Magellan’s Cross by Cleo Ven Salutan, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, Lazi Convent by Paul Gotiong

Take a journey back in time and see the Philippines of old. As one of the melting pots of Philippine History, Central Visayas is witness to many key historical events including the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines, the birth of the first Philippine National Hero, the start of the Spanish Colonization and spreading of Christianity, the first treaty of friendship between the white and brown race in the country, the longest revolt in Philippine History, the coming and influence of the Thomasites and the rise of the American Government.

Baclayon Church, Silliman Musuem by Paul Gotiong, Blood Compact Memorial Site

Immerse yourself and take a glimpse of the Philippines’ past by visiting the numerous Centuries-Old Churches and Houses throughout the region, the shrines and monuments dedicated to the national heroes who have helped built and shape what the Philippines is today, the rural countryside where aside from its rustic charm old customs and traditions are still being practiced and landmarks which stood as a testament to time and as a spectator to the Philippines’ growth.

St.Francis of Assisi Church by Dexter Bongo, Museo Sugbu, Rizal Boulevard

Notable places to visit would include the Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño, Fort San Pedro, Parian District, Colon Street, Mactan Shrine, Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria Church, Kota Park, Carcar City, Blood Compact Shrine, Dagohoy Monument (Danao, Bohol), Baclayon Church, Silliman University, Rizal Boulevard, Central Azucarera de Bais, Lazi Church & Convent and St. Francis of Assisi Church (Siquijor).

Sample Tours:

• Southern Heritage Coast (Cebu) – Enjoy a day of excursion down Southern Cebu passing by centuries-old Spanish Churches, colorful markets and religious shrines. Highlights are visits to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Minglanilla, Saint Francis of Assisi Church (Naga), the Theotokos Shrine at Perelos and St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Carcar – a town alive in a blend of Spanish architecture in heritage homes or churches, and local artistry in crafts like shoemaking, basket weaving and delicacy cooking.

• Via Crusis (Bohol) – Immerse in a spiritual and historical journey by visiting four centuries-old churches declared by the National Historical Institute as National Historical Landmarks. Known for their well-preserved structure, emblems and altars, these national treasures showcases the Spanish artistry and history of Christian missionary in the Province of Bohol. The day would start early with a visit to the Nuestra Señora De La Luz Church in Loon and the Santa Cruz Church in Maribojoc. The journey would then take you to the southeastern part of the province to the picturesque Baclayon Church and Loboc Church, ending with a hearty lunch while cruising down the Loboc Riv

DELICACIES OF CARCAR(LAMI NI!!)

Delicious chicharon at a roadside stall in Carcar

Speak of Cebu and images of the Sto. Niño , the province’s patron, come to mind. And so does the valiant Lapu-Lapu, sweet mangoes, the famous lechon, guitars and beaches. But it is more than that. Cebu is a special and beautiful place. It is also my home.

Cebu foodstop series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Around one and half hours travel south of Cebu City, the heritage town of Carcar provides a welcome break from the typical urban sprawl that characterizes the city and municipalities that lies before reaching this place. Antillan designed houses with their amazing woodwork, typical bahay-na-bato that has stood the test of time as well as the onion like dome, surely moorish inspired, of the 19th century neoclassic church with elements of baroque make Carcar a unique town. From one end to the other, it is possible to encounter different architectural styles starting from the Spanish colonial period, the American, the roaring 20s on to modern but uninspired and drab houses and buildings.

Carcar is especially located at the intersection leading to the south and west side of the island province. As a result, it’s a hub of trade and economic activity. It is this unique position that spurred the development of food and delicacies that, for the traveler, one just has to stop, buy and savor the unique tastes.

Typical chicharon kitchen

For many Cebuanos, Carcar is synonymous withchicharon, that cholesterol laden pork rind, fat and meat. For me, it’s the best of its kind in the country that even those from San Miguel in Bulacan pales in comparison. Eat it solo or dipped in spiced coconut vinegar or as viand paired with hot rice and you’re in heaven. Never mind it’s health effects as long as eaten in moderation.

At the rotunda, where the only 1920′s era kiosk exists in Cebu, several stalls line one side where mounds of freshly cooked chicharon are covered with plastic to protect it from the pollution. It’s available by the kilo. For those in a hurry, packed (plastic) morsels are ready for the taking and are available in 1, 1/2, 1/4 and even 1/8 of a kilo. Interested to see how these are cooked? Head on to Guadalupe where majority of these are prepared.

Typical pasalubong items in this heritage town

The typical pasalubong stall consists of chicharon, ampao, bocarillo and, when in season, takoy.

Stacks of ampao, sweet puffed rice dessert

Ampao anyone? I just love that crunch, texture and sweetness that defines this delicacy. Simply put,ampao is pinipig, cooked rice that is left out in the sun and when dried, fried until it is puffed white. Sugary syrup binds it together with pieces of fried peanuts that breaks the monotony. Sold as pieces of squares, it has been part of my childhood as my grandmother or househelp brings one from time to time.

Colorful bocarillo at another stall

Another delicacy that a traveler must try is thebocarillo. Strips of young coconut cooked in sugar syrup and colored brightly, it provides a sweet and soft dessert. It’s really delicious that one can easily lost count of the number of bocarillos consumed.

Before Davao pomelos made its mark in Filipino’s taste buds, we Cebuanos always looked forward when takoy, the local pomelo variety grown in Carcar were being sold by ambulant vendors back home. It is semi sweet, and the meat is pale white compared to the pinkish color of the ones found in Davao. Unfortunately, this variety is becoming rarer.

According to Carcaranons, their lechon is the best