The 5 Guardians of Alegria: Cebu City’s Mysterious Underwater Statues

Cebu, aka The Queen City of the South, is nothing short of an epic destination for adventure! Rich in history, local cuisine, and natural wonders, it offers just about everything for every traveller. Of course, top tourist attractions like Magellan’s Cross, Temple of Leah, and Kawasan Falls are not to be missed. However, the island is also home to one of the Philippines’ best-kept secrets: The Five Guardians of Alegria, a collection of life-sized underwater reef relics. Read on and learn more about the mystery behind this hidden treasure! 

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The mystery behind the Five Guardians of Alegria

Often overlooked, Alegria is a small coastal town south of Cebu which boasts a trove of biodiversity. From majestic waterfalls and coral reefs to caves and hiking trails, it’s perfect for those who are in for some thrilling experiences. On top of that, a new and mysterious attraction has been drawing more tourists to the area: Five Guardians of Alegria.

Legend has it that a traveller once settled in this seaside town years ago and took it upon himself to create the stone guardians. These include the god of the sea Poseidon, Medusa, Templar, Buddha, and Mother Mary.

Why did he place them there? What were they for? Who exactly is this voyager that created them? To this day, no one really knows. However, natives believe that they were made to ward off those who want to harm the people of Alegria and protect its waters. 

But, the mystery doesn’t stop there! It is also said that a local Catholic priest blessed the five relics and magically vanished without a trace. It was only in 2020 that they were discovered once again, standing tall and proud among the coral reefs of Santa Filomena! 

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Exciting aquatic adventures in Alegria Dive Resort

Want to witness the magnificent reef guardians with your own eyes? Head over to Alegria Dive Resort, just 25 kilometres away from Moalboal! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned diver, it lets you in on a scuba diving experience like no other. Here, you can swim among tropical fishes, admire its pristine coral reefs, and simply enjoy the wonders of the deep blue sea.

Alegria Dive Resort also offers Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) diving courses, snorkelling, accommodations, and transport services. For more information, visit Alegria Dive Resort’s official website.

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Truly, Cebu lives up to its moniker The Gateway to a Thousand Journeys, with exciting attractions like The Five Guardians of Alegria! Do you know other hidden gems in the Philippines we should know of? Share them with us on our official Facebook page or tag us in your travel snaps @tripzillaph on Instagram! 

All images credited to Alegria Drive Resort | Official Website