Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Bicol Road Trip 1

It happened last summer when we decided to go on a road trip to Bicol (Bee-col) Region. Commonly known as Bicolandia is located in the southernmost tip of Luzon Island, the largest island in the Philippine archipelago. It can be reached either by plane, bus, train or cars. We chose to take the car so we could do town hopping in the region and visit some interesting places. It was a long drive but my eyes were filled with so many wonderful things as we travel along the road.

The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear Bicol is the majestic Mt. Mayon, the pride of the Bicol region. The picturesque volcano rises 2,462 meters above sea level and can be found in the province of Albay. "Magayon" in Bicolano dialect which means "beauty",  ranks second in the
12 Most Amazing Volcanoes on the Planet because of it's perfectly conical shape. As we travel along the circumference of Mt. Mayon, I noticed that the towns we passed by were gifted with verdant atmosphere as if the place was painted green with all the lush and big trees along the way. The sight of clear skies with soft clouds which sometimes hides the volcano makes a perfect subject of art.

                                                        (Please click image to enlarge)

Mt. Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines having erupted 49 times since records began in 1616. The most destructive recorded eruption was in 1819, when the entire town of Cagsawa was buried under 30 feet of  muds, rocks and volcanic ashes leaving 2,200 dead and only the bell tower of the town church was left standing. I only see this view in postcards, TV programs, books and that time I was speechless. There is the volcano sitting quietly right in front of me, spewing smoke as if watching me gaze.


                                                              (Please click image to enlarge)

The remains of the bell tower in Cagsawa has been the favorite destinations of local and foreign tourists and is always the most photographed structure. Being the foreground of Mt. Mayon it tells a story on how furious this beauty can be to mankind. Before leaving I offered prayers to those who perished and was buried underneath the ground where I am standing.

Thank you for reading.
This is posted for Our World Tuesday and Scenic Weekends!!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Bunga Twin Falls

As I travel in some of the places in Laguna (La-goo-nuh), I was able to  visit Nagcarlan, a town located at the foot of the twin mountains Mt. San Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw. Nagcarlan is gifted with fertile land which is suitable for farming and other agricultural industries, it is also rich in historical and cultural heritage, the climate is favorable and the scenery is pleasing to the eyes, which is why this town is frequently visited by tourists all year round. I have seen the old parish church which dates back  to 17th century and the stylish underground cemetery which has become famous for its architecture and history.

Apart from this structures Nagcarlan has lush forests that keeps pristine body of waters which is visually vivid and pleasing. During summer, the temperature sometimes rose up to 36 degrees centigrade,  a very hot temperature which makes us go and seek cooler places like this. We hired a tricycle to take us to Bunga and asked the driver for directions on how to get to the place.


Careful slippery when wet.

It is just a 15-minute trek downhill from the village, we trod on a short but steep and slippery path and suddenly a loud gush of water, that sounds like music to my ears welcomed us. As I hurriedly walk down the rough road, I saw a natural pool with clear and fresh water flourished with green and thick trees that looks very refreshing to my dehydrated system!

SWIM!
I hurriedly went to find out what is that graceful rapid sound,  I didn't mind the bamboo bridge which harshly squeaked as if it will fall apart as I ran across!

Squeaky bamboo bridge.

And behold! Twin waterfalls boasts in  front of me as if inviting me to come and dive into the natural pool! The Bunga falls is separated by a big rock in the middle which makes the water flow into two identical falls that's why they called it twins! It is named after the "bunga" (betel nut), which used to grow in the area. Legend has it that a creature dwells and snatches newcomers by tugging their feet into10 meters deep pool...scary! I couldn't understand why tourists kept on going onto this enchanting place despite of this urban legend, it could probably be a way to get rid of the undoings of mankind and so as to keep the place secluded, fresh and pure.

Bunga twin falls!

My trip to Nagcarlan was amusing and different, I took a lot of pictures and saved it to my list of unforgettable places, even if it was just for a moment the memories of Bunga Falls will linger in my mind forever.

Thanks for reading.

