“Destination?” The driver said as I hopped into his taxi. It was too early to check in at my hotel, and I did not know any other place in Cebu at the time except…
“Magellan’s Cross,” I replied, half in delight and half in utter hope that it was not that far from the airport. Call it reflex, but you can also say it was the only place in Cebu that I was familiar with at that moment.
Since childhood, there had been this need to be up close and personal with this legendary landmark. I guess it was one of those things Grade School forced me to love, along with the Banaue Rice Terraces and the Chocolate Hills. Not that I’m complaining; they’re worth loving.
Magellan’s Cross is probably the most important and the most famous historical landmark in Cebu City. On April 14, 1521, it was erected by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who arrived in the Philippines as part of a Spanish exploration, at the site where 800 Cebuanos including Rajah Humabon were baptised. This also marked the first Catholic mass in the country. The original cross slowly deteriorated over time but people were able to save little pieces of it. Another cross, made of tindalo wood, was set up on the site in 1854.
Today, a pavilion is home to the cross. The shelter’s ceiling is actually a mural depicting the first mass in the Philippines.
So there was I, standing in front of the Magellan’s Cross. With me were women selling candles. Of course the first thing I did was take an awful lot of pictures to prove to my Grade School classmates that I have actually seen the Cross. (Haha!) I was approached by a woman who was persistently selling me her candles. She said they would come with prayers. At first I didn’t understand what she meant, but eventually I realized that she would dance in front of the cross and pray for whoever I wanted her to pray for.
“Sorry ma’am but I’m not Catholic,” I said to the candle woman. But she won’t leave. Honestly, I was just there for history and my dream to see the Cross. And since I was also curious about the dancing (I really wanted to see it), I gave in. The woman took the name of the person I wanted her to pray for along with my 50-peso bill, and she moved gracefully with her eyes glued to the cross.
Written on: 2010•8•9
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some say the first mass was in mindanao
Me & my girlfriend are going to Cebu on August 11. What’s the best way to experience Cebu without spending too much. We’re not asking for dives or Bohol expeditions. A trip around the cities is good enough for us.
hi..
we had the most tipid city tour in Cebu..
we stayed in Sampaguita Suites Plaza Garcia, super near to Magellan’s Cross, Basilica de Minore, Cebu Church, Rajah Humabon’s monument & Fort San Pedro.. walking distance lang lahat from the Hotel..
& ok din hotel, very cheap price, very good service & accomodation..
we bought pasalubong from the Palengke, jeepney ride lang pati yung traveling to Crowne Regency jeepney ride lang.. you’ll just ask them kung ano sasakyan kasi parang may mga codes yung byahe ng jeepney nila & multi-cab..
marami din kakainan, mura sa AA BBQ..
going to Ayala Malls, dun lang kami nagtaxi kasi gabi na nung pumunta kami for dinner..
& to add-up pala sa Hotel, they can pick you up from the Ferry Terminal or Airport & they can also drop you off again to the Ferry Terminal or Airport..
hope this one will help you out..
=D
I’ve been there. It was nice considering historical place.
I’ve there too. It’s cool. Many poor children are there. And there is a man selling creative rocks.
@mona that is sad. I didn’t see that part. My friend priest guided us around. ..in Cebu and Mactan.
We have been there also!! Be aware that so many adults and kids are selling lots of their wares and very persistent.They keep following you aroud!!
very nice spot indeed …but reminded me of the beginning of the end of the genuine islanders…. 500 years later Mc Donalds, KFC and poverty
We did the dancing together with the "manangs" who are dancing while saying their prayers. :)
many times i been there .. yes!! when i touch the miracle cross it feels different ,,it’s like he blessing you where ever you go . st.nino church i miss there ..CEBU!!! i born there…i grow-up in manila
Magellan was the Fleet overall commander,not simply playing a nominal part;give him that honor,otherwise his killing as an invader by Lapu-Lapu is also to be considered in part in the cebuano-visayan history,albeit Philippines history.
Last time I saw it was in 1979. I wish I could have travelled to Cebu last April 2011 but I will certainly try again this December .
Magellan’s Cross has a romantic attachment for me. It’s a place my wife brought me to see a short time after we met. A nice elderly lady said prayers for us. Very memorable times.