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​When one thinks about Cebu, one of the things that normally come to mind is Magellan’s Cross. The original cross is encased in tindalo wood since the natives believed it had miraculous powers and started to chip away parts of it. It is housed inside a small chapel along Magallanes Street, which was named after the renowned Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.  

​On March 15, 1521, Magellan, who was also known as Fernando Magallanes, arrived in Cebu under the auspices of the Spanish crown in search of the famed Spice Islands. Upon his arrival on the island, Magellan was met by Rajah Humabon, a native chieftain who agreed to be baptized as a Christian together with wife and warriors. 

A cross was planted by Magellan on April 21, 1521 to commemorate this important event that marked the start of the spread of Christianity in the archipelago. While Magellan met his end at the hands of the warriors of Datu Lapu-Lapu in the historic Battle of Mactan, one of his ships was able to successfully circumnavigate the world. 

Some stories revealed that the original cross was supposedly destroyed after the natives turned against the Spaniards following the death of Magellan. A narrative indicated that the natives burned the ships of the Spaniards along with the cross, and the survivors of the Battle of Mactan were lucky to escape with their lives.

The cross is currently being used as a symbol by the City of Cebu, and an image of the chapel housing the cross can be seen on the seal of the Cebu City government. It is also used on the seals and logos of a number of Cebu-based organizations. Magellan’s Cross is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cebu, and is within walking distance to the other historical landmarks of the city.

Solar energy is the cleanest available source of energy and it is set to be harnessed in one of the northern towns of Cebu. Groundbreaking for a P10-billion solar energy power plant was conducted recently in the northern town of Daanbantayan. The project is expected to generate 43,800 megawatts of power each year starting June of next year, as reported on Cebu Daily News.

The project covers 25 hectares in Barangay Pajo and Barangay Tominjao, where around 80,000 solar panels will be installed by CeKO Solar Farm Systems Corp. The solar panels to be used for the project will last up to thirty years, according to CeKO Solar Farm Systems Corp president Jessie Tundag.

The flat terrain makes the area suitable for the project, Tundag said. It also receives around “five hours of sunlight” every day based on an evaluation of the company, he added.

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Maintenance of the project will result to an increase in employment among the residents of the town. The project was welcomed by Mayor Augusto Corro of Daanbantayan, who said that aside from becoming the first town to “embrace renewable energy,” the project also generates local employment. 

The investment of the company shows its confidence on the economic potential of the town and its local government, Mayor Corro added. Chairman Yong So Lee of CeKO Solar Farm Systems Corp is hoping that brownouts in the town will be prevented by the project, which may also become a tourist attraction for the town of Daanbantayan.

Tundag said the company is planning to expand the area used for the project to include Barangay Lanao and Barangay Malingin. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines will benefit from an expansion of the project since it can provide an additional 100 MW of power to the grid. 

Power generation of the solar energy power plant is expected to average 4.8 hours every day, which can enhance the load of the Cebu grid. 

The screening committee of the 36th Cebu Popular Music Festival had to go through one hundred thirty-six, yes, 136 original Cebuano compositions. The committee was made up of representative from different entities to ensure the top twelve entries are the best compositions Cebu could offer.  Committee members agree that while the task was grueling, it was rather enjoyable and productive.

The songs were classified into three categories: environmental, inspirational and love songs.  A total of twenty-five songs with the environmental theme were screened by the jurors along with sixty-one inspirational songs and fifty love songs. 

After spending at least ten hours listening to different compositions from outstanding composers, the committee was able to select the top four songs from each category. The top four environmental compositions are: Manguros Na Lang Tang Daan by Jade Castro, Asa Ta Punta by Russel Chingkoy Alegado, Kinaiyahan Matahum by Venice June Sy Corsino and Isla by Dennis Martin.

The finalists in the inspirational category are: Diha sa Pulong Mo by Bienvenido Racho, Gugma Mo by Michaen Ricaborda, Ngano Kaha by Irene Abadiez Bacus and Kinabuhi Musika by Nathan Philip Amores. And last but not the least, the finalists in the love songs category are:  Sama sa Dahong Laya by Angelito Zamora Jr., Sa Gugma Magdaug by Rad Zamora, Ang Atong Gugma by Archimedes Dairocas/Luis Sebastian Rusiana Latigo Rapper and Awit Ning Gugma by Ralph Maligro.

The members of the screening committee for the 36th Cebu Popular Music Festival are: Sam Costanilla, Roger Serna, Apple Abarquez, Manolito Languido, Sanden Anadia, Eli Manlangit, Cerj Michael, Baby Condeno and Fr. Lyndon Ruiz.  The Cebu Popular Music Festival was institutionalized by the Cebu Arts Foundation Inc. and has become one of the activities for the Sinulog celebrations every January.  The 36th Cebu Popular Music Festival will be held on January 16.