Ozz! Hi, travellers! I hope that you are doing great. This blog will take you on a spiritual voyage through one of the oldest established places here in Cebu, Philippines.
This is the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. However, this church is not just ancient, we’re not just talking about any old church here, but it is also incredibly significant in Filipino history. Originally, in 1521, during the time when the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan came across Philippine territory, he gave the Sto. Niño (Holy Child) image to the local chieftain Carlos, or Rajah Humabon, and his wife, Juana (also known as Hara Humamay), who was also his chief consort. Afterward, the image was enshrined in this church.
I am always passing by this place. This time, I paused. It's because I promised that once I signed my job offer contract, this would be the first place I’d go. In this place, you’ll see both locals and tourists, but when you step inside, the first thing that strikes you is how quiet it is, which I liked. Please be informed that the church has become stricter when it comes to clothing, unlike before. So, you have to wear decent attire if you want to enter, no shorts, sleeveless tops, short skirts, crop tops, off-shoulders, tattered jeans, or anything else that’s not appropriate for this sacred place.
There is one thing I love to do while I am still in the church, and that is to light a candle. That is something you will really see people doing, and I also took a little time to pray on my own. In the church, there is a specific corner for placing candles for your prayers. I got some candles and lit them.
Having explored the basilica, I thought it was time to visit Magellan’s Cross, which is only a short walk from the basilica. It is just outside. This is the cross where the first commandant planted a wooden cross in 1521 after Magellan’s arrival in the Philippines. Inside this small chapel, there's the big cross. Many people were present at the cross when I got there. It’s a place where people from different corners of Cebu and other countries visit to witness and contemplate the history that formed this religion in the Philippines.
After visiting the basilica and Magellan's Cross, I stood for a while and looked at the entire stretch of the plaza. I felt really happy to be here. This visit was quite a nice breather for me, as I do not get to slow down and relax much these days.
Despite the fact that I had been to this place a number of times before, there is always something I hadn’t encountered each time I am here. To put it simply, these are not just landmarks, they are pieces of the Philippine soul. Thanks for reading. Until next time, have fun and happy travels!
