Cebu has become synonymous with the Basilica del Santo Niño or the Mama Mary of Lindogon (Simala) in Sibonga. However, none of these is considered the seat of the Catholic Church’s power in the province because that title is reserved for the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
Often referred to as the "Cathedral" it is the ecclesiastical seat of the metro Cebu Archdiocese. It was established as a diocese on August 14, 1595, and was elevated to a metropolitan archdiocese on April 28, 1934.
When it was first built, it was far from the grandiose coral stone building that stands in its location today. Published in the Balaanong Bahandi, a book on the Sacred Treasures of the Archdiocese of Cebu”, the original cathedral was just a barn covered with coconut palms.
The construction of the cathedral was halted so many times in the past because of a lack of funds and man-made and natural events.
Even if it is a popular church, it is relatively quieter than the always buzzing Basilica. A stone's throw away from the center of every tourist's city destination, this church offers a solemn refuge for those who need to pray quietly.
But it is important to bring up the fact that this is a popular church for weddings for Cebu's who's who.
Rajah Humabon Park
Just fronting the Cathedral is a small park dedicated to Cebu’s chieftain when the Spaniards first came to the Philippines – Rajah Humabon.
The park was notorious in the past for being unkempt. Thankfully, it now looks better. There are now plants surrounding the area and loiterers are no longer allowed.
Rajah Humabon is known for welcoming Magellan and his crew and is given the credit as the first Filipino to be baptized into Catholicism. He was later called Carlos after the King of Spain at that time. His wife Reyna Humamay was named Juana. It was she who was gifted the original image of the child Jesus to whom the Sinulog Festival is now being offered. However, as the inscription reads, his friendly relations with the Spaniards didn’t last that long.
Cebu La Fortuna Bakery
After praying and spending a bit of time in the park, you may want to grab a bite and if you take a turn to Legaspi St., you will find the Cebu La Fortuna Bakery.
True blue Cebuanos have fond memories of this bakery serving mainly Chinese goodies. They used to have a store in the Basilica but they eventually transferred to the back of the Cathedral. Their store has ample seating for those who want to dine in.
As a child, my mom would usually take me to their store to buy Pianono and the shavings from the chiffon cakes. I eventually learned to love the dishes they are serving. When I last visited, I grabbed a siopao asado and pancit bam-i. However, they are most popular for their meat roll – a salted bun with meat fillings.
If you come to Cebu and want to explore more than the Basilica, just walk towards Legaspi and Burgos Sts. where the church with the seat of power awaits visitors.
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Thank you so much for sharing.
What a historical place it must be ug doul ra pud sa amoa. Laag me diha puhon. Great photos... I love them! 😍
Thank you so much.
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Thank you
The aging of the building and the story behind it is what makes the church so beautiful! So good to see a structure like this today. By the way, love those chiffon cakes!
Yes! They taste so good although kind of pricey now compared to few years back.
Looks like a nice place to visit. My favorite is the wooden door, but what I love the most is the organ. I wonder what kind of sound you can hear when played.
I am not sure if the organ still works but the wooden door is a holy door and it's one of the attractions of the church. Devotees love to go there.
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