For my last day in Cebu it was a must for me to revisit the sites I wasn’t able to visit the last time I was here, and the first one on top of my head was of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.  Since the location is in the vicinity of historic sites, a historic tour it is for my last day in Cebu.

First thing on my agenda was checking out of my hotel and checking in into my gym where I can safely leave my things (thank you once again, Fitness First Ayala Center Cebu!).  Since I was then pretty much mobile, a big lunch was in store to prep me with my tour ahead.

My friends were already on their way to the airport so for the rest of the day I’d be travelling solo.  Eating solo could be a bit of a problem in Cebu since food portions are normally for share!  Because of this my selection was really frustrating, until I found Big Mao which had servings for lone travelers like myself.  Note though that eating solo doesn’t necessarily mean eating less. 😀

After that big lunch I was off for Magellan’s Cross.  This site is pretty much frustrating to photograph with a point and shoot as it’s very difficult to capture in one frame the ceiling décor.  Now I’m back with a vengeance sporting my 16mm F2.8 lens.

Magellan’s Cross is just behind the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and likewise quite a challenge to capture because the narrow space in front of it does not give enough space to frame it properly.  I may have wide-angle lens but it did not make it any easier.  After giving thanks for a safe and blessed trip, here are some of my snapshots:

On to the tour…

Fort San Pedro is much like Fort Santiago in the city of Manila but at a much smaller scale.  It is the smallest with just an area of 2,025 square meters but is the oldest triangular bastion fort in the country built in 1738.  Not much to see inside but since I was there on a Monday, it’s a great place to just relax.

I had quite some time after my tour but not enough to roam around other places so I simply decided to return back to Ayala Center Cebu.  And for the first time in all of my short haul travels, I was actually able to squeeze in a gym session!  It kind of eases the guilt brought by non-stop eating the past few days.  And since I was in Ayala Center Cebu, I guess you can predict what my last meal in Cebu was—

I really love this second trip of mine to Cebu this year!  My previous two visits were all around the Sinulog Festival so you see the city with its best foot forward.  With this return I got to see the city in its “normal” state, without all the festivities, without all the sugar coats—the “real” side of the city.  This was the side of Cebu I fell in love with during the first visit, and I’m so glad to see that side again.

Thank you Cebu for the unbelievable hospitality and the ever great food!  I hope to have another chance to return soon!

* * *

Cebu Lechon Chronicles:

• Greasier the Second Time Around
• Globe Run for Home
• STK, Harbour City, and the Mooon
• Historic Tour