From Cross to Roses: Discovering the Soul of Cebu City, PH

Last year, we had the chance to visit Cebu City, and it was one of the most memorable trips of our lives. Cebu is full of history, color, and life. Every corner feels like it has a story to tell.

One of our first stops was Magellan’s Cross. I had read about it before in my elementary school textbooks, but seeing it in person was a different experience. The wooden cross stood inside a small chapel, surrounded by paintings on the ceiling. I imagined what it must have been like hundreds of years ago when it was first planted there.

Of course, we could not miss the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño since we were already a few steps away. It was Sunday, and I expected the church to be full of people praying, lighting candles, and touching the statue of the Santo Niño, but there were more people than I had in my mind. The smell of incense filled the air, and I felt a deep sense of respect for the place and the devotion of the people.

From there, we walked to Fort San Pedro. The walls were old and strong, with moss growing in some parts. Inside, I felt like I had stepped back in time. The fort had a peaceful feeling, even though it was once built for defense. The fort had a very wonderful story that every generation must know.

We also passed by the Malacañang sa Sugbo area and the plaza near it. People were walking around, chatting, and enjoying the day. It reminded me how cities are not just about buildings but about the people who live there.

When evening came, we went to see the 10,000 Roses in Cordova. The “roses” are actually white LED lights, standing tall in a field. As the sun set, they began to glow, and the whole place felt magical. It was quiet except for the sound of the wind, and it felt like I was in a dream.

And since we were already in Cordova, we got some time to stop at one of their restaurants and tried their TUSLOB BUWA, the iconic Cebuano street food that’s as much a cultural experience as it is a dish. Tuslob Buwa literally means “dip into bubbles.” The name refers to the frothy, bubbling stew made from pork brain, liver, garlic, onions, shrimp paste, and various seasonings like soy sauce and chili. We love the dish, and my son enjoyed preparing the food. It was a great experience for him.

Everywhere we went in Cebu, we saw beauty, not just in the famous spots, but in small things: the way the light hit the water, the smiles of strangers, the busy streets full of colors. It’s a city with both history and heart.

It was also my first time to take a ship instead of a plane when we went home. I have always felt uncomfortable with water and any water rides, though I am an aquarius, but this time I decided to travel through water for the first time.

When we left, I promised myself I would return. Cebu is the kind of place that stays with you long after the trip is over.