By Alenn Nidea
“Once upon a time, in the heart of the Philippines, there was a bustling and vibrant city known as Cebu City. Nestled on the eastern shores of Cebu Island, this city was a rich tapestry of history, culture, and modernity.
Cebu City had a deep-rooted history that dated back to the 16th century when the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived on its shores. He was welcomed by the friendly native chieftain, Rajah Humabon, and introduced Christianity to the island. The iconic Magellan’s Cross still stood in the city, a symbol of this historic encounter.
As the years passed, Cebu City grew into a major trading hub in the Philippines. Its strategic location made it a melting pot of influences from all over the world. Chinese, Spanish, American, and Filipino cultures intermingled to create a unique and diverse atmosphere that was distinctly Cebuano.
One of the city’s most famous landmarks was the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines. Every January, Cebuanos celebrated the Sinulog Festival, a grand procession that honored the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, with colorful dances and parades that filled the streets with joy and vibrant energy.
Cebu City was not just about history and tradition; it was also a city that embraced progress and innovation. The skyline was dotted with modern skyscrapers, and the IT Park buzzed with young professionals working in the thriving business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. The city was alive with the sounds of commerce and the dreams of its hardworking people.
The local cuisine was a testament to the city’s cultural diversity. Cebu was famous for its delicious lechon, a mouthwatering roasted pig with crispy skin and tender meat, which was a must-try for visitors. The bustling Larsian sa Fuente, a barbecue street market, offered a wide array of grilled delicacies that satisfied even the most discerning palates.
Cebu City was not just about urban life; it was also surrounded by natural beauty. The azure waters of the nearby Mactan Channel lured divers and beachgoers alike. The nearby islands of Bohol and Malapascua offered pristine beaches and incredible marine life for those seeking adventure.
But perhaps the most enduring charm of Cebu City was its people. Cebuanos were known for their warmth, hospitality, and strong sense of community. They celebrated fiestas with enthusiasm, welcomed strangers with open arms, and shared their stories with pride.
In the evenings, the city would come alive with music and laughter. From the bustling nightlife of Mango Avenue to the serene serenades at the Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu, there was something for everyone. The music of Cebuano artists like Yoyoy Villame and Missing Filemon provided the soundtrack to the city’s vibrant nightlife.
And so, Cebu City continued to thrive as a city that seamlessly blended its rich history, dynamic culture, and modern aspirations. It was a place where the past and present coexisted in harmony, and where every corner held a story waiting to be discovered. For those who visited, Cebu City was not just a destination; it was an experience that left an indelible mark on their hearts, a city that beckoned them to return and become a part of its ever-evolving tale.”
What you just read is the story about lovely Cebu City. I didn’t write it. A mechanical creature did. It’s my good friend, a robot, who “knows” how to tell a story. I’m actually imagining my laptop as the robot with a brain, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) app.
I hope you like the story, and more than that, how it was written. All I did was send the message: “Write me a story about Cebu City.” In a few seconds, that whole story came out in print on my screen. I didn’t change a word, no edits done. For outstanding writers, they may say, “ok so-so.” But to be fair, my mechanical friend did a decent job, you would agree. I would be proud to lay claim on the work for what it’s worth from a literary viewpoint.
A good friend introduced me to AI several months back. Only recently have I seriously started looking into it. From what I am learning, AI is good to get you started in cases of work that involves writing, a lot of writing. But what I think is that it misses out on the human element which a more discerning reader would sense, and may look for, if the story was otherwise, man-made.
AI may make people’s eyes light up in wonder for its great techno ability, but ultimately, no amount of high and sophisticated tech invention can ever replace man’s natural thought and feel. Robotics and AI may be humanoid to a large extent, but only humans are human.