Everyone had heard of Magellan, right? Well, I for one didn't know what ever came of him... It seems that shortly after he arrived to claim the Philippines (before called Samar) for Spain in 1521, he perished at the hands of a local warrior chief (spear to the head, poison dart in the leg, according to my LP Guide). Before he died, though, 'he' erected a large wooden cross in the soil of Cebu, signifying the arrival of Christianity, and the subsequent demise of traditional animistic beliefs. Cebu City, therefore, serves as the starting point of Christianity, from which the religion spread quickly throughout the country (with heavy resistance by the well established Muslim settlements in the south). It is difficult to travel anywhere in the Philippines without seeing an aging 400 year old church.

I arrived in Cebu around 11am and caught a jeepney to the downtown area. I got directions here and there and eventually found what I was looking for: Magellan's Cross. The roof of the small building housing the 484year old crucifix featured beautiful paintings depicting Magellan's planting of the cross (he is actually standing nearby watching), and his indroducing religion to the natives. Sometimes a plaque really does say it best.

Nearby the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino crumbles, shrouded in netting (not really sure why). This cathedral was built in 1565 and has burnt down three times...

It's lucky I'm not buying souvenirs, or I would most certainly have bought this beautiful image of christ holding the cross. I do not know why he has dreadlocks...

Not far away was the Cebu Cathedral where a lavish wedding was taking place.

According to the guidebook upon which I have relied for information, that is almost all there is to see in Cebu City, the second largest city in the Philippines. At least in terms of landmarks. I opted not to visit the butterfly sanctuary, instead catching up on the internet. Nice city, though.

One last photo to leave you with: two very young girls playing cards on a streetside food stall table.

I didn't photograph the naked 3 year old homeless girl lying outside Magellan's Cross Monument crying on the dirty street. All around peddlers sold guitars, religous ornaments and souvenirs, sunglasses, and cigarette sticks. Beggars plee as you enter. Sometimes the poverty of the Philippines smacks you right in the face... sad.