Today, we visited Lapu-lapu City, an island located across Cebu City in the Visayas region. We were fortunate to participate in their annual fiesta celebration in honor of the Lady of Rule which was then locally known as the Birhen sa Regla sa Lapu-lapu City , which took place on the 21st of this month. The event attracted many local and international tourists who were eager to join in the festivities. During the celebration, Filipinos showed their devotion. As part of the celebration, we went on a mini ferry boat trip to commemorate the occasion.
I took a modern jeepney from my apartment to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Church and paid a fare of 20 pesos. I chose this route because the stopover for the 3rd port in Cebu City is located there, it is where we will ride a ferry boat going to Lapu-lapu City.
From the jeepney stopover at Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, we then walked headed towards the museum to hop on another jeepney heading to Cebu City’s 3rd port.
This is what the inside of a traditional jeepney looks like. This is the 12I jeepney that will pass through Cebu City’s third port.
We then stopped here at the corner of the DPWH Region 7 because this was the way heading towards the Cebu City third port. We then walked and arrived because it was just a 5-minute walk from the corner of the street.
Cebu City, Philippines - Pier 3 Passenger Terminal
**Lapu-lapu City is known as Opon. These are the ferry boat ticket prices. **
Apart from the ferry boat ticket, there is a terminal fee of two pesos.
Metro Ferry boat
Taking a ferry boat to Lapu-lapu City is a delightful experience. From afar, you can enjoy the splendid view of Cebu City, while basking in the sun and feeling the waves' gentle splashing. I personally love taking ferry rides because they are not only enjoyable but also convenient, especially during the fiesta season when the city roads are congested with traffic. Commuting by ferry takes only a few minutes, and the fresh air is invigorating. The sound of the waves is soothing, and the absence of traffic is a major plus!
As soon as you reach Lapu-lapu City, the festive atmosphere will greet you with colorful flags displayed all around. To make your trip more efficient, take the ferry boat that stops right behind the Church of the Virgin of the Rule. From there, it's just a short walk towards the church where you can offer your prayers or attend a holy Mass if you're lucky enough to arrive during one. The Holy Mass just started when we arrived. What a blessed day indeed, we were able to attend the Fiesta Celebration Holy Mass.
The church was packed with devotees when we visited, making it difficult to even take a shot of the altar. I am a devotee of the Lady of Rule in Lapu-lapu City and I prayed to Her during my Licensure Examination for Teachers, hoping to pass on my first try. And, I did! The Lady of Rule in Lapu-lapu City is miraculous and it attracts many people from different places who come to offer their prayers and intentions. Unfortunately, we had to leave early as I had work to attend to.
We then headed back to the ferry boat station located at the back of the church and went back to Cebu City to work. What a blessed day indeed!☺︎♡
