TRAVELS (and more) WITH CECILIA BRAINARD: Cebu, Philippines: Updates Typhoon Glenda and Historic District

Thankfully I left Manila before Typhoon Glenda or Ramassun hit the Northern part of the Philippines. While the storm raged in the North, Cebu (which is in the South) had heavy rain and some wind but was relatively unscathed. My friends in Manila said schools and offices were closed on Wednesday when Glenda hit the area. After super typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda, Filipinos are jumpy about typhoons.

Now, let me give you a few updates on the historic district of Cebu.

Update #1: Do you remember the 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu last October 2013? The earthquake destroyed a number of old churches. In Cebu City, the Santo Nino Basilica lost its bell tower, and the Cathedral's bell tower was damaged. Here are recent pictures showing the current status of the bell towers, which are under repair. The top picture shows the Santo Nino, followed by the Cathedral.

Update #2: There's a new coffee house near Cebu City's Heritage Monument in the historic district. Called Shepherd's Heart Cafe, it's right at the corner of Mabini and Zulueta. This non-profit place was started by American Peace Corps and Australian Volunteers (Amelia and Roy) in conjunction with the Good Shepherd Sisters. Please stop by to support this cafe.

Update # 3: Jaime Sy's Museo Parian, 1730 Jesuit House, the oldest documented house in the entire Philippines, has a new permanent display of a diorama of the old Parian area, showing the church, the Jesuit House and other landmarks. The following pictures were taken at the 1730 Jesuit House.