Heritage Hunt in Colon

Colon Street is one of the busiest streets of Cebu. It is also one of the oldest streets in the Philippines. If you walk along Colon today you will only notice how busy it is, not how old it is. Nearly all the remnants of the old Colon have disappeared. There is only a handful of buildings left, like the Vision Theater and the University of the Visayas, but people hardly notice their importance anymore.

Throughout its history, Colon had been known for many things. In the first place it is the location for the residences of prominent people like the Gaisanos and Osmenas. Colon was also known as "Calle Teatro" (Theater Street) because of a number of theaters dotting the length of the street.  Artists have also set up studios along Colon such as painting studios and dance studios. There are also quite a number of schools along Colon. Other establishments in the old Colon include a number of printing press and restaurants.

Although these establishments have long disappeared, it is still possible to know what they were exactly, where they stood, and what their history is. In the late 90's a civic group implemented  a plan to bring back the glory of Colon. Although the movement was felt only for a short term they managed to set up informative markers along the street. These markers come in the form of a plaque on posts (see pictures). The plaques state the important establishment being marked including a brief history. Unfortunately, like the surviving structures of the old Colon, these markers are now difficult to notice.

Those who are curious about the history of Colon can venture into a hunting expedition where they search for these markers and be transported in the past.