There's a certain magic in retracing the steps of history, and my recent walk through Cebu City's heritage sites allowed me to do just that. I went to the city last week for a very important matter, gladly the meeting ended earlier than I expected giving me the chance to visit the remarkable places of Cebu City that I long to explore.
I always make use of my time every time I step into the city, it could be strolling around the oldest street, malling, window shopping, churching and so many more things to do that the city offers that fit a "Probinsyana"(countryside girl) budget. This time my feet itched to go to the historic sites of Cebu which I only passed plenty of times, but never had I the chance to get in it and explore it.
So today's stroll is my "Walk Back in Time - Exploring Cebu City's Heritage Monument (Parian Park) and the Yap-Santiago Ancestral House.
Let's go Taraa!
My journey began with a leisurely stroll that took me to the remarkable and significant Heritage of Cebu Monument.
The Heritage Cebu Monument, Parian Street, Cebu City
This Cebu Monument or Parian Park is located at the heart of Parian Street, Cebu City making it very accessible to all types of vehicles. One could see vividly the giant black sculptures made of brass, bronze, and steel depicting the rich history of Cebu and the Philippines.
The Heritage of Cebu Monument is a sanctuary of sculpted narratives that portray the weight of history of the early days and pivotal moments of the Philippines.
As I stepped into this living gallery, I was transported through time, each sculpture standing as a testament to the resilience, valor, and heritage of this nation. I was welcomed first by these giant sculptures bringing weapons, shields, and spears - our early Filipino warriors.
I strolled around and looked closely at the masterpiece and there I saw the different historic moments our country had experienced in the early days as presented by the monuments.
The scenarios such as the fight of Lapu-Lapu and Magellan on the coast of Mactan, the conversion of Rajah Humabon to Christianity together with his followers, the background are the oldest church in Cebu, the Basilica del Sto. Nino Church and the Metro Cebu Cathedral and on top of everything was the giant Magellan's Cross and more prominent figures of the country.
The monuments/sculptures, meticulously carved and thoughtfully placed, seemed to breathe life into the past.
Just a few steps from the Monument is the famous and historic one of the oldest houses in the Philippines, the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House.
Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House - one of oldest houses in the Philippines
If we read the history of Parian Street, we will know that Parian Street is one of the Streets of Cebu where the old trade and the rich Chinese families of Cebu live and the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is one of them.
Amid the bustling streets and modern structures that now stand in Parian, in one corner there still lies a treasure trove of history and heritage - the Yap-Sandiego Heritage House that was built during the late 17th century by the Chinese Merchants.
The house was made of wood and coral stones and is considered to be one of the oldest existing residential houses in the Philippines. The first floor was made of solid stones and the second story was made of wood.As written outside the house.
By the time I stepped into this timeless abode. I found myself transported back in time, surrounded by a wealth of antiques and artifacts that whispered stories of my country's rich past. And it's not just the things that surrounded me that are ancient and old but even the whole smell/scent of the house, it smelled earth and old wood. It was an air of nostalgia!
Furniture and decor
There was plenty of antique furnishing, including intricately carved wooden sofas, beds with white curtains on them, rocking chairs, and dining sets, which painted a vivid picture of life in times long gone. All of this furniture is obviously the furniture of a wealthy family during the early century.
Another captivating artifact inside the house is an old piano that stood as a silent sentinel, I wonder how lovely the melodies it produced resonating the whole house way back then. Did the owner play the Old Kundiman Songs of the Philippines or an Old Chinese song?
There were also random portraits and paintings of the couple and a huge mirror hung on the walls.
As I meandered through the rooms and corners of the house, my attention was particularly drawn to the old jars and pots. These jars are used to contain drinking water and they keep the water naturally cold. The jars reminded me of my memories of my grandmother as she also owns one of these. However, I was surprised by the wooden sink! wasn't expecting this.
More of the artifacts:
There were countless artifacts before my eyes, I could not mention everything. So, here are some of the photos I took for you,
My visit to the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House and the Heritage Cebu Monument was not just a walk through a historic building or site but it was a journey through time. The experience left me with a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the past and the importance of preserving our heritage.
As I stepped back into the present, I carried with me the magic and echoes of the rich history of the past.
That's it for my walk in the past. Hope you enjoyed reading it. Thank you for your time. I wish you all safe and well always.
Don't forget to smile often. 🤗😘😍