CEBU CITY MUSEUMS,

HERITAGE SITES,
MONUMENTS, LANDMARKS
AND MARKERS
CAMPUGAN, ONEDALE INTING
BELTRAN, RUSTY LEAN B.
GE-FEL PUBLIC HISTORY
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1yq4gC93r7pYl2iEZfXVLca
MNbpNA8xZd&usp=sharing
This is the google link for My Maps in Museums and Historical
Markers.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=15R8yweq2PVc7zbE-z9l
Gojd1G-2PuM54&usp=sharing
This is the google link for My Maps in Cebu City monuments and
landmarks.
CEBU CITY
MUSEUMS
 USC MUSEUM
The USC MUSEUM is the history museum of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City.
It was located in the Downtown Campus (formerly Main) Campus on P. Del Rosario
Street. and was inaugurated on April 23, 1967 by Fr. Pres Rudolf Rahmann SVD with
former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos along with her husband Ferdinand Marcos.
Ever since the museum was inaugurated it has growing collection of excavated ceramics,
rare and exotic flora and fauna as well as exemplary ecclesiastical, historical and
ethnographic objects that were already carefully collected, studied, catalogued and
exhibited. Prior to this, a museum with cabinets of curiosity was inaugurated in 1908 at the
old Seminario-Colegio de San Carlos located at the original campus beside Plaza
Independencia. That museum was unfortunately destroyed, together with its precious
collection, during the American liberation bombings of Cebu in 1945. The USC Museum This is the University of San Carlos circa 1970’s
also collaborates with the Department of Biology which maintains the Entomological (lower picture) 3 years before the inauguration of the
Collection and the Marine Biology Collection, both of which are located on the 3rd floor
of the Josef Baumgartner Learning Resource Center in USC Talamban Campus. USC Museum 1967 and this is the USC Museum now
The Exhibition galleries and spaces has a 3 exhibition galleries when it was inaugurated in with fully sufficient space (upper pict).
1967. Today, it has grown into a five indoor galleries with one open gallery and one
hallway exhibit area that were added during the presidency of Fr. Dionisio M. Miranda
SVD in 2012. The original galleries are (Biodiversity, Archaeology and Ethnography)
located in the South wing while the Open gallery was used for temporary and special
exhibitions. The north wing is dedicated to the Rosita R. Arcenas collections, currently on
long-term loan, hosting the following exhibitions: Bahandi: The Rosita R. Arcenas
Collection of Chinese and Southeast Asian Ceramics, and, Handumanan: The Rosita R.
Arcenas Collection of Bisayan Santos. The USC MUSEUM has a special exhibition from
the past and current exhibition “Sometsuke: A Rhapsody in Japanese Blue and White
Ceramics of underglaze blue porcelain dated from Late Edo Period (ca. 1800) and to the
Early Showa Period (1926 to 1941) and the “Iro-e: The Beauty of Japanese Polychrome
Imari, Late Edo and Showa period or the early Modern Period of Japan with nearly 200
pieces of Japanese Polychrome and it is open to the public for free. Today, it has a
Museum Shop a Small Lecture Room for discussions and meetings and Ceramics Reading
Room with its current Head Curator Jose Eleazar R. Bersales, Ph. D. and Regina Yoma and
Lyrech Uy Ibale.
 CASA GORORDO MUSEUM
The Casa Gorordo Museum was originally a house owned by Alejandro Reynes y
Rosales built in the 1850’s. The house was located old district in Cebu called
“Parian” where the parish created for the Chinese Immigrants and Chinese
community accommodated by Spanish authorities in 1614 and came from the
Fujian province of China. They are mostly craftsman and laborer or workers
eventually married with the local residents of the Parian where it has grown into a
mixed ethnical place with a booming business for Chinese Filipino communities.
They were also known as “Mestizos” as European ethnic called them as mixed
Chinese Filipino. It is locally known as “balay nga tisa” or house tiled roof with
the mixed Architectural elements of Chinese, Filipino and Spanish which later on
contributed into a symbolic mixture of 3 ethnic community. The house was later
on bought by Isidro Gorordo, a merchant that came from Basque Province of
Vizcaya in Spain. This is where when his family lived started from 1863 and was
also the time where Cebu was re-opened for the world trade. Later on, it was
named after Juan Gorordo the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu hence became its
present name.

It survived the 1800’s Revolution and the American War also with the time of
Japanese during the Second World War. Ever since the district and the house
Casa Gorordo became a symbolic pride of Cebuano Cultural, Societal and Economical progress
photograph taken in throughout time. The house was still in a stand today and was visited every year
with a lot of tourists from local and foreign visits. The house was now owned by
2014 (lower) and the RAFI or Ramon Aboitiz Foundation INC where they focused on Cultural
photograph also Heritage and acquired it from the Gorordo family in 1979. It was renovated in
1983 where it was open to the public. As a recognition of its Historical
taken in est. 2017. significance the National Historical Institute (National Historical Commission of
the Philippines) conferred the Casa Gorordo Museum where it was entitled as
“National Historical Landmark” in 1991. In early 2000’s until today it is still
standing where it abides to the New Normal amidst this pandemic and conducted
a Virtual Tour of the Museum to the people to see and learn about its history and
significance to both Local and National History.

