Street photography featuring the city that shines like diamonds.
Cebu has always been known for its immaculate beaches, sandbars that go on for days, lechon that makes people forget their names and some of the most beautiful women in the Philippines. And at its center is a city unlike any other; bustling and thriving with unique nooks and crevices begging you to take a peak. With every breath, Cebu City shows you how Father Time has made it grow into the lustrous metropolis it is today. This is a city whose heart beats for every true blooded Cebuano – unapologetic, unpretentious, raising fists for the Bisdak and proud.
Allow me to take you to the streets of Cebu City. It is my sincere hope that this collection will dispel the usual and, may I add, painfully annoying notion that we are a small province. This collection is a homage to our beloved Cebu which I’m starting in line with my photography class at the University of the Philippines. It is a work in progress that I intend to continue for the years to come. Expect to see our city at its rawest – the good, the bad and the ugly – for I will not withhold in showing you snaps of alleys which may be unfamiliar to you if you have lived in a mostly sheltered bubble. My anticipation is bursting at the seams as I hold your hand and guide you on this crawl.
Tip: Put on your headphones and listen to my playlist! My photos are inspired by music that shaped my childhood. From the soulful R&B of the 80s to the backyard rockbands of the 90s, let the music take you away to a time and place in the yesteryears where MTV is in fact a music channel which plays videos and people reach you through a beeper. Don’t forget to click on the pictures if you wish to view them better. Curious about the back story? Say no more. Enjoy! – Chedeng
Salinas Drive is the main road a few blocks away from our house. It has become increasingly busy as of late as Cebu City continues to ramp up as one of the premiere cities in the Philippines. Along this road you will find the entrance to the Cebu IT Park which has become a business haven for people here in the South.
Top-bottom/L-R: Manong Takatak daydreaming while selling cigarettes; Cebu streets are meticulously cleaned after big events and as such these men need to quicken their pace in foraging for any salvageable materials; young man embodying hayahay; beautiful flowers rend color to the otherwise monotonous urban jungle
Plaza Independencia is a place with a vibrant history and symbolism. It is where our ancestors, led by Lapulapu, fought colonizers who intend to conquer the paradise island of Cebu. Through the years, it has changed its name and people have started to forget its historical and cultural significance. In an effort to retain awareness of the importance of Plaza Independencia, our local government renovated the site and it has now become a popular hangout for families and friends.
Top-bottom/L-R: An open debate is held every weekend with topics ranging from politics to religion; skateboarders and bikers use the open area to practice their craft
Magellan’s Cross is said to be the cross which was erected by Portuguese and Spanish conquistadors as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan and symbolizes the beginning of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines. However there are speculations about its authenticity for some claim that what stands in this popular tourist spot is a mere replica of the original one.
Top-bottom/L-R: Cebu City Capitol sits quietly on a weekend; the fabled Magellan’s Cross and the intricate ceiling of its chapel weaving a story of how it all began
Garden Bloc is located within the Cebu IT Park premises and houses some of the biggest BPO offices here in Cebu. This place is teeming with millenials and a lot of local businesses have set up shop to cater to the seemingly tireless youngsters. Boho chic seems to be the main vibe here and the pop up bazaar has added to its young and carefree ambiance.
Top-bottom/L-R: Bus stop silently waiting for the next passenger; the Pyramid restaurant lights up for the evening; metered cab roaming the city; trash stacked outside trash bins – classic Pinoy; Baguio Brewery attempts to penetrate Visayan market; funky hair for Groot; colorful dwarf cactus has become a thing lately; sweet and not too sour apple mangoes being peddled on the streets; quotes printed on wooden pots for inspiration; street decor using empty wine bottles; beaded necklaces which are favorite souvenirs by tourists; small crowd forming at the entrance to the pop up bazaar
Sugbo Mercado which literally means Cebu Market is one of the most popular hangout places in Cebu City. It has greatly improved over time and hipsters have started flocking here every Thursdays to Sundays. Dining al fresco while a band is playing is attractive enough but when paired with a smorgasbord of delicious food being sold at reasonable prices, well, that’s enough even for introverts like me to come and chill. The beautiful crowd is a mere bonus.
Top-bottom/L-R: Cebuano’s take on the sisig; perfectly marinated cooked crispy pork belly; chili oil that lives up to its name; fruits on a lemonade stand; a family of tourists snapping pictures of assorted candies on a sweet shop; meat and seafood waiting for their turn at the grill; mango float with soft serve ice cream; food is cooked fresh thus the long waiting time and long line; more chili for spicy food aficionados; a funky mascot of one of the food shops.
Cebu Tops is where our homegrown band Urbandub hailed Cebu City as “the city that shines like diamonds” in their 2005 hit single First of Summer. Tourists take the habal-habal to get to this scenic spot were lovers and families frequent. A trip to Cebu Tops is a must especially during a supermoon as moonlight envelopes the city and gives it an enigmatic charm.
Top-bottom/L-R: Friends, lovers and families hang out at the benches; the Mactan channel as seen from Cebu Tops
