A cloudy Sunday afternoon brought my restless feet to Fort San Pedro. I realized I haven’t left the house that much last week because of heavy rain, so Sunday came and I supposed the weather was great to do some walking exercise.. and photographing.
Warning: Photo-heavy post.
About 45 minutes away from home and I hopped off the jeepney around Sto. Niño area to walk to Plaza Independencia where Fort San Pedro is. I took quite a wrong turn on my way there but just like all my other adventures alone, I always find my way to where I should be (always surprisingly without asking for directions).
I’ve been to Fort San Pedro once 5 years ago which was when I’ve learned the history behind it and felt every historic bit the place offered. That day was for that kind of adventure — when I felt history bumps all over. But last Sunday, my purpose was to really practice taking photos, just so I’d get used to my camera’s settings.
Fort San Pedro, Cebu (in case you wanna know)
Also called Fuerte de San Pedro, Fort San Pedro is a military defense structure in Cebu built under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish governor of the Captaincy General of the Philippines.
The fort was originally made of wood but was rebuilt in stone when Legazpi arrived in the Philippines. It is a triangular fort with three bastions. The two sides of the fort face the sea while one side faces the land area, which is considered the entrance gate of the fort.
The total inside area is 2,025 square meters and the walls are 6.1 meters high by 2.4 meters thick. There were also 14 cannons mounted inside the fort, some of which are still working until now. Fort San Pedro is considered the oldest fort in the Philippines and has gone through several restructuring since the early 17th century.
You will be told to..
I went up the watchtower!
Cuerpo de Guardia
In front of Cuerpo de Guardia are these windows.
Photos of the plaza in front of Fort San Pedro, were taken while I was sitting on one of the windows
Vivienda del Teniente
Adjacent to Cuerpo de Guardia was the living quarters of the lieutenant of the fort. Now, it serves as a gallery where old photos of Cebu are placed.
And there I was again.. walking around.. feeling every inch and corner of the fort. There was a team of photographers doing a prenuptial shoot, there were tourists, there were two guys who boldly asked me “miss diri miss, picturi mi miss” (miss, come take photos of us) to which I did with my camera. Then I smiled.
There was also a young couple (and I mean young, they’re probably still in high school) who asked me to take a photo of them. I obliged. Then smiled again. It was nice going around like a photographer of strangers. 😉 Lol.
On my way out now..
Today, Fort San Pedro serves as a museum and a tourist spot for people who want to experience the country’s history for a few hours. After resting and people-watching for a good few minutes on one of the benches, I prepared to go home.
A fulfilling Sunday afternoon I should say.
Location: A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City Near Plaza Independencia
Rates & Updates: Php 30. Check their Facebook page for updates.
