The new "Plaza Independencia" Inauguration... <-- Captured!

The History of "PLAZA INDEPENDENCIA"

 Plaza Independencia - A tribute to Philippine Independence.

One of the most popular tourist destination in Cebu City.

Strategically located between Fort San Pedro and Plaza del Gobyerno de Visayas which was used as the Provincial Capitol until 1938 and now converted as the Malacañang sa Sugbo.

Pre Hispanic, Spanish, American and Japanese periods happened in this significant historical spot.

Several excavations have been conducted on the place which have yielded tremendous information about the pre colonial trading port called "SUGBO".

Four centuries of human activity combined with the forces of nature and the elements have raised the site by an average of 2 meters from it's original surface. Excavations discovered burial sites, artifacts and ceramics from China, Thailand and Vietnam marking pre colonial trading.

Ming Dynasty artifacts as well as Thai ceramics dating back between 1368-1500 was discovered in 1971 conducted by the University of San Carlos.

The Plaza has not been spared by Urban Decay. Safety and security is one of the many reasons of the negative perceptions most people think of Plaza Independencia. The grand old lady of all parks all over the Philippines became a haven for furtive activities at night. Lost her attractions and even avoided and feared.

But in 2007, the Plaza was temporarily closed due to tue road tunnel to be constructed beneath the area.

However, with an emerging concept of urban space rehabilitation, the city government found ways to rehabilitate the Plaza as a response to the changing times paving a way towards a more humane environment in the city.

Nov 8, 2010 just after the tunnel's completion, the Plaza Independencia rehabilitation started. The century old site has been refurbished with more attuned to the changing lifestyle of the Cebuanos and better equiped as a tourist destination. GT construction and Realty Development Inc. did the rehabilitation. Mayor Mike Rama said that the Plaza should be maintained well such as the security as he reiterated that Plaza Independencia revitalization is one of his top projects of his administration.

As reminder of our long journey to freedom and of peoples unity and determination to realize our aspirations. The restoration of this historical site is a timely undertaking that coincides with our efforts to usher in an era of transformation and renewal for the Filipino people. This will reinforce the vigor of Cebuanos and make active contributions in our drive to attain our collective goal of comprehensive growth and equitable progress.

May 8, 2011 marks the beginning in the history of Plaza Independencia, not just a place for a venue and exercise and other various fun and leisure activities but above all to remind every Filipino of our most precious heritage, our Independence.

The revelation of the Plaza marker.

The ribbon cutting ceremony with the Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia and Mayor Mike Rama

Mayor Mike Rama tours the Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia around the newly rehabilitated Plaza Independencia

Some of the presentations along with the Inauguration ceremony.

Mayor Mike Rama during his speech.

The ceremonial lighting of the Plaza

The blessing of the newly rehabilitated Plaza Independecia.

My YouTube video about Mayor Mike Rama's speech about Plaza Independencia Inauguration

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"Kaplag Festival" <-- Captured!

KAPLAG FESTIVis a festival in Cebu that commemorates the discovery of the image of the Child Jesus on April 28, 1565 by Juan Camus, a soldier of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in a nipa hut in Cebu. Today, the basilica stands on the very same spot where the hut once stood. The event is commemorated with the usual early morning mass followed by a short procession to the Malacañang sa Sugbo.

Last April 28, 2011... The Basilica del Santo Niñral of the So de Cebu and the Santo Niño de Cebu Augustinian Social Development Foundation, Inc. (SNAF) celebrated the 446th anniversary of 'Kaplag' focusing on Señor Santo Niño as the El Capitan General (Lord Admiea).

And for the first time, the coat-of-arms of the Celentisimo Capitan General de las Esfuerzas Españolas en Filipinas will travel on a Philippine Navy ship. Specifically invited are the navy, Coast guard, ports police, maritime police and the heads of bantay dagat in the whole region. I was lucky enough that I was given a board pass as media representing SkyScraperCity Cebu (SSC Cebu).

The Image carried by the Navy for a short procession to the Malacañang sa Sugbo.

The procession along Osmeña boulevard.

The Image march to board the Navy ship.

Onboard the navy ship.

The fluvial procession to the Naval Forces Central Visayas headquarters in Mactan Island.

The Navy giving a salute to the Captain General, the Santo Niño serves as a protector of all seafarers, mariners, and the patron of maritime environment and ecology.

Arrived at the Naval Forces Port in Lapu Lapu City.

The procession the the Naval Forces' Chapel.

The wecome signage to Captain General, the Santo Niño serves as a protector of all seafarers, mariners, and the patron of maritime environment and ecology.

The procession to the Naval Forces' Chapel.

Arrives at the St. Peter and Paul Chapel.

Back at the Basilica.

The re-enctment of Kaplag at the Basilica del Santo Niño pilgrim center.

Another photo of the re-enctment of Kaplag at the Basilica del Santo Niño pilgrim center.

The last part of the festival... Fireworks display and Sinulog Dance.

 

The image shows the Malacañang sa Sugbo , the President's residence when visiting Cebu. It also shows one part of downtown Cebu near Plaza Independencia and Fort San Pedro, two of the most significant historical spots in Cebu City. The picture was taken onboard a navy boat.

                                 My uploaded video in YouTube about the Kaplag Festival.