CEBU CITY MUSEUM
The Cebu City Museum was intended as a tribute to the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and was
constructed through the efforts of then Councilor Jose Nolasco. Because Nolasco wanted to
build a monument as tribute to Rizal but he heeded the advice of Flavia S.Muaña, a librarian at
the Cebu Branch Library, to construct a building instead. After it he raised funds from the ticket
sales of literary musicals and carnival expositions. The Los Tocayos de Rizal and Cebuanos also
contributed for raising the funds with Don Sergio Osmeña later on became President of the
Philippines donated a lot near Fuente Osmeña building. It has a three-storey building that was
designed by Architect Juan Marcos Arellano, a Manila-based architect, who also designed and
oversaw the construction of the Provincial Capitol building. For the completion of the project,
the workers built a statue of Dr. Jose Rizal sitting down, an open book on his lap and
surrounded by two children. During the inauguration of Don Ramon Aboitiz the members of
Los Tocayos de Rizal turned over a plaque that was installed as a marker on the building. The
building’s ground floor housed the museum and the second floor became the Rizal Memorial
Library. The library’s collection, which included a Filipiniana section, was so extensive that
some its books could not be found in the National Library in Manila.
This is the photograph of
the Cebu City Library
and Museum today while
on the right side is from
1945.
The museum and the library became known as a place for learning. The third
floor of the building was designated as a reading and reference room for children.
Then, World War II occurred and the Japanese came. With shortly after arriving in
Cebu City on April 10, 1942 the Japanese soldiers established the Rizal Memorial
Library as their headquarters. While the books were transferred to the Capitol
Building nearby the museum. When the liberation bombings of the Allied came
in, the building was pounded by shells from American bombers but due to its
strong foundation only a few minimal repairs are needed. After the war, Cebu
became independent by 1946 where the Rizal Memorial Library was in a state of
beyond repair. The government officials was focused on restoring order to the
city instead of repairing the library and museum. Later on the government
allotted P40, 000 pesos for the repair and completion of the City hall building.
Since only a few books could be salvaged, the United States Information Service
donated some books and periodicals to rebuild the library’s collection. During the
building’s repair, the library was temporarily housed on the fourth floor of Cebu
City Hall. The Perpetual Succour Hospital finally moved out in 1959 and the
library and museum returned to their home after a P20, 000 repair and repainting
work funded by the government. On March 30, 1981, Cebu City Mayor
Florentino Solon created the City of Cebu Cultural and Historical Affairs
Commission, which aptly set up office in the museum building.
 CEBU PROVINCIAL MUSEUM/MUSEO SUGBO

Here is the photograph

present time of Carcel
de Cebu also known as
Museo Sugbo and one
photograph from 1901
courtesy by Museo
Sugbo.

The Museo Sugbo is housed in what was once called “Cárcel de Cebú”,
the provincial jail of Cebu. The museum was designed in 1869 by
Domingo de Escondrillas, the lone architect in Cebu at the time,
the“Cárcel de Cebú”, was originally proposed as the Cárcel del Distrito,
the main prison for the Visayan District. This accounts for its relatively
large size at the time it was built. After the independent review from
Manila the project was finally approved and construction commenced
around 1871. It is believed that most of the coral stone blocks from the
Parian church – which was demolished in 1878 after the Bishop of Cebu
won a long-drawn court case against its parishioners in the 1850s – were
used to build parts of the “cárcel”. After twenty years of use, a renovation
was ordered in 1892, which added more buildings behind the main
structure that now serves as the first six galleries of the museum.
Following the transfer of CPDRC to a more spacious and modern prison complex
in December 2004 the gaol was converted into Museo Sugbo, the repository of
Cebuano heritage, a feat that was realised when the first four galleries of the
museum were inaugurated on August 5, 2008. On August 13, 2009, Gov.
Gwendolyn Garcia and Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, chair of the National Historical
Institute, led dignitaries in unveiling a National Historical Marker at Museo Sugbo.
They also inaugurated the Visayas Branch of the Museum of Philippine Political
History. Directly opposite this branch museum, the governor and National Museum
director Corazon Alvina also inaugurated the National Museum Cebu Branch
Galleries. Both museum branches occupy separate buildings within the Museo
Sugbo complex. Two special exhibitions were also inaugurated during this event:
Sen. Vicente Rama Memorabilia and the Gregorio and Jovito Abellana
Memorabilia, in two separate galleries.
 YAP SANDIEGO ANCESTRAL HOUSE
Dating back to the Spanish colonial era of the 1600s, the Yap Sandiego
Ancestral House is a museum that sheds light on the Chinese settlements of
the city. It is said to be among the first Chinese houses to be built outside of
the country. Find out about the unusual blend of Spanish and Chinese cultures
that infiltrated the Philippines centuries ago. The structure of the house is built
from a mixture of wood and coral stones, with red tiles making up the curved
roof. Enjoy the green ambiance generated by the potted plants flanking the
entrance walkway. The entrance of the house or building you will gaze up at
the hanging chandeliers and the interior part of the red-tile ceiling that is held
together by dark, wooden beams. Creaking floorboards and lingering echoes
evoke a bygone era with every family members passed it down and with their
friends who spend time here over the centuries.
Here is the Yap-Sandiego
Ancestral House taken in
2014 by tourists and another
photograph during year
2015.
The museum houses also those majestic statues and artistic collections put
together by choreographer Val Sandiego. The house is thought to have been
constructed sometime between 1675 and 1700. Chinese merchant Don Juan
Yap built the site as a residence for himself and his wife Doña Maria Florido.
Learn about their offspring and subsequent generations. The head of the
Parian district married into the family in the 1880s. Understand who they
were through historical paintings of Cebu and intriguing relics from family
life, which include period furniture and a clay jar that stored water. The house
or the building teaches us about the architectural styles of the houses here
centuries ago, including the fact that they often had second stories. Today, it
opens daily from 9 am until pass time afternoon.
 SUGBU CHINESE HERITAGE MUSEUM

