the waterfall #1 and #2 (yes, that's how they're identified). It was spectacular! It would have taken a longer hike to see the rest, but I've already seen enough. It's not encouraged to bathe there as the water from the lake is suspect (according to the resort people).

Chicharon Tilapia
The Lake is abundant in tilapia. Selling live tilapia is an established cottage industry within the surrounding communities. Not surprisingly, the regional specialty is tilapia...chicharong tilapia (crispy tilapia rinds). As a general rule, I never miss out on a regional specialty dish. Sometimes, that's all I eat in that area (I still challenge any Ilonggo who had more La Paz Batchoy than me when I was in Iloilo....I had them for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from every conceivable vendor...street-side eateries, mall food courts, wet market stalls, etc.). The first chicharon tilapia I ordered was from Estares Lake Resort...it was a let-down. It was nothing but fried breaded tilapia chunks that tasted aweful. Not easily discouraged, I went to the most popular resort, the Punta Isla to try theirs. It was much much better, although I wouldn't go out of my way for it. It still didn't blow my socks off. However, if you're already in the area, it's definitely worth a try.

Tuba
Tuba is that coconut nectar coming out of a cut-off branch. Taken fresh, it's an invigorating morning fixer upper. Allow it to ferment a few days and it makes for an intoxicating wine. Distill it and you have the Lambanog...super potent but leaving no hang-over. When in a new rural place, I always sniff out where I can buy fresh tuba...the early morning harvest type. There's always one somewhere...you just to ask around. That's what I did here in Lake Sebu and I was pointed out to a place just across the street from the T'boli Museum. Price? P25/gallon! Yeah!!!! I tried finishing off half a gallon but I got drunk before I could down it. I dozed it off. The following day, I had no problem downing 1.5L before I headed to my next destination, Davao City.

Boat Ride
From what I've read before coming over, the highlight of the place is to take a boat ride around the lake. I should feel like a food bowl up in the mountains where fish is abundant. The shoreline houses and the numerous tilapia farms could also be seen. Alas, I couldn't piggy back on a boat ride. It charges P500 for a boatfull of 11 people. Always, the boat was full. I had to leave before I could manage one. Hmmm....another thing for 'next time'.

Ending Thoughts
If I had more time, I would have persisted to take the boat ride, walk some more to see the other 5 waterfalls, and eat more versions of chicharon tilapia. Staying by a lakeside hut was especially conducive for reflection, reading or writing. I would certainly pencil-in Lake Sebu to get away from it all, where air is clean, tilapia is fresh and the climate cool.

--- TheLoneRider

How to Get There from Gen San:

• From Bulaong Terminal in Gen San, take bus to Koronadal (often referred to as Marbel, its old name) and get off at the Koronadal bus station. Tell the conductor to drop you off there. P50 (a/c), 1 hour 11 minutes
• From Koronadal, take the Yellow Bus to Surralah. P22, 38 minutes
• From Surralah, take a jeep to Lake Sebu. P30, 43 minutes

Lodging:

• Punta Isla Lake Resort
• Tourism Lodge - Thelma Arcallo, cell: 0920-603-3554
• Estares Lake Resort - Sarah or Queen, cell: 0915-988-5175
• Artacho Resort - mobile: 0918-506-5522, email: artachoedgar@yahoo.com