Cebu City Tour

November 14-15,2009 -From Bohol,our next stop is the oldest city in the Philippines - The City of Cebu.We arrived at Pier 1 via Ocean Jet Ferry at around 9 a.m.It was a disgusting experience when somebody approach us and pretend to help us look for a taxi then afterward ask for a fee.The cab driver said that they are Badjao (Sea Gypsies).But what was equally frustrating is the taxi ride from port to La Guardia Hotel.We are charged P200.00.Its just three blocks away from the port.But then again,this is a do-it-yourself tour its all part of the experience.

First stop is the Basilica del Sto.Niño.I feel reunited with Señor Sto.Niño since my last visit here was in 1996 when I am an exchange student for a year at University of Cebu.I don't have relatives in Cebu and this church is my favorite breathing space whenever I am home sick.

Just beside the Cathedral is the Magellan Cross planted by Portuguese, and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Cebu in the Philippines on April 21, 1521.One can never miss to drop by on this site because the Magellan's Cross and the chapel in Magallanes St. just in front of the City Hall is a prominent symbol of Cebu.

Then we walk towards Port San Pedro just few blocks away from Magellan's Cross. Port San Pedro is one of the oldest spanish port in the Philippines. It was first started in May 8, 1965.The work of colonization had just begun and due to the hostility of the natives, the Spaniards were compelled to build the port.The port is triangular in shape with two sides facing the sea and the third side facing the land. The two sides facing the sea were defended with artillery, and the third side with palisade made of wood. The port serves as a nucleus of the first established settlement in the Philippines.

Cebu is also known for its variety of dried fish, we were told that the best place to buy them is in Tres de Abril St., Taboan Market a few minutes away from the cathedral.We just ride a jeep to get there.

Then we went to the provincial capitol of Cebu to have some pictures. Along the way we pass by Crown Regency Hotel which caters the famous extreme edge coaster ride and sky walking adventure. From Capitol we go back to downtown and buy Cebu made guitar at the Freedom Park.

Having a do- it- yourself city tour in Cebu is not that complicated. All you have to bring is a lot of guts coupled by thorough research of the place in the internet. I tell you the experience is great! See you on our coming DIY tour in Puerto Princesa ( June 2010) and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ( July 2010 ).