Mabuhay, Hivers ! 😊 It's me the one and only NatsSsssh!.Whoops before anything else How Are you?.I Hope you all had a great day and are full of energy because I am back again and this time,I have a gem to share with you Cebu's Historical Gem,Museo Sugbo.
Based on the information that we gathered the museum used to be a jail in Cebu also called as Carcel de Cebu and it is served as Cebu's provincial jail before it was transformed into Cebu's provincial museum.
I first visited Museo Sugbo during our documentation trip for our history class together with The Casa Gorordo and Fort San Pedro and I will share this in my next blog.However back then,I did not actually appreciate the museum that deeply because given that I'm not really a fan of history and anything related to the past.
They say time changes everything.And in my case it certainly did.The first time I went to Museo Sugbo it was just a quick school trip.I was not really interested in history then.It felt boring and far away and I did not understand why it mattered.I just listened to the guide,wrote down some notes and wanted to leave as soon as possible.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago,and I found myself standing in front of the same imposing structurenthe former Cebu Provincial Jail now reborn as Museo Sugbo.This time,however it was different.I was not dragged by a syllabus I was accompanied by my girlfriend and some classmates.all united by a genuine curiosity and a research project on Philippine history.And more importantly,I was armed with a newfound appreciation for the past,a shift in perspective that transformed a A boring trip turned into something really interesting.
The old building which used to be a prison looked impressive and told stories without words.We paid a small fee to get in which was worth it for all the things we had learn.Luckily,students got a discount so it was even cheaper.I gave the cashier my 25 pesos and got a ticket that let me explore Cebu's history.
Walking into the museum felt like going back in time.It was cool and quiet and smelled like old books and wood.It wasn't just old stuff but it was like a story told with things from Cebu's history.
This is what we gathered information inside the Museo Sugbo
We started by learning about the first people who lived in Cebu way before Magellan came.We saw old pots,tools and jars used for burials which showed they had their own special way of life.
The detailed designs and how well they were made told us they were very skilled.I especially liked the model of the Bahay Kubo.It reminded me that our ancestors were great sailors and that we have always been connected to the ocean.
When the Spanish arrived in the 1500s everything changed for Cebu.The museum has rooms showing this time.We saw old religious objects like statues and church things that showed how important Catholicism became.
The displays also showed how hard it was for Cebuanos when the Spanish took over.but also how they managed.Old maps,papers and weapons made me feel sad thinking about what people went through then.
The museum also tells the story of how Cebu fought for freedom from Spain and then about when America took over.We saw pictures of brave fighters and things from the battles that made the Philippines what it is today.
The Americans brought new things to Cebu which you can see in the museum too.The room about the war was really powerful,with old pictures,worn-out flags and stories of people being very brave.
The museum doesn't hide the terrible things that happened in World War II.A big part of it shows how Cebuanos survived when the Japanese took over.They have stories,pictures and objects from that time that remind us how much people suffered.
The stories about the fighters who resisted the regular people who got caught in the fighting and how everyone kept going really touched me.
The final destinations that showcase Cebu's journey into the modern era highlighting its economic growth,cultural development and contributions to the nation.From the rise of the sugar industry to the emergence of Cebu as a major urban center the exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the island's transformation.The development of the city the growth of the economy and the many changes that have happened over the years were all displayed in a way that was easy to understand.
Museo Sugbo used to be a jail.They kept some of the old jail cells so you can see what it was like. It's a reminder of the people who lived there as prisoners. It shows how the place has changed from a sad jail to a museum.
You can also see displays about famous Cebuanos in the museum.They were politicians artists,teachers and business people who did great things for Cebu.It is cool to learn about what they did and how they helped our island.
I found myself drawn to the personal stories,the handwritten letters,the faded photographs and the everyday objects that offered glimpses into the lives of ordinary Cebuanos.I imagined the hands that had crafted the pottery,the voices that had sung the ancient songs and of course the hearts that had yearned for freedom.
My girlfriend and classmates were equally captivated.We spent hours discussing the exhibits even sharing our insights and reflecting on the lessons we had learned.The museum became a classroom without walls a space where we could engage with history in a meaningful and personal way.We discussed the impact of colonialism,the resilience of the Filipino spirit and of course the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
My visit to Museo Sugbo was a turning point.It made me see history in a whole new way and now I'm really interested in it.I understand that it's more than just dates and names, it's about knowing where we came from and feeling connected to our ancestors.
The museum's ability to bring history to life to make it relatable and relevant was truly remarkable.It transformed me from a passive observer to an active participant in the unfolding narrative of Cebu's past.
In a world that is constantly changing it is essential to remember where we came from.Our history shapes our identity and informs our present.Museo Sugbo reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage not just for ourselves but for those who will come after us.
Going back to Museo Sugbo really changed how I see things.I realized history isn't just old stuff in books but it is also a story that is still important today.It helps us understand where we come from and what we're becoming.If you've ever felt like you don't know much about your own culture you should visit Museo Sugbo.You can learn about the lives of the people who came before us and really see how rich our Cebuano culture is.
That's the end of today journey hope you like it. 🩵 May God bless you all bye 👋.
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