Here is the Sugbu Chinese

Heritage Museum today
renovated and new while on
the right is the old original
building Gotiaoco building
during 1900’s.
The Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum was basically a museum to showcase the elaborative
collaboration of Filipino Chinese communities even before the Spanish came. As a partner
of trade of Asia before Cebu or Sugbu became a place for Chinese traders to buy, spend and
trade goods essential to them for their everyday needs. It is located on the corner of M.C.
Briones and P. Burgos streets, it is housed in what was known as the Gotiaoco building—a
museum piece in itself. It was built in 1914, it is a four storey building and the tallest
structure in Cebu and the first to have an elevator. It was damaged during the war, the
building has been restored and remodeled to house the Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum.
The building was built on reclaimed land where—before World War II—the railway used to The second and third floors are meant to show “the history, the heritage and
pass. Manuel Gotianuy had a 99-year lease on the government lot for the building he built in contributions of the Sugbu Chinese to Cebu in various fields. Through the
his father’s honor, Don Pedro Gotiaoco. Manuel’s son, lawyer Augusto Go, turned the exhibits of the museum, both permanent and temporary, the museum will allow
property over to the government in 2013. The other half of the lobby is dominated by a
replica of a Chinese boat (junk) that was used by the Chinese to come to this island to trade.
visitors to journey with the Sugbu Chinese from the 10th century pre-colonial
Behind the boat are barrels of goods that were used in the trade like tea, anise and other Cebu, through the Sung and Ming dynasties, the eras of the Spanish and
spices, ceramics, chestnuts. The busy Chinese street where Chinese traders sell goods and American rules, up to the contemporary period.” Architect for the
trade to the locals found their own place to stay as it is a growing community later on there transformation of the building into a museum is Anthony Abelgas. The Sugbo
will be a mixed ethnic community which are Filipino Chinese community called “mestizos”. Chinese Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance
fee is P120 for foreign visitors, P75 for local and P60 for senior citizens,
persons with disability and students.
 HALAD MUSEUM
Here is the photo of
Halad Museum in
Gabii sa Kabilin
2019 and
photograph from
2020 last year.
The Halad Museum was located along V. Gullas St. (former Manalili) and D. Jakosalem St.
Cebu City, the old building of The Freeman Newspaper has been converted to a museum which
houses Cebuano and Visayan musical treasures and memorabilia. Its history started when it
was founded by Jose "Dodong" R. Gullas, the Halad Museum was inaugurated on January 12,
2010 and opened to the public on February 2, 2010. The founder’s support was to revive the
works of long forgotten composers that was achieved via concerts of an award-winning
university based choir, the UV Chorale in which the Halad concerts came about in 2007
wherein group of composers were honored including Ben Zubiri, composer of Matud Nila and
Vicente Rubi composer of Kasadya Ning Taknaa. This started the donations of family members
of the honorees for the three Halad concerts (in 2007, 2008 and 2010) from lyric sheets to
instruments, prompting the idea of a repository—a museum. Eventually, the founder was
inspired to actively acquire other musical memorabilia, not just to keep the memory of the
honorees alive, but also hopefully, to educate youngsters on how rich Cebu's musical heritage
is. Halad means tribute or offering in the Cebuano language, as such, the museum is dedicated
to the founder's parents, Don Vicente and Inday Pining Gullas, who founded the University of
the Visayas in Cebu, Philippines.
In November 2010, the expansion of the museum was carried out to make more room
for the increasing collections held by the museum which includes memorabilia of
Cebuano composers and artists in the 20th century, from musical instruments, lyric
sheets to long-playing records. The completed Halad museum was opened to the public
on June 13, 2011 with more musical pieces on exhibit. The museum features its 3
galleries dedicated to Cebuano music or kinaiyang Sugbuanon or Cebuano Cultural
Traditions and also the founder’s gallery. On June 22, 2011, the Cebu City Council
commended the museum founder, Jose R. Gullas, for his efforts to help preserve Cebu's
musical and cultural heritage through the Halad Museum.
A commendation was made through a resolution sponsored by Councilor Margarita
Osmeña, chairperson of the council's committee on tourism and culture. The musical
memorabilia plus instruments occupy the main section of the museum, but with its
recent expansion, it is now home to other interests. The Kinaiyang Sugbuanon section
showcases the Cebuano traditions over time including life-cycle events, popular
practices and expressions of religiosity in the different artworks depicted. Another
gallery is devoted to the founder who pays tribute to the most influential people in his
life, his parents and his living commitment to heritage preservation.
