Sustaining Unity in Nation - Building through Service, Harmony and Innovation to Nurture Economy (SUNSHINE)
Last May, my company sent me to Cebu to attend a 4-day seminar conducted by the Government Association of Certified Public Accountant (GACPA), at the Waterfront Hotel of Lahug. Discussions revolved around various updates in the accountancy profession and most of them were so technical that I no longer want to remember :D I'm a reading and kinesthetic type of learner. Attending a seminar is not my way to learn. I'll just sleep and wait for the food to be served.
Exploring the beautiful beaches and amazing waterfalls of Cebu are the things that I really wanted to do, but due to time constraints, I was only able to go in some of the prominent landmarks nearby the city. Happy Trip!
Sirao Garden
Surrounded by a spectacular view, the garden of Sirao is a great place to get in touch with oneself while appreciating the beauty of nature. Several eye-catching structures and flowers of different kinds and colors can be seen inside. A place for all ages!
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"Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature (Nerval)". The Amsterdam within the queen city of the south. My growing tummy around the spider plants.
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Sirao Peak
Sirao Peak is comparable to most mountains of Rizal. Its trail is abundant in limestones and most parts are shaded by trees. June, my habal-habal driver who accompanied me throughout the hike mentioned that every weekend, the summit of Sirao is full of campers. There 2 trails existing: the shorter trail which will only take 15 minutes to reach the summit and the challenging trail which will take 3 to 5 hours hiking time. There are a river and waterfalls located on the other side. Too bad that I didn't have enough time to see it. Anyway, I'm planning to have a week-long vacation in Cebu next year. Maybe I can revisit this place and climb it through the other side.
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| Sirao Peak |
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| Some parts of the trail and summit view |
Temple of Leah
True love is priceless? Yes! It is skyrocketing! This "temple" is a grand symbol of priceless and eternal love of a certain Teodorico Adarna to his wife. It's not a temple, rather, it's a cenotaph. It's more appropriate to call it "Cenotaph of Leah". Unless her remain was actually buried there, then, it should be called "Mausoleum of Leah". I didn't have the chance to view the interior due to on-going constructions.
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| Temple of Leah |
Churches, Temples, and Museums
I had the opportunity to visit some historical landmarks and other places of attraction during my second day, as the seminar has started in the afternoon. Since no one was watching over me, freedom is in my hands... But it doesn't mean that I didn't show up! I signed those white sheets... I was there! :D
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| The Dragon Temple of Cebu is a mind-blowing fortress of Taoism standing high on a hill. The sound of absolute silence is creating a spiritual ambiance, making it an ideal place in seeking inner peace. There's a touch of beauty in every corner - sculptures, ornaments, and the overall architecture... Magnificent and calm! |
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| A place worthy to be called as Malubog Flower Terraces. Terrazas De Flores Botanical Garden is another great place of solitude. The scenery is breathtaking. I enjoyed the tranquility while having a cup of coffee |
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| The rich history of Cebu is reflected in its centuries-old churches. The Basilica of Sto. Niño is one of the oldest churches in the country which housed the image of the child Jesus. I feel the ambiance of Quiapo that time. The place is overly crowded even on a weekday. Visitors are willing to stand and wait in a very long queue just to see the relic. I just went into the small museum where highly valuable artifacts can be seen. Taking photos is not allowed for security purposes... There's a goldmine inside! |
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| Located outside the church is a pavilion which housed the Magellan's Cross |
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| The cross which Magellan brought to Cebu in 1521, was encased inside this new cross made of Tindola wood. For God, Gold, and Glory! |
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| Food is love! |
10,000 Roses and Lantaw Restaurant
Reflectors of light at day, while sources of light at night. That's the 10000 man-made white roses of Cordova. There's nothing much to do around as it's quite small (Expectation vs. Reality!). I had my lunch in the floating restaurant adjacent to the place. Simple, but splendid. I was able to occupy the whole place alone and took photos from different angles.
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| Ten thousand man-made light reflectors |
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| Waiting for the foods to be served and looking at mangrove swamps in the distance. |
Mactan Shrines
This was the last place I visited before going back to Manila. The ground where a fiery and bloody battle once took place between the Spaniards and the natives of Mactan. Afterward, Ferdinand Magellan and Lapu-Lapu immortalized their names on Philippine's history.
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| The warriors' shrines |
Other Photos Taken
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