Fort San Pedro Cebu City
Fuerte de San Pedro is a military defence structure in Cebu (Philippines), built by the Spanish under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, first governor of the Captaincy General of the Philippines. It is located in the area now called Plaza Indepedencia, in the pier area of the city. The original fort was made of wood and built after the arrival of Legazpi and his expedition. In the early 17th century a stone fort was built to repel Muslim raiders. Today's structure dates from 1738 and is the oldest triangular bastion fort in the country. It served as the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. During the Philippine Revolution at the end of the 19th century, it was attacked and taken by Filipino revolutionaries, who used it as a stronghold.
The fort is triangular in shape, with two sides facing the sea and the third side fronting the land. The two sides facing the sea were defended with artillery and the front with a strong palisade made of wood. The three bastions are named La Concepción (SW); Ignacio de Loyola (SE), and San Miguel (NE). It has a total inside area of 2,025 square metres (21,800 sq ft). The walls are 6.1 metres high by 2.4 metres thick (20 feet high by 8 feet thick), and the towers are 9.1 metres (30 ft) high from the ground level. The circumference is 380 metres (1,248 ft). The sides are of unequal lengths and the one fronting the city is where one may find entry into the fort. Fourteen cannons were mounted in their emplacements most of which are still there today. Work first started in 1565 with Miguel Lopéz de Legazpi breaking ground.
Fuerte San Pedro, the fort is described as built of stone mortar with a terreplein where guns are mounted. The fort contains the necessary buildings. The largest of these buildings was the Cuerpo de Guardia where the personnel that manned the fort lived. Adjacent to it was the vivienda del teniente which was the living quarters of the lieutenant of the fort. In between the aforementioned buildings is a well. At one corner attached to the walls of the bastión San Miguel (NE) was the Almacenes de Pólvora(powder magazine).[1]
Plaza Independencia Cebu City
Plaza Independencia is strategically located between Fort San Pedro and the building that used to be the Gobierno Provincial in the downtown area of Cebu. The plaza is a popular hangout for many living or working around the area. It is one huge garden filled with trees, ornamental plants and flowers. There is also a public skating rink and a kiosk at the center of the circular skating rink. An obelisk dedicated to the memory of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general of the Philippines, is planted at the very heart of the plaza.Plaza Independencia is the most historically significant plaza in Cebu. Its land and age-old acacia trees are witness to the many phases and stories of Cebu’s rich history.
In the early 1600s, it was called Plaza de Armas. When it was widened later on and expanded to reach nearby properties of the Cathedral of Cebu, it was called Plaza Mayor. Later in the Spanish rule, it was further landscaped and developed and was christened Plaza Maria Cristina, in honor of the queen regent. During the American colonial period, its name was changed to Plaza Libertad, as the Americans asserted how they liberated Cebuanos from the Spanish rule. Later on it finally became known as Plaza Independencia.
In a road tunnel construction project in 2006 that touched a part of the plaza and nearby areas, pre-Hispanic human bones and some earthenware were uncovered. In 2008, some artifacts were unearthed which included gold death masks, a pair of gold earrings, a Thai bluish-green “guan” celadon, jars and other earthenware. Plaza Independencia and some strategic parts of the downtown area of Cebu are a rich archaeological field due to its history as a prehispanic settlement and trading port. Indeed, there are many secrets and stories from Plaza Independencia.
Lapu-lapu Monument Mactan Island Cebu
Lapu-Lapu (fl. 1521) was a ruler of Mactan in Visayas. Modern Philippine society regards him as the first Filipino hero because he was the first native to resist Spanish colonization. He is best known for the Battle of Mactan that happened at dawn on April 27, 1521, and where he slayed Ferdinand Magellan. The battle halted the Magellan expedition and delayed Spanish occupation of the islands by over forty years until the expedition of Miguel López de Legazpi in 1564. Monuments to Lapu-Lapu have been built in Manila and Cebu while the Philippine National Police and theBureau of Fire Protection use his image.
