tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68790477784333658542012-06-24T19:20:23.806+08:00Scorpio's SojournsAriel Alexisnoreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879047778433365854.post-48530473984755254092012-05-27T13:00:00.000+08:002012-06-24T17:27:57.961+08:002012-06-24T17:27:57.961+08:00Tantalized by Talikud<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">antalizing </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">— something tangible and desirable that teases
the imagination yet so unreachable. That’s how I’d describe this place I’ve
visited twice before, first, in 1994 and again, in 2007. It’s truly one of
those so-near-yet-so-far destinations which I’ve been wanting to revisit but
didn’t have the chance to do so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">Talikud seemed so elusive that’s why I’ve long shelved my
plans of going there again. Fortunately, the idea of spending a weekend in the
island popped up in one of the reunion meetings I’ve been attending with high
</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">school buddies. My heart wanted to explode with excitement! Yes, I’ll be seeing
Talikud again!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So far, I’ve only been to two of its beaches, Babu Santa and
Isla Reta, where I spent wonderful times with some special people in my life
before. So, the chance to relive those great moments there simply thrilled me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">As expected, the third visit really turned out to be such a
blast! </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">Our small group which included </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">Esme, Luz, Junnix, Mike, Albert, Bong and this blogger, along with some family members, headed for a private resort in the island.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">Thanks to one kindhearted soul, Junnix, who moved heaven and
earth to make our end-of-summer, pre-grand reunion island escapade possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, where in the world is Talikud? For the benefit of those
who haven’t been there, the little known hideaway is located just off the
southwestern coast of nearby Samal Island and about an hour’s boat ride from
Davao City. And what’s so hot about it? Well, it happens to have at least two
of the best world-class diving spots in this part of the country, namely,
Mansud Wall and Coral Gardens, which would probably tickle the imagination of
those fond of diving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Add to that the many stretches of palm-fringed, white-sand
beaches dotting its coastlines as well as the mysterious caverns found there,
all waiting to awe intrepid tourists who yearn for unusual island adventures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Visitors
will surely have a field day indulging in a wide variety of activities in the
island: scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, island hopping, camping and the
like. I’m sure that with these tantalizing treats, Talikud will soon be coming
out of the shadows of its bigger neighbor as it tantalizes more people,
prompting them to come to its shores. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">So, peeps, what are you waiting for? Grab those bags and head for the island. </span><br />
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<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6c397HEo2A/T-Wfrx6Tc0I/AAAAAAAAAJM/O6m5q0sTzWQ/s1600/DSC_8649b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
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</tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6879047778433365854-4853047398475525409?l=arnobs2012.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ariel Alexisnoreply@blogger.com0Davao City, Philippines7.190708 125.4553416.938649 125.13948400000001 7.442767 125.771198tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879047778433365854.post-54959350346621697992011-01-11T19:45:00.000+08:002012-06-24T15:43:18.132+08:002012-06-24T15:43:18.132+08:00Zooming In On Zamboanga<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkaxofTx_CE/T-arfYXdb3I/AAAAAAAAAWI/3D43Qybl_sc/s1600/IMG_2380b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkaxofTx_CE/T-arfYXdb3I/AAAAAAAAAWI/3D43Qybl_sc/s320/IMG_2380b.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Bienvenidos</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">From
the time you see this word printed on a large billboard at the airport
terminal's main building, you realize you're just a few steps away from
exploring one of the Philippines' oldest cities, a place that's blessed with a
rich historical and cultural heritage quite unlike any other. And that’s none
other than Zamboanga, dubbed by its drumbeaters as Asia’s Latin City.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAbNBav94No/T-aytHxh1yI/AAAAAAAAAXs/30VQ-pKh7iU/s1600/IMG_2566b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAbNBav94No/T-aytHxh1yI/AAAAAAAAAXs/30VQ-pKh7iU/s200/IMG_2566b.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">I
guess the tagline’s no exaggeration. For there indeed is a delightful slice of
the Spanish heartland’s fervor and flamboyance right smack in the western tip
of Mindanao. And nowhere in the country could you find the legacy of Spain’s
more than 300-year reign so deeply ingrained than in Zamboanga, whose name was
derived from the Malay word jambangan, a "place of flowers".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfQi1kPIhQI/T-awJ2zQV9I/AAAAAAAAAXA/LHWgonln2pw/s1600/IMG_2361b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfQi1kPIhQI/T-awJ2zQV9I/AAAAAAAAAXA/LHWgonln2pw/s320/IMG_2361b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s
