Things to do in Cordova

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Philippines

Cebu Ocean Park

Cebu Ocean ParkThis ocean-themed park not only educates visitors about marine ecosystems but also lets them experience the boundless charm of the sea. Home to thousands of marine species, you can admire diverse fish communities—from manta rays to vibrant coral fish—and even interact with marine life up close! Don't miss the underwater walking experience, where you can stroll alongside sea creatures, snorkel with a 14-foot crocodile, or fulfill childhood dreams by swimming with a mermaid tail.

No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Philippines

Magellan's Cross

The Magellan Cross is the symbol of Cebu, and the image of the chapel appears in the center of the city emblem. This is the cross that Magellan erected on the beach after arriving in Cebu, symbolizing the colonization of the islands by the Spanish king, and is now housed in a hexagonal pavilion in the center of Cebu City Hall. The ceiling frescoes of the hexagonal chapel still retain their original appearance, and the realistic ceiling frescoes on the top of the cross are of great ornamental value. Cebuans believe in and respect this cross with historical and cultural significance. Every Sunday morning, countless good men and women bring incense and candles to pray for peace and good luck.

Mactan

If you come to Cebu City by plane, then Mactan Island is your must stop. Because the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu City is located on Mactan Island. This small island has all the modern amenities, besides having a national airport and a taxi ride to Cebu City, there are numerous luxury resorts on the island. This is a pure vacation island, with the most vacation spots in Cebu. There is no hustle and bustle and commercial taste of Cebu. There are beautiful beaches and resort facilities everywhere, luxury hotels, first-class restaurants, shopping malls are dizzying, and a variety of water activities such as windsurfing, diving, etc., make tourists physically and mentally. Comfortable, happy and unforgettable. The reason why Mactan Island is truly world-famous is because it is the site of the martyrdom of sailing explorer Magellan. On April 27, 1521, Magellan, who had successfully preached in Cebu, was full of confidence and prepared to cross the Mactan Strait to Lapulapu to continue to preach Catholicism. When he arrived, he was stopped by the patriarch of Labrabu and his warriors, who killed him. Later generations built the Magellan Martyrdom Monument at the site of Magellan's martyrdom in 1866 to commemorate the great navigator. There are also paintings describing Magellan's deeds nearby, which are worth watching. The Labrabu Monument commemorating the same war is also located on Mactan Island. The monument was built in the early 20th century. The Labrabu on the monument holds the weapon that he fought against Magellan in that year to show the heroic courage of the Filipinos. The monuments are only 100 meters away.

Cebu IT Park

Cebu IT Park is a major business and technology hub in Cebu City, Philippines, located in the Lahug area of Cebu City. It features office buildings, commercial facilities, dining, entertainment, and residential areas. The park is home to many modern office buildings where numerous well-known domestic and international companies have established branches or offices, spanning industries such as IT, outsourcing, e-commerce, software development, and fintech. These innovative spaces are typically equipped with advanced technology, meeting rooms, internet access, and leisure areas, providing an ideal work environment for entrepreneurs and freelancers. The park also features large shopping centers, gyms, cafes, banks, and other facilities to meet the daily needs of employees and residents. Multiple green spaces and parks within the park provide areas for relaxation and socialization.

Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu (Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño de Cebu)

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, located near Magellan's Cross, was rebuilt in 1740 and is over 200 years old, making it one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines. One room houses a statue of the infant Jesus, said to have been a gift from Magellan to the Queen of Cebu in 1521. Many locals queue to pray here. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño has survived numerous bombings during wartime, yet the statue of the infant Jesus remained undamaged, considered a miracle by locals. Worshiping the infant Jesus has become a religious activity on the island. There is also a wishing well inside the church, believed to cure all ailments, where many Catholics pray sincerely. A small museum within the basilica Minore del Santo Niño showcases Cebu City's rich traditions. Many ancient artifacts are on display, including century-old furniture, priests' robes, and various cloaks offered to the infant Jesus by devotees. Religious items such as statues and figurines, along with everyday items from nearby monasteries, are also on display.

Fort San Pedro

San Petro Fort is located next to the port. It is also known as the ancient castle of the Philippines with the Santiago Castle in Manila. It was built by the Spanish invaders when they arrived in the Philippines to defend against the attacks of the southern Philippines. During the Second World War, the castle was used to defend against the Japanese army, and the Latin American troops were stationed here as a camp. Many famous officers were stationed here. There are many traces of war here, which can be said to have been deeply imprinted by the war. Now it is a school classroom. There is a museum in Fort San Petro, which displays some of the art treasures salvaged from the old Spanish sailing ship and the sunken "Santiago".

No. 8 of Night Attractions in Philippines

Carbon Market

Cebu's Carbon Market is a historic, large-scale produce market inCebu. Carbon Market generally refers to the area around M.C. Briones Street and Calderon Street, and is one of the largest markets in the southern part ofCebu. The market features three main sections: fruit, dry and wet goods, and handicrafts. It is known as the backstreet ofCebu, offering everything from vegetables, fruits, and seafood to daily necessities and handicrafts. Additionally, it is one of the largest fruit markets inCebu, where fresh fruits grown in the nearby mountains are brought to be sold, creating a vibrant, aromatic display. Bustling with activity from morning to dusk, it is a fantastic spot to observe the daily life ofCeburesidents.

Taboan Public Market

Caohagan Island

The scenery of Shiseido Island is pristine and natural. The water here is clear and the sun is abundant. Every peak season, tourists who yearn for sunshine and blue seas will flock from all over the world. It was once known as one of the seven beautiful beaches in the world. Compared with Bohol Island, which is well-equipped with modern facilities, Shiseido Island is a paradise born. The local folk customs are simple and hospitable. At night, the islanders gather together, play guitars and some local musical instruments, and sing and dance. Shiseido Island has several island names. In the history of the Philippines, it was called "Kalhagan". Later, Shiseido took the scene here to shoot cosmetics, so the island is also called "Shiseido" Island. However, people still like to call it "Wangyou Island", because everyone who has been here can really feel the meaning of these two words. Shiseido Island is about the size of ten football fields and has a population of over 300. The north and south coasts of Shiseido Island are pulling some ropes. It turns out that the islanders have an unwritten rule that fishing is not allowed in these roped sea areas in order to preserve marine resources and protect the ecological environment. People love nature and love life.

Temple of Leah

The Temple of Leah is located in Cebu, Philippines. It is magnificent and offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Cebu and the surrounding mountains. The statues and fountains here make you feel as if you are in Greece. Inside, there is a golden statue of Leah that is opulent and truly breathtaking.