MAGELLAN’S CROSS AND CEBU HERITAGE MONUMENT
Our country is rich in history, which has had a big impact in the Philippines. The long invasion of foreigners has influenced us in many ways, including our culture, beliefs, religions, and cuisines. Their influence is still evident today. However, one thing that foreigners, particularly Spaniards have left us with are the cultural shrines and monuments that can still be seen and visited throughout the country. Cebu City is one of the places in the Philippines with a rich history about Spanish Occupation.
Cebu City is located on the Eastern Coast of Cebu Island and is protected by the offshore Mactan Island and the inland Cordillera Central. Cebu City is one of the largest cities and is rich in historical relics from the Spanish Colonial Era. Some of the historical relics that can be found in Cebu City are the Magellan’s Cross and Cebu Heritage Monument.
MAGELLAN’S CROSS
On April 7, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan and his crew landed in Cebu. This was after the blood compact between Magellan and King Kolumbu of Masao, Butuan and the controversial First Catholic Mass on Limasawa Island. Cebu was then ruled by Raja Humabon, and on the very day Magellan and his crew arrived in Cebu, there occurred a blood compact between him and the ruler of the city. A few days later, on April 14, 1521, a mass took place in Cebu. Magellan then planted a wooden cross, known today as Magellan’s cross. On the same day, the baptism of Raja Humabon’s wife, Hara Amihan and 800 natives also took place.
Today, Magellan’s Cross can be found and housed in a small chapel located near the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino on Magallanes Street in Cebu City, right in front of Cebu City Hall. At the top of the Chapel where Magellan’s Cross is located there is a mural painted by Jess Roa and Serry M. Mosol depicting the baptism of Raja Humabon by Fr. Pedro Valderrama. Most of the old people in Cebu believed that the cross had healing powers.
CEBU MONUMENT
On April 27, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan planned to invade Mactan, Cebu along with his 50 Spanish army. His goal was to defeat Lapu-Lapu who was then the ruler of Mactan. According to the account of Antonio Pigafetta, Magellan was accompanied by 50 soldiers while Lapu-Lapu was carrying 1,500 Cebuano warriors, which is likely to be a strong force against the Spaniards. Magellan died after being struck by a poisoned arrow in the leg. He also had bamboo lance that hit him and a large javelin that wound up his left leg, causing him to fall into the sea and die.
The fight between the two leaders also became a historic event in the history of the Philippines. The Cebu Heritage Monument is a place where statues of significant people in Philippine history can be seen. The structures include statues of Ferdinand Magellan and Lapu-Lapu in memory of history in the Battle of Mactan.
The Cebu Heritage Monument and Magellan’s Cross hold important values in the Philippines’ history. Magellan’s cross is the symbol of the beginning and spread of Christianity in the country. Because of the Spaniard’s baptism among the Filipinos, Christianity took root and became an integral part of Filipino religion and beliefs.
The Battle of Mactan between Ferdinand Magellan and Lapu-Lapu symbolizes the Filipinos bravery against possible foreign invasions of their territories. Because of Ferdinand Magellan’s death during the battle, the Spanish occupation in the country did not push through and their plan was delayed for many years. Some Filipinos claim that Lapu-Lapu was the first Filipino Hero because of his courage to defend his land against foreign invaders. He was the first Filipino who showed courage against the invaders, he defended his land and the people he led, a symbol of a true leader.
Overall, the Magellan’s cross and Cebu Heritage Monument are both important in the history of the Philippines because they provide information to people. Not only to locals but also to foreign tourists in Cebu. Both of the tourist spots provide us with a glimpse of what truly happened in the pre-colonial era. It showed us the beginning of the Christianity in the country and the courage of Filipino people to fight for their land.