a legacy that’s intricately woven into the Hispanic architecture of old houses
and buildings, in the formidable walls of historic Fort Pilar and its shrine,
in the aristocratic mien of the Zamboangueños, and, of course, in that lyrical
lingua franca, Chavacano, which is an interesting potpourri of Spanish,
Tagalog, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Tausug, and other Pinoy dialects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For
history buffs like me who want to travel back to the days of Spanish
Philippines, Zamboanga is definitely the place to be. Just listening to the
locals speak Chavacano truly made me feel like I was either in Spain, Mexico,
Argentina or some other Latin American country. And after zooming in on her
breathtaking scenery, feasting on her delectable cuisine, and touching base
with her people, this incorrigible viajero felt as if he had traveled to a
distinctively unique corner of the world. Truly, Zamboanga rocks!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8FtD8pxOxA/T-auo2l5t_I/AAAAAAAAAWk/kCLHVMt7ci8/s1600/IMG_2115b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8FtD8pxOxA/T-auo2l5t_I/AAAAAAAAAWk/kCLHVMt7ci8/s320/IMG_2115b.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">But
I must admit that this wasn’t exactly my initial impression of the city. Time
was when she struck me as some highly volatile danger zone that serves as crime
laboratory for terrorists, extremists and their ilk. I also thought then that
anyone who went to that place ran the risk of being kidnapped by the dreaded
Abu Sayyaf.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHEaHxsqA5k/T-au8CLjbyI/AAAAAAAAAWs/T6iC22y8dP4/s1600/IMG_2218b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHEaHxsqA5k/T-au8CLjbyI/AAAAAAAAAWs/T6iC22y8dP4/s200/IMG_2218b.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Can’t
blame me (and many others) for thinking that way. Bad — and, if I may add, irresponsible — press has
a way of shaping the way we sometimes view people, events and places. My short
but sweet visit to the City of Flowers, however, changed all that. Now, I look
at Zamboanga more positively, that is, as one of the country’s most charming,
fastest-growing and worth visiting metropolises, offering tourists a number of
surprises that wouldn’t give them any reason to get bored while they’re there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZEjOQNN93E/T-a0O5Am1GI/AAAAAAAAAYI/2WNClau-AcE/s1600/IMG_2613b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZEjOQNN93E/T-a0O5Am1GI/AAAAAAAAAYI/2WNClau-AcE/s320/IMG_2613b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Indeed,
Asia’s Latin City is <i>muy fabulosa</i>! So, for <i>extranjeros</i> out there who want to
know what’s in store for them if they visit our Little Spain, here are some
activities you’d most likely enjoy pursuing:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZK_fnbo_Ro/T-aznq7YKLI/AAAAAAAAAX8/N6L-Kpnw6j4/s1600/IMG_2603b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZK_fnbo_Ro/T-aznq7YKLI/AAAAAAAAAX8/N6L-Kpnw6j4/s200/IMG_2603b.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Stroll
</b>around town. A good starting point would be Paseo del Mar. By day, this sprawling
seaside promenade (which struck me as Zamboanga’s version of Manila’s Baywalk)
offers stunning vistas of the city’s awesome seascape. It’s best to visit the
park in the mid or late afternoons so you can catch a panoramic glimpse of
Basilan and the two Santa Cruz islands. Not to be missed also is the fabulous
Zamboanga sunset which can give the more world-renowned one at Manila Bay some
serious competition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gfwpXQGQtc/T-a6Npi5DfI/AAAAAAAAAY8/ZtjeE555S0U/s1600/IMG_2342b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gfwpXQGQtc/T-a6Npi5DfI/AAAAAAAAAY8/ZtjeE555S0U/s320/IMG_2342b.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">At
night, Paseo sizzles with activity as huge crowds of locals and tourists flock
to the numerous food stalls and shops which offer a variety of cuisine as well
as live entertainment. Other interesting places worth checking out are Plaza
Pershing, the century-old City Hall building with its vintage architecture and
the adjacent Plaza Rizal where a monument of the national hero is prominently
displayed.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBTzUetAU0Y/T-avplS3IUI/AAAAAAAAAW0/KYscooGxinA/s1600/IMG_2348b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBTzUetAU0Y/T-avplS3IUI/AAAAAAAAAW0/KYscooGxinA/s200/IMG_2348b.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Lying
a few kilometers away from the pueblo (downtown), Pasonanca Watershed Park is
another distinctive tourist landmark in the city. Considered as the only one of
its kind in the country, the park, which is gently traversed by a stream, teems
with trees, flowering plants, ferns, shrubs and various species of orchids. In
the middle of it all is the iconic tree house, which used to be so famous some
three to four decades ago such that the city became synonymous with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqL3ZvUcMb8/T-a4Lmlfa4I/AAAAAAAAAY0/YnHtKJatozk/s1600/IMG_2475b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqL3ZvUcMb8/T-a4Lmlfa4I/AAAAAAAAAY0/YnHtKJatozk/s320/IMG_2475b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Through
the years, however, Pasonanca has evolved into a huge park complex with three
natural swimming pools, a floral garden, an aviary, and a butterfly farm.
