Oslob, Cebu: Not only a Butanding Destination

My work last October 2012 in Cebu doesn't only cover the city, but we got to visit the now-famous Oslob - a small municipality in Cebu, located at the Southern tip of the province. Oslob was known for its butanding, which I personally believed to be the top choice if you want to see these gentle giants up close. Since it was known for the butanding and we didn't get to see them during our first day in Oslob, we chose to do a walking tour in the small municipality and discovered that it is not only proud of its marine animals, but full of heritage and history too.


How to get to Oslob, Cebu and back

Oslob is located at the Southern tip of Cebu province, a 3 hour drive from Cebu City center. As its location suggests, you must take the bus bound to Oslob or Tan-awan at the South Bus Terminal (Pahina Central, Cebu City). Buses are available 24 hours but make sure you ask the conductor or driver if they will be passing by Tan-awan just to be sure. We took Ceres bus bound to Tan-awan, which can be found at the other side of the terminal, near the terminal exit. Since we were conducting our study in Barangay Poblacion, Oslob, we got off at the said barangay. Fare is about Php 160.00 per way.

Getting back to Cebu City, you can wait along the highway for Cebu bound buses. Fare is also Php 160.00. Travel is a little over 3 hours, since there are people getting on and off several stops. The bus final stop is Cebu South Bus Terminal, where you can ride a taxi back to your hotel or accommodation.


Places to visit in Barangay Poblacion, Oslob, Cebu: HISTORICAL and CULTURAL HERITAGE

We found a map in the barangay hall presenting the different places to visit in Barangay Poblacion. Some places caught our attention such as Antonio Luna's old house, old church and walls, Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church and ruins of Spanish era, and thus, we decided to do a walking tour of Barangay Poblacion.

(Note: Descriptions are those inscribed on stones)

Cuartel

This unique structure was built through the effort of El Gran Maestro Don Marcos Sabandal to serve as barracks for Spanish Armies but was halted during the arrivals of American in 1899. The coral stones used for its constructions came from remnants of the collapsed floor of the Church Bell Tower. The walls of the structure which measures 19 centimeter thick still stand. The façade built of coral stones features a double row of arches.

Cuartel (front)

Cuartel (back, facing the sea)

Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church

The foundation of the Church was laid on May 4, 1830. The church plan was drawn by Bishop Santos Gomes Marañon, the same prelate who had the kiosk of Magellan Cross in Cebu City constructed. The site was chosen by Fr. Julian Bermejo since it has a bigger size for settlement and at the same time to replace the destroyed church of Daanlungsod, and officially became and independent parish on January 8, 1847. A fire destroyed the church on November 7, 1955. It was restored but was hit again by fire on March 26, 2008. The church was completely restored once again on December 10, 2010.

Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church

Church and Cuartel grounds

Church Walls and Gates

The Church walls and gates were constructed in 1875 to serve as one of the defense frontlines of the complex against the Moro Marauders. The wall features a series of pyramid top piers that gives a unique townscape component to the old street of Aragones and Eternidad. Some of its part has an inscription indicating the name of the street and the year of its construction.

Church walls and grounds

Baluarte
Baluarte is the Spanish name of watch tower. Its main purpose is to provide a safe place wherein guards can observe the surrounding area. It was a part of the defense system in dispelling the Moro raiders of the past. Many of these watchtowers ply the coastline of Oslob. Just near the Cuartel, one can immediately see ruins of an ancient watchtower. So effective was this system that in 1815, the townspeople of Oslob were able to repel one such attack and was peaceful ever since. These prompted them to relocate the town to its present site from their fortified settlement in Daanglungsod which are now in ruins but still breathtaking.

Baluarte

Antonio Luna's House

Located near the Oslob Municipal, Antonio Luna's house seemed like one of the houses there. There was no sign, no stone marker. We just identified it as it is by the pictures and simply following the street map. We just peeked from the outside and confirmed that it is indeed, Antonio Luna's house since it has its memorabilia on the wall. Sadly, you can not enter the house since his relatives are occupying it and an SUV is parked right outside of it.

Antonio Luna's House

Oslob is a good destination, aside from the Butanding experience that the tourists look for, it also offers a glimpse of our Spanish history and occupation, from the tisa houses and churches to the shorelines overlooking the sea. It is a side trip for your Butanding experience.