Cebu Sightseeing
Santo Nino, Magellan's Cross, and Lapu Lapu
Post Sinulog was more Cebu sightseeing. Tito Alan showed us his adopted city. We went to the Basilica Minore de Santo Nino which houses THE Santo Nino and also Magellan’s Cross.
Apparently the think to do is to wave to Santo Nino. Tito Alan did that as we came in, so we followed suit. The line was out the door to go up to Santo Nino. So we just looked at him from afar.
Magellan’s Cross is in a small enclosure in front of the Basilica. This is supposed to be the cross that Magellan brought to the Philippines when he brought Christianity to the country. Never in my wildest dreams, did I think I would be doing a pilgrimage trip. Yet here we were. I said a prayer of thanks to Santo Nino and my parents.
As we were leaving I heard a man yell “GING-GING!” to which I thought, wow Mama Ging-Ging is making her presence known. Then as we walked away from said man, I looked up to see a “phelps dodge” sign. Papa Dodge making his presence known as well. Throughout the trip I would see signs from them. This moment was back to back and I couldn’t help but smile that they were truly with us as we gallivanted in Cebu.
We also headed to Mactan to see Lapu-Lapu’s shrine. To be in the presence of where Lapu-Lapu and fellow Filipinos defeated Magellan was rad. Afterwards we headed to something called 10,000 roses. It’s a newish venue where someone has erected 10,000 led roses. It totally is an Instagrammable spot. We enjoyed the view of the city and took in the vibes. We reflected on the fact that on this trip we went to TOPS and then being in Mactan; we totally got to see Cebu from all angles.
The following day was the end of my time with my Tito Alan and Tito Titus. Tito Alan dropped us off at the airport. Then Mike and I hung out with Tito Titus before he boarded his flight back to Ozamiz. I loved that I had time with Tito Titus before he headed home. I asked him all these questions about his life.
Being with Tito Alan and Tito Titus made this trip for me. Spending time with my Dolalas family means so much to me since my relationship with my Dolalas relatives has always been from a distance. Yes I was teary eyed. I couldn’t help but think to myself “When will see each other again?” I am hopeful that it will be soon. After spending this time with them; I am trying to figure out ways to go back and spend time with them in Cebu and Ozamiz. Life is truly too short to not spend time with them again.