Around the watershed are several dining and entertainment establishments. A full
day would be required to explore the whole complex.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Search</b>
for interesting facts about the city’s Hispanic past. Perhaps the best place to
learn more about Zamboanga’s history during the Spanish era would be Fort
Pilar, the old fortress located near Paseo del Mar, which has been converted
into a branch of the country’s National Museum. This museum displays a vast
collection of ethnographic materials of various tribes, colorful blankets and
clothes, hats, back-strap weaving loom, model houses, musical instruments,
houseboats, fishing tools and household items, among others.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKsCxhrNDe0/T-a9AkPSKWI/AAAAAAAAAZU/ZNo03Ge-eDk/s1600/IMG_2465b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKsCxhrNDe0/T-a9AkPSKWI/AAAAAAAAAZU/ZNo03Ge-eDk/s200/IMG_2465b.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Zamboanga’s
answer to Manila’s Intramuros, Fort Pilar is officially called Real Fuerza de
Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Royal Force of Our Lady of the Pillar of
Zaragoza). Attacked by the Dutch, stormed by the Moros, cannonaded by the
British, occupied by the Americans and seized by the Japanese, the nearly
400-year old impregnable fortress has survived time and the elements. Today, an
open-air shrine adjacent to the fort has been erected in honor of the
miraculous Our Lady of the Pillar, the city’s patron saint. Sunday masses are
being held in this Marian shrine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MwM98sxMQBk/T-a3irnqljI/AAAAAAAAAYs/xLlifeiFVEo/s1600/IMG_2431b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MwM98sxMQBk/T-a3irnqljI/AAAAAAAAAYs/xLlifeiFVEo/s320/IMG_2431b.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Supplicate</b>
in churches and mosques. Like a few other cities in Mindanao, Zamboanga is a
melting pot of various spiritual beliefs and traditions. Hence, one can find a
number of churches and mosques dotting the city’s landscape. For Christians,
there’s the city’s Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, one of
the modern churches in Mindanao. At first blush, I thought the cathedral was a
newly constructed shopping mall because of its sheer size and modern
architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Meanwhile,
Islam’s worshippers can also visit the mosque in the village of Taluksangay,
which is probably one of the most beautiful in the entire island.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-SPIYNgZyQ/T-atb_JUrBI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/Eo08v256xLM/s1600/DSC00889b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-SPIYNgZyQ/T-atb_JUrBI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/Eo08v256xLM/s320/DSC00889b.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Shop</b>
till you drop at the barter center. Time was when the "barter" system
was very much alive in Zamboanga, especially during the Marcos years but this
came to an end with the former regime’s ouster. However, one can still find
tax-free products from Indonesia and Malaysia being sold at cheap prices in
various places in the city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Canelar
Barter Center is one of the more popular sites frequented by tourists looking
for pasalubong such as t-shirts, dresses, shawls, pants, towels, canned goods,
chocolates, biscuits, sotanghon and other goodies. Since it is a tiangge, I
took every opportunity to haggle to the max with the Muslim traders just to get
the best bargains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OexCYoNBFKQ/T-a_9yNWvEI/AAAAAAAAAZo/s1zUWbcN-ZQ/s1600/IMG_2160b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OexCYoNBFKQ/T-a_9yNWvEI/AAAAAAAAAZo/s1zUWbcN-ZQ/s320/IMG_2160b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Sup
and sip</b>. When it comes to seafood, Zamboanga offers some of most delectable
cuisine this side of the country. Curacha, a unique sea crab species inhabiting
Zamboanga’s waters, is one dish that foodies shouldn’t dare miss. One of the
city’s famous restaurants, Alavar Seafood House, offers the tastiest curacha in
town. Worth trying also are the Zamboangueños’ version of yummy Spanish dishes
like callos and paella. Other culinary delights can also be savored at Haisan,
Café del Sol, New Country Chicken House, Palmeras, among others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xh0hbq7vlfU/T-azL7xtvfI/AAAAAAAAAX0/lLFyPZ0YILI/s1600/IMG_2589b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xh0hbq7vlfU/T-azL7xtvfI/AAAAAAAAAX0/lLFyPZ0YILI/s320/IMG_2589b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And
for those who think that the City of Flowers has no nightlife, why not head for
Talisay Bar at Lantaka Hotel by the Sea, La Vista del Mar and other newer
establishments for a sip of your favorite booze? Also, never miss trying a
glass of Zamboanga White, a creamy concoction of lychee juice and vanilla ice
cream, which is named after a breed of cockfighting rooster native to the city.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Swim
and snorkel</b> in the city’s fine beaches, particularly those at the twin islands
of Great and Little Santa Cruz, which I didn’t have time to explore. Visible
from Paseo del Mar, the larger one boasts of a pink-sand beach and a sandbar
while the smaller one has a white-sand beach that’s ideal for diving. Almost
deserted, there are no hotels, restaurants, and resorts in these islands. A
trip there has to be arranged in advance with the Department of Tourism (DOT).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3mkeOx5jDU/T-axwvw-sVI/AAAAAAAAAXY/16KkrLEcwAM/s1600/IMG_2515b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3mkeOx5jDU/T-axwvw-sVI/AAAAAAAAAXY/16KkrLEcwAM/s200/IMG_2515b.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">After