Besides being a rival of Rajah Humabon of Cebu, little is known about the life of Lapu-Lapu and the only existing documents about his life are those written by Antonio Pigafetta. His name, origins, religion, and fate are still a matter of controversy.
Sandiego Ancestral House Cebu City
The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is located at 155-Lopez Jaena corner Mabini Street, Parian District in Cebu, Philippines. It is just a few steps away from the Parian Monument which is also known as Heritage of Cebu Monument and meters away from Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines. Considered to be one of the oldest residential houses in the Philippines, the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House was built sometime between 1675 and 1700. It was originally owned by a Chinese merchant named Don Juan Yap and his wife, Doña Maria Florido. They had 3 children, namely, Maria, Eleuterio, and Consolacion Yap.
During the 1880’s, the oldest daughter, Maria Florido Yap, married a native from Obando, Bulacan, Don Mariano San Diego, who was Parian’s “Cabeza de Barangay ” (District Head) at that time.
Just a few years ago (2008), the old ancestral home was turned over to Doña Maria’s great great grandson, Val Sandiego. Val himself is known in Cebu at present times as an art collector, renowned choreographer and heritage icon.
Under his care, he started to search for ways in restoring the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House for he believes in the value of his ancestor’s home to the history and heritage of Cebu. And though there have been offers to buy the house from him, he still continues to ignore such proposals and vows never to sell this historical house in his lifetime.
Ayala Center Cebu
Ayala Center Cebu is a large shopping mall at the Cebu Business Park in Cebu City, Philippines. It is the first Ayala Shopping Center located outside Metro Manila. It was opened in 1994, and is owned by Ayala Malls.
On an average day, more than 85,000 people visit Ayala Center Cebu, with the figure increasing to 135,000 on weekends.[1]
On October 30, 2008, Ayala Center Cebu unveiled "The Terraces", a P600-million project which developed the lagoon area to a food and beverage strip.
Second Expansion
The mall has added over 200 stores in its new wing. Forty of the 200 outlets opened last December 11, 2013 during the unveiling of the mall’s expansion.
The P2.9 billion four-level retail expansion completes the retail master plan of ACC, with an additional 36,500 square meters of gross leasable area.
SM Seaside City Cebu
SM Seaside City Cebu, also called locally as SM SRP, is a shopping mall owned and developed by SM Prime Holdings located in Cebu City, Philippines that opened on 27 November 2015, is the SM Prime Holdings' third mall in Metro Cebu. It is the centerpiece of the SM Seaside Complex, a 30-hectare mixed-use development at the South Road Properties.
It is currently the 3rd largest shopping mall in the Philippines and the 8th in the world. The mall has a gross leasable area (GLA) of 470,000 square meters. SM Seaside City Cebu is SM Prime Holdings' third mall in Metro Cebu and the 55th mall in the Philippines. The mall is designed byArquitectonica, the same company which designed SM City North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall.
On April 12, 2011, SM Prime Holdings held a ground-breaking ceremony at the mall's location.[1]
SM Prime Holdings President Hans Sy said that the company has made adjustments to its destination mall project at SRP, in terms of budget allocation to ₱8.5 billion, from the original budget of ₱6 billion. The whole SM Seaside Complex will cost ₱30 billion.[2]
The SM Seaside City Cebu is a circular-shaped retail mall with multiple anchors, including a two-story The SM Store, SM Supermarket, a Centerstage theater, a Large Screen cinema, two Director's Club cinemas, and 4 regular cinemas, an 18-lane SM Bowling and Amusement Center, and a food court flanking an olympic-size ice skating rink.[3]
In addition, the mall will feature a rooftop Sky Park, a 758-meter viewing tower, an iconic 21 meter by 21 meter centerpiece called the "Cube", and approximately 447 food and retail shops, including local, national and global brands.The mall has a San Pedro Calungsod Chapel just in front of it. Soon it will be building an Ocean Park to entertain people. A hybrid, European-made Volvo buses called MyBus transports people from Starmall Azienda in Talisay City to SM Seaside City Cebu in SRP, Cebu City. This mall is owned by Henry Sy, the president of SM Prime Holdings.
