Travel Bohol part 1 - leaving Cebu (Supercat adventure)

Bohol is a mere one and a half hours away from Cebu by ferry. Supercat  offers daily trips from Cebu port to Tagbilaran.  You may check their website for the schedules. We bought our tickets in Cebu a day before, if you're traveling on a December, make sure to book early to avoid waiting in lines. They have a ticketing office at Robinson's mall Cebu. 

my nephew watching the passing ship at the port

Travel Cebu: Fort San Pedro and the Dried squid

Fort San Pedro is a miniature Intramuros. Having spent my college years within the Intramuros walls, visiting this fort seems a bit ordinary to me. But, I always want to bring back good memories whenever I visit a new place so I do what is available to do at the time and that is to ------- people watch. Not to make fun of someone but to have a feel of what the people are like especially if I don't know anybody from that place. 

Plus to think that we've been walking all day, being able to sit back and relax is a big yes for me (my nephew totally agrees). The best thing about places like this is that you can easily slump anywhere and nobody will bother you. Just like the man with a balloon on the photo below.

Travel Cebu: Cebu R hotel, Sto. Nino church

 Cebu, is one of the many islands in the Philippine archipelago worth visiting for its rich history, unique traditions and its famous festivals. It is situated in the Central Visayas region and known today as an export leader when it comes to quality-made furniture.

A little history: 
When the Spaniards set foot in this island in 1521, free trading with neighboring countries such as China, Burma, Malaysia, and as far as Japan was already being practiced in the island . It already has a structured and organized government with communities or "balangays"  (now called barangays) which mostly comprises of about 60 to 100 households being headed by the "Datus" (chieftain). The "Datu" is in charge of everything from resolving disputes in their respective "balangay"  or  leading them onto battles if needed. 

The most popular known chieftain in the whole Philippines actually came from Mactan, Cebu - Lapu-Lapu. He became popular for killing the Spaniard Ferdinand Magellan when he went onshore this small island.  He was hailed a hero, the first Filipino to deter the Spanish Conquerors.

And, in his honor, one of the 4 cities of Cebu was named after him - Lapu Lapu City. 

We boarded the Cebu-Pacific plane and landed at Mactan Airport a little past noon, hailed a cab and headed off to check-in at Cebu R hotel.  Our accommodation for the night.

Travel Cebu: Colon Street, Ancestral Houses, Heritage of Cebu monument

A walk in Colon Street is a must for Cebu visitors. Being the oldest street in the Philippines, it was such a bonus for a historic buff like me to be able to do so when I was in Cebu. Another good thing when you are near this area is you can also visit the Heritage of Cebu monument or locally known as Parian monument. 

This monument showcases the whole history of Cebu; the influence of Christianity, the battles between the natives and foreigners and the continuous sought of true freedom and justice. The gate is actually locked when we first got in but the caretaker opened it up for us so we can take more pictures. There is no entrance fee but anyone can donate to help upkeep the place.