trying all these things, I bet you’ll agree with me that Zamboanga is probably
the closest that less fortunate souls like us who can’t afford a trip abroad
can get to old España. So, if given another chance, I’d really love to come
back. <i>Por eso, vamos a Zamboanga</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial;">More pics:</b></div>
<br />
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-ikrsbhgRE/T-awxne0SOI/AAAAAAAAAXI/XtTuMPtSMzA/s1600/IMG_2391b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-ikrsbhgRE/T-awxne0SOI/AAAAAAAAAXI/XtTuMPtSMzA/s1600/IMG_2391b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OShtAwCltUk/T-axQZfC95I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/xbe58rcgliQ/s1600/IMG_2486b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OShtAwCltUk/T-axQZfC95I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/xbe58rcgliQ/s1600/IMG_2486b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3WhJ_IhiHs/T-ayL0m89RI/AAAAAAAAAXk/VoVFA13dkeM/s1600/IMG_2524b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3WhJ_IhiHs/T-ayL0m89RI/AAAAAAAAAXk/VoVFA13dkeM/s1600/IMG_2524b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tbody>
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<td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-An9wU8ApPyc/T-a04kiU9oI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/krfEssAj0e0/s1600/IMG_2614b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-An9wU8ApPyc/T-a04kiU9oI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/krfEssAj0e0/s1600/IMG_2614b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPk2OMtVIG4/T-a1LS0OU2I/AAAAAAAAAYY/fVBs0kQil44/s1600/IMG_2629b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPk2OMtVIG4/T-a1LS0OU2I/AAAAAAAAAYY/fVBs0kQil44/s1600/IMG_2629b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-L81R4SmLc/T-a1uaqIw_I/AAAAAAAAAYg/fPgpYLWvb0Y/s1600/IMG_2646b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-L81R4SmLc/T-a1uaqIw_I/AAAAAAAAAYg/fPgpYLWvb0Y/s1600/IMG_2646b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6879047778433365854-5495935034662169799?l=arnobs2012.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ariel Alexisnoreply@blogger.com0Davao City, Philippines7.190708 125.4553416.938649 125.13948400000001 7.442767 125.771198tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879047778433365854.post-3325643145351540942010-06-26T11:22:00.000+08:002012-06-24T18:03:12.076+08:002012-06-24T18:03:12.076+08:00Sliding Above Lake Sebu’s Seven Falls<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQAAcbrwEwM/T-bVsEurWvI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/WOTFihgkLCg/s1600/IMG_9281b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQAAcbrwEwM/T-bVsEurWvI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/WOTFihgkLCg/s400/IMG_9281b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I’d been raring to do it for the
longest time. But something often got in the way of my best-laid plans in the
past. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Recently, in one blink of an eye,
the moment I’ve long been waiting for was suddenly unfolding before me. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">With quiet aplomb, I climbed a
short stairway leading to a steel platform where I will be taking off for what
would eventually become the reality of a flight of fancy. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">But I wasn’t taking
that helluva “death slide” alone; I was about to fly with a fellow travel
photography buff, Leo, who, I think, must have done it a number of times in the
past. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Before our turn at the zip line
came, there were several other tourists who’ve already crossed the deep, wide
chasm between the stage where we stood and the other end of the line. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xr5tFt3fbtk/T-bQY9fjqGI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/NFbh14iEGrs/s1600/IMG_9243b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xr5tFt3fbtk/T-bQY9fjqGI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/NFbh14iEGrs/s320/IMG_9243b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stepping
into the platform, my zip buddy and I were geared up by the crew with some kind
of protective suit. Then they attached our harnesses to the cable. To prepare
us for our flight, one of the staff kept telling us to relax and enjoy the
ride. Quickly, I held on to my digital camera, which was strapped around my
neck, and touched the red button to start recording what was to become my first
zip line experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTOXVsV5aPw/T-bT9eKn8-I/AAAAAAAAAas/V3ab9dkrgpk/s1600/IMG_9180b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTOXVsV5aPw/T-bT9eKn8-I/AAAAAAAAAas/V3ab9dkrgpk/s200/IMG_9180b.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The two of us were part of the 60-plus entourage who came all the way from Davao City just to experience the “death slide” up in the highlands of Lake Sebu. Leaving the city in the wee hours of the morning, the bus carrying our boisterous group reached the heartland of the T’bolis at about 7:00 in the morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXqlKrGUDD8/T-bVH2DS25I/AAAAAAAAAbI/DcPHl0QOr84/s1600/IMG_9269b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXqlKrGUDD8/T-bVH2DS25I/AAAAAAAAAbI/DcPHl0QOr84/s200/IMG_9269b.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We then proceeded to Lake Lahit, one of the three bodies of freshwater dotting the municipality that’s known as South Cotabato’s summer capital. There, our group had a hearty breakfast of fried <i>tilapia</i>, scrambled eggs, and piping hot rice at one of the lakeside eateries along the highway.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZc_RJlBNZQ/T-bU9zERtnI/AAAAAAAAAbA/KU1SEWxp7jo/s1600/IMG_9236b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZc_RJlBNZQ/T-bU9zERtnI/AAAAAAAAAbA/KU1SEWxp7jo/s320/IMG_9236b.