The Poor Traveler had always wanted to see Magellan’s Cross in Cebu. 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.
That’s why when I finally set foot on Cebu for the first time and the cab driver asked me where to go, I automatically replied with “Err… Magellan’s Cross!” Call it reflex but you can also say it was the only place I know in Cebu. Haha.
The cab ride to Magellan’s Cross from the Mactan Airport cost me P270. I took a yellow-metered cab, that’s why. I know it wasn’t really a “budget thing” to do but I was more of a Lazy Traveler than a Poor Traveler that day. LOL.
THE MAGELLAN’S CROSS AND THE CANDLE WOMEN
So there was I, standing in front of the Magellan’s Cross together with a friend and a whole bunch of women selling candles and dancing. Of course the first thing we did was take an awful lot of pictures to prove to my Grade School classmates that I have actually seen the Cross. (They are sooo gonna die of envy.)
We were approached by a woman who was kinda persistent selling her candles to me and she said it 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 us alone even though I had told her a million times that I was only there for “history” and my dream to see the Cross. And since I was also curious about the dancing (and I really wanted to see it), I gave in. The woman took the name of the person I wanted her to pray for and she danced. It was a cool experience. But I was P50 poorer.
HISTORY OF THE MAGELLAN’S CROSS
And now, a review. 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.
This is part of our ILOILO-GUIMARAS-CEBU trip. For more posts about the other places we have visited, check out our collection here.
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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.
i <3 CEBU!
I’ve been there last march lng..hehehe=]
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
confused!!!!!!what I know is …it was in Palo Leyte…where they have done some statues .. I was there & lots of historical to remember…. what’s the truth nga ba?????
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.