Mountain View Nature’s Park Cebu City
This is a nice place for family outing, group camp out, retreats, it has a building called the view deck where you can see the entire city view, a few meters down below the deck is the sunkeen garden where you can set up tent for camping with set of comfort rooms around a few more meters way up passing the deck you can find the big cross where a few birds snake and monkeys are caged..Mountain view is located 11km plus north west of cebu situated in Sitio Garaje Barangay Busay Cebu City.
JPark Island Resort Mactan Cebu
Located on the white-sand coastline of Mactan Island in sunny Cebu, Philippines is the country’s premier water park resort, Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark Cebu (JPI).
This five-star resort strikes the perfect balance of urbane sensibilities and vibrant sun, sea, and sky fun. Within its eight-hectare expanse are 508 of the region’s most spacious and luxurious rooms and suites – alongside elegant indoor function spaces and dining outlets that offer a truly delightful international bill of fare. These are well-placed in five buildings that majestically overlook 48 lifestyle villas, unique outdoor function spaces, and the resort’s piece de resistance – a vast Waterpark with six themed pools, three towering waterslides, a private beach of fine white sand and clear blue water, and a host of activities for fun and leisure.
Then JPI puts the cherry on top – world-class, round-the-clock service with sincere and indulgent care – all because the accent is on creating moments that will take your breath away. Get away to Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark, Cebu today.
Berhin inside the Guadalupe Cave Cebu
Historical accounts attributed to Padre Gaspar de San Agustin state when in the 16thcentury Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and his Spanish conquistador’s landed on the beach of San Nicolas, Cebu & burned all the houses of the villagers particularly in the sitio Sawang, the natives evacuated to the hills near the present church of Guadalupe then known as Tagoan (hiding place) because of a cave there.
It was said that five Augustinian missionaries Padre Andres Urdaneta, Martin de Rada, Diego de Herrera, Andres de Aguirre & Padre de Gamboa were accompanied by their religious mission by the prominent native of Guadalupe called KAMAHUKOM, the husband of Makiyung. They were quite successful in propagating Christianity to the natives. In fact, the first natives to be baptized were the guide himself baptized Romualdo & his wife Cleofe. Thus, the former barrio of Guadalupe derived it’s name from Romualdo (Maldo) and Cleofe (Pe).
As converts increased in number, the missionaries gave an Image of the Blessed Virgin a replica of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe who appeared in Guadalupe, Mexico in the year 1530 to the villagers as a token of remembrance for their acceptance of the Catholic faith. But giving little significance to it, the native’s place the image inside a Kamalig. A bodega made up a bamboo & sawali, where they used to dump carabao hides. Soon the nearby residents noticed that the Kamalig brightened every night. The source of the light coming from nowhere. Later they discovered that the dogs that used the carabao hides inside the Kamalig all died of exhaustion because their teeth got stacked into the holed, permanently. The phenomenon reverend & strengthened the villager’s belief in the Catholics faith, so that they started calling their place Guadalupe, in honor of the Image of the Blessed Virgin.
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FINDING THE IMAGE IN THE CAVE
No one knows why & when the image was placed in the Cave (Langub). However, it was said that there was a time when the Muslim pirates raided the district of San Nicolas and its environs. Due to fear, the villagers went up the hill & hid the Image in the cave to protect it from heretics. Others also said in the 19thCentury, the Hispano- Filipino conflicts, atrocities & uprising forced the natives to hides the Image in the cave at Tagoan. As years passed by, the residents forgot all about the Image. The discovery of the hidden Image of the Blessed Virgin inside the cave happened accidentally.
