View of Cebu City from the Marco Polo Hotel
The introduction of daily flights between Cebu and Roxas City is a winner! Cebu, the Queen City of the South, has so much to offer its visitors - historical landmarks, museums, beaches, fine dining, lively nightlife, retail therapy options and a calendar full of cultural events. And it's a short flight away, just under thirty minutes..
Sirao Garden
"The earth laughs in flowers." Ralph Waldo Emerson
These colorful celosia flowers are the staple of the garden. Dubbed Little Amsterdam, the garden reminds one of the tulip fields in the Netherlands. There's also a token windmill and Cinderella's carriage. And as it was approaching Valentine's Day, there were decorative hearts around the garden. It had been raining quite a bit in January so there were empty patches where gardeners were busy preparing the flowerbeds for planting.
There's a P30 fee to enter the garden. Seniors get a discount.
Barangay Sirao, Cebu
Yap-San Diego House
The Yap-San Diego house in the Parian neighborhood is one of the oldest houses in Cebu. It dates back to the late 17th century. The façade is decorated with red lanterns for the Chinese New Year celebration.
155 Lopez Jaena Street
Parian District, Cebu City
Temple of Leah
Some women inspire poetry. Others, love songs. Helen of Troy launched a thousand ships when she was abducted. Queen Leah Adarna has a Roman inspired temple dedicated to her from her adoring husband, Teodorico.
Leah V. Albino Adarna
"Leah V. Albino Adarna was chosen Matron Queen of her Alma Mater, the University of Southern Philippines. This nine-foot bronze statue portrays her composure and regal bearing when she was crowned. May the beholder discern her innate beauty, poise and genteelness." Teodorico Soriano Adarna
There is an entrance fee to the temple. Seniors enter free of charge. In Barangay Busay, Cebu.
The Cross of Magellan
At the baptism of Rajah Humabon and his queen, Hara Humaway (or Hara Amihan) in 1521, a cross was erected by the expedition crew of Magellan to commemorate the event. Very little is known about Humaway except for a brief description written by Antonio Pigafetta who was the chronicler of the expedition and survived to tell the story. Humaway was given the name Juana at baptism after a queen of Spain. Queen Juana of Cebu was young and beautiful and wore a large hat made of palm leaves. She was shown a cross and a wooden statue of our Lady holding her child. She begged to keep the "wooden boy" to replace her idols.* It was later found in one of the homes in the village by the crew of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi who arrived in the Philippines in 1565. It is now in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, a few steps from where the Cross of Magellan now stands.
* Source: The First Voyage Round the World - Pigafetta's Account of Magellan's Voyage. By Antonio Pigafetta. Translated by Lord Stanley of Alderley.
Read also Who was Hara Humaway, the Queen of Cebu by Ligaya Caballes. http://pinoy-culture.com/who-was-hara-humahay-the-queen-of-cebu/
Where to stay:
Marco Polo Plaza Hotel
Cebu Veterans Drive
Nivel Hills, Cebu
marcopoloplazacebu.com
Where to eat:
Café Laguna
The Terraces, Level 1
Ayala Center, Cebu City
cafelaguna.com
Kayu Restaurant
32 Sanson Road, Lahug
kayu.ph
How to get around:
Mark Bocog
Phone: 63-0995-866-0301
We were happy with how Mark took good care of us during our day tour of Cebu. When it started to rain, Mark brought us umbrellas while we were visiting the Taoist temple. He also made sure we saw as much of the city as possible and guided us through the historical landmarks and patiently waited for us while we shopped for souvenirs. Mark was a careful driver especially as it was raining and we were driving up the hills.
Grab Car - the hotel can call Grab to arrange for car service.
*****
Images by TravelswithCharie
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