HOW TO GET THERE?
1. Take a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna in Alabang Provincial Terminal South Station across Star Mall.
2. Get off at Sta. Cruz, Laguna and wait for a jeepney bound for Nagcarlan or Liliw, Laguna.
3. If you will take the jeepney going to Liliw, you have to take another one going to Nagcarlan.
4. When you're in Nagcarlan, you can hire a tricycle to take you to Bunga Twin Falls.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

The Alluring Beauty Of Magdalena


I know nothing about the town of Magdalena, not until we passed by this charmingly simple and peaceful place with a big and neat park in front of an old church which seems to have a lot of stories to tell. The town of Magdalena, by the way is situated in the province of  Laguna (La-goo-nuh), Philippines, a province known for its rich natural resources and just a few hours away from the capital city. Magdalena lies in the foothills of Mt. Banahaw, a mountain considered to be "holy" by pilgrims and mountain climbers. The town is dominated with coconut trees and lush vegetation which makes its landscape more panoramic.

                                                         

The first time I went to Magdalena, I only got the chance to see the parish church while doing the Visita Iglesias (church visit), a Catholic tradition done during Maundy Thursday to say the Way Of The Cross on fourteen churches. The church was built in 1861 through the help of the residents by giving donations for its bricks and other construction materials.The historical church of St. Magdalene is one of the landmark in Magdalena, it stands in the heart of the town proper and across it is the centuries-old town hall which was built in 1884.



We made a quick visit to the town's water dam, it is said that the water comes from Mt. Banahaw and supplies water to Magdalena and nearby towns. I saw children dabbling in its free flowing fresh water and as for me, I just stared at the vast view of heaven, man and earth.




I just can't imagine how many tons of water flows through this water system and how much households it can supply? Unfortunately this water dam was destroyed by a strong typhoon which hit the town few years ago and flooded the town when the water level rose up to where I am standing.


Before leaving the town  and because it's getting late we decided to pass by Magdalena river to catch the sunset and take a rest and enjoy the sound of the water running through pebbles, rocks and for the last but not the least...enjoy the pleasurable time of the golden hour.


Magdalena seems to have a magic spell which makes me recollect and think about its charm. I won't wonder if it has become one of  Philippine cinema's favorite shooting locations. There is something in Magdalena, maybe for some of you, it would rather look so ordinary but for me it's a revel with the physical world!!

Thank you for reading.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The Remarkable Churches of Southern Cebu 2

As promised, I will continue my story about the old churches which I have written last week. Moving on to the southernmost part of Cebu, I have seen more churches built from limestone which is predominant in the island. It was through the influence of Spaniards who brought Christianity to the island and colonized the Philippines for over 300 years that made these historical structures in existence.

  

 Passing through the municipality of Dalaguete (pronounced as Duh-luh-geh-teh), we stopped in front of an old church with an octagonal belfry and simple facade. The chuch is dedicated to St. William Gellone, Duke of Aquitaine, and was constructed in 1802, finished in 1825. I have seen pictures of this church and what made it so special for me was the cloud formations which gives the structure an impression of immortality.


 The interiors of the church is richly accentuated by a retablo in Rococo design with gilded moldings. The four-sided altars have similar elaborate ornamental designs. The church has a barrel ceiling painted with biblical scenes and personalities.



  
The construction of this baroque-rococo church of St. Michael de Archangel in the municipality of Argao, started in 1734 and was completed 1738. It has a resemblance to the church of Dalaguete which I have mentioned ealier.   


 


 The facade is not as simple as the first church in this blog but it is carved elaborately with cherubs and ornamental plants. Right above the main entrance is the Spanish royal seal, an indication that this church like many other churches in the country was built from the funds of the Spanish monarchy. Flowers and cherubim  also decorate the facade and the side entrances.



 The church of Immaculate Conception in the municipality of Oslob has survived three fire incidents in the years 1942, 1955 and the last was in the year 2008 and later parts which were affected by the fire. What was left was the belfry and the main building of the church, the coral stones used for the belfry and the walls were quarried from the seas, cut and polished and placed on top of each other and cemented with ashes of seashells. The construction began in 1830 and was finished in 1848.





 The last church I had visited was the Church of Patrocinio de Maria in the municipality of Boljoon. This is the view of the chuch from the south bend and the Ili Rock, a natural watch tower located at the end of the municipality. 




