Southwalk: Capturing The Relics and Stories of the Past

Last updated on February 17th, 2017 at 03:57 pm

The southern part of Cebu has always been an interesting place. Not only it boast with breathtaking beaches and jaw-dropping waterfalls, but its the home to many heritage spots such as old churches and ancestral homes. As a history lover, visiting the heritage churches and colonial houses of Southern Cebu is an opportunity to bask into the history, origin and the cultural heritage that the people are upholding up to this day.

Southwalk

Way back 2014, we decided to go on a road trip down south hopping from one town to the next to take as much photos of the old heritage churches. Though most of these towns are visited every now and then by tourists and locals, visiting them in a single day is a whole new experience and adventure and that’s what SouthWalk is all about. 

City of Naga Baywalk

This is our first stop of the trip. The baywalk of the City of Naga is a good spot to welcome the day. The weather was gloomy so we were not lucky enough to get a glimpse of the sunrise.

Good thing it didn’t rain so we still manage to take a couple of good and decent shots (including our group shot above). And by the way, these photos are taken with my #Zenfone Zoom.

Carcar City

The city of Carcar is known as the Heritage City of Cebu. Carcar is among the few places in Cebu where you can see a lot of old ancestral homes preserved and stood the test of time. It is known as “Sialao” since before the Spanish colonization and considered one of the oldest towns in Cebu, with its Spanish influence that lasted for more than 300 years. A Spanish priest rename the place Carcar, after a town in Northern Spain.

Southwalk 2017

Old Houses in Santa Catalina Street

The stretch of this road is filled with well-preserved colonial houses. Though there are abandoned ones but most of the ancestral houses are well preserved and the owners have caretakers that continuously look after them. The most notable one is the Sarmiento-Osmeña House or the Balay na Tisa (see below) which is considered as one oldest stone residential structure in Carcar.

Balay na Tisa

Other colonial houses like the Sato House, Silva House, Mercado House, Yap House, Marfori-Cui House, Juario-Villarosa House, Mateo Noel House, Congressman Noel House, Aleonar House and the Ang Dakong Balay are still present in the area.

Southwalk 2017

Sibonga

Sibonga is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Cebu. Aside from the Simala-Lindogon church, the Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the Town Hall and the Sibonga Plaza is among the go to spots in the area.

Southwalk 2017

Argao

Argao is a beautiful town which offers a lot of heritage sites and natural attractions. Argao got its name from a mangrove tree, named Sali-Argaw, which are abundant in its coastal areas. The San Miguel Archangel Church is the prominent and notable structure in Argao. In the town’s plaza, we will also get to see the old Town Hall as well as other heritage structures.

Southwalk 2017

Dalaguete

Aside from being the Summer Capital of Cebu and Vegetable Basket of Cebu, the town of Dalaguete boasts with historical and heritage spots such as the San Guillermo de Aquitana Church, the Muralla, the Osarium, the Kiosko, Cristo Rey Monument and many more.

The town got its name from Dalakit Tree which natives believes that it harbors spirits who could impose sickness or give out fortunes. You can head to Obong Spring if you want to see a living Dalakit tree.

Southwalk 2017

Boljoon

The town of Boljoon is the quaintest, picturesque one and one of the oldest towns in southern Cebu It is also called as Cebu Heritage Frontier.

Boljoon

The Boljoon Church, the Nuestra Señora Patrocino de Mari is the oldest remaining original stone church in Cebu that is relatively well preserved. The Kampanaryo, Escuela Catolica, Boljoon Parish Museum is among the towns go to heritage spots. Just across the church is the Plaza Bermejo where you can see Ili Rock from afar.

Southwalk 2017

In 1999, the National Historical Institute declared Boljoon’s church a National Historical Landmark and the following year, the National Museum declared it as a National Cultural Treasure

Oslob

Oslob is a town that is close or by the sea. The town has one of the most beautiful shores in the south. The Toslob Festival is the official town’s festival which coincides with the feast of the Immaculate Concepcion in December.

Oslob Cebu

The Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion, Shrine of Fr Julian Bermejo, the Baluarte and the Cuartel are among the notable structures in the town of Oslob. The town plaza is also the best place to catch a glimpse of the setting sun.

Southwalk 2017

Other interesting spots to visit in Oslob is the Tumalog Falls and Sumilon Island which is home to Bluewaters Sumilon Island Resort.

Over a hundred mile journey, 7 stops to 7 interesting towns. A day of adventure, friendship and learning. That’s the SouthWalk

See you all next year!

P.S.

Here’s the SouthWalk wrap up video courtesy of GuideCebu’s Elroy Robin. Check it out.

Herbert Kikoy

Surigaonon by birth, Butuanon by heart and now an adopted son of Cebu, Herbert is a hobbyist photographer who focuses on Food, Sports, Travel and Festivals photography.

11 thoughts on “Southwalk: Capturing The Relics and Stories of the Past

  1. I love heritage sites personally whenever am travelling to other countries. Am so really enjoy my reading of your post here. It makes me wanna travel to Cebu for all these places 🙂 cheers, SiennyLovesDrawing

      1. I am out of the office until 21/02/2017.

        With no access to my mailbox, and I will respond to your message when I return to office.

        For urgent matters, please communicate to Programme Coordinators/ person in charge below:-

        (1) FS industry curriculum:
        Chan Kay Lynn. Tel: 03-21730515, email: kay.lynn.chan@my.pwc.com

        (2) Tax curriculum:
        Mohammad Rahmat Jantan, Tel: 03-21730366, email: mohammad.rahmat.jantan@my.pwc.com

        (3) Tax & FS industry external training
        Norhayati Baharin. Tel: 03-21730370, email: norhayati.baharin@my.pwc.com Nur Aimi Aziz. Tel: 03-21730947, email: nur.aimi.aziz@my.pwc.com

        Thank you.

        Note: This is an automated response to your message “Re: Comment on Southwalk: Capturing The Relics and Stories of the Past” sent on 18/02/2017 11:24:00 PM.

        This is the only notification you will receive while this person is away.

  2. OMG. This post made me realize that there are still lots of beautiful places in Cebu waiting for me. But first, I wanna go to Oslob real bad! Huhu.

  3. Nice photos Sir Herbert. Maybe I can join in one of your events in the future if my schedule permits. This post made me realize that there are a lot of beautiful places that I overlooked right at my backyard.

Comments are closed.