If you will be traveling to Cebu, your trip will not be complete without visiting the Magellan’s Cross. Inside the shrine, you will find the wooden cross which was planted by Portuguese and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Cebu in the Philippines on April 21, 1521.

The cross was planted when Magellan baptised the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana and about 400 followers into the Catholic faith. The original cross is reputedly encased in another dark wooden cross made of tindalo wood for protection, as people started chipping it away in the belief that it had miraculous healing powers. Some say, however, that the cross inside the chapel is no longer authentic and just a replica of the historic cross.

Inside the small chapel, you will find a beautifull Ceiling Mural with a scene depicting the landing of Magellan in Cebu, the first mass and the planting of the original cross on the shore.

Within the vicinity of this popular historical landmark, you can find Cebu guitar vendors, few shellcraft / woodcraft souvenirs and candle vendors.

I was a little bit annoyed with the presence of beggars and street childrens in the area since most of them are irritantingly begging for money which can cause negative experience for most foreign and local tourists.

Nina Fuentes of Justwandering.org inside the Magellan’s Shrine

How to get there :

This popular landmark is located next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Magallanes (spanish translation for Magellan) Street. Magellan’s Cross is right in front of the old Cebu City Hall building near the port area in downtown Cebu.

If old spanish houses designed with capiz (mother-of-pearl) windows, floral arches and huge doorways facinates you, then you should visit San Nicolas – Binondo’s largest district.

Walking Tour – Binondo

It was a gloomy afternoon when a small group of travel and food bloggers decided to go on a walking tour with a blogger / historian Bernard Arellano III. In just a short walk from Binondo Church, you will come accross facinating and marvelous vintage houses in this old Manila district. Read More >>

Corregidor Island is located 48 kilometers west of Manila in the Philippines. Its tadpole geographical shape adds in the magnificence of this place. This shape is also a plus factor for being a strategic location especially for trade and business.

Literally, the term Corregidor Island means “Island if Correction.” Many stories accounts for the name of the island. One of the known reasons is that during the Spanish era, all ships that will enter Manila Bay were required to pass and stop the island to have their documents be checked and corrected. Others would say that the island was a penitentiary or a correctional place that is why Spaniards called the place El Corregidor.

Corregidor Island had been known especially during the time of World War II. This had been a fortress of defense. This place cradled many American and Filipino soldiers. This island became a post and station or the army defending the Philippines against the Japanese empire.

Because of its colorful history the island is bestowed with many historical sites like the Malinta Tunnel which is an arsenal and underground hospital located under the Malinta Hill.

After visiting the old Malinta, visit also the Lighthouse built by the Spaniards in 1836. This is actually the oldest landmark of the island.

If you really want to witness the bravery and fortitude of the Filipino and American soldiers, go and visit the Topside and Middleside. You will see there the remains of the soldiers and officers. You can also have a glimpse on their former barracks and artillery batteries like the Battle Hearn.

For parks fanatics, worry no more because there are also parks that you can visit. There is the General Douglas McArthur Park where a statue of General Douglas McArthur stands at the Lorcha Dock at Bottom side. It is the exact place where his boat boarded to Mindanao on March 11, 1942. This is where his immortal words “I shall return” was professed. There is also the Japanese Garden of Peace Park. The park showcases the various Japanese soldier memorial shrines. The 10 feet stoned Buddha in a Shinto Shrine. Relics of various weapons are also displayed in this park. This park also serves as the praying park for the Japanese war veterans and their relatives. A visit on this park will surely give you a glimpse to the past and a wonderful relaxing experience!

Aside from the wonderful historical sites, Corregidor Island is still an island where you can hop and could do island activities. Around its water, you can do snorkeling and diving. See the wonderful sea creatures and coral reefs. You can also do fishing. Do hiking and camping around its mountain and hills. Experience adventure through real rock climbing. You can also do extreme biking. Enjoy the magnificence of the geography of Corregidor Island!

Do picnic and star gazing while lying on its fresh and luscious green fields.

Aside from the wonderful activities you can do, ghost hunting is one of the great activities that Corregidor Island can give.

This island mirrors the great past of the Filipino nation. However, it does not stop there because Corregidor Island is also a wonderful place for unwinding while learning the past.

About the Author:
Jose Maria Abada writes for Philippine-Travel-Guide.com. Check it out to learn more about the Philippine Resorts, Philippine Beaches, Philippine Hotels and Philippine News Links.

The itinerary of the tour which starts 9 a.m. and ends 5:30 p.m. includes the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation in Bacolod City, Bernardo Jalandoni House, Hofileña Heritage House and its art collection and printmaking workshop, and trip to outstanding delicacy sources in Silay City; Church of St. Joseph the Worker-Victorias City; Chapel of the Cartwheels-Manapla town; and an introduction to a new tourist attraction.

To be explained to participants on board the bus are the San Sebastian Cathedral, Palacio Episcopal, Capitol building and park of Negros Occidental, and Kilometer O-Bacolod City; Hda. Matab-ang monument and enchanted trees-Talisay City; ancestral houses, San Diego Church, Cinco de noviembre marker and cultural center-Silay; Heroes of Guintobuan monument-E.B.Magalona town; and iron dinosaurs and Victorias City.

Each tour is limited to 43 participants, on a first come first served basis.

The Luneta Hotel along Teodoro M. Kalaw St. corner Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard) faces Manila Bay.

Luneta Hotel was built in 1918 and was considered one of the few remaining French inspired architecture in Manila that stood the test of time. The National Historical Institute already declared Luneta Hotel as a National Historical Landmark.

Currently, Luneta Hotel is an abandoned building and the soroundings was converted into a parking space for rent.

According to some online forums, Luneta hotel is now being managed by PAGCOR and rumored to be transformed as Manila’s newest Casino.

TRIVIA:

During the Japanese Occupation in Manila, Walter Dempster Jr. also known as Walterina Markova ; popularly known for his movie Comfort Gay portrayed by Dolphy, experienced Japanese Soldiers Brutality in this hotel.

Luneta Hotel before the World War II