“Sugbo,” they call it. That’s “waves” in the local tongue and it is the inspiration for the Sto. Niu00f1o de Rivaridge Chapel’s design. This chapel stands as a testament to faith and resilience. It offers a serene space for prayer right in the heart of Cebu City.
The Sto. Niu00f1o de Rivaridge Chapel is also known as the Senior Citizens’ Park Chapel. This Roman Catholic chapel is considered an iconic landmark. Some even call it Cebu’s newest attraction since it opened in 2022.
Back in 2012, the city government unveiled the Senior Citizens Park. It sits across from the City Hall executive building and Carbon Market. The park spans over 3,700 square meters.
Cebu2World, a Megawide subsidiary, constructed the Sto. Niu00f1o de Rivaridge Chapel in the middle of the park. It was part of the larger Carbon Modernization Project. The chapel has room for 150 people within its 300 square-meter area.
Originally, the Sto. Niu00f1o de Rivaridge Chapel aimed to be a symbol of prosperity for the New Year. It was scheduled to open just in time for the Sinulog Festival. Yet, after Typhoon Odette’s devastation in December 2021, it became a beacon of hope.
Archbishop Jose Palma blessed the Sto. Niu00f1o de Rivaridge Chapel on Easter Sunday in April 2022.
The Sto. Niu00f1o de Rivaridge Chapel’s wave-like architecture draws inspiration from several sources. It resembles the crown of the Sto. Niu00f1o de Cebu. It also captures the fluidity of the Sinulog dance. The name Cebu itself means waves. The chapel’s design features a round shape with a six-lobed roof that curves like ocean swells.
Megawide also designed the Mactan International Airport Terminal 2. The chapel’s architectural style shares similarities with it.
A 30-foot image of Sto. Niu00f1o de Cebu made of fiberglass resin sits at the center and top of the roof. It faces the Mactan Channel. This placement allows the Son to pay homage to the Mother, Nuestra Seu00f1ora de Regla of Lapu-Lapu City.
The feast of Sto. Niu00f1o de Cebu occurs every January. Sunday mass is celebrated here.
The Sto. Niu00f1o de Rivaridge Chapel stands as a symbol of Cebuano faith. It is also a landmark welcoming visitors to the city. The chapel offers a place for prayer and reflection.