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After eating, we negotiated for a <i>habal-habal</i> (which accommodated only two passengers per ride) that would take us to Falls 1, the first of seven magnificent cascades that’s been charming Lake Sebu’s visitors. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Warning: the <i>habal-habal</i> ride isn’t for the fainthearted. It would be best for those with motion sickness who want to go there to just hike for a kilometer to get to the first falls. For there was a whiff of danger every step of the way as we raced through the winding stretch. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTurFEaU-3s/T-bRd2Qsb4I/AAAAAAAAAaU/oN7dWe2lOeU/s1600/IMG_9273b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTurFEaU-3s/T-bRd2Qsb4I/AAAAAAAAAaU/oN7dWe2lOeU/s320/IMG_9273b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There can be no margin for error. One wrong maneuver of the driver over the muddy path could send everyone tumbling down to — heaven forbid! — a fatal crash into the ravine. But it’s the peril and suspense that spiced up that trek of mine into the first of the seven cascades. Good thing, our driver knew his way around that serpentine dirt road. Otherwise…</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uaUhXyMrRlM/T-bQnlsBS8I/AAAAAAAAAaI/PZajG6j5xsk/s1600/IMG_9250b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uaUhXyMrRlM/T-bQnlsBS8I/AAAAAAAAAaI/PZajG6j5xsk/s200/IMG_9250b.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was beginning to enjoy the lush scenery when the thriller of a commute suddenly ended as we reached a sprawling vacant lot where a number of motorcycles and other vehicles were parked. From there, we hiked towards Falls 1 where we had a grand time snapping ourselves and taking in the beauty of the breathtaking cascade. After seeing enough of the first falls, we hiked towards the staging area of the first zip line where I had my daredevil ride. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4IPADJb3VKA/T-bR9mkRH-I/AAAAAAAAAak/V6-LkkucPMU/s1600/weng's_pic01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4IPADJb3VKA/T-bR9mkRH-I/AAAAAAAAAak/V6-LkkucPMU/s320/weng's_pic01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">pic courtesy of E. Gales</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“On the count of three, sirs…one, two, three!” the staffer barked as he released the harnesses that held together two devil-may-care shutter guys whose hearts were almost bursting with hysteria as they slipped into their mid-air adventure. Geez, this is it! I thought as I felt the cool breeze brushing against my face. Before I could say anything, there we were, speeding at 120 kph into the other end of the 700-meter zip line. “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!,” I roared endlessly as we dashed at breakneck speed from the foliage-covered ravine into the great divide. I held my camera tightly for fear that it would escape my grip and fall into the 700-feet deep expanse underneath us. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IO97EtDXWQ/T-beDoGRkcI/AAAAAAAAAcc/0Txn72tGfGU/s1600/DSC_3404b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IO97EtDXWQ/T-beDoGRkcI/AAAAAAAAAcc/0Txn72tGfGU/s320/DSC_3404b.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we zoomed up in the air, I sensed the surge of adrenaline pumping into my bloodstream. I felt my heart skip a beat, my pulse quicken, my spirit teeter with tension as we darted past the picturesque vista below us. Less than 40 seconds later, we slowed down, reached the drop zone and then ground to a halt. The crew then rushed and helped us get out of our suits and harnesses. In one fell swoop, my spellbinding flight of fancy was over. But that was just the first one. We still had to conquer another “death slide”, albeit a much shorter one — 300 meters, if I’m not mistaken — which lasted for about 20 seconds.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcJLEGslqjw/T-biNzT13gI/AAAAAAAAAcw/GzSsTHZ892g/s1600/DSC_3374b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcJLEGslqjw/T-biNzT13gI/AAAAAAAAAcw/GzSsTHZ892g/s320/DSC_3374b.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the speed we were doing the second zip, I hardly caught a glimpse of the breathtaking charms of Falls 3, 4 and 5 hundreds of feet below us. Later, I just took some distant shots at those three cascades for posterity's sake. Since reaching them entailed trekking for almost an hour, I also passed up the chance to see Falls 6 and 7. Instead, I joined most of my fellow zippers who lingered at Falls 2, talking about our experiences at the zip line while basking in the beauty of the lush surroundings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never mind if I didn’t get to see the five other cascades up close and personal, I thought. For it’s the zip wire odyssey that really counted the most. It was a fantasy fulfilled for this incorrigible thrill-seeker, a rare opportunity to upsize my sense of self and push my personal boundaries to the max. It was an exhilarating joy ride that gave me a wispy but gripping aftertaste of life on the edge.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4v_OqAHQIwY/T-bR6fEzrUI/AAAAAAAAAac/GOf5GNR2bmk/s1600/IMG_9301c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4v_OqAHQIwY/T-bR6fEzrUI/AAAAAAAAAac/GOf5GNR2bmk/s320/IMG_9301c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organized by RTours, a group of Davao-based travel aficionados, the zip line adventure we had in Lake Sebu has become one of the many reasons why throngs of tourists these days are heading towards that part of Mindanao for some adrenaline rush. In different parts of the island, a number of such attractions have sprouted overnight in response to the growing demand for extreme forms of adventure. But I think Lake Sebu’s thrill rides are a cut above the rest. I guess nothing beats the magnificent views that await those who zip there, most especially the town’s awe-inspiring Seven Falls. </span></div>
