- FOOTPRINT OF THE PAST -
For everyone's information, the Philippines is very diverse in culture, which is due to the colonization of different groups of expeditions around the world that visited the country. Spaniards are one of those successful expatriates who influence us the most. From food, beliefs, culture, and more. They also built sturdy structures that, even today, are being used and standing on the ground as remains of this colonization. One of these is the Cuartel Ruins in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines, that we will discover today on this blog.
The Cuartel Ruins
This fascinating historical landmark is one of the tourist destinations in the Southern part of Cebu nowadays. If your interest is also in knowing the historical story of an area, this place is perfect for you. These ruins will give you a peek into the Spanish era in the past.
This Cuartel is situated beside the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Oslob heritage park area, near the town plaza and waterfront, which was also built during the Spanish period. Yes, you are right, aside from this Cuartel, there are a lot of historical remains that you will discover in this area. You will also surely be amazed at how these structures are still standing after all these decades.
Cuartel is a Spanish term that means barracks. This structure was supposedly constructed for the Spanish military that would serve as their barracks in the late 1800's to help defend the town's coastal area. But unfortunately, this is an unfinished structure when the Spaniards lost the Philippines in the Spanish-American War in 1898.
The structure is made of coral stone, and it has large arched openings and thick walls. As an engineer, I think these are some of the reasons why this structure is still standing nowadays. Seeing this structure scattered around the Philippines and still functioning is just one piece of proof of how great the engineering of the Spaniards was.
That's why, when traveling around and knowing there's a historical place like this in our itinerary, it makes me thrilled to see it with my own eyes, honestly. This is one thing I look forward to when traveling.
Last December 14, 2024, when we visited this Cuartel. With me are my colleagues from Manila. This is one of our destinations when we extend our stay in Cebu for the 2024 year-end party. This is the last destination point in Oslob, Cebu that we explore before heading to the City.
It was 12 noon when we arrived at this place, and the sun was scorching. We were glad we had some sunscreen for some protection on our skin. We dropped off in front of the church, apparently it was closed at that time, and we didn't get the chance to see what was inside. So after some photos, we go directly to the Cuartel Ruins, which are only in front of the church. There are 3 groups of visitors, including us on the Cuartel. It's perfect timing cause its not too crowded and we can take more good shots of the structure.
Roaming around the Cuartel, you will be amazed at how they built this kind of structure. By the way, it is open to the public; no entrance fee or tourism fee is needed to explore these historical remains. Seeing up close to the wall, you will see that the wall is made of coral stone, and it is also amazing how they built an arched opening that time without using rebars and steel for reinforcement.
It was fulfilling to visit this kind of structure. During our school days, we only studied this through books and theory. Our town is not rich in historical data and structure, so we based our research on books and the internet only.
Now I can explore it around, touching the wall with my hands, Im all smiles while I was trying to recall some materials they used to build this. Such as the Coral stone, the Lime mortar that serves as a paste to bind the stone each other.
The Fascinating Structure
We only stay here for 30 minutes. We don't stay for too long cause we're all hungry at that time and need to take our lunch. After taking some photos, capturing the scenic view of the structure and appreciating the historical vibe of the area, we go back to our vehicle and start heading to the City. If you love to discover a place like this, put this Cuartel in your list to visit in the Island of Cebu.
How to reach this Place?
Visiting this place is worth it. Aside from the Cuartel Ruins, there are nearby tourist attractions that you can also explore while in this town. The famous Whale Shark Watching was 15 minutes away from here, the Tumalog Falls, and also the Sumilon Island, for a perfect beach getaway.
From Cebu City, you can ride a bus from the South Bus Terminal bound for Oslob. It is 3 to 4 hours of travel with a fare of 250 pesos per person. Just inform the driver to drop you off in the town proper near the Oslob Church. Then from there you can walk for five minutes to reach these ruins.
You can also use your private vehicle, just pin the Cuartel Ruins on your map and it will guide you on your way. For the parking, there's a wide parking area ready to accommodate the tourists.
Travel Tips
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Best time to visit, I tink is early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather.
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Wear light and breathable clothes so you can be comfortable roaming around.
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Bring enough money for your sudden expenses.
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Bring snacks and water to stay hydrated.
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Respect local rules and guidelines.
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Respect the structure.
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Be mindful always of your trash.
That's it for this travel blog, my fellow #lakwatsero (traveler) in Hive. Hoping I give you another place to explore here in the Philippines. Let me know if you find this place interesting to you.
This is @intoy.bugoy! See you in my next Hiventure 😉
Intoy Bugoy
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