Philippine Travel Photo Essay : Viva Cebu!



Bantayan Beach 05
Bantayan Island, Cebu

Summer here in the tropics is about to start. And I am seriously missing the beach, the islands, camping (I’ve always preferred this), star gazing and just lazing around. This will be a series of travel photo essays of gorgeous beaches I’ve visited a few years ago. I’ll try to squeeze in some stories and backgrounds, but some have been four or five years ago. ;) Back in the days when travelling was a ‘long weekend’ or ‘seat sale!’ or ‘Scheduled Leaves’ event. 

And this is also to somehow encourage the people I’ve met during my travels to visit our beautiful country. And to excite the two girls who will (hopefully) visit me in a few months. ;) 

CEBU 

Cebu is one of the most famous places to visit in the Philippines. It’s known for its beaches, diving spots, and as one of the most historic provinces in the country. 

Bantayan Beach 03

My friends and I got to visit Cebu back in May 2009. We first headed to Bantayan Island on the northern part of the province. We stayed at Kota Beach Resort which has a really nice beach front. There’s really nothing much to do but to swim and relax. :)

Bantayan Beach 01
different shades of blue :)

Bantayan Beach 06
Kota Beach Resort

Bantayan Beach 04

Bantayan Beach 07
inviting :)
Bantayan Beach 10
the travelers

Bantayan Beach 12
beach life :)

Bantayan Beach 13
yup, i was lazy ;)

Bantayan Beach 11
Balikbayan's Halo-halo :D

Aside from the beach, there are also nice places to visit in the town proper. 

Bantayan Island 01
Kota Fort

Bantayan Island 03
Kota Park Bridge

Bantayan Island 04
Sts. Peter and Paul's Church


Cebu is also one of the most historical places in the Philippines. This is where Ferdinand Magellan landed, and where the Spanish influence is still strong and evident. Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines. Here are some of the sites to visit in the city: 

Basilica de Sto. Nino, or the church built in honor of the Sto. Nino image brought by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. It symbolizes the birth of Christianity in the Philippines. 

Cebu City 04

Cebu City 07


Magellan’s Cross, a symbol of the conversion of the Filipino people to Christianity 

Cebu City 09


Fort San Pedro is also one of the historic structures in Cebu. It has been a camp for several armies throughout history. Once a camp used by the Spaniards against Muslim invaders, it eventually served as a fortress for the American soldiers during the Japanese war. 

Cebu City 06


Lapu-Lapu Monument, in commemoration of his win over Magellan during the Battle of Mactan 

Cebu City 08


Here are also some snapshots of Filipino living: 

Cebu City 03

I call this photo “Siesta” which is a Spanish/Filipino word for a short nap taken in the early afternoon. I just thought that the elder women taking their ‘siestas’ would be a good subject as it is one of the most common traits of Filipinos. As they say, everyone’s entitled to a short break. 

And of course the wonderful smiles of Filipinos especially of children:

Bantayan Island 05


Bantayan Island 06





Other beautiful beaches and islands in the Philippines:
Port Barton, Palawan
Coron, Palawan
Puerto Princesa, Palawan
El Nido, Palawan
Camiguin Island
Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Cebu




Posted on : February 15, 2013



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