If you look at the front side of an older version of a Philippine Fifty Peso Bill you will find at the right side a symbol of a fountain. This fountain is actually one of the infamous trademark of Cebu and is found at the heart of Osmeña Boulevard roundabout.
History:
Fuente Osmeña Circle was built around 1912 in time of the inauguration of Cebu's waterway system.
The design of the circle, which was proposed by William E. Parsons, then customs head of Cebu and a great contributor of Philippine Architecture during the commonwealth era, is actually patterned to that of Paris' Arc de Triomphe but instead of the arc, a fountain was in place probably to symbolize of the success of the waterways. Parson's plan did not fully realized since he planned for a six diagonal avenues and in the center would be the Cebu Provincial Capitol which is where the Fuente is now located.
Memorabilia:
The name, Fuente Osmeña, means Osmeña Fountain which commemorates the 2nd Philippine Commonwealth President, Sergio Osmeña Sr., the Grand Old Man of Cebu since he was the oldest president at 65. Osmeña served the country from 1944-1946, in time of World War II and closely worked with the Americans just before USA granted the Philippine independence in July 4, 1946.
The circle is named as such to celebrate the life of the first ever Visayan President of the Philippines and his countless achievements as a Cebuano leader.
Present Times:
Fuente Osmeña Circle has become the center of activities especially during Sinulog and Christmas. During Sinulog, a lot of activities are held inside the circle, like the crowning of Miss Cebu, and around the Fuente Osmeña Circle especially that the parade will pass through the upper left street of the circle going to Colon and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño
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| image from tumblr |
During Christmas, one will be in awe upon seeing a giant christmas tree built inside the circle courtesy of M. Lhuiller, well known jewelry and pawnshop tycoon in the country. The christmas tree is mostly made out of native and recycled materials and every year the design of the christmas tree changes. There are also giant lanterns displayed within the circle grounds, several barbecue and street food stands and nightly activities.
During regular days, one can see joggers and practitioners of tai chi occupy the circle early in the morning, there are also people who would come to the circle to just sit down and have their siesta in the afternoon while others use the circle as meeting place for friends and even general assembly for rallies. At one point during the 80's, the fountain ground was even used as a skating rink.
Advice for the tourists:
Fuente Osmeña is open to everyone and anyone, there are no charges or fees if you want to visit the place however just be careful with your belongings, although crime seldom happens at the circle, one can never be too careful when in a public place.
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