 CATHEDRAL MUSEUM/ARCHDIOCESAN MUSEUM OF CEBU
The Cathedral Museum resides with the Cebu Metropolitan
Cathedral located near Parian. The museum was opened in 2006 to
serve as an instrument for Christian Evangelization through its
exhibits and galleries. The main theme of the museum was to bring
the Ecclesiastical life or priests to life from their personal belongings
of priestly life. The building was built in the mid 1800’s where the
structure is a fine example of an “arquitectura mestiza” made of
coral stone blocks timber and clay roof tiles hence from its name
balay nga bato. It is also the only “Ecclesiastical” museum in the
country restored for use as a museum. The building was also used as
a convent for priests of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral during the
1980’s. The museum houses 7 galleries including an archive room,
lecture visual room, a museum shop and the courtyard where in the
back has a mini stage for weddings and Christian celebrations. The
exhibits includes the collection of “santos” and sacred images from
the different parishes of Cebu, liturgical vestments, sacred vessels,
ecclesiastical records, cantorals, retablos which are no in regular use
already. It is also a place for book launches and art exhibits from the
first impression of the ground floor of the museum you will already
see a ceramic wares, bones of animals and crafty tools which was
taken near the door of the courtyard of the museum now used as a
bathroom area. The recovered artifacts belongs to the dietary routine
and used plates by priests before. In the next area behind the artifacts
are the soil of 3 different era the Pre Colonial, Spanish Colonial and
American period which starts at the bottom where it was pure soil
then Spanish used coral stone blocks when they came and later on
Americans introduced the use of cement for structural buildings.
There is also a chapel which was dedicated to Virgilio Yap which showcases the silver
plated tabernacle with front panels and antique altar pieces from the town of Carmen in
Northern Cebu. The Memorial Chapel also holds the first various collections of
“santos” and the Relics of Saints that form the part of wide collection of the late Julio
Cardinal Rosales who is the first cardinal of Cebu. In the second floor of the building
you will see a grand staircase which follows the “oro, plata, mata” which means gold,
silver and death. Part of the 2nd floor collection of the museum was the memorabilia
and priest room of the well-loved Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Cardinal Vidal which
the museum was his brainchild. The museum and its galleries are Gallery 1: The
Founder’s Gallery which was located in the ground floor; Gallery 2: Viam Veritatis
Eligi that means “I have chosen the Way of Truth” in the memorabilia of late Cardinal
Vidal the third Archbishop of Cebu; Gallery 3: De Cal Y Canto/Building the House of
God which showcases the construction tools of churches during the Spanish period and
there is also a coral stone block and pieces of metal nails used for roofing of the
convent and churches; Gallery 4: A Gathering of Saints which basically collection of
various versions of Saints throughout the parishes of Cebu; Gallery 5: Regalia of
Worship which showcases the liturgical instruments for Christian and Ecclesiastical
celebrations and vestments word by priests; Gallery 6: The Priestly life which is a
room dedicated for the actual presentation of the room/s of priests before a small altar
and study area; Gallery 7: The Bell Walk
Gallery 7 showcases the 3 bells hanged outside and built in by the stone foundations to
support its weight and also in no regular use due to cracks and fissures which the bells
became a symbolic representation of the Church to call on the people to attend mass on the
Cathedral and other Christian/Ecclesiastical celebrations. At first it was owned by the Cebu
Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church and renamed in 2015 as
“Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu” and organized as a non-profit non-stock foundation
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Today, the museum was open from
9am to 5pm that offers the students, families and other Catholic faithful organizations who
want to more about the life, mission and goal of the church from the Spanish era until today.
 Picture of the Cathedral Museum of Cebu now known as
“The Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu”
photograph taken by Davao Media and Digital influencers during their visit on
April 2017
 BPI MUSEUM
Here is the building and the
BPI Museum of Cebu
inaugurated on September 5,
2011 by the new BPI branch
to Cebu beside the entrance
of Basilica Minore Del Sto.
Niño and the building was
built from 1940’s.
This makes the notes extremely rate today. Also on exhibit are a collection of coins of varying
denominations from the last 50 years of Spanish rule: 10 cents, 20 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, 5 pesos.
The museum was launched last September 5 at the BPI Cebu Main building,
There are also other museum pieces which are coins issued during the reign of King Ferdinand VII
itself a piece of history, on the occasion of the bank’s 160th anniversary. Bank
