A little bit of Cebu

Last May, we got the chance to tour Bohol and I made a post about our escapade. We also had the chance to have a quick tour of Cebu and it took months for me to write something about our 1 day and 1 night stay. So here it goes...

We rode in a fastcraft on our way back to the island of Cebu on our 4th day and arrived around 12 in the afternoon. My grandmother, brother and I went to the dormitory of the Commission on Audit Regional Office and left our bags there in a hurry since the taxi driver was waiting outside. We decided to visit the Simala Church; it was actually our first itinerary for the whole trip but we believe in "save the best views for last." Since it was still lunch time, we took out McDo burgers and fries and ate on the way.

At Tagbilaran Pier for our 10:00 am scheduled trip.

The person in front of me is a Caucasian. He was with his friends and talking in their language. From their tourist looks, get up and smiles, I assumed they also enjoyed their Bohol exploration.

The fastcraft that we have ridden to get to Bohol is the same fastcraft that sent us back to Cebu. (Trivia: Grandma's ancestors resided on the hills captured.)

On our way to Simala Church...

SM Seaside. By far the grandest mall I have ever been.

After I took this picture, I fell asleep. Hehe!

And when I woke up, we were on the entrance of Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, popularly known as Simala Shrine or Simala Church, a castle-like church located in Marian Hills of upper Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu. It took us 2 hours to get there via taxi.

Entrance of the church. There is a parking lot located outside and vendors of religious items like rosaries, scapulars, Santo Niños, candles, different souvenir statues of Mama Mary and even scarfs.

Even though the front of the church is still on the finishing process, one can feel the solemnity just by being there and enjoying the very appealing sight.

Stairway to an actual kingdom of Mama Mary. I remember we went there on a Saturday so it was not that crowded that time. As you can see, the details of how it was constructed is undeniably prepossessing.

The church is where the monks of Mama Mary lives. It is really a jaw-dropping, and very majestic place to visit.

Panoramic view of the church.

For heads-up, before going to the church, please make sure to wear proper attire. Shorts or any high-above the knee pants, and/or sleeveless shirt/blouse are strictly not allowed. I, myself, experienced to cover up a scarf around my waist since I was wearing shorts (my bad!).

On the right part outside the church, vendors are selling religious products handcrafted by the monks and some are made by the local stores in Cebu. We bought candles and rosaries in necklace and bracelet styles. The mass had already started so we prayed the 3 o'clock prayer instead and joined the line heading for the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary right after. As we waited for our turn, we passed through a hall of cabinets filled with letters and memorabilia from devotees whose prayers and requests were granted. There is also a belief that once you visited and ask something at the shrine, Mama Mary will answer. I have witnessed and read the miraculous experience of students passing the board to getting a job abroad and the healing for the sick and disabled.

In case you are planning to go there, here is a schedule of masses: Monday - Friday: 12:00PM Saturday: 10:30AM Sunday: 12:00PM, 3:30PM every 13th of the month: 10:30AM, 3:30PM

After paying our respects, we then roamed around the museum and admired different colors and features of Mama Mary statues , mostly depicting that of the country where the statue came from. The sixth photo from the shows a painting of a pious old man telling his prediction to the local folks. It is believed that the prediction, made around sixty (60) years earlier, is all about Mama Mary and the miraculous shedding of tears and other phenomenon that happened in the area. There is also a store inside the convent where there are more rosaries, prayer books and souvenirs. From then on, we headed back to the church and attended the afternoon mass. We took a lot pictures and selfies as we went back to the taxi feeling blessed by the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was around 5 pm that we left the Monastery. We slept for the whole travel on the way to SM Seaside, where we had our dinner.

There was a live violin performance where they played 2 pieces. Sadly, I cannot recall the title of the songs but it was one of the most incredible and relaxing nights I had in my entire life. We then ordered the RACKS' Beef Ribs and their special rice. Believe me, every bite and chew was sensational. After we had our scrumptious dinner, we strolled a bit to give our tummies the time to digest. Haha! By 8 pm, we went back to COA Dormitory and immediately took a rest after a tiring yet fun day.

Since our last day is a Sunday, we started it right by attending the first mass of Basilica del Santo Niño. What I really admire the most about the Cebuanos is how devoted they are to their saints. Though I'm not that religious, I was amazed on how they conducted the mass and shouted "Viva Pit Señor!" when it ended. The Basílica Menor del Santo Niño de Cebu Basilica Complex is located in city block bordered by Osmeña Boulevard, D. Jakosalem St, P. Burgos St.

We were blessed by the priest when he sprinkled the holy water on us, the same as with these people. Inside the Basilica, we also prayed in front of the altar where a Santo Niño is placed. If you are planning to go there, you can also support the maintenance and activities of the church by giving a donation. There are religious exhibits such as statues and relics, items of daily life from the adjacent convent, toys said to be gifts to the child Jesus, and a large Santo Niño rosary of 15 beads.

The famous Magellan's Cross, a historical landmark and tourist attraction in the middle of busy Magellanes Street.This important symbol of Cebu was planted by Magellan in April 14, 1521 when he baptized the first Christian Filipinos. The crypt's ceiling is exquisitely painted with a scene depicting the landing of Magellan in Cebu in 1521 and the planting of the original cross on the shore. Among the devotees, it is an old practice to drop coins or put light candles at the foot of the cross. This was the last tourist spot we visited.

Our flight was scheduled 2 in the afternoon, so we ate lunch first at Cabalen in SM Seaside.

Finally, here was the view of my windowpane. Obviously, I was unsatisfied with our stay but all in all, I enjoyed every minute of our Cebu exploration. I know this will not be the last because I am now saving for another trip and it includes some tourist spots that I have not got the chance to see. Hopefully, my next visit will be fulfilling. So... SO LONG CEBU! And just like what Douglas MacArthur promised, I SHALL RETURN!

#travel #Philippines #Cebu #trip #explore #church #place #wanderlust