I was deeply struck by the words of our own national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal when he said,
"He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination."
Those words made an inkling into my heart, thus made me ask myself these questions:
- Why are we not so interested in visiting and knowing of our own Cultural Heritage?
- Why are those not our priorities in terms of advancement and development?
- Why are there more different nationalities eager to learn our history than our fellow countrymen.. it is very ironic.
- Why do I see a non-Filipino giving a tour to their fellow countrymen, telling our history in their own version? Isn't it odd to see them leading the tour?
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| We are all ready for the 500-year walkabout
When I asked an Englishman who joined our group in this tour on why he chose to spend his day signing up for this tour instead of going to the mall or staying at his hotel to rest (knowing that he is here for a business trip). His answer amazed me. He told me that there is no best way of knowing the people and the country without knowing their history. Wow! it made my jaw dropped! That was bull's eye!
How can he have that interest? I felt insulted but challenged! this is my country and I should be more knowledgeable than that of others. I should be the one nodding and feeling hurt hearing our history as it was not pleasant as it may sound. But, I saw this man's face disgusted and displeased upon hearing our painful history. I just don't want to settle for this. I hope we soon find in our hearts the real cry and purpose of us being Filipinos. I pray that we will be moved to do something to make our country a better place and to keep our history as motivation to create a battle cry for the next generation.
I am making this blog to give my readers an overview of our cultural heritage in Cebu especially if you haven't give yourself a chance to know more about your own home.
    
Experience walking on the road made of shells by the locals
We met and started our tour at Fort San Pedro at 3:30 pm. We were introduced to the paintings with the faces of Lapu-Lapu, Ferdinand Magellan, Pigafetta, and a lot more. Also, we were given a glimpse of the old Cebu through old pictures that were preserved.
1. Fort San Pedro is the oldest triangular structure that was used to be the home and built as a form of defense of the Spaniard named Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
It was intended to be triangular in shape with two sides facing the sea and one side fronting the land to safeguard the first governor from the pirates and the Filipinos.
With our tour guide, PG
At the roof deck of Fort San Pedro
2. Malacañang sa Sugbu is located in Pigafetta street, just before the entrance of the SRP near Fort San Pedro. It is the official resident of the President of the Philippines in the Visayas.
Malacañang sa Sugbu
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3. Compania Maritima Building is the residue and a proof of the early trading system of the Cebuanos and the Chinese. It was the center of trading in the olden times and even the first building with an elevator at that time.
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| Compania Maritima Building
4. Magellan's Cross is Cebu's landmark and a proof the arrival of the Portuguese and Spaniards in 1521. It is where the strength of Catholicism began. With the paintings on the ceiling showing the baptism of Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana.
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| Magellan's Cross |
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Magellan's Cross Candles for sale at Magellan's Cross |
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| The woman we bought the candles from prayed for us through a dance |
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| This is where masses are held daily at Basilica del Santo Niño |
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| Basilica del Santo Niño
5. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the first churches in the Philippines. It is where the Jubilee door is found. The door on the left portion of the cathedral signifies the passage from sin to grace. It will only be opened every 25 years.
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| The Jubilee door of Cebu Metropolitan Church
6. Statue of Rajah Humabon is to commemorate the first Filipino chieftain who embraced Christianity in the Philippines. He is regarded as the bravest and wisest man in the island of Cebu.
The statue of Rajah Humabon
7. Heritage of Cebu Monument is a representation and illustration showing the significant events of Cebu from the past to the present. The scenes demonstrated in the monument are the conversion of Rajah Humabon and his followers to Catholicism, the local revolution against the Spanish rule, A Roman Catholic Mass, and the fateful fight on April 15, 1521, in the island of Mactan where native chieftain Lapu-Lapu killed Ferdinand Magellan. It also includes the Basilica Del Sto. Nino, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, The Saint John the Baptist Church, Magellan's Cross, a Spanish Galleon, Statues of Sergio Osmena Sr. and Saint Pedro Calungsod.
    
This shows Sergio Osmeña and Saint Pedro Calungsod
8. Yap- SanDiego Ancestral House is one of the oldest house in the Philippines. Built in the late 17th Century, the ancestral house has remained in its original state and was deliberately preserved by Mr. Val SanDiego, the great great grandson of Doña Maria Yap- SanDiego.
9. Casa Gorordo Museum was originally a house built in the mid 19th century that is owned by Juan Isidro de Gorordo. It has been declared a national historical landmark of the Philippines. The house is built using massive and tough coral stones and also a lifetime museum that features altarpieces, antique furnishings, and paintings. We also had a tour guide from RAFI who was able to give us a glimpse of the past scenery and diorama of the old Cebu. Lastly, we were able to witness two cultural dances.
     
The 500 Walk about tour served as an awakening to me... why? because it made me realize and made me angry at the fact that we are still thinking slave as Filipinos. Why do we allow mediocrity in all aspects of our life? Why are we very complacent with settling for less if we can do better? We are made to be great! We are born warriors! We shouldn't lose our identity for that will always determine who we are as Filipinos.
I want to encourage each and every one of us to get to know our country more as this is what we all have. This is our land and this is the only thing that we can leave to the next generation. The season may change but our history never will.
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