Truly Monumental

 

On my way  home from the Basilica, I visited the Heritage of Cebu Monument in Pari-an. I’ve seen the monument hundreds of times before but I’ve never really given it much thought. I mean, I knew that it’s one of the stops of heritage trail tours downtown, but I felt that it just wasn’t post-worthy (I’m not even sure why). Anyway, when I got there, the place was deserted and the gate was open. So, I decided to let myself in and ‘inspect’ the whole thing. Luckily, I had my camera with me so I was able to take some pictures. Now, what do I think of the monument? I think that it’s wonderful. It’s like one big precise description of Cebu and its culture and people. It’s basically an animated history lesson. You guys should check it out!

 

The Heritage of Cebu Monument

100_2198 by man_from_cancun.

The monument was constructed in 1997. Designed and built by Eduardo Catrillo (a national artist), the monument is located at the heart of the Pari-an district.

 

Artist’s depiction of a recently-cannonized Cebuano – Blessed Pedro Calungsud.

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Devotees of the Blessed Child and Sinulog revellers

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This part is clearly an homage to the prominent role of Christianity in  the island.

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Failed circumnavigator of the world – Ferdinand Magellan

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I’m not exactly sure who this is. But the flags, the soldiers, and the evident ‘liberation’ theme say that it’s either a Rama or an Osmeña.

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A scene showing the significance of the barter trade during the pre-colonial times.

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Cebu’s main man – Datu Lapu-Lapu

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Another angle. This time, with his men.

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A huge cross with a priest and a spaniard. Probably a depiction of the first mass.

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This is the Basilica. Its inclusion indicates that it is a very important part of the Cebuano heritage.

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I have no idea who these people are. Anyone knows?

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The southern end of the monument.

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EXTRA

The Pari-an Fire Station just next door.

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The San-Diego ancestral house near Casa Gorordo.

100_2219 by man_from_cancun.

 

0 thoughts on “Truly Monumental

  1. .it’s such a beautiful piece of art..without your pics ley, i would never know what it looks like up-close. seriously, this monument should have been situated at the center of fuete osmena rotunda or some park for everyone to see…not at the center of a super busy street…imho

  2. Super. . . Grandiose. A fitting tribute to the rich and colorful history of Cebu. Thanks for making us nostalgic. But isn’t there any inscription about the events and the personalities depicted by the monument?

  3. maayo kay wala gyud diay makalimti ang usa sa timailhan ug hatagan sag importansiya nga dili angay nga mawala sa Cebu…. ang Duljo, pero kagamay ba anang kalesa Oi! may makamatikod ba ana?

  4. quote<<[I have no idea who these people are. Anyone knows?]

    opinyon ko lang…basin mga Gospelers ni sa Carbon (hehehe, joke lang)

    bitaw, basin people who made and succeed to the development of cebu?
    kung wala ni sila wala sad kuno ang Cebu karon? (ahem)

  5. You know, I was thinking…what if ang kanang Pari-an Fire Station himoon ug museum sa mga old cars/vehicles sa Cebu? You know, mga old cars (really old cars), calesas, old locomotive, etc., to show how Cebuanos move around?

    I’m not sure man gud if ang Pari-an Fire Station functional pa ba.

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