Baby Jesus Dolls
Trip Start
Dec 03, 2012
1
35
38
Trip End
Jan 09, 2013
Where I stayed
Cebu City, Cebu, Visayas, Philippines
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Before departing for Cebu, I made an attempt to visit my old friend at Alona Beach, Panglao Island, I wasn't expecting Panglao Island (just off south of Tagbilaran) to such a huge island. The trike ride took 45 minutes - 99% of it in Panglao! Alona Beach appeared exactly like Boracay but smaller and less busy. Unfortunately I was too early at the dive shop where she works and I failed at trying to dial her cell number on my international cell phone, so I left Panglao after breakfast. Checking out at 12 pm and triked to the port for 20 php. I was reminded that I got ripped off for 60 php last night getting out of the port to town. Slimy trike drivers....
Best Ferry Transportation
Fastcraft to Cebu - best transport ever on this trip. Clean, comfortable air-conditioning with movie and wifi onboard. So smooth on the waters that I didn't even notice when we sped off to Cebu. No bopping motions, no seasickness and no passengers throwing up. But alas good things don't last - it was over in two hours. Took a taxi to uptown Cebu to enquire about accommodation. It was by chance that I walked into an arcade mall towards Robinsons Mall, I discovered Sampaguita Hotel with their single air-con room going for 1000 php. Time to splurge.
Downtown Cebu
The first to visit was the oldest church in the Philippines - Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino, built in 1565. Unwittingly I walked into the Sunday Mass and mingled with the thousand-strong crowd. It was truly a human traffic jam but everyone was orderly and civil in an unfamiliar fashion. No pickpockets or petty crime businesses going on. Directly outside of southern exit, Magellan's Cross stood in a stone rotunda, attracting hordes of local and foreign visitors alike. This is probably one of the most recognisable image taken in the Philippines.
A short walk away towards east, Fort San Pedro's stone walls can be seen from afar. Built in 1565, this triangular fortress had quite a long history to it. What didn't work out for me is the hosting of a birthday dinner party on the grounds of Fort San Pedro with the blasting of silly music at distorted volume. The walk around the top of the fortress didn't offer much of a view as well. The lawn grounds outside of the premises however attracted scores of Cebuanos having a picnic, teenagers strumming on guitars and lovebirds in awkward giggles. I kept noticing the presence of baby dolls in some old buildings displayed like on an altar. It wasn't until much later I learnt they were actually baby jesus dolls!