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<img alt="pic name" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42p37u8sBk8/T-bWYljmx0I/AAAAAAAAAbY/WEwfeNtb_lA/s1600/IMG_9306b.JPG" width="120" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x99ExP-isOE/T-bXKvKaBzI/AAAAAAAAAbk/OaFHlzQdwns/s1600/IMG_9320b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x99ExP-isOE/T-bXKvKaBzI/AAAAAAAAAbk/OaFHlzQdwns/s1600/IMG_9320b.JPG" width="120" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cujiLh_oYe8/T-bXgFOZkjI/AAAAAAAAAbs/pcxKQ9VLJlc/s1600/IMG_9330b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cujiLh_oYe8/T-bXgFOZkjI/AAAAAAAAAbs/pcxKQ9VLJlc/s1600/IMG_9330b.JPG" width="120" /></a></td>
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</tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6879047778433365854-332564314535154094?l=arnobs2012.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ariel Alexisnoreply@blogger.com0Davao City, Philippines7.190708 125.4553416.9385845 125.13948400000001 7.4428315 125.771198tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879047778433365854.post-84604212789857810732009-05-15T21:59:00.000+08:002012-06-24T15:47:00.419+08:002012-06-24T15:47:00.419+08:00White Island: Camiguin’s Spectacular Sandbar<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9uYTunkCC4/T-XNucOn5ZI/AAAAAAAAAL8/uruanLq_Mxk/s1600/IMG_4691b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9uYTunkCC4/T-XNucOn5ZI/AAAAAAAAAL8/uruanLq_Mxk/s400/IMG_4691b.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">If there’s something that could be considered as the crowning glory of my recent trip to Camiguin, that would be</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;"> </span><st1:placename style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;" w:st="on">White</st1:placename><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;"> </span><st1:placetype style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;" w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">, an immaculate sandbar off the coast of</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;"> </span><st1:place style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;" w:st="on">Mambajao</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">. Disappearing at high tide and then reappearing at low tide, the shoal can be reached via a 10-minute pump boat ride from Yumbing’s shores. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">Before the break of dawn, my coworkers and I went to the sandbar since the waters are calmer at that hour. </span><st1:place style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">White</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"> enthralled me the moment my beach-hungry feet touched its powdery sands. It was absolutely c</span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">hada</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">, or</span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"> </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">beautiful in the vernacular. And I kept wondering why it took me so long to go to that slice of heaven on earth. Not wanting to lose to oblivion my memories of our moments there, I snapped all over the place to capture the best angles I could take of the spectacular shoal, which, on that day, took the shape of the letter C, as in Camiguin!</span><br />
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<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcARGCnlDsI/T-XMtg_OajI/AAAAAAAAALI/ucm5AfBqnug/s1600/IMG_4671b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a "="" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7E-ycmH8tk/T-XMy9G72KI/AAAAAAAAALQ/KgG6LBmoX-I/s1600/IMG_4676b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img "="" alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7E-ycmH8tk/T-XMy9G72KI/AAAAAAAAALQ/KgG6LBmoX-I/s1600/IMG_4676b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKeHM3f2ufg/T-XM24ow11I/AAAAAAAAALY/T7fa1jL1aps/s1600/IMG_4679b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKeHM3f2ufg/T-XM24ow11I/AAAAAAAAALY/T7fa1jL1aps/s1600/IMG_4679b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
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<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MgUD-W8f534/T-XM88bTJEI/AAAAAAAAALg/_5SKXvZefMU/s1600/IMG_4683b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MgUD-W8f534/T-XM88bTJEI/AAAAAAAAALg/_5SKXvZefMU/s1600/IMG_4683b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef8-7fbjEtE/T-XNBnVR-DI/AAAAAAAAALo/PTW-57cyc3U/s1600/IMG_4690b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef8-7fbjEtE/T-XNBnVR-DI/AAAAAAAAALo/PTW-57cyc3U/s1600/IMG_4690b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJUh-F5xDKc/T-XNVpS7NrI/AAAAAAAAAL0/lWhYdVRLnu4/s1600/DSC01178b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJUh-F5xDKc/T-XNVpS7NrI/AAAAAAAAAL0/lWhYdVRLnu4/s1600/DSC01178b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
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</tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6879047778433365854-8460421278985781073?l=arnobs2012.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ariel Alexisnoreply@blogger.com0Davao City, Philippines7.177200757107756 125.45837402343756.925095257107756 125.1425170234375 7.429306257107756 125.7742310234375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879047778433365854.post-6537616624422082232009-05-14T23:30:00.000+08:002012-06-24T09:45:27.088+08:002012-06-24T09:45:27.088+08:00Camiguin: Killing Time at Katibawasan Falls<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJFMCOrBTDU/T-X0Ht4bJiI/AAAAAAAAAN8/lvVyEU_7k7I/s1600/IMG_4541b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJFMCOrBTDU/T-X0Ht4bJiI/AAAAAAAAAN8/lvVyEU_7k7I/s400/IMG_4541b.JPG" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Deep
