Sto. Niño Church

        Sto. Niño, as you can see santo (Holy) Niño (Child) means infant Jesus. This oldest church in the Philippines was constructed in 1565. Image of Sto. Niño, which was told to be a gift from Magellan to Queen Juana was offered in this church. This miraculous guardian saint is worshipped because, in a repetitive history of disappearance, destruction and reconstruction, this statue was unharmed.

        Believe in Sto. Niño is special to Cebuano. Devoted Christians visits the church throughout the day. There are stands around the area selling the statues of Sto. Niño, this is popular souvenir to represent Cebu.

Magellan’s Cross

        Wooden crucifix was built to celebrate the baptism into the Roman Catholic religion of island chief Rajah Humabon, his wife, and some 400 of their followers in 1521. In 1834, Pavilion was built and fenced with wood to protect exterior of crucifix the original cross from people who chipped away parts of the cross for souvenir purposes or in the belief that the cross possesses miraculous powers. Image of baptism is painted on ceiling of the pavilion. Up to these days, devoted Catholics give their prayer in this pavilion.

Taoist Temple

        Philippines have various histories; however, Chinese from China brought absolute economic influence to the Philippines after the war. In present, owner of large enterprise and other unbelievable financial power are Chinese Filipinos or Spanish Filipinos.

        Beverly Hills is famous for its upscale residential area for very rich Chinese. Taoist Temple was built within Beverly Hills to worship Lao zi, a Chinese thinker with contribution from Chinese in residents. When you go up 99 steps, you can over look at the mansion of Chinese and celebrities, and Mactan Island.

Fort San Pedro

        This oldest fort in the Philippines is located near the pier. It was built by Legaspi I of Spain. The construction of stone-built fort started in 1565 and was completed the present building in 1738.

        It was built to protect from Islam believers and was seized by Philippine revolutionary army which was against Spanish government, later it used as barracks after the influence of American government. It was also used as prison camp for Japanese army.

        It has museum to introduce its history within the fort. Please visit as Japanese has took part in this history.

Magellan Monument and Statue of Lapu-Lapu

        Magellan monument and statue of Lapu-Lapu is located before reaching Shangri-La. In History, we were taught that Magellan has gone around the world, but actually he was killed by chief Lapu-Lapu during the war as invader. This monument was built next to each other. Lapu-Lapu is praised as a hero to bring down the invader. Magellan’s company carried on his will to travel around the world. It is exciting to know a famous page in the history has happened in this land.