It started when a trapper of wild chicken was sticking his wooden peg into the cart in the cave to tie his rooster bait. Unknowingly he was sticking it on the top of a concealed guano pit so that the soft soil gave away. Inside this guano pit, he saw the religious relic. He took it out and brought it to the Parish Priest of San Nicolas for identification. He told that it was the replica of the Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe of Mexico. From that time on, the cave tagoan (now part of Brgy. Kalunasan) became the object of Pilgrimages by people throughout the Visayas & Mindanao.
Vista Mar Beach Resort Lapu-lapu Cebu
Vista Mar Beach Resort and Country Club is located in Lapu Lapu, a 15-minute drive from Mactan Shrine and Marina Mall. Rooms are equipped with balconies and cable TV channels. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided. Safes are included. Guests can get a tan by the pool at the sun terrace. A gift shop selling souvenirs is available. A car rental service is available for those wishing to take a drive.
Local Filipino and international cuisine can be enjoyed at Café Veranda.
We speak your language! This property has been on Booking.com since Apr 21, 2011.
Hotel Rooms: 14
Durano Eco Farm Resort & Spring Pools, Cebu
Durano Eco Farm Resort is the best for guests who prefer natural water flowing down from fresh springs, especially during the hottest season (March to May in the Philippines). Yes, this is the place you should rather be if you want a ‘no chlorine’ water. There are pools with various depths each, that is, there are pools both for adults and children. As you know, free flowing spring water is very clear, clean and cool enough to refresh you especially when you visit or live in a tropical country. This is just one of the places in Cebu that provide such cool service.
This farm and resort is located in the sort of rainforest in Carmen (Corte Barangay), Cebu Province, Philippines.
Briefly, the farm features, various species of plants especially fruit trees and ornamental and flowering plants.
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Hidden Paradise San Fenando,Cebu
Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort is located 25 kilometers from Cebu City, Philippines, deep in the mountains of the province. It is on a picturesque mountain with lush green surrounding, refreshing environment and serene air. It is about 5.2 kilometers from the highway of Barangay Ilaya of San Fernando.
The establishment is especially built for relaxation as well as active events: outdoor events, team-building, debut, weddings, and other social events and adventures.
Hidden Mountain resort is a multi-awarded establishment due to its great facilities and services. It is quite popular among friends, classmates, families, groups or clubs and even businesses who want to spend time together to be rejuvenated or to organize meetings and seminars.
To start learning more about the resort, let’s check out its…
Fun & exciting activities
If you are ready to have real adventure and challenging outdoor activities, you may continue reading here. For sure, if you are that active person you would recognize the following activities and facilities
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Osmeña Peak Dalaguete Cebu
Osmeña Peak is located in the Municipality of Dalaguete in the province of Cebu. The peak is approximately 1,000 meters above sea level making it the highest peak in the island of Cebu. The peak is part of the Mantalungon mountain range, which is unique from other mountain ranges in the Philippines because of its multiple jagged hills grouped together that overlook and stretch as far as the Badian shorelines. The highest of these hills is the Osmeña Peak named in honor of the famous Osmeña clan in Cebu. The visual appearance of the Mantalungon range is almost similar in form to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol but the peaks of the ranges are thinner, sharper-pointed and rocky. Unlike the Chocolate Hills, the peaks of the Mantalungon ranges cluster quite near each other and give the impression of being formed from rocks that have survived through time.
Once you reach the Osmeña Peak, you get a 360-degree view of that includes the southwestern coastline of Cebu, and you even see the province of Negros Oriental. However, the peak area is fenced and under private ownership. A lot keeper collects at least 20 pesos from each climber that enters the area and there is a campsite a few meters down the peak. The campsite has a toilet and a bunkhouse available to the public for a fee.
Osmeña Peak and the Mantalungon range are accessible to hikers and mountaineers all year round but it is best to climb the peak in the first half of the year since the rainy season is from June to October. The peak and mountain ranges become wet and slippery during the rainy season.
Hale Manna Moalboal, Cebu
Hale Manna or "House of Good Spirits" in Moalboal, Cebu.
Top rate family resort. Uber great getaway 2 hrs drive only from Cebu City.