in the lush forests of Camiguin, five kilometers southeast of its capital town,
nestles an enchanting hideaway for those who want to be pampered by nature's
comforting embrace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Right
smack at the foot of <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Timpoong</st1:placename>, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Katibawasan</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Falls</st1:placetype></st1:place> is one of the
island province’s prime attractions that draw in hordes of tourists who either
want to gaze at the spectacular cascade, take snaps of its natural allure or
plunge into the refreshing waters of its pool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Before
coming to Camiguin, my colleagues and I included the falls in our itinerary of
must-sees in the island. To our delight, it was on top of the list of sights
that our tour organizers had arranged for us. Right after lunch, we immediately
prepared ourselves for the afternoon frolic to the falls as well as the other
scenic attractions of the island.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkhbspbZbg0/T-XzZxI6fiI/AAAAAAAAANw/JbxFEoRVVOQ/s1600/IMG_4544b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkhbspbZbg0/T-XzZxI6fiI/AAAAAAAAANw/JbxFEoRVVOQ/s200/IMG_4544b.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Along
with other tourists gathered at Villa Paraiso Hotel, we hopped into one of the
vans that shuttled us to the cascade. After a few minutes of winding through
Camiguin's well-paved highway and entering its verdant woodlands, we reached
the narrow dirt road that leads to the falls. At the entrance, we heard the
thunderous rush of falling water, which whetted my desire to see the gushing
spectacle that’s only a few meters away from where we parked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Together
with other people, I hiked into a clearing teeming with hawker stalls selling
various souvenir items. Some of my colleagues got hooked with the colorful
merchandise on display so they lingered there. I moved on and met the tourist
spot's hairy receptionist — a little monkey tied to a tree who behaved for a
snap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wm46Cs5lTUA/T-X1QUxPvFI/AAAAAAAAAOE/tlbbSAfp74c/s1600/IMG_4547b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4q90U-G0T8/T-X5cFy-kdI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/SP7rAoOnmik/s1600/IMG_4542b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4q90U-G0T8/T-X5cFy-kdI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/SP7rAoOnmik/s200/IMG_4542b.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VopWWU37fK8/T-Zu0FPE2EI/AAAAAAAAAQg/TG2-LYIUBZM/s1600/IMG_4539b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VopWWU37fK8/T-Zu0FPE2EI/AAAAAAAAAQg/TG2-LYIUBZM/s200/IMG_4539b.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Walking
further, I found myself dwarfed by towering trees, lush shrubs, vines and
flowering plants and then finally caught a glimpse of what we came for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Seen
from where I stood, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Katibawasan</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Falls</st1:placetype></st1:place> looked so surreal;
it was such a sight to behold. I was instantly awed by its more than 70-meter slim
drop that headed straight into a lagoon where several people were having a
great time swimming in the ice-cold turquoise waters. To get a closer view, I
followed a group of youngsters who went down through a concrete staircase that
led to a viewing deck, which the local government had built to make the descent
more convenient for visitors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wm46Cs5lTUA/T-X1QUxPvFI/AAAAAAAAAOE/tlbbSAfp74c/s1600/IMG_4547b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wm46Cs5lTUA/T-X1QUxPvFI/AAAAAAAAAOE/tlbbSAfp74c/s200/IMG_4547b.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Staring
at the falls from the viewing deck, I felt caught in a time warp; it seemed as
if the minutes moved in slow motion as we kept snapping at ourselves with the
cascade as backdrop. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Katibawasan</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Falls</st1:placetype></st1:place> was so spellbinding
you could hardly notice the passage of time. We’ve been there for almost an
hour but it felt as if it’s only seconds. What a way to kill time!<b><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6879047778433365854-653761662442208223?l=arnobs2012.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ariel Alexisnoreply@blogger.com0Davao City, Philippines7.190708 125.4553416.938649 125.13948400000001 7.442767 125.771198tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879047778433365854.post-64445898074222028002009-05-14T14:30:00.000+08:002012-06-24T16:08:04.492+08:002012-06-24T16:08:04.492+08:00Camiguin: Island Born of Fire<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQjEvm-q8iE/T-V5CZeUFoI/AAAAAAAAAFA/6emF_OIvZts/s1600/DSC01166b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQjEvm-q8iE/T-V5CZeUFoI/AAAAAAAAAFA/6emF_OIvZts/s320/DSC01166b.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A glimpse at Mt. Hibok-Hibok from White Island <br />(pic courtesy of A. Cabamungan)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">For
years, I've been fascinated by Camiguin, the tiny pear-shaped island off the
coast of Northern Mindanao, because of the many interesting stories I’ve heard
from people who’ve seen its lush, virginal beauty. It was only recently,
however, that I, along with some coworkers — Aris, Rosie, Miles and Heidy —
