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When I arrived in the city, I really had no idea what to expect. I had done no research and heard nothing from other travellers. It was a last minute decision to go, simply to accompany my brother as he followed through on some work opportunities. Sometimes the spontaneous trips are the most favoured travel experiences, so I had my finger crossed.

Having seen the vibrancy of the jeepney’s carrying people to and fro, I felt confident that Cebu City would have some additional unique attractions. I was not mistaken, but the attractions were not as modern as the jeepney’s. CC’s history can easily be followed back to 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan sailed into the Philippines and began the Spanish colonization. Even in the city center, just off of Magallanes Street and inside a small chapel, sits an encased cross said to be planted by Magellan himself. The Christian following has grown even stronger over the years, evident by the number of churches and Cathedrals still standing today.

By following the crowds of tourists and old women selling candles I was led to the Basilica Santo Nino. There were lineups of people in every direction, lighting the candles in prayer as offerings of their intentions. The sculpted images surrounding the Basilica explained more of the Spanish history and candle offerings. Inside there were traditional services being held in addition to more line-ups of devotees looking for spiritual connection by getting closer and touching the religious statues.

I followed church bells ringing to just a few streets away and toured through another stunning building, the Metropolitan Cathedral. I was confused by the accents I heard as Filipino was not dominating the area. Turns out there was a Glaswegian man marrying a local girl-the Scotts took over!

The next sight to see in the area was the triangular Fort San Pedro. With walls reaching 30 feet, walking between the towers allowed quite a view over the Plaza Indepencia. Built back in the 1700′s to repel Muslim raiders, it has had many different occupants since then. As a school, a hospital, a refuge space during the war, the tourism board and even the City Zoo, this historic structure would be the type of place that if the walls could tell stories, everybody would be entranced. I wrote a couple of postcards leaning against an interior archway, hoping the stones might give me further insight. No such luck.

Pari-an, Cebu City’s oldest district is a short walk away from the Fort. It had a couple of buildings highlighted on the tourist map as worthwhile sights. I passed the Heritage of Cebu Monument and began to see a few building fronts that stood out from the rest of the street. The Yap Sandiego Ancestral House will get a write up on its own, to follow.

The Gorordo Museum was empty. Six staff members were spread out around the building, turning on lights and making sure I took no photographs. The house shows off what an elegant life was like at the turn of the century, with beautiful wooden furniture and various outfits displayed. One of the Gorordo family members became the first Filipino bishop of Cebu, and had one of the rooms converted into a chapel. It was a beautiful building, but rather hollow and void of character.

Exploring such history as a tourist, one can forget what other features a city has to offer. I did join my brother momentarily, for a different tour; shopping malls. Not being much of a name brand shopper, I usually avoid the malls. But with Cebu City having a population of just under one million, their malls certainly provide a touch of glamour. Entering the mall however, was not glamorous. It felt like an airport security check.

With segregated entrances for men and women, officers stood with probing batons in hand ready to greet shoppers through the doorway. I was forced to open my bag so they could have a look at my goodies. When I asked what they were expecting to find, I was instructed to move along. I found this security check quite alarming considering I was entering the building in order to spend money, but it seems to be part of the regular life routine here in the Philippines.

When you walk down any city street, it won’t be long before you see a security guard. Often looking like they might fall asleep, I was uncertain as to what exactly they were protecting. With a machine gun strapped over their shoulder or a pistol secured in their waist belt, they certainly hold some power, although I’m not sure how serious it’s taken. I tried to converse with one standing guard of a restaurant I had eaten in-his responses were short and sweet. He was very proud of his job, working 6 days per week from 6pm to 6 am.

So have you ever shot your gun? Have you faced burglars or gang members trying to take over the building? What sort of crime is it that you are preventing here?

He seemed amused by my questions but clearly found it strange, that I found it strange, that he was there in the first place. He was not specifically protecting the restaurant, but the building. For 24 hours a day, an armed man stood guard over the building. Protecting it from…whatever. The guard only admitted to directing an occasional drunk to another building to take a piss. I guess this type of job, is just a job.

So there is a little insight to the historic and modern character of Cebu City. The next blog will introduce you to Val Sandiego, owner of the Yap Sandiego Ancestral House in Pari-an. He is the one person that I met in the Philipines that should make any Filipino proud.