TAOIST TEMPLE CEBU

We also visited Taoist Temple, located in the wealthy residential suburb of Beverly Hills about 6 km. north of downtown Cebu. We took a local taxi to get there and we asked the driver to wait for us for a few minutes because we knew we could hardly find a cab to get back to the hotel.

There were only few people when we got there, maybe because many of the Taoist devotees have their rituals done particulary on Wednesdays and Sundays, to light joss sticks and have their fortunes read by the monks.


The temple was built by substantial Chinese community who make up about 15% of Cebu's population. The temple is the center of worship for Taoism, the religion which follows the teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tze.


Built in 1972, the Taoist Temple is constructed in highly ornate and, some would say, gaudy style of Chinese architecture, and is topped with pagoda style roof. It has a towering, multi-tiered, muli-hued attraction accessible by three separate winding routes. Various attractions consist of huge and colorful dragon, a replica of the Great Wall of China, spacious balconies offering scenic views, souvenir shops, mini library with instructional materials, and dozens of escalating steps.



The temple has an elevation of 300 meters above sea level, so when we climbed its 99 steps to reach to the top, we were satisfied and enjoyed the nice scenery of Cebu City.

(source: Fabulous Philippines / Phil. Hearing )

FORT SAN PEDRO

Fort San Pedro stands at the very heart of Cebu City and there is nothing really much to do and to see here. However, if you're interested a little more facts about Cebu history, it can be a good place to begin your visit.

(Plaza Independencia in front of Fort San Pedro)
(Fort San Pedro)

As described in an official report of 1739, Fort San Pedro is triangular in shape and made of stone and mortar. The three bastions are La Concepcion, San Ignacio de Loyola, and San Miguel-Powder Magazine.

(an antique wood door that serves both as entrance and exit for visitors)

(photos of Fort San Pedro in the past)

Fort San Pedro is the smallest and oldest fort in the country. This served as the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. It has a total inside area of 2,025 sq. meters. The walls are 20 feet high, 8 feet thick and towers are 30 feet high from the ground level. Work first started on May 8, 1565 with MIGUEL LOPEZ DE LEGASPI breaking the ground. After the battle of Manila Bay, Commodore George Dewey turned the forth to the local Cebuanos; then it became an American Warwick Barracks during the American Regime which was later converted into classrooms where the Cebuanos received formal education.

(a mini-store inside the fort)
(a mix of ornaments sold)
(windows with distinguishing features of colonial architecture)

During World War II, from 1941 to 1945, it served as fortification for Japanese soldier, when the battle for liberation was fought, the fort served as an army camp. After 1950, Cebu Garden Club took over and fixed the inner court into a miniature garden. For a couple of years it also housed the Cebu City Zoo. In 1978 to August 15, 1993, it housed the offices of the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Tourism Authority. At present, it is under the care and administration of the National Museum.

(a passageway leading to the stairs)
(a triangular shape garden used nowadays as a venue for birthdays, wedding receptions and other social functions. Open garden with bermuda grass and cemented open stage)

(the stone staircase leading up to the watchtower , museum and cannons)

These days the fort is made into a museum. Inside, the fort houses the legacies of the Spanish Government with well preserved Spanish artifacts such as: documents written in Spanish, Paintings, sculptures, cannons, chapel, prison dungeons, living rooms, bedrooms, school, roomsoasis garden. A large statue of Legazpi and Antonio Pigafetta is erected outside the fort. The museum also contains old coins dating back to the time of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.

(another mini-shop on the upper ground)
(the National Museum found on the upper ground)
(on the other side is where various cannons are on display)
(the view from the top of Fort San Pedro)

If you'll visit here, no reservations are necessary. You can tour at your own pace. Fort San Pedro charges an entrance fee of Php 15.00 per head.

(source: dti cebu, philtourism)

MAGELLAN'S CROSS

Some say that... "the Magellan's Cross may not be a sight to behold. But it's significance is more than meets the eye. For the Cebuanos, it is the beginning of something big -- Christianity. "

The Magellan's Cross was planted in April 14, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, this marks the spot where Fr. Pedro Valderama baptized the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana and about 400 followers.