counterstamped with “Y II” for Isabell II, his daughter and the only female monarch of Spain in modern
officials said they saw it fit to share with Cebuanos valuable memorabilia that are
times. There are also handwritten and leather-bound bank journal of 1855. The escribientes or writing
deemed significant contributions to the country’s banking history. A gallery space
clerks who wrote on this journal had to be trained to do the task in the accepted script.
is likewise provided to showcase the artworks of Cebuano artists. On display at
the museum are gold coins that started circulation in 1861, 10 years after the El Others are; Banknotes of 1904 in six denominations and with the text in Spanish: cinco (5), diez (10),
Banco Español Filipino de Isabel II that we know today as BPI was established. veinte (20), cincuenta (50), cien (100), dos cientos (200) and Government-issued coins from 1903 to
The museum also carries the first ever Philippine banknotes issued by BPI on 1908 that were designed by Melecio Figueroa; they were the signature coins of the American colonial
May 1, 1852. These were the first banknotes issued not only in the country but period. Then there’s the book that details the bank’s purchase of the corner lot where the building now
even throughout Southeast Asia, and they could be redeemed for gold or silver stands along Magallanes and P. Burgos streets from the Augustinian friars for only P65, 610. Another part
Mexican coins. The banknotes are pesos fuertes (Spanish for strong pesos) in of the collection is the original plans for the building drafted by famous Filipino architect Juan Marcos
denominations of 10, 25, 50, and 200. Only 1,000 notes were printed for the 10- Arellano, who is known for his work on Manila’s Metropolitan Theater, National Museum of the
peso denomination, 600 for the 25-peso, 500 for the 50-peso, and 250 for the Philippines, Jones Bridge over the Pasig River, and the Cebu Provincial Capitol Building. Cebuano artists
200-peso by Bradbury, Wilkinson and Company, an English engraver and printer. also have a gallery space in the museum. Currently on exhibit until October 5 are the works of noted
Cebuano painters led by Romulo Galicano. The paintings are available for public viewing.
 THE JESUIT HOUSE MUSEUM
This is the Jesuit House
photograph taken (left)
by Leo Maquiling on
2015.
This is the photograph
taken of the house (right)
by Peter Parcon on 2017.
The Jesuit House was also called Museo de Parian sa Sugbo was located
inside Ho Tong Hardware along Zulueta street. A plaque was there with
the words “Welcome to the Jesuit House of 1730” that hangs on the The Sy family believes the Jesuit house is even older than the Yap-Sandiego
hardware gate. It was actually a two houses connect by a bridge. There is Ancestral House because its second level like the ground floor is still made of
also a plaque that says “Año 1730” however some people says that it cut coral stones, indicating it was built before a Spanish decree disallowed this
resembles 1750 and not 1730 for the number “3” looks like number “5”. practice. The remarkably preserved house, sitting on around 2,000 sq. m. of
It is also widely believed that a tower once stood beside the house with an land, served as the residence of the second highest official of the Jesuit society
old badly damaged painting of the house and Fr. Repetti’s drawing of the in the Philippines. Historians say that the Jesuits were indeed in possession of
painting hangs on the Jesuit House old wall. However, recent restoration the house until 1768 when, following their suppression in Europe, they were
works proved that the house could even be older than 1730. One of the expelled from the Philippines. During World War II, the house was also used
discovery was a coin, found buried in one post of the original house was by the American forces. In the 1960s, the house was leased to Peping “Jap”
dated to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Broken ceramics, also pointing Rodriguez, an Alvarez kinsman, for use as a club. Within the decade it again
to the Ming Dynasty, were also dug out. As Chinese influence was also changed hands, this time going to the Sy family. Jaime “Jimmy” Sy, the
evident in the construction of the house that can be seen in rafters that current owner, inherited the property from his father. Jimmy, who operates Ho
feature a design resembling a pagoda plus the carvings on the trusses also Tong Hardware, is married to the former Margie Vaño of the Old Guard,
show that Chinese artisans may have worked on it before. related to the Sanson-Velosos, the Coromina-Fortiches, and the Escaños.
Cebu City Historical Markers
This is the historical marker of the BPI or Bank of the Philippine Islands by the National Historical
Committee remembering the first established and considered the oldest bank in the archipelago
started from the Spanish era until today. The building was in the street of Jakosalem and Cuenco
(near the entrance of Basilica Minore del Sto Niño) as the 3 rd branch of BPI outside Manila. Built
during the 1940’s and bombed during World War 2 during the Battle of Cebu and Visayas then
finally renovated and used for banking purposes and museum. The historical marker was placed in
front of the building on September 24, 1991.

