The Queen City of the South

by Elle Bernardino
Feb 2, 2017
2 min read

Today marks the year of my awesome vacation at one of the famous tourist destination in the Philippines - Cebu City.

Cebu is known for its famous Lechon and for celebrating the well known Sinulog Festival boosting the tourism in the Philippines.

What to See in Cebu

Dubbed as the "Queen City of the South" this place surely has a lot to give that proves she really is a queen, starting from the breathtaking views, amazing architecture, thriving flora and fauna. Be sure to visit these places when you go to Cebu!

Magellan’s Cross:

Upon landing in Cebu in 1521, Magellan is said to have planted this cross on this very spot in downtown Cebu. This later on became the most famous place in the country as it was here where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized, which includes Rajah Humabon and his wife, Queen Juana. It was in Cebu that Magellan planted the Cross making it the first Christian settlement in the country. But it was also in Cebu that the early Filipinos put up their first heroic resistance to Spanish colonization. Now housed in a chapel, the cross was encased in 1835 in a hollow tindalo wood to keep devotees from chipping off pieces of the wood relic to take home as religious souvenirs.

Photo credits to:

https://adventuroj.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/historical-magellans-cross.jpg

Simala Shrine: the gates of paradise

This amazing architecture is a castle-like church located in Marian Hills of upper Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu housing varying collections of the Virgin Mary that are mostly from different countries. Simala Shrine was built in 1998 by the Marian Monks from Pampanga, after the occurrence of several miraculous events, including that of Mama Mary's shedding of tears.

Because of the said miracles, Simala Shrine became so popular that devotees and believers flock the shrine, hoping and believing that their prayer requests would be granted. The shrine's castle-like and picturesque structure makes it even more popular, drawing local and foreign tourists, alike. Lots of devotees come here to ask for guidance, blessing or even miracles. Surprisingly, most of the prayers come true to the extent that the shrine provided shelves, cabinets, and enclosed boxes for exhibits of diplomas,wheelchair, crutches from the people that received blessings and miracles whose prayers are answered.

The inside of Simala Shrine in Sibonga, Cebu: The Gates of Paradise

Photo credits to:

https://www.facebook.com/IamfromCebu/photos/

Where to Stay in Cebu

crown regency hotel and towers cebu

A majestic view of uptown Cebu City satisfies the eyes at the 40-storey hotel tower, the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. Comfort and luxury are the main components of each of the facilities and amenities for guests to enjoy during their stay like the famous

Elegance and sophistication are mimicked in the Presidential suites, spacious conference rooms and functions areas as well. The Crown Regency Hotel and Towers is the perfect union of an ideal location and impeccable service. A quality business and leisure hotel, Crown Regency Hotel and Towers is a place where service is beyond reproach and the warmth of welcome is sincerely Filipino.