A sign below the cross says the original Magellan’s Cross is encased in the tindalo wood cross displayed in the center of the chapel. This is to protect it from people who chipped away parts of the cross believing it has miraculous powers or as souvenirs. Some, however, say that the original cross planted by Magellan was destroyed or lost and what stands there now is a replacement planted by Spaniards who came after the Portuguese explorer.

Magellan's Cross is positioned next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino on Magallanes street, just in front of the city hall of Cebu City.

There are many booths or small stores selling tourist trinkets, local traditional crafts such as ukelele, guitars and foods in the surrounding area, which also make it a pleasant place to browse for souvenirs and "pasalubong".



Address: Magellan's Cross
Magallanes Street
Cebu City, Philippines

BASILICA MINOR DEL SANTO NIÑO

Basilica Minor del Santo Nino is a 16th century church structure in the heart of downtown Cebu City, Philippines. It is built by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta in the exact spot where the image of Santo Niño (the Black Holy Child Jesus image/sculpture) was found by the Spain|Spanish conquistadors in 1565 preserved in a burned wooden box which was left behind by the Portugal|Portuguese and Spanish explorers in 1521.

(Basilica Minor del Santo Niño)

The first structure of the church was, however, destroyed by fire on November 1, 1568. It was rebuilt in 1602 under the administration of Juan Albaran and was rehabilitated in 1740. On May 1965, the church was conferred the title Basilica Minor del Santo Niño during the Fourth Centennial celebration of the Christianization of Cebu.

(inside the basilica compound)

For visitors who wish to venerate the original Santo Niño (adorned with gold and precious stones enshrined in glass), just go to the left side of the Basilica altar. However, be aware that hundreds of visitors flock to the Basilica Shrine.

You may also light a candle at the candle area amongst other devotees praying for petitions or thanksgiving.

(Candle Area)

Adjacent to the basilica is a small museum, where you can visit. It is located at the basement of the Pilgrim Center, Basilica del Santo Niño compound. General Admission is Php 20.00 per person (2006). The contribution always go to the advancement and maintenance of Basilica Minor del Santo Niño Museum.

(entrance hall leading to the museum)

The museum houses antique objects and religious articles such as rosaries, various sizes of Santo Niño's cloaks of 17th-18th century style, garments of the priests that are worn during masses, collection of calices, ciborium, and venajeras and a lot more. Taking pictures inside the museum are not allowed.

Museum Schedule:
Tuesday to Sunday
8:00 am - 11:45 am
1:30 pm - 4:45 pm


Address:
Basilica del Santo Niño
Osmeña Boulevard
Cebu City, Philippines
Telephone: (032) 255-669-7 to 9 (all department), 255-0934 (Rector's Office)
Fax: (032) 255-060-8 (Convent)

POD 5 KTV Bar and Restaurant

Aside from dining those feted eating places, we also had a great time when we visited POD 5 KTV Bar and Restaurant located at Banilad Town Center. It was another way for us to enjoy and having fun while we were in Cebu.

The interior decoration was contemporary and the ambiance was pretty nice. It had a futuristic theme with plenty of white shades and round angles.



The room that we had was equipped with a regular size TV with adequate sound system. The song selections were quite good and up-to-date. The hourly rate for private room was consumable for food and drinks.

(iced tea and banana shake)

The KTV also offered their "Live!" promo, where we can record our live performances on CD for Php 249.00 only, but we politely declined the offer.



For those who are not into singing and, who just want to chill out, relax and share good conversations with friends over good food and drinks, they also have an open-space reception area to hang out.

(open-space area)

Address:
POD 5 KTV Bar and Restaurant
Banilad Town Center
Cebu City, Philippines
Sunday to Thursday: 5:00 pm- 12:00 am
Friday and Saturday: 5:00 pm - 2:00 am

Lemon Grass Restaurant

Lemon Grass serves the best and exciting mix of Vietnamese and Thai style food. The interiors are nice, simple yet classy. The pastel quality of green color has a cool, relaxing and calming effect. The striking waitresses look elegant in their Vietnamese attire, which reminds me of the women in Saigon when we visited in 2004.