The church was built in the 18th century by the Augustinian friars, the church and convent still uses clay roof tiles for its roof. The complex was a fortress church. With in the complex are; block house at the front left side of the complex served as a watch tower, a school at the left rear side built in the 1940′s, series of wall ruins, and an 18th century cemetery. Numerous church artifacts are intact. The ceiling painting was done by local painters in the 1920′s. The church walls are made of coral stone. The façade is ornamented with ecclesiastic symbols. 

I know I haven't seen the rest of the heritage churches, I may have visited some of them but I am eager to see more and know their history. I am a Catholic and  it is significant for me to learn about the existence of these churches in our country, I am not a religious person but every time I see old churches standing still for centuries showing strength and faith, it makes me feel so small...there is a something that tells me to come, be grateful and praise the holiness of the structure.

Thank you for reading.

Source:Heritage Conservation Society
            SIMBAHAN
            Cebu Heritage
            Official Website of Dalaguete

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

The Remarkable Churches In Cebu

Everytime I visit a place for the first time I never failed to stop by its churches especially the old ones and take pictures of them. It is so amazing to see old structures standing still in its glory, flaunting their magnificent styles, designs and the stories behind them. Cebu, pronounced as Se-bu, is one of the most developed city situated in the Visayas, Philippines, it is famous for its narrow coastlines, limestones and other natural resources. It can be reached either by a watercraft or an aircraft from the capital city of Manila, Philippines. It was my second visit to Cebu, the last time I went was 10 years ago but I never had the chance to visit the southern part of the island and I never thought that it holds so many treasured structures just waiting to be revisited.

                                                       (Please click image to enlarge)

I seldom see Gothic churches in the Philippines, the only one I saw was in the capital city but not fashioned with coral stones, although I still consider it as one of the most treasured churches in the country. Travelling along the national highway, this white church caught my attention and so we have to stop and get to know this stunning structure. The San Isidro de Labrador Church is located in the quiet little town of San Fernando, Cebu. The church is probably the pride of the town since it attracts tourists due to its flamboyant style accessorized with dainty and colorful flowers in front of it. The construction of the church started in 1870 and was finished after over 10 years in 1870.


                                                        (Please click image to enlarge)

The Santa Catalina Alejandria Parish is located in Carcar, Cebu, it is the second oldest church in Cebu. The  classic Greco-Roman and Muslim inspired church which shows on its two bell towers was constructed 1860 and was finished in 1875. The 138-year old church was undergoing minor construction to maintain its beautifully adorned facade.

                                                      (Please click image to enlarge)

The interiors of the church boasts of its intricate designs thus it has become of the most remarkable church in Cebu. The Moorish architecture was influenced by the belief that the town was once settled by Muslims.


                                                          (Please click image to enlarge)

Another Gothic church we passed by was the Church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza in Sibonga, Cebu. The facade is not elaborately adorned but the simple architecture is a reflection of the lifestyle of the cozy little town of Sibonga. The Neo-Gothic church was built by the Augustinians in 1868 was completed in 1881. There is a well-maintained park with centuries old acacia trees standing in front of the church where locals spend their leisure hours under the shades of these trees.


                                                         (Please click image to enlarge)
The front door of the church was closed but the side doors were left open so I took a peek and I was astounded with the interiors of it! The blending scent of moss and corals cordially greeted me and as I looked up, I was more impressed with the trompe l'oeil paintings on its ceiling depicting biblical characters and scenes. The magnificent artwork were done by a famous Cebuano painter, Raymundo Francia in 1924.

I will be writing the rest of the heritage churches in Southern Cebu in my next blog, for now these will be all. Thank you for dropping by.



Monday, February 25, 2013

Sinulog Festival

It was my first time to see Sinulog Festival in Cebu, Philippines. I never had any idea that I could come and watch this fabulous festival if I haven't been invited by a friend. On the day of the festival I was out as early as 5 o'clock in the morning to take  photos of the participants while they were still preparing and rehearsing their dance steps before the parade. I know I would have a hard time taking photographs of them during the parade, so I took advantage of the capturing them ahead of the said event!