This is the historical marker of oldest and smallest only Tri

Bastion or fortified structure in the Philippines in official report
of 1739 which was made from stone and mortar but also started
up from its wood and local materials when the Spaniards
established settlements in Cebu. The Tri-Bastions are La
Concepcion, San Ignacio de Loyola and San Miguel powder
magazine. The 3 bastions are named after St. Ignatius of Loyola,
St. Miguel and also for Miguel Lopez de Legazpi the first
governor of Cebu and Philippines and La Concepcion or Our
Lady of Immaculate Concepcion. The historical marker was
erected by the National Historical Committee on 1939.
This (right side) is the University of San Carlos historical marker also erected by
the NHC. Before it became a university it was first a school established by the
Jesuits order on 1779 under Bishop Mateo Joaquin Rubio de Arevalo as
Seminario de San Carlos at the former site of the Colegio San Ildefonso of the
Jesuits. The Jesuits were replaced after they were expulsed and later on the
school was run by Dominican friars then during the 1850’s it was run down
Vincentian and renamed it Seminario-Colegio de San Carlos on 1867. Later on,
during the 1900’s it was under by the Society of the Divine Word. It was
destroyed during the Second World War then reopened after the war also became
a university on 1948. Became a full time university under the SVD until today.

This is the historical marker erected by the National Historical Committee for the Street
of Colon also known as Parian. It is the oldest road street established by the Spaniards
here in the Philippines when they started settlements in Cebu or Sugbo on 1565 by the
Spanish ships under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi the first Governor
General of Cebu and the Philippines.
 This is the historical marker by the NHC on 1941 for the Church and Convent of
Santo Niño. The church of the Child Jesus started by the Augustinian friars under
Rev. Andres Urdaneta in 1565 along with the Jesuits and the other 3 religious orders
at the Spanish colonial period. It was burned down on November 1, 1566 and along
with the fire of March of 1628. The rebuilt of the church came after 1 year (1628-29)
under the administration of the Historian Rev. Juan de Medina O.S.A. The Santo
Niño Church became a historical and religious success to establish the Catholic faith
and the center of devotion for Cebuanos and other missionaries to establish
Catholicism through the Visayas Region.

The Casa Gorordo Historical marker was erected also by NHC for its historical,
cultural, ethnical and economical success as a living national heritage site or cultural
treasure to be preserved no matter. It is a symbol of the Spanish and Philippine
intervention to grow alongside during those colonial period or era in the past. The
house survived even the mightiest blows of wars from Spanish colonial, Fil-Am War
and the last is World War 2 where Philippines became the first battleground in Asia.
The house was later on acquired the RAFI or Ramon Aboitiz Foundation INC under
their Cultural Heritage Preservation then later on opened as a public museum and been
declared by the NHC (now National Historical Commission of the Philippines) board
resolution no.4 as National Historical Landmark dated on September 24, 1991.
The Cathedral Cebu historical marker was erected by the NHC
along with other churches in the Philippines particularly in Cebu
where it was made from wood and nipa then became a center of the
diocese of Cebu 1595 the same year other religious orders
established their settlements in Cebu. It became a Archdiocese of
Cebu then named as Metropolitan Cathedral of Cebu un 1934. It
was destroyed at approximately 100% during the 2nd World War and
then reestablished by Archbishop Julio Cardinal Rosales in 1950’s.

The Cross of Magellan historical marker was erected in 1941 by NHC for the cross
in Cebu by the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan when they landed here in Cebu.
History goes when Rajah Humabon of Cebu and his Queen their sons and daughters
along with the chiefdom of Humabon were baptized as catholics by Father Pedro
Valderrama. The site was improved by the Augustinians in 1735 and 1834 by Rt.
Rev Fr. Santos Gomez Marañon. The image of the child Jesus was later on found by
the settlement and expedition of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in a house near the
Metropolitan Cathedral of Cebu. The Cross of Magellan became a symbol of
Catholic faith not only in Cebu but to the whole archipelago.
The Carcel de Cebu historical marker was also erected by NHC and considered as a jail of the
Cebu district in the Visayas, it was made from coral stones from the design of Domingo
Escondrillas. It was later on named as Cebu Provincial Jail during the American times and
added by one floor. After the 2nd World war, it became the Cebu City Jail ever since it was a
provincial detention and rehabilitation center from 1976 until relocated on 2004. The marker
was erected and considered “Museo Sugbo” of the Province of Cebu on 2008.

The Capitol building of Cebu before was in the front of Plaza Independencia where it was
being occupied first by the Filipino Revolutionaries of 1896 then reused by the Americans on
Fil-Am War (1899-1902). The construction of the building then came from Architect Juan
Arellano on December 1936. It was inaugurated by late Pres. Manuel L. Quezon on June 14,
1938 as a symbol of the 20th century building then erected the historical marker on July 9,
2008.
This historical marker was erected on 1959 as a marker for the birthplace of Sergio Osmeña Sr. on September 9, 1878. He was
the first Visayan president from the province of Cebu and successor of Manuel L. Quezon He served as a provincial fiscal in
Cebu and Negros Oriental in 1905. Became a provincial governor of Cebu in 3 years (1904, 1906 to 1907). He was also the
first speaker of the first assembly of the Philippines then became a senator and Vice President of the Philippine
Commonwealth in 1935 to 1944. After the war he became the President of the Philippine Commonwealth (1944 to 1946).
The marker became a commemorative marker for his contribution in our history and to our nation.
CEBU CITY HERITAGE
LANDMARKS AND
MONUMENTS
 MAGELLAN’S CROSS
Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to come to the Philippines
in 1521. Also known as Fernando Magallanes, he was a Portuguese
navigator working for the King of Spain in search of the Spice Islands
(now part of Indonesia, known as Maluku or Moluccas islands). When
he and his crews landed on Cebu island a native chief, Rajah
Humabon, met and befriended him. Rajah Humabon, his wife and
hundreds of his native warriors agreed to accept Christianity and were
consequently baptized. Magellan’s Cross photograph in 2018.

Here is the photograph taken of the Magellan’s Cross 1964 on the lower left and on year
2017 upper right.

