Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House: Portal to the Past

Yap-Sandiego House

Known to be one of the oldest houses in the country, Yap- Sandiego House is a must visit heritage site in the Queen City of the South. Located just few meters from Cebu Heritage Monument in Parian District, stands this stoned-wall ground floor, wood-paneled second floor and red tilled-roof ancestral abode.

interior of the house

Mr. Val Sandiego, a renowned choreographer  is  the current owner of the house and descendant of original owners, Don Juan Yap and Dona Maria Florido.  With his passion for heritage preservation, he restored the structure and converted it into a  lifestyle museum.

interior of the house

 The architecture and interior of the house makes you feel like you are being brought back in time. It showcases pieces of antique furniture - beds, cribs, cabinets, and dining sets adorned with assortment  of plates, cups and other glasswares.

first floor of the house

first floor of the house

second floor of the house

 

bedroom

antique kitchen wares

second floor of the house

Other features of the house are  religious relics, statues and artworks. The capiz paintings and the paintings of the house also contribute to the charm of this 300 year old abode.

religious statues

religious artwork

Capiz painting on the wall

 A well and different plants can also be found in the backyard.

well in the yard

According to the museum guide, the present owners usually sleep over during weekends. Yap- Sandiego Ancestral house is a historical gem that needs to be treasured and preserved. This would help the young generation to understand and appreciate the history of Cebu.

Below is the screenshot of Googlemap showing the location of Yap-Sandiego House (marked by star).

Entrance fee:   
P50  for Adults

P25  for Students

Operating hours: 9 am to 6 pm

Exploring Fort San Pedro

A must visit site in Cebu

Fort San Pedro or Fuerte de San Pedro is a famous landmark in Cebu. It played a significant role in the history of Cebu.

Fort San Pedro, one of the historical sites in Cebu

old photographs of Fort San Pedro

This smallest and oldest triangular fort in the Philippines was constructed in 1738 under the command of Spanish conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.The eight-foot thick walls are made from coral stones.  

walls made from coral stones

the other side of the wall

 This military defense structure was built to fend off Muslim raiders. It also served as stronghold for  Filipino revolutionaries near the end of the 19^th century. During the American period, it became part of the American Warwick barracks and was converted into school from 1937 to 1941. Furthermore, it was utilized as a hospital during World War II.

one of the bastions of the fort

Fort San Pedro served as military defense structure during the Spanish era

Inside the fort is a park showcasing different plants. Wishing well can also be found in the compound. 

Fort San Pedro Historical Park

bonsai plants

the patio

Several rooms in the fort now served as museums showcasing well preserved Spanish documents, paintings, and sculptures, and other artifacts featuring Spanish era.

Portraits of Ferdinand Magellan and Lapu Lapu

hand-crafted boats and galleons are also on display

Tour guides (students) assist the visitors in exploring the fort. They also  provide  historical facts about Cebu. (You can also ask them to take your pictures : )

Fort San Pedro is located in the Pier Area. Below is the screenshot of Googlemap showing its location (marked by star). The best way to get there is through taxi.

Entrance fee:

Regular: P30

Senior Citizen: P24

Student: P20

Operating hours: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Cebu Heritage Walking Tour

The Queen City of the South, Cebu City, being the first city in the country is very rich in cultural heritage. It is home to many historical as well as religious sites. These ancestral houses, old churches and museums will surely provide you a glimpse of old Cebu. Explore Cebu on foot and experience the old vibe of this bustling city.

Don't forget to bring the following: 

Umbrella and shades to protect you from the sun

Water to avoid dehydration

Printed map if you don’t have data connection 

1. Fort San Pedro (Fuerza de San Pedro)

Start your walking tour at Fort San Pedro, a well-preserved triangular fort which served as military defense during the Spanish period. The structure was constructed under the command of Miguel Lopez de Lagazpi and was named after his ship, "San Pedro" which sailed the Pacific Ocean in 1565.  It is also the smallest and the oldest fort in the country.  Fort San Pedro is located in the port area. The best way to get there is through a taxi.

Entrance fee: 
P30 for Adults
P24 for Senior Citizens
P20 for Children and Students

Fort San Pedro

2. Magellan Cross
From Fort San Pedro, walk towards Magallanes St. to see Cebu’s famed landmark, the Magellan’s cross.  It is located across the Cebu City Hall and Plaza Sugbu. The cross is encased in a wooden cross and is housed in a chapel. According to the inscription on the plaque, it is the original cross planted by the well known Spanish colonizer, Ferdinand Magellan on the site in 1521. You can light a candle and offer a prayer in the chapel.

Magellan's Cross

3. Basilica Minore del Santo Nino

On the other side of Magellan’s cross is the entrance to Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the country. The archaic church was constructed on the spot where an image of Sto. Nino was found (child Jesus). It is said to be the same statue given by Ferdinand Magellan as birthday gift to the wife of Rajah Humabon, Queen Juana. Nowadays, the statue is being paraded during the Sinulog festival which is celebrated during the third week of January. Fronting the basilica is the Pilgrim Centre, the Museum of the Basilica del Sto Nino and the Basilica del Sto Nino Library.

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino

4. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

A few blocks away from the Basilica is the Cebu Metroplitan Cathedral of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cebu.Its architecture is typical of Spanish colonial churches in the country. The trefoil shaped pediment of the façade is decorated with carved relieves of floral motifs, an IHS inscription and a pair of griffins.

Cebu Metropolitan Cathderal

5. Heritage of Cebu Monument

This extensive work of art and sculptures depict the rich history of Cebu, such as the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan, Sto Nino procession, Battle of Mactan and the beatification of Cebuano martyr  Pedro Calungsod. The Cebu Heritage Monument showcases the works of Edgardo Castillo. It was built in 1997 and inaugurated in 2000. It is now one of the many historical landmarks of Cebu City.

Heritage of Cebu Monument

6. Yap -Sandiego Ancestral House

Another must visit heritage site is the Yap- Sandiego Ancestral House. Built in the 17^th century, it is one of the oldest existing residential houses in the Philippines. It is  just few steps from the Heritage of Cebu Monument. According to the guide 90% of the house is still made up of the original materials. The interior of the house is like a portal to Spanish era. From the architecture of the house, to the displayed antique furniture, capiz paintings and religious relics that are displayed inside the house.

Entrance fee: 
P50  for Adults

P25  for Students

Operating hours: 9 am to 6 pm

Interior of Yap-Sandiego House

7. Casa Gorordo Museum

Few meters away from Yap Sandiego Ancestral house is the Casa Gorordo Museum. It served as the home of  Juan Isidro de Gorordo, the first Bishop of Cebu. In 1980. Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.  acquired the old house, restored and eventually converted it into a museum which now exhibits paintings, antiques, relics and other items dating years back.  It has been declared as National Historical landmark in 1991.

Entrance fee: 
P70 pesos for Foreigners

P40 for Adult Filipinos

P15  for Filipino Students

Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm

Casa Gorordo

Here is a screenshot of Googlemap showing the location of  different heritage sites (follow the stars)