 


Sinulog (pronounced as "See-noo-log") is an annual event held on the third week of January, it's one of the spectacular and grandest festival in the country. A novena is said for nine days before the Grand Sinulog Parade in honor of the miraculous child Infant Jesus. This event is frequently used as basis for most Sinulog dances, which dramatize the coming of the Spaniards and the presentation of the Santo Niño to the Queen. A popular theme among Sinulog dances is Queen Juana holding the Santo Niño in her arms and using it to bless her people who are often afflicted by sickness caused by demons and other evil spirits.





Participants in the said events wore elaborately adorned costumes as they danced to beat of gongs, trumpetsand drums with their customary Sinulog dance moves described as backward and forward movements which is correlated to water current movement wherein the word Sinulog was derived. Sulog (soo-log) in the Cebuano dialect means "water current movement"





Streets were filled up with people rushing to witness the event, food vendors were everywhere, street parties were held in every corner of the city, and photographers were all eager to take pictures of the participants wearing those elaborately adorned costumes.



 
It was one of the most unforgettable festivities I've ever been, the atmosphere was delightful with all those people smiling and dancing to the beat of the drums, gongs and trumpets while shouting "Viva Pit Senyor"!! A chant which means "Sangpit sa Senyor (Call to Senyor), referring to the Infant Child Jesus. 



Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The Quest To The Last Frontier 2

I'm back to blogging. I know I've neglected my blog for the past weeks, but anyway I'll continue my story about my travel in Palawan.



Honda Bay is the gateway to the different islands like the Pandan Island, Snake Island, Starfish Island, Dos Palmas, Luli Island and more. Our second day in Palawan was better because it wasn't raining hard anymore, although it's partly cloudy during the island hopping, the sea wasn't that rough at all and the sun cooperated as the ferry boat took us to our island destinations.





First stop is the Pandan Island, it is called Pandan Island because of the abundance of pandan trees in the area. The sand is powdery pinkish, not as white as the Boracay sands, but it doesn't matter, as long as the water is transparent, the scenery is panoramic, the difference wont be a big deal. Picnic huts are  around where visitors could stay and eat, snorkeling and fish feeding are...let's say the most unforgettable and thrilling experience I had in Palawan. And WOW! I was astounded by the large group of fish that followed me while I break the bread bit by bit, they swarmed the bread! There were striped black and green parrot fish here, striped blue and black parrot fish there, clown fish over there, a school of jackfish gliding underwater in circles The exhibit of colorful corals underneath matched well with the swaying of the green seaweeds. . . and it was a fantastic view under the sea!!
 




We ate lunch after the fish feeding and took a quick rest and off we went to Snake Island. The first time I heard of Snake Island I got scared, thinking that the island might be inhabited by snakes, but it is  because of it's serpent-like sandbar! We fed fishes there too, took some photos of the mangroves in which the island is very rich with, and later on...sunbathe. Fishing is restricted in that area, same in Pandan Island and other islands.






The next and last island to explore is the Starfish Island, and I bet  you already know why it's called Starfish Island. Correct! I wont type it anymore. There were big starfishes along the coast, at first, I thought they're fake but as we walk along the coast, I saw several of them and they're moving! I didn't touch them, cos it might bite, and I didn't take a dip in the water again cos my skin was itchy, sticky and burnt.

 


Oh well,  it was almost late in the afternon and time to get in the boat again and sail back to Honday Bay, we passed by an island called the Luli Island, and do you know why it is called Luli Island? I thought it was named after the former President's daughter but it wasn't. . .it is called Luli Island because its "lulubog liltaw" (it sinks and appears), and it's a funny name for an island. 


The island hopping tour is an unforgettable experience although I've done it a couple of times, it's my first time to swim in the sea with my feet not touching the sands underneath, and be followed by fishes, haven't done that before!

Taking a tour package is recommended when visiting interesting places in Palawan, you need not worry about the entrance fees, the transfer rides, and the food. It's a bit expensive, but it's all worth it! You can't be closer to Mother Nature all the time, so why hesitate spending a little for it.


This is posted for Scenic Weekends!!
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