The history of Cebu is a relevant contribution to the country’s growth.
What is Cebu known for historically?
Being the oldest city in the Philippines, the history of Cebu is ripe with important moments and events that have since shaped the country and its people.
Arguably its biggest contribution is through religion, as it is often considered the birthplace of Catholicism in the country. What was once a pagan nation has turned into one of the biggest Catholic populations in the world.
However, it has also developed from being a primary trade route and business sector into one of the richest economically driven regions in Asia. It played a role in securing the country’s freedom from foreign rule as well.
But how did we get here?
IMPORTANT MOMENTS IN THE HISTORY OF CEBU
- The Arrival of the Spaniards
In the 14th century, Cebuanos were mostly pagans worshiping entities rather than religious images. That all changed when King Philip sent Ferdinand Magellan to the Spratleys.
It was then that the Portuguese explorer arrived in the Philippines and took refuge in Cebu. Here, he converted the early Cebuanos to Christianity with the support of the island’s ruler Rajah Humabon.
This led to the very first baptism on the island, making Cebuanos the first to adapt to Christianity in the Philippines. Since then, its teachings have spread outside Cebu, leading to most of the country subscribing to the religion.
Today, the Philippines has the third most Catholics in the world, next to Brazil and Mexico, and it is the only Christian nation in Asia.
The arrival of the Spaniards also led to one of the Philippines’ first victories against foreign invaders.
- The Battle of Mactan
On April 21, 1521, Magellan and his crew proceeded to the nearby island of Mactan with the hopes of converting the Oponganons, led by their chieftain, Datu Lapu-Lapu.
What transpired was one of Cebu’s deadliest battles.
Armed only with makeshift melee weapons and bows and arrows, the early Cebuanos defeated the Spanish forces, leading to Magellan’s demise.
Dubbed the Battle of Mactan, this has become a local celebration in the city of Lapu-Lapu.
As a result, Lapu-Lapu is now considered the first Filipino hero, commemorated through a statue at the area where the battle took place. This is now the present day Mactan Shrine, where an outdoor performance of the battle called the “Kadaugan sa Mactan” is held every year.
Additionally, the Battle of Mactan is often referred to as one of the first demonstrations of the Filipino martial art Arnis, with pre-colonial warriors using swords, shields, and spears against the Spaniards’ guns and cannons.
Arnis is now considered the Philippines’ national sport, with Cebuanos often considered some of the best practitioners in the entire country.
But is that the only historical battle notable in the history of Cebu?
- Tres de Abril
Despite the victory in Mactan, Cebu became the first Spanish settlement in the country, under the leadership of the first governor Miguel López de Legazpi. However, one morning, the resistance of the Cebuanos against foreign rule prevailed.
On April 3, 1898, Pantaleon Villegas (aka Leon Kilat) and other Cebuano rebels launched an attack against the heavily armed Spanish leaders, forcing them to retreat. For three days, the Cebuanos had complete control over the city.
Even if it was for a short time, the uprising was important to the battle against the Spaniards, inspiring other Filipinos around the country. The event is immortalized through a statue of Leon Kilat in downtown Cebu.
The road where the marker is placed has subsequently been dubbed Tres de Abril Street, referencing the date of the grueling battle. A ceremony is held every year commemorating the act of Cebuano bravery.
Additionally, Fort San Pedro (the fort where the Spaniards took refuge in) is still standing years after the battle. It is the smallest fort in the country and the only one with a triangular shape.
- The First Sinulog Festival
On January 20, 1980, a festival was created to pay homage to the patron saint of the city, the Senior Sto. Niño. Taking inspiration from the dance done by early Cebuanos that cured Rajah Humabon’s trusted aide, the first Sinulog Festival officially commenced.
Organized by David S. Odilao, along with Physical Education teachers from prestigious Cebu schools, they introduced the “two steps forward, one step back” routine that became the traditional Sinulog dance.
Its first iteration started on the streets of Cebu, with a parade from the Plaza Independencia all the way to the Basilica del Sto. Niño. This was so successful that it became a yearly celebration in the city.
Today, the Sinulog Festival is arguably Cebu’s biggest tourist attraction, welcoming millions of viewers from around the world every year. Aside from its street parade, locals also host different Sinulog-themed events, especially lively street parties.
The grandiose spectacle of Sinulog has put it among the most famous cultural festivals in the Philippines, inspiring other regions to follow suit.
In fact, Sinulog is so famous that other areas in the Philippines have officially joined in on the cultural celebration.
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There are many more relevant moments in the history of Cebu that helped shape the current sovereignty of the Philippines.
Without Magellan arriving, the Philippines may have remained a pagan country or ended up following a completely different religion.
A loss in the Battle of Mactan would have marked a dark time in the island’s history, remembered more for its casualties and bloodshed.
Thanks to the bravery of Leon Kilat, it sparked a revolution against Spanish colonization in the Philippines.
Lastly, where would Cebu be tourism-wise if not for the grand celebration held every year on the third Sunday of January?
The history of Cebu is extensive, and how the island came to be has a lot to do with the history that took place. Whether it’s in religion, governance, or the arts, Cebu has a historical importance that is worth honoring every year.