finally got to step into its inviting shores.</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">Said to be the country’s second smallest province, the island is populated by
about 81,000 people who occupy its 238 sq. km sprawl. Camiguin’s so small that
you can practically go around it in less than a day’s time, thanks to a
well-paved highway connecting its five towns — Catarman, Mahinog, Guinsiliban,
Sagay and Mambajao, the capital town.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fm-OkR8YNhw/T-V5lVvxeZI/AAAAAAAAAFI/il2HBz6v7Qk/s1600/IMG_4487b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fm-OkR8YNhw/T-V5lVvxeZI/AAAAAAAAAFI/il2HBz6v7Qk/s320/IMG_4487b.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sunrise in Mambajao, Camiguin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Getting
around the island is a breeze given the presence of Camiguin's version of the
tricycle, the <i>motorela</i> (or <i>rela</i> for short), which is a portmanteau
for motorcycle and <i>caritela</i>. There are also several multicabs and
motorcycles for hire (locally known as <i>habal-habal</i>) that shuttle people to
their destinations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Formed
through centuries of volcanic activity and tectonic movements, Camiguin, whose
most prominent geological feature are its volcanoes, is often dubbed as the
"island born of fire." Pocked by about seven peaks, it’s probably the
only island in the country that has more volcanoes than towns! Of the seven,
however, it’s only Hibok-Hibok, which last erupted in 1951, that remains
active. When it blew its top that time, the volcano caused so much irreparable
damage to life, land and livelihood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prFSX6dXD20/T-V589RqUCI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/xzXsXTO7Shw/s1600/IMG_4524b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prFSX6dXD20/T-V589RqUCI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/xzXsXTO7Shw/s320/IMG_4524b.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">St. Nicholas of Tolentino Church in Mambajao</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
Call it bizarre but seeing the island's volcanoes, especially Hibok-Hibok,
fired up my desire to go there. I even entertained the thought of scaling the
peak. But it's also the same geographical peculiarity which ignited a spark of
fear in me during my brief stay in the island. For a while, it gave me the
creeps imagining the horror that struck the islanders when that capricious
mountain went berserk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What
if touchy Hibok-Hibok had thrown a fit while we were there? Not that I was
praying for a violent outburst but it’s been more than half a century since the
volcano last spewed out molten rocks and wrought havoc in Camiguin. So, an
eruption seemed highly possible, I supposed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPt4D_1XDbE/T-V6gUPInqI/AAAAAAAAAFk/-vEeymkEOMY/s1600/IMG_4682b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPt4D_1XDbE/T-V6gUPInqI/AAAAAAAAAFk/-vEeymkEOMY/s320/IMG_4682b.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Shopping for souvenirs in White Island</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well,
I guess we have to thank the Camiguingnons for the pleasurable week we had in
the island. For it must have been their unwavering faith that's kept the
sleeping dragon from unleashing its fury. As the cliché goes, faith can move
mountains, perhaps even calm down that most hyperactive of Camiguin's
volcanoes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"><b>More pics:</b></span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtJkxmZOIsg/T-XHA1j-plI/AAAAAAAAAJc/VcjpWpc4--k/s1600/IMG_4507b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtJkxmZOIsg/T-XHA1j-plI/AAAAAAAAAJc/VcjpWpc4--k/s1600/IMG_4507b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EeLdGhbYNyA/T-XHHilObxI/AAAAAAAAAJk/-6l2V1FFgVs/s1600/IMG_4558b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EeLdGhbYNyA/T-XHHilObxI/AAAAAAAAAJk/-6l2V1FFgVs/s1600/IMG_4558b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xUpK5uYtlzQ/T-XHMhWiMsI/AAAAAAAAAJs/YVNUj988jRw/s1600/IMG_4582b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xUpK5uYtlzQ/T-XHMhWiMsI/AAAAAAAAAJs/YVNUj988jRw/s1600/IMG_4582b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-73Iyoflyf4c/T-XHUb7nl3I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/yDQ1H1pcgVc/s1600/IMG_4592b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-73Iyoflyf4c/T-XHUb7nl3I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/yDQ1H1pcgVc/s1600/IMG_4592b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7E1Fd3DyA0/T-XHYwTS4tI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/nbh3QzTF-IE/s1600/IMG_4645b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7E1Fd3DyA0/T-XHYwTS4tI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/nbh3QzTF-IE/s1600/IMG_4645b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6yCdp1rkiY/T-XHeHPNTjI/AAAAAAAAAKE/ze3pIv7Z1Co/s1600/IMG_4661b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6yCdp1rkiY/T-XHeHPNTjI/AAAAAAAAAKE/ze3pIv7Z1Co/s1600/IMG_4661b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
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<td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EifHah8O0CQ/T-XHkiVTM8I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/xh6bjc_c62g/s1600/IMG_4747b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EifHah8O0CQ/T-XHkiVTM8I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/xh6bjc_c62g/s1600/IMG_4747b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yal2HuWeqxg/T-XHqKALpkI/AAAAAAAAAKY/5NO-KJjM4gg/s1600/IMG_4757b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yal2HuWeqxg/T-XHqKALpkI/AAAAAAAAAKY/5NO-KJjM4gg/s1600/IMG_4757b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBg3ceb7RoQ/T-XHuvO6GFI/AAAAAAAAAKg/REFqWsnFRHQ/s1600/IMG_4514b