As probinsyana (a girl living in the countryside), I always utilized my time and enjoy every bit of my day whenever I have the chance to visit our Capital, Cebu City, a three-and-a-half-hour bus ride away from home. Almost all of the Government Agencies are here (one of the reasons for my travel this time), so I always make sure to come early so I can have more of my "me time" in the afternoon.
With the overwhelming traffic of the city and the tiresome long queue at the agencies just to get my transaction done, I rewarded myself with a peaceful stroll on the historic landmark of Cebu City. Either I stroll on the oldest street of the Philippines, Colon Street, visit old churches or simply sit in the park eating my favorite street foods kwek-kwek. This way I felt relaxed and connected with these old places and somehow reminisce about my old-student days.
So today is my other stroll to one of the famous and historic landmarks of the island of Cebu,The Magellan's Cross. Taraa!
The Magellan's Cross
-A brief history.
On March 1521, in Philippine history, something remarkable and faith-changing happened to our archipelago. This was the time, that a Portuguese voyager Ferdinand Magellan who first circumnavigated the world, discovered our beautiful island of Cebu. At that time, the indigenous people mostly practiced animism, they were pagans. It was F. Magellan who brought Christianism to the Philippine Island. And to cut the long story short, the place where we will take a walk today is said to be the place where the First Cross that Ferdinand Magellan planted in the land of Cebu, and nowadays called The Magellan's Cross Pavilion.
The cross has been kept and secured inside a Kiosk made of Stone to preserve both the Cross and the rich history of the birth of Christianism in my country. In 1800s, the Original cross planted by Magellan was encased inside a Tindalo Wood Cross (one of the Philippines' finest wood) to protect it from people who cut fragments of it. The people believe it to be miraculous and have healing power.
So the one you will be seeing is no longer the original cross but rather the Tindalo Case. In this way, the relic will be protected and preserved.
This historical landmark became one of the most visited sites by foreigners when they come to Cebu. The solid octagon kiosk is open in the daytime for tourists to see the Cross and the lovely Pavilion. Its ceiling has murals depicting the stories of the old Rajas, the Spaniards, and the indigenous people who were baptized to become Catholics.
Looking at the structure from the outside, one could see that a very important thing is being kept inside. With its thick stone walls and metal bars, the people of Cebu City treasured this site wholeheartedly.
Where it is located?
The Magellan's Cross Pavilion is located beside the ancient Sto. Nino Church and in front of the City Hall. It is surrounded by a beautiful and clean park. People from different walks of life visit the Kiosk to pray while some visit for tourism purposes.
The Park
Although flocked with visitors every day, the site remained clean and peaceful because of its spacious park. The park is full of green grasses and ornamental plants. Even if it's in the city, the place remained relaxing and refreshing coz of the big trees.
The green grasses were enclosed on a fence making it a home for some birds.
During this time on my walk, I saw some teenager riding their bikes. There were also vendors selling souvenirs and ornamental plants.
The Magellan's Cross is not just a site for Faith and Religion but also becomes a place for those people living in the city who miss the quietness and calmness of the province because of the wonderful park that surrounds it.
P.S., The Magellan's Cross was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines last 2021. Source Wiki
That's for our stroll today, hope you had a great time. Thank you for reading guys. Hope you are all safe and well.
Warm smiles :) from @callmesmile
