Hello Ubec! I said to myself as we arrived at the Cebu sea port. The cold morning breeze blew softly on my cheeks as our feet landed on Cebu's ground. I and my classmates hurriedly run down and look for our tour bus. Our tour guide introduce himself as Sir Val,our driver, kuya Danny, and our first aider, Ms. Malou.

Cebu City is known for the seat of Christianity of the Philippines as well as the oldest city in the country. As we visited the heritage and tourist spots, it made me feel weak knowing that being a Filipino, I am a stranger in my own land. To admit, with my 19 years of existence, it was my first time to visit the city. Here are a few destinations that you can visit in Cebu City.

The stunning site is the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod. The structure was made up of huge vertical walls.

We also went to the ABS-CBN Cebu and see for ourselves how they work at the station. It was impressing and it wasn't easy though. The studio wasn't that big but I was amazed on how they maximized the small place. When you look up to their ceiling, they have tons of lighting paraphernalia. We also entered their "i don't know the name of the room". It is where they control what is aired in our television. We also went to the MOR's studio and seen live how Djs operate on air.

This is in Mactan Shrine. This is where the legendary Lapu-lapu and his troupes killed the ever brave Ferdinand Magellan.

Lapu-Lapu's gigantic statue in Mactan Shrine.

Magellan's cross was brought by Ferdinand Magellan to Cebu where he baptized Raja Humabon and his wife. Long time ago, it was believed that a piece of the cross can cure an illness so people thought of getting a piece of it. What the father's did to preserve the cross is they wrapped it up. The original cross is inside the cross that you can see.

A side view of the Sto. Nino Church. Every 3rd Sunday of January, Cebuanos actively celebrate the Sinulog Festival in honor of the Sto.Nino with the festive colors floating on the streets. Sinulog is a ritual dance by Pre hispanic indigenous origin. The dance steps includes one step forward and two steps backward. During Sinulog you will hear people shouting "Viva Pit Senyor!" . Many people might thought that Sto.Nino is the Patron Saint of Cebu, however it is not possible. Sto.Nino is an image of Jesus Christ and he couldn't be a saint at the same time. So the Patron Saint of Cebu is the micaculous Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The entrance in one of Cebu's Taoist temple.

As part of our 3-day Advertising Educational Tour, we did not only visit scenic spots of Cebu but we also visited advertising agency such as Campaigns and Grey. Often times, we don't know the people behind every tv ads of our favourite soaps, shampoo or detergent. What made ad agencies not exposed to the audience is that they are only the behind the scenes of the creative ideas aired in our television. Camps and Grey caught my attention since it is an area of my interest like designing electronically. According to the creative team, the hardest part is not coming out with a concept, but it is selling your idea to the public.

We also went to Filipino Hands which is an exporter of fashion accessories made from natural resources.They are better known as Anjo Collection. I really have a heart for burloloys and my eyes was very much entertained to their gallery. Got no picture since we're not allowed to. I didn't even know that maybe one of the bracelets wore by my fav fashion gurus over the internet came from Cebu.

Gardenia Cebu. They supply Gardenia in half of the Visayas and whole Mindanao. Gardenia is known for it's bread that's "pwedeng kainin kahit walang palaman." The production process was really good and was carefully done. The loaf bread were packed without a touch of human hand. Before we entered the area, they gave us hair nets and they let us removed all the other jewelries we have to ensure safety of the bread production.

We walked 300 meters away from the highway to reach Graphic Star. They are the biggest printing company in terms of services offered. I was amazed to know that they also print for billboards to think that it requires big printers. Clickbook caught my interest. It was my first time to heard the term. Clickbook looks more like of a electronically done scrapbook printed in a high quality matte or glossy paper. Graphic Star design section uses PS, InDesign, Illustrator, and CorelDraw that I might as well as practice later to improve the skills I have.

A breath taking panoramic view of Cebu City from Crown Regency's 18th floor.

A short vacation with the Royal Friendship is worth-it. All meals were in buffet, the accommodation is good and the tour guide was superb! I am excited in travelling with Royal Friendship again. :)

Filipino Blogger
Cebu City Destination