Everything we had was really quite good. They were all very tasty and well presented. The delicious grilled meat was subtly flavored while the other entree had a real spicy kick.

(steamed rice uniquely wrapped in banana leaves)
(grilled meat)
(the entree w/ spicy flavor)

We wanted to try their famed healthy Citrus and Herb Fresh Lemonade Juice but I knew we can't finish the huge pitcher of juice ourserselves. So, hubby and I quenched our thirst for another healthful beverages - iced tea and fresh fruit shake. It was a very satisfying meal that only cost us Php 644.00.

(Citrus and Herb Fresh Lemonade Juice)
(iced tea and fresh fruit shake)

This restaurant is definitely worth a visit for good food, cheery ambiance, plus Thai and Vietnamese food has to be among the healthiest on the planet.


Address: Lemon Grass
Ayala Food and Entertainment Center
Ayala Center, Cebu City, Philippines
Tel. (63-32) 233-8601

(photo credit: eats my choice)

Sunburst Fried Chicken

If you ask where is the best tasting Fried Chicken in Cebu? Most Cebuanos would probably say it's Sunburst Fried Chicken.

This eating-place existed for more than a decade as far as I can remember. During our trip we had the opportunity to have our decent meal experience at this place. We ordered the set meal, which came in portion sizes that were just right - a cup of rice, 2 pieces of fried chicken, 3 slices of fried potatoes and some veggies. For this meal, you can still have room for your dessert. The food was just average and the service was merely okay.



Here's a little more about Sunburst... It is said that "the restaurant was founded in 1971 under the name of A&C Chicken and Pizza House with initially 4 tables to 10 tables then to 25 tables under its new name, Sunburst Fried Chicken. Today, it has 10 franchised outlets located in Cebu, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro City, Pagadian and Dipolog City with the original restaurant in Iligan City as the only remaining company owned restaurant". (source: ccci cebu business)

Chika-an sa Cebu Restaurant

We had another Filipino gastronomic experience at Chika-an sa Cebu, an affordable fine dining restaurant. It is located just in front of Cebu Northwinds Hotel.

The trendy restaurant makes the place more inviting. It had a modern Filipino decor with soft and warm lighting. The restaurant can get a little noisy if it is full, but I like the friendly and informal atmosphere.

(lampshade in off-white trimmed in chocolate brown)

Superb selection of dishes were available, including an extensive range of pork, beef, chicken, fish & seafood dishes. We sampled their crispy pata (deep fried pork leg) and nilagang baka (boiled beef). Again, hubby ordered his all time favorite sisig and baked scallops. The foods were served in hearty portions and the flavors were bold. They also serve an eat-all-you-can rice.

(Crispy pata with atchara / Deep Fried Pork Leg)
(Nilagang Baka / Boiled Beef)
(Sisig)
(Baked Scallops)

For those wanting prepared meals, live local crabs are sold per 100 grams and they will cook it for you. Also to be enjoyed is the Original Mandaue Bibingka, their signature native delicacy or you may try Banana and Nangka Toron with Latik.

The price was a bit expensive compared to Golden Cowrie but it was worth it.

The restaurant has wide parking space.

Address:
Chika-an sa Cebu Restaurant
Salinas Drive, Lahug
Cebu City, Philippines
Tel (63-32) 233-0350 / 233-0358
Open: (Lunch- 11:30 am to 2:00 pm / Dinner- 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm)

Golden Cowrie Restaurant

I'm glad my hubby introduced me to Golden Cowrie Restaurant. I would say this place is perfect for those who really crave for a truly gastronomic experience. It is really a feast and a great value for money! This outlet has rapidly gained popularity as it offers a superb selection of delectable choices of Filipino culinary delights.

The restaurant décor might be described as 'native chic". It is designed on a traditional Filipino theme. The ambiance of this place is very nice and warm. Inside is airconditioned with alfresco setting.

(open-air setting)
(inside the restaurant)
(the ceiling)

We experienced dining pleasure and while savoring appetizing dishes like baked scallops, sinigang na baboy (pork in sour broth), sisig and inihaw na isda (grilled fish).

(banana leaf as a plate)
(baked scallops)
(sinigang na baboy)
(sisig)
(grilled fish)