How well do you know Cebu? Here are some spooky horror tales that you probably didn’t know about.
Everybody loves scary stories.
This is because fear sparks curiosity, and many of us can’t help but be interested when it comes to the unknown.
For starters, there are a lot of Pinoy horror stories that can keep you up at night just by thinking about them. These can be spread through word of mouth or over the internet.
That being said, Cebu is definitely no stranger to horror tales – be it ghost sightings, haunted locations, or horrific events.
Some of them can be seen in Cebuano culture, particularly in various superstitious beliefs. These stories are usually told at gatherings at campfires or sleepovers, usually to scare one another.
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to check out some creepy Pinoy horror stories in Cebu.
PINOY HORROR STORIES: CEBU LOCATIONS
- A Frequent Visitor at Casa Gorordo
The Casa Gorordo Museum is a popular historical landmark that used to be the ancestral house of the Gorordos. This includes the first Cebuano bishop, Juan Gorordo.
Casa Gorordo used to be the home of the first Cebuano bishop in the Philippines.
Inside the museum is a chapel that the bishop used to hold masses with his family, exhibiting the strong faith of the early Cebuanos during the colonial period. However, you may start getting an eerie feeling when you are inside.
Caretakers and even guests of the Casa Gorordo have reported sightings of an apparition of an old woman inside the museum. The woman is believed to be the bishop’s sister, who remained unmarried until she died.
They say that she usually visits the museum around November, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, usually sitting by the courtship field.
The Jesuit House is considered the oldest ancestral house in Cebu.
- Headless Priests at the Jesuit House
The Jesuit House of 1730 is located in the Parian district in downtown Cebu. It is one of the oldest ancestral houses in Cebu City, so it has seen its fair share of dark times.
It used to be the headquarters for the Jesuits in Cebu during the colonial period, a time when many priests were beheaded. This coincides with residents recounting instances where headless priests stood near the area.
One story involves a man murdering seven priests inside the house. To show remorse, he built a cross inside, which tied the souls of the priests to the house.
Some claim that they have become caretakers of the house and can sometimes be seen by guests.
(Photos courtesy of Museo Parian sa Sugbo 1730 Jesuit House)
Others may even recall Gabii sa Kabilin in 2014, when a shadowy figure was seen standing in front of guests on a tour at the Jesuit House. When management returned to the spot a few days later, the figure was no longer there.
The Mansion on the Hill
Few places in Cebu are more mysterious than the Villalon mansion.
Have you heard of the Villalon mansion? If not, allow us to introduce you to what might be the most fascinating place in Cebu City.
The mansion stands atop a hill, located a few meters from the Cebu Provincial Capitol. You can pass by its gate as you go up Villalon Drive, which is named after the former owners of the house, the Villalons.
They were one of the most prominent Cebuano families in the 50s and 60s, hosting lavish parties with friends and family inside the mansion. Unfortunately, the family migrated abroad and abandoned the mansion altogether.
Today, the mansion is off limits to outsiders, and there is known to be one caretaker inside. Only a handful of people have seen the mansion for themselves, so nobody really knows what’s inside.
The mystery surrounding the mansion has brought a ton of stories, including sightings of ghosts showing up on the balconies. There was a rumor that a white lady also chased down a couple of boy scouts when they passed by the house.
One of Cebu’s busiest highways also has its fair share of Pinoy horror stories.
Haunted Street in Escario
Escario Street is one of the busiest streets in the city as it connects midtown and uptown Cebu to places like IT Park and Cebu Business Park. It’s also a top nightlife spot due to the many bars and restaurants in the area.
However, there are a few creepy stories associated with this busy highway. This includes a tale about a once abandoned four-storey house that was converted into a hotel.
During its reconstruction as a hotel, workers repeatedly got injured while others even died before it was finished. This resulted in several supernatural occurrences, like guests hearing hammering sounds as if someone was still working.
There are also reports of a haunted pension house with workers and guests claiming to have seen a white lady and various apparitions walking around the area.
Despite being one of the busiest streets in the city, several stories of paranormal activity have been reported along the highway, some even causing vehicular accidents.
There are indeed many Pinoy horror stories involving various buildings and areas around Cebu City. You will find locals and even tourists exploring these places simply because of their rumored history.
If you plan on visiting these places this Halloween, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any unwanted visitors.
