A Walking Guide to Cebu: Exploring the Queen City of the South

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Step into the heart of Philippine history as you explore Cebu, Asia's cradle of Christianity and the country's oldest metropolis. This walking tour through the Queen City of the South unveils centuries of cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and fascinating stories that have shaped this vibrant urban center.

The Historical Core

Your journey begins at the iconic Magellan's Cross on P. Burgos Street, a symbol that marks the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines. Planted in 1521, this historic cross stands protected within an octagonal pavilion, preserving its significance through the centuries. The intricate ceiling murals above tell the story of Cebu's early Christian history.

Just a short walk away stands the magnificent Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, home to one of the Philippines' most revered religious artifacts. The basilica, built in 1565, houses the statue of the Child Jesus that survived a historical fire, making it not just a architectural marvel but a testament to faith and resilience.

Cultural Landmarks

As you continue your walk, the Rajah Humabon Monument offers a powerful reminder of Cebu's pre-colonial heritage. Standing proudly in Plaza Hamabar, this recently restored monument honors the chieftain who played a pivotal role in the island's early history and its transition into the Spanish era.

The journey through time continues at the Colon Obelisk, marking what was once the pulsing heart of Cebu's commerce and culture. This granite monument, erected in 1916, stands as a sentinel to the street's rich history, inviting visitors to imagine the bygone era of wooden houses and theaters that once lined this historic thoroughfare.

Architectural Treasures

No walking tour of Cebu would be complete without visiting its preserved ancestral houses. The Yap-San Diego Ancestral House stands as a remarkable example of colonial-era architecture, maintaining 90% of its original structure after more than three centuries. The secret to its longevity? Traditional building techniques, including the use of egg whites as a binding agent.

The Heritage of Cebu Monument on Sikatuna Street serves as a stunning 40-foot tableau that captures the city's most significant historical moments. Created by sculptor Eduardo Castrillo, this impressive work combines concrete, brass, bronze, and steel to tell Cebu's story through art.

Grand Finale

Conclude your walk at the Casa Gorordo Museum, an 1850s mansion that offers an intimate glimpse into the lifestyle of Cebu's affluent families during the Spanish colonial period. The museum's well-preserved interiors, period furnishings, and artifacts provide a fitting end to your historical journey.

Practical Tips:

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water

Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat

Carry a camera to document your journey

Allow 3-4 hours to fully appreciate each stop

Consider hiring a local guide for deeper historical insights

This walking tour offers more than just exercise – it's a journey through time, allowing you to experience firsthand the rich tapestry of Cebu's heritage. Each step reveals another layer of the city's fascinating story, from its pre-colonial roots through its evolution into a modern urban center that still proudly preserves its historical soul.

DepEd monitors school and digital infrastructure gaps in Leyte

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Education Secretary Sonny Angara, along with the agency’s Executive and Management Committee Members, monitored schools in Leyte to check the implementation of digitalization programs and assess gaps in school building facilities.

As part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to address challenges from the ground, Secretary Angara convened with the teachers at Leyte National High School in Tacloban City. The said school is considered the biggest secondary school in Eastern Visayas and catering to 8,954 learners as of date.

DepEd likewise visited St. Francis Elementary School, which was gravely affected by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. The said school is currently experiencing gaps in school facilities and classrooms as they are currently housing 547 learners in Temporary Learning Spaces.

In coordination with the Provincial Government of Leyte under the leadership of Gov Jericho “Icot” L. Petilla, the officials tracked the implementation of the digitalization program of the Leyte Provincial Government in Cogon Elementary School.

Sec. Angara capped off the Leyte school visit to Alang-alang National High School to witness the Khan Academy demonstration as part of the agency’s project for the upcoming Programme for International Student Assessment.

Moreover, the Department also observed the first and only education hub for the Alternative Learning System in the Girls' Education Center in Palo, Leyte.

The initiative is part of the “Better Life for Out-of-School Girls to Fight Poverty and Injustice in the Philippines” project by DepEd, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.

The Education Chief and the rest of the ExeCom members will then convene with the Regional Directors to discuss various DepEd programs on Tuesday in Tacloban City.

Thriving e-commerce app Enstack launches biggest-ever Christmas Sale

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Imagine this: instead of only two days, the 11.11 and 12.12 sales last from November 1 to December 17!

Enstack, the country’s leading mobile app-based store builder, has launched its biggest Christmas Sale yet.

The Enstack The Halls Christmas Sale is a unique, extended shopping experience where buyers can enjoy discounts from Enstack merchants of up to 82% off, daily flash deals, exclusive Christmas bundles, and lowest prices guaranteed all season long.

Hundreds of merchants from across the Philippines are offering deals you won’t find on traditional marketplaces.

At Enstack, each seller gets a chance to shine through their own stores, showcasing handpicked items that are perfect for gifting or keeping.

Buyers can grab these unbeatable deals at enstack.com/the-halls-buyer, where they’ll find curated collections and newly marked-down favorites across all categories weekly.

“Enstack The Halls is About More Than Discounts,” Enstack CEO and co-founder Macy Castillo said. “This campaign is a movement to put our sellers’ individual stores front and center. True to our pro-seller mission, Enstack supports local entrepreneurs with tools that allow them to run and market their stores independently, creating a holiday shopping experience that’s as personal and diverse as our merchants. We’re giving sellers a true boost this season, with flexible dispatch times, targeted marketing, and special campaign support so they can keep more of their earnings and reach more buyers looking for quality, local products.”

The AI-powered webstore builder has become a vital platform for nearly 200,000 entrepreneurs since its launch in October 2022, and continues to expand the business management tools on its app with new features like:

● Meta Pixel Integration: Sellers can now track customer behavior and create targeted ads on Facebook, helping them reach the right buyers and maximize their marketing impact.

● Scheduled Orders: Perfect for items like holiday meals and cakes, this feature lets sellers offer pre-orders for specific delivery or pickup dates, ensuring timely and organized order fulfillment.

● Mass Booking: Merchants can now book pickups for multiple orders at once, streamlining logistics and saving valuable time so customers receive their items faster.

For buyers looking for holiday magic beyond the typical sales events, Enstack The Halls brings curated, stand-alone stores offering one-of-a-kind deals and festive finds.

For sellers not yet part of Enstack, the campaign is a compelling reason to join and build a presence within a vibrant community of entrepreneurs.

Interested sellers can sign up today through the app, by visiting enstack.com/the-halls, or contacting their dedicated account managers.