A trip to the southern tip of the Island of Cebu is never complete without dropping by the town of Santander. Santander is located at the southernmost tip of the island and is home to a number of white sand beaches with crystal clear waters. The town also has a marine sanctuary as well as a number of cultural and historical tourism sites.
Santander Municipal Hall – image source: santander.gov.ph
History
Long before the town of Santander was established it was once called Tanyong after the Tañon Strait. When the Spaniards came, it was placed under the administration of the Parish of Boljoon. It was named Santander upon the suggestion of Spanish priest who came from a city along the northern coast of Spain. The creation of the Parish of Oslob resulted to the place becoming a “visita” of the parish. Since it was a coastal barangay, the Spaniards erected watchtowers or baluartes to protect the Cebuanos from raiders coming from the south. Two of these watchtowers are still standing up to this date and have become one of the tourist attractions of the town. Today, Santander serves as a gateway to Negros Island through its ports in Liloan and Talisay.
Long before the town of Santander was established it was once called Tanyong after the Tañon Strait. When the Spaniards came, it was placed under the administration of the Parish of Boljoon. It was named Santander upon the suggestion of Spanish priest who came from a city along the northern coast of Spain. The creation of the Parish of Oslob resulted to the place becoming a “visita” of the parish. Since it was a coastal barangay, the Spaniards erected watchtowers or baluartes to protect the Cebuanos from raiders coming from the south. Two of these watchtowers are still standing up to this date and have become one of the tourist attractions of the town. Today, Santander serves as a gateway to Negros Island through its ports in Liloan and Talisay.
Santander– image source: cebu-bluewaters.com
Places to See in Santander
The following are some of the places where tourists can drop by whenever they visit the town of Santander.
Baluarte in Liloan
The Baluarte in the barangay of Liloan is one of the places tourist can visit if they pass by the town. The baluarte or watchtower was built in the 17th century mainly as part of a defensive wall of Aloguinsan to protect the island against raiders coming from the south. The wall was part of a plan devised by a Spanish priest named Fr. Julian Bermejo to protect Cebu from pirates and raiders during the Spanish era.
Sanayon Site
The term sanayon is derived from the word “sanay,” which means abundance of harvest. The Sanayon Festival was initially held in 1993 to celebrate the bountiful harvest of fish and produce in the town. Fishing and agriculture are the main source of livelihood of Santander. The site where the festival is held is not only beautiful since it is also unique. At this location, visitors can see the islands of Bohol, Negros Sumilon and Siquijor. It is where one can see four of the major islands of Central Visayas. It is located in Barangay Pasil in Santander. A huge statue of a sigbin, a mythical creature, stands at the site. The place currently serves as a rest area for visitors and travelers going to Negros.
The following are some of the places where tourists can drop by whenever they visit the town of Santander.
Baluarte in Liloan
The Baluarte in the barangay of Liloan is one of the places tourist can visit if they pass by the town. The baluarte or watchtower was built in the 17th century mainly as part of a defensive wall of Aloguinsan to protect the island against raiders coming from the south. The wall was part of a plan devised by a Spanish priest named Fr. Julian Bermejo to protect Cebu from pirates and raiders during the Spanish era.
Sanayon Site
The term sanayon is derived from the word “sanay,” which means abundance of harvest. The Sanayon Festival was initially held in 1993 to celebrate the bountiful harvest of fish and produce in the town. Fishing and agriculture are the main source of livelihood of Santander. The site where the festival is held is not only beautiful since it is also unique. At this location, visitors can see the islands of Bohol, Negros Sumilon and Siquijor. It is where one can see four of the major islands of Central Visayas. It is located in Barangay Pasil in Santander. A huge statue of a sigbin, a mythical creature, stands at the site. The place currently serves as a rest area for visitors and travelers going to Negros.
Sigbin Statue – image source: wowcebu.net
Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish Church
Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish Church was built in 1898 after parishioners requested its construction since they had to walk 18 kilometers just to attend mass at the Immaculate Concepcion Parish in Oslob. The church originally faced the sea when it was built, but it was renovated in 1960 to make it face the road.
Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish Church was built in 1898 after parishioners requested its construction since they had to walk 18 kilometers just to attend mass at the Immaculate Concepcion Parish in Oslob. The church originally faced the sea when it was built, but it was renovated in 1960 to make it face the road.
Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish Church – image source: santander.gov.ph
Pebbles Beach Resort
While Pebbles Beach Resort is among the many resorts in the town of Santander, it is considered as the most popular and is readily accessible from the Liloan port of Santander. It may offer simple facilities, but these are well-maintained. Visitors can also enjoy a remarkable view of the Island of Negros, which is around twenty minutes away from Cebu.
While Pebbles Beach Resort is among the many resorts in the town of Santander, it is considered as the most popular and is readily accessible from the Liloan port of Santander. It may offer simple facilities, but these are well-maintained. Visitors can also enjoy a remarkable view of the Island of Negros, which is around twenty minutes away from Cebu.
Pebbles Beach Resort – image source: pebbles.com.ph
Eden Beach Resort
Another beach resort visitors can go to is Eden Beach Resort. It is easily the best resort in town with all the amenities it offers to its guests. The resort features the finest beach area in town along with the infinity pool. The resort offers well-appointed rooms for its guests.
Marine Village Dive House
For visitors looking to do some diving, the Marine Village Dive House is the place to be. It offers diving excursions for its guests to allow them to explore the world underneath the sea.
Another beach resort visitors can go to is Eden Beach Resort. It is easily the best resort in town with all the amenities it offers to its guests. The resort features the finest beach area in town along with the infinity pool. The resort offers well-appointed rooms for its guests.
Marine Village Dive House
For visitors looking to do some diving, the Marine Village Dive House is the place to be. It offers diving excursions for its guests to allow them to explore the world underneath the sea.
Marine Village Dive House – image source: cebubeachresorts.com
These are just some of the places tourists can go to whenever they visit the town of Santander. In addition to these locations, visitors can also look forward to checking out some waterfalls and heritage houses located in the town.
Santander Municipal Hall – image source: santander.gov.ph
Have you already visited these places in Santander? Tell us about your experience on the comments section below.
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