Cebu City (Visayas): Basilica de Sto. Niño, Magellan's Cross, City Hall

 

This wasn't taken in China. It's just in Cebu (Visayas). Well, at least there are many Chinese who live in Cebu. In that photo is one of my favorite tourist spots. I like visiting temples.

 

 

 

Cebu is one of the places frequently visited by the local and foreign visitors. If you only wish to have a simple city tour (pasyal in Filipino) and if there’s just four of you max, you can just take a cab. One day is actually enough if you wish to visit the area, but you must start your tour at least around 9am or 10am. Max is two days if you wish to get a longer sleep. 

 

Tip1: Hail a cab and ask the driver to drop you to Basilica de Sto. Niño first. While on the road, observe the driver’s behaviour and see if he’s kind enough. Have a small talk and eventually ask him if you could get his “tour” service. For Php 1,500-Php 2,000, you can conveniently visit those tourist spots in Cebu City, Mandaue, and Mactan. He can even take your photos.

Basilica De Sto. Niño and Magellan’s Cross


Basilica de Sto. Niño.

 

           Statues of the Saints perhaps.

      This is where they celebrate Catholic mass (temporary)

 



 The Altar

 



 

Inside the church, the walls are adorned with huge paintings. Each painting tells a story about the priests, Sto. Niño, significant events, etc. 

 The church is under renovation. It’s one of those buildings / infrastructures that are severely damaged by a strong Earthquake that hit Cebu in 2013

 

The adoration chapel is open to all Sto. Niño devotees and visitors. It is where people solemnly pray (but it has to be quick).

Fall in line and wait for your turn.

Taking photos is okay, but only one pic per person is allowed.

You’ll see this spot on your way to the adoration chapel.















We’ve got company – my aunt’s two friends who live in Toledo, Cebu. They accompanied us on the first day of our tour.

Magellan’s Cross is located at the back of the Basilica. Just like the Basilica, it is also under renovation.

 

Inside the shrine.

 

Perhaps children should not be allowed to bring balloons inside

 

See that woman (in yellow) carrying a plastic bag of candles? You can ask women like her to pray for you. Simply buy candles from them. They’ll light the candles and they’ll start dancing and singing (That’s how they pray).

 

Fronting Magellan’s cross: City Hall