The beach is a great place to take a dip. During low tide there are tidal pools where you can discover the marine world at close range. You can also snorkel in front as there is a marine sanctuary. There is also a small putting green.
The resort is sort-of family run albeit i can rate it as comfy upscale - not your shabby chic since the ground floor has really nice sofa sets, classy decor and a billiard table. you can curl up in any one of the comfy seats around. Count the number of red lampshades and sala sets! (i counted 8 shades).
The resort face Negros and is along Tanon Strait - recognized as a habitat and highway for large marine mammals.
Hidden Valley Pinamungahan Cebu
Hidden Valley Resort is situated in the Southwestern part of Cebu Islands, Philippines.
Particularly, it is in Barangay Lamac, Pinamungahan Town of Cebu.The area is exceptionally great for outdoor activities since it is blessed with natural environment ideal for adventure, camping, and even for just leisurely activities.
In other words, the area of Pinamungahan Town has fantastic views of nature offering the right sites for vacation and outdoor activities.
Aside from leisurely activities, vacation or short break from your busy normal life, the resort also offer its facilities for various family, social, business and other events. It simply means that you can bring bigger number of people and hold any kind of event or activity you need.
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West 35 Eco Mountain Resort Balamban, Cebu
West35 Eco Mountain Park Resort is a nice environmental facility situated in Gaas, Balamban Municipality, Cebu, Philippines.
Nearby this resort, you can also find the facilities like Adventure Café, K33, Island in the Sky places, among other interesting facilities by the mountains of Balamban, Cebu.
The winding road leading to the park resort could be interesting but challenging. There steep climbs and sharp curves along the way up, but at the same time you’ll discover nature and its best - tropical plants, flowers, birds, among others.
West35 Eco Park provides playground facilities for kids, outdoor activities for adults, a restaurant and accommodation facilities.
This eco-mountain park resort does not only provide you nice views and great facilities but most of all a rejuvenating environmental being provided by fresh air (and breeze) and oxygen from the plants and trees.In addition, West35 Eco Mountain Park also offers services for those who wish to hold meetings, social as well as familial events. They provide catering service and facilities for your activity.
Of course, if you want to stay overnight or much longer to relax and enjoy the place you can rent a room with some choices depending on your number.
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Buhisan Dam & Forest Cebu City
Buhisan Dam is a dam located in Buhisan, Cebu City, Philippines. It is one of the main source of water for Cebu City and Metro Cebu. Part ofCentral Cebu Protected Landscape, Buhisan Dam is situated in the mountains of Barangay Buhisan behind Barili Cebu. Built in 1911-1912 and maintained by the Metro Cebu Water District, it is being developed into an eco-tourism location. It supplies five percent of Metropolitan Cebu Water District's (MCWD) current water capacity.
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Buhisan forest is one of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, (CCPL) is a protected area located in the mountains and drainage basins of central Cebu in the Philippines. The CCPL covers what used to be known as the Central Cebu National Park, Buhisan Dam, Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve, Kotkot-Lusuran Watershed Forest Reserve, and the Sudlon National Park.[2] The protected area spans 29,062 hectares (71,810 acres) of adjoining forestlands and watersheds located in the middle of the province.
The CCPL houses many of Cebu's endemic and indigenous species.[3] The CCPL is also home to several threatened species, such as the Cebu flowerpecker, black shama, the Cebu cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum cebuense), a rare new kind of orchid, the streak-breasted bulbul, the rufous-lored kingfisher, and the Philippine tube-nosed fruit bat among others. It is in this area where the critically endangered Cebu flowerpecker was rediscovered in 1992. The area is also home to the newly opened Kan-irag Nature Park.[4]
In 2011, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR 7) planned to conduct a census and registration of residents of the 22 barangays in the reserve. It also filed a criminal complaint against two individuals for cutting trees in the reserve.[5] In 2009, DENR officials had stated that "they are worried that if the forest reserves in Cebu will be destroyed because there are people living there, there will be a water crisis in the province."[6]