MAGELLAN’S CROSS                   

          Almost 500 years ago, the year when Magellan discovered the Philippines and planted a cross in Cebu. This cross was planted in April 21, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan o a shore in Cebu.  This marks the spot where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana and about 400 followers were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderama.

          Because of the long time the cross is destroyed, but the Cebuano made another replica of the cross and is now called “The Magellan’s Cross”. The cross is protected by an octagonal kiosk which was built 1834. It is located near the Cebu City Hall in Magallanes street and just one block away from the Cebu City Cathedral. Many people visit the place because it reminds them of the first seed of Christianity here in the Philippines. It also marks the coming of Magellan and the Spaniards here in the Philippines. Most of the people who visit Magellan’s cross  are Christians because of its  connectivity to the history o Christianity.

          This place is one of the tourist spots in Cebu so many people visit it every day in different reasons. Many people visit to pray, wish ad ask favor from the Lord and the Saints. Some people visit to offer candles and money. Some hire people o pray for them with the use of dancing and singing because those people are just located around the Magellan’s cross. But most foreigners visit Magellan‘s cross just to take pictures as souvenirs on their trip here in Cebu. But aside from all other things about the Magellan‘s cross, most of the Christians take it as a very important sign or mark of the history of their religion Christianity.

By: EZRA MARIZ GOMEZ ANG