Magellan planted a cross to signify this important event about the propagation of the
Roman Catholic faith in what is now Cebu, in central Philippines. The original cross is
reputedly encased in another wooden cross for protection, as people started chipping it
away in the belief that it had miraculous healing powers. This prompted the
government officials to encase it in Tindalo wood and secured it inside a small chapel
called "kiosk." Some say, however, that the original cross was actually destroyed. The
Magellan cross displayed here is said to be a replica of such cross. It is housed in a
small chapel located in front of the present city hall of Cebu, along Magallanes Street
(named in honor of Magellan). Magellan’s Cross photograph taken in 1965.
 Heritage of Cebu Monument/Parian Monument
The Heritage of Cebu Monument, also known as the Parian Monument, is a monument in Cebu City, Philippines. It was
made by Filipino sculptor Eduardo Castrillo and architects Heradio Español and Ildefonso Santos. It is the centerpiece of
the Parian Park which was the site of the Saint John the Baptist Church which was demolished in 1875 by the Diocese of
Cebu.
The artwork is a tableau depicting several of Cebu's involvement in Philippine history including the Battle of Mactan,
inauguration of Sergio Osmeña as President of the Philippines, and the canonization of Pedro Calungsod as saint by the
Roman Catholic Church. It consists of a mixture of concrete, bronze, brass and steel sculptures.

Photograph of Plaza
Parian during pre-war
1917 and the Plaza
Parian in year 2017.
 MACTAN SHRINE

Photograph of Mactan Shrine

circa 1960’s and the other one
is on year 2019.

Mactan Shrine, also known as Liberty Shrine, is a memorial park on the island of Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines. It host two
monuments namely the Magellan Monument, which is dedicated to explorer Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and the Lapu Lapu
Monument, a bronze statue which commemorates Lapu-Lapu, a native leader who defeated Spanish soldiers led by Magellan in the 1521
Battle of Mactan.

The Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu was established in 1969 as national shrine through Republic Act No. 5695 during the
administration of President Ferdinand Marcos. The site is believed to be the approximate location of the historic Battle of Mactan which saw
the defeat of the Spaniards led by explorer Ferdinand Magellan against Lapu-Lapu and his forces. The legislation included the Magellan
Monument a structure which was erected back in the Spanish colonial era in 1866. Republic Act No. 5695 also mandated for a monument
for LapuLapu, who is regarded as hero for his role in the historic battle in 1521 as well as the erection of a Liberty House, a facility which
would exhibit memorabilia showcasing the Philippines' history prior to the arrival of the Spanish. In 1980, a bronze statue depicting
LapuLapu was erected within the shrine.
 Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
The church of the Holy Child was founded by Fray Andrés de
Urdaneta, O.S.A. on April 28, 1565, it is the day when the image of
the Holy Child was found in a partially burned hut. More than a week
passed after the rediscovery of the image of Santo Niño, on May 8,
1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi initiated the founding of the first
Spanish settlement in the Philippines. On the spot of the house where
the image of the Santo Niño was found, the monastery of the Holy
Name of Jesus was constructed.
On February 29, 1735, Father Provincial Bergaño, Governor-General
Fernando Valdes, Bishop Manuel Antonio Decio y Ocampo of Cebu and
Fray Juan de Albarran, O.S.A. started the foundations of the present
church, using stone. Since the friars did not have the means to complete
the church, they enlisted the help of the parishioners of Opon and San
Nicolas to contribute materials, while the people of Talisay contributed
labor. The church was finished around 1739.

Here is the photograph of

the Basilica Minore del
Santo Niño de Cebu from
the Basilica Minore Sto.
Niño Archives during
1964 and another from
2018.
 Cebu Taoist Temple
The Cebu Taoist Temple was built in 1972 by the Cebu’s
substantial Chinese community. This temple is composed of
two different temples: one is the Phu Sian Temple, built by
another Chinese community, which is not open to the public;
another is the main temple which is 270 meters above sea
level. The Taoist Temple is the center of worship for Taoism,
the religion which follows the teachings of the ancient
Chinese philosopher, Laozi. In the temple, devotees perform
rituals.
One ritual is where one prays to the gods to grant one’s wish. This kind of ritual includes
washing hands, going inside the chapel barefoot and dropping two blocks of wood. If the blocks
of wood are both face up upon reaching the floor, it means one can make a wish. If not, it means
it is not yet time for one’s wish to be granted and needs to come back again to the temple some
other time. Another ritual among the devotees is the climbing of its 181 steps, which represents
the 81 chapters of Taoism scriptures, and lighting joss sticks and having their fortune be read by
the monks. This kind of ritual is done during Wednesdays and Sundays.
Here is the photograph
of the Cebu Taoist
temple way back 2013
(left) and this year
2021 (right).
 CEBU CITY SPORTS CENTER
The Sinulog Foundation, responsible for the organization of
the Sinulog Festival, is taking office in the complex and the
Here is the Cebu City Sinulog contest is usually held there. The Cebu City Sports
Sports center Complex has been used by the local government to discuss
photograph taken on political problems, like population transfer and urban
the left way back renewal with local neighborhood organizations. In addition,
2012 and on the Philippines Football League club Global Cebu F.C. has made
lower right year the stadium their home since entering the league in 2017.
2017.

The Cebu City Sports Center, formerly called as Abellana

Sports Complex is a track and field and football stadium
located in Cebu City, Philippines. The complex was built by
the city to serve as the main venue for the 1994 Palarong
Pambansa and accommodate large events of various kinds. It
is owned and managed by the Cebu City government. A
number of major events have taken place at the Complex,
including concerts, sports events, governmental activities,
and the Sinulog Festival, which is held there every year.
 Cebu Provincial Capitol
Planning for the capitol, which was to replace the old Casa Provincial
in the city's Spanish quarter, actually started in 1910, in the day of the
inauguration of Osmeña Waterworks. Sergio Osmeña, then Speaker
of the First Philippine Assembly, took Governor General William
Cameron Forbes to an exhibition baseball match, after which they
inspected the future site of the building near Fuente Osmeña. The
construction commenced in 1937 under the supervision of the
architecture firm of Pedro Siochi and Company.

This is the photograph

taken of the Cebu It took place also during the administration of Governor Sotero
Provincial years after the Cabahug who was its principal champion. It was financed through a
war est. (1954) then on bond approved by Pres. Manuel Quezon and through public
the upper right is in year subscription. Vicente Sotto once criticized the construction of the
building as a waste of public funds, and vowed to convert it to a
2014. hospital in one of his speeches. Additionally, Quezon was initially
skeptical of the project because of the opposition from allies, but he
supported and approved its construction. The Capitol was badly
damaged in World War II but eventually rehabilitated through the
Tydings War Damage Act of 1946. In 2008, it was declared as
National Historical Landmark by the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines.
 PLAZA INDEPENDENCIA
Plaza Independencia is one of the most significant sites in
the history of Cebu. It is a symbol of independence and
freedom from all the conquerors that tried to take over the
island of Cebu. Its century old trees are witnesses to what the
plaza/park had been through during the colonial days. The
changes of its name emulated its role in the history of Cebu.
The park was called Plaza de Armas in the early 1600 and
served as a public square used as military training and
parade grounds.
Here is the
photograph taken by
Cebu Channel Online
circa 1899 lower left
and you can also see
the name of “Plaza
Independencia” on
the lower left of the During the Spanish era, its name was changed to Plaza Maria
picture while on the Cristina in honor of the prevailing queen. Its name was
upper right it is the changed again to Plaza Libertad during the American
Plaza Independencia Colonial Period to acknowledge the liberty from the Spanish
photograph taken in rule. When all the colonizers left the country and the land has
year 2017. attained its true freedom, it finally had its name Plaza
Independencia.
 Fuente Osmeña
Here is the photograph of Fuente Osmeña in honor of
late President Sergio Osmeña (4 th President of the
Republic of the Philippines) taken during year 1912 or
pre-war period and another one in 2016 with timelapse
shows the encircled shape and lies near Colon today.
It is built in honor of the late President Sergio Osmeña, the
fourth president of the Republic of the Philippines. It has
been inaugurated in 1912. It has been said that the fountain
was built in inauguration of the City's new water system.
Since then, it has evolved into a symbol of Cebuano's
courage and pride. Sometimes there are open and public
social events being held at Fuente Osmeña, including
political gatherings, cultural shows, concerts, the famous
Sinulog, entertainments, and other presentations.
 FORT SAN PEDRO
Fuerte de San Pedro is a military defense structure in Cebu (Philippines),
built by the Spanish under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, first
governor of the Captaincy General of the Philippines. It is located in the
area now called Plaza Indepedencia, in the pier area of the city. The
original fort was made of wood and built after the arrival of Legazpi and
his expedition. In the early 17th century, a stone fort was built to repel
Muslim raiders. Today's structure dates from 1738 and is the oldest
triangular bastion fort in the country. It served as the nucleus of the first
Spanish settlement in the Philippines. During the Philippine Revolution at
the end of the 19th century, it was attacked and taken by Filipino
revolutionaries, who used it as a stronghold.
In 1957 mayor Sergio Osmeña Jr. jolted the public with his announcement to
demolish Fort San Pedro and erect on the spot a New City Hall. This started a
movement against the demolition idea. Articles voicing opposition appeared in
the local dailies and magazines in Cebu City and in Manila. Finally, confronted
by civic leaders and society heads at his Cebu City Hall office, he gave up his
idea and said he will use instead the space behind the fort. These days, part of
the fort is a museum. Inside the fort houses the legacies of the Spanish
Government: well preserved Spanish artefacts such as Spanish documents,
paintings and sculpture. A large statue of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and
Antonio Pigafetta may be seen outside the fort walls.

This is the photograph taken

during the year 1900 showing
the gate of Fort San Pedro
with same spot and markings
while not being bombed and
prewar years while on the left
side is the newly renovated
Fort San Pedro ‘you can see
the transformation and
removed soil from the side of
the fort after years and after
the war also the paved way
for tourists today.
 END OF
PRESENTATION

THANK YOU SO MUCH

AND GODBLESS 