A Quick Visit in Plaza Independencia at Cebu City, Philippines

After my one week stay at Cebu, I am scheduled to board a ship going home. I still got a lot of time, so I decided to try visiting a place nearby the port. Well actually, I was aiming to look for a store where I could buy cheaper goods or travel treats for my friends. I was glad to obtain for a direction from the local as to what I should ride and how much was the fare. I was told that it was nearby the city’s park. As I arrived, that's when I learned its real name as Plaza Independencia. Yet, reaching getting there has been a challenge for me.

I followed the direction and I felt proud as I caught aa glimpse of the park from afar. As I was told, I could find stores that sells cheap travel treats nearby. I would need to cross two busy roads before reaching the entrance from the place where I was dropped. Crossing the busy street was actually a challenge for me especially that I am not really a city girl. I was still unsure whether I would cross the road even with the help of traffic lights. So to be sure, I would still need to wait for some people to cross the road and tag along with them. I really find this journey funny but that is how I survived from the past days in the big city.

As soon as I enter the park, I was relieved by the trees and green plants I saw around. I was starting feeling dizzy while I was on my way because of the extreme heat. I felt relieved by the fresh air and shade from the trees. I also saw many people like families and couples who were resting on the benches.

Plaza Independencia which is also called City Park by the locals is identified as a heritage site. It is also the largest free public park in Cebu City. It was said to be established in the 1600s which initially served as a military training ground which later became a leisure park until now.

What stands out inside is a tall white monument which is also called as the Legazpi Monument which was built to honor an Spanish navigator who also became the first governor-general of the Philippines. I also appreciate the landscape and even saw workers maintaining the cleanliness in the area.

It was a fun short glimpse of the area. It was too wide that I felt lazy to walk on the other side. Plus I forgot that my real mission was too find a store where I could buy homecoming gifts in which I actually failed. Haha. I was not able to find the store after wandering around the block and the nearby blocks and I almost lost my way back to the port. It was a funny adventure for me but I was glad I got to visit a famous place in the city before going back to my place.

Thanks for reading. Until next time.

Photos are mine and edited with Canva.