Located in the original Plaza Parian, it showcases the significant and symbolic events in the history of Cebu from the time of Rajah Humabon to the recent beatification of Cebuano martyr Pedro Calungsod.
Commissioned by the Archdiocese of Cebu, the Heritage of Cebu Monument is a sculptural tableau built by renowned artist Eduardo Castrillo featuring some of Cebu’s important heritage sites and events. The monument, which was then turned over to the city government, was in turn recently turned over to the officials of Barangay Parian. It was reported that P3-million would be needed to clean it up and restore it.
Within the vicinity of the monument is the Yap-Sandiego House and the Jesuit House of 1730. A few walks away from it too is the Casa Gorordo.
The saga in stone… and brass, a tonnage of history and heritage. The “Heritage of Cebu” Monument is huge and hefty; it can probably surpass the lives of the other structures in historical Parian. It is meant to last, as the artist always points out.
It rises somewhat oddly in what was once an ordinary neighborhood constantly overlooked and agitated by the flow of traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian. Technically, a choke point. But with The Heritage, it will be like saying, “ Look ay, our history!”
Or, look at what you are, and be proud for being a Filipino. Emerging from the ground the size of a basketball court, the bulky, brass structure thrusts upwards the central image of a crucifix, around its foot, Cebu’s historical milestones figure into a chronological narrative in concrete and brassy odds and ends.
Circumnavigating Heritage is making a turn around Cebu’s history in five minutes. It’s like feeling the past in its most tangible from seeing the brave chieftain from Mactan and his grip on the hilt of an emergent people, or being right at the docks trading silk and bead yourself – like ancient ghosts brushing through your skin.
The Heritage is about the Filipino through time transmogrified into metal and stone. The work is done… everyone of the city will see the first ever “The Heritage” in its rightful illumination.
With a spirit stouter this time, Filipinos have this to show for their guests. You have The Heritage you can point with a firmer finger, “That’s us.”
