The cross is planted on the orders of Magellan upon arriving in Cebu on April 21, 1521. When he and his crews landed on Cebu island, a native chief, Rajah Humabon, met and befriended him. Rajah Humabon, his wife and hundreds of his native warriors agreed to accept Christianity and were consequently baptised.

At the foot of the Cross, there’s a sign that reads as below.

This Cross of Tindalo Wood
Encases teh Original Cross Planted
By Ferdinand Magellan On This Very Site
April 21, 1521

Apparently, the original cross was encased to protect it from devotees and visitors who chipped away parts of the cross for souvenir purposes or in the belief that the cross possesses miraculous powers. However, some people believe that the original cross has long been destroyed or disappeared after Magellan’s death and what is currently encased is just a replica of what was planted there by the Spaniards.

photo by choui168

In 1941, the commonwealth government of the Philippines placed a plaque outside the chapel signifying the site’s significance in the country’s history. It reads as below.

From time immemorial this spot has been set aside to commemorate the erection
of a cross in Cebu by the expedition of Magellan. When King Humabon of Cebu and his Queen, son, daughters, together with some 800 of their subjects were baptized by Father Pedro Valderrama. This hallowed site was improved in 1735 by Rev. Juan Albarran, prior of San Agustin and in 1834 by Rt. Rev. Santos Gomez Marañon, Bishop of Cebu. The image of the Santo Niño found by the expedition of Legaspi in a house near the present site of the Cathedral of Cebu is venerated by the faitful in the nearby Church of San Agustin

1941

Cebu’s reputation as the “beach capital” of the Philippines is known far and wide. Mactan Island is home to a number of world-class beach resorts and resort hotels where tourists, foreign and local alike, flock to all year round. Blessed by nature with clean and pristine waters practically everywhere, Mactan also caters to budget-conscious Cebuanos and tourists with a dozen or so “smaller” beach resorts on the fringes of the island.

Set slightly apart from the rest is EGI Resort and Hotel – the only condo resort hotel in Mactan. EGI Resort and Hotel offers the best of both worlds – the quaint and exotic charm of a resort coupled with the convenience and the modernity of condominium living. Only 10 minutes away from the Mactan – Cebu International Airport and less than 30 minutes away from Metro Cebu’s shopping, entertainment and commercial district, EGI Resort and Hotel is truly the place to go. Catch a glimpse of the different views of Mactan only at EGI REsort and Hotel.

Zodiac Pavilion – the Aquarius Restaurant, offers a delectable array of international and Filipino cuisine. Only the freshest seafood, fruits and vegetables are served. With a vantage view of the sea, dining at the restaurant becomes a delightful gustatory experience.

One can also opt to dine at fresco, by the pool. Tables and chairs are strategically placed amongst the well-manicured garden near the pool with palm trees offering a natural shade.

EGI Resort and Hotel is also ideal for meetings, seminars and social banquets. Indoor or outdoor functions are most welcome. Theme parties by the pool or the beach are superbly handled by the resort staffs. Events like wedding receptions, debuts and company parties are made all the more memorable once held at EGI Resort and Hotel.

EGI Resort and Hotel accepts reservations for more than 200 or more persons. Guests are assured that the event will be handled with utmost efficiency to ensure a hassle-free and truly enjoyable event. Leisure Activities

Enjoy your day playing volleyball, jettski, scuba diving, snorkelling, para sailing, island hopping, swimming by the beach, play billards, or working out at our fully equipped health club. Relax in our sauna, spa and massage rooms or lounge. Or take a dip in our swimming pools.

Scuba Diving

Explore the underwater world through scuba diving. A 5-star PADI Gold Palm Resort dive facility is located in the resort for all your diving needs.

Island Hopping

Visit the numerous islets that dot the region using a “banca”, the local version of the outrigger boat.

Parasailing

Soar to euphoric heights and discover the thrills of parasailing. Go up to 450 feet on a standard flight or up to 800 and 1100 feet on the de luxe and magnum flights respectively for the more daring ones.

Volleyball

Put your skills to the test and engage in a friendly game of volleyball.

Snorkelling

Discover the vast array of corals, fish and other marine life as you snorkel through the hotel’s marine sanctuary.

Contact Information

Looc, Maribago, Lapu-lapu City 6015,
Cebu, Philippines
Tel : (63-32) 232-3111 to 15
Fax : (63-32) 232-3117
Email : egiresort2003@yahoo.com

29th Floor EGI Taft Tower,
2339 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila, 1004 Philippines
Phone : 63(2) 302 6418
Facsimile : 63(2) 302 6420

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is the ecclesiastical seat of the metropolitan archdiocese of Cebu. Back in August 14, 1595 when Cebu was established as diocese and then later on elevated as a metropolitan archdiocese in April 28, 1934 together with diocese of Dumaguete, Maasin, Tagbilaran, and Talibon as suffragans.

The construction of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral was delayed due to various rasons. Main reason was the lack of funds and unexpected events that prolong the construction. took long due to interruptions such as lack of funds and other unexpected events. Another factor that contributes to the delay in constructing the church is vacancies in the office after the death of an incumbent bishop who spearheaded the construction/reconstruction of the church.

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral architecture is distinctive with baroque colonial churches in the Philippines. It has squat, cruciform, and with thick walls to withstand typhoon and other natural catastrophes. The trefoil-shaped pediment is decorated with carved relieves of floral motifs, an IHS inscription and a pair of griffins.
Very recently the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral underwent a major renovation after so many years just in time for the 75th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Cebu last April 28, 2009. A petition was also sent to Pope Benedict XVI for its elevation into a basilica minore in honor of St. Vitalis. The church interiors where newly embellished. Chandeliers are everywhere that made the church look elegant and bright. They’ve also improve the parking area for the church goers and devotees.

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral at Night

At the night when all the lights are on, Cebu Metropolitan Church looks exquisite inside and out. The parking area looks like a park with the kind of brightness the surroundings have. Although the church has changed a lot after the major renovation, the solemnity of every mass is the same. Bishops and priest see to it to deliver the message of God vividly to the people attending the mass.

Contact Information

Church office at 2558823/2536422.