The “Grand Old Man of Cebu” is a revered figure in the Visayas area, and Cebu in particular. Sergio Osmeña, Sr. became the fourth president of the Philippines after he succeeded President Manuel L. Quezon, who died in 1944. He served as the Governor of Cebu, first Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate President pro tempore before he became the leader of the Filipino people. Sergio Osmeña, Sr. is the patriarch of the Osmeña family of Cebu. He established the Nacionalista Party and is the first politician from the Visayas to become the president of the Philippines.
Don Sergio Osmeña Memorabilia – image source: cebu-bluewaters.com
The memory of the Grand Old Man of Cebu lives on even after his death in 1961. The name has a ubiquitous presence all over the city. Be it streets, buildings or monuments. The most prominent structure dedicated to the memory of Sergio Osmeña, Sr. is his former residence along Osmeña Boulevard. The building was acquired by the College Assurance Plan when it was put up for sale by the Osmeña family. Instead of renovating the structure, CAP decided to maintain its ambience and converted it into a museum.
Don Sergio Osmeña Memorabilia – image source: skyscrapercity.com
The Don Sergio Osmeña Memorabilia is home to personal mementos of the former president, including hats, coats, umbrellas, shoes, and suits, among others. The most valuable item on display is the black Cadillac used by the former president in a good number of official functions. While the Cadillac is already an icon in itself, the fact that it was owned by the first Philippine president from the Visayas adds to its prominence.
Black Cadillac of Don Sergio Osmeña– image source: cebu-bluewaters.com
In addition to the personal belongings of the former president, the building also houses some of the memorabilia of General Douglas MacArthur. The former president accompanied the revered general on his return to the Philippines at the end of the Second World War.
Don Sergio Osmeña Memorabilia – image source: lifestyle.inquirer.net
Entrance to the Don Sergio Osmeña Memorabilia is free and it is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday. The museum is also one of the places on the itinerary of the annual Gabii Sa Kabilin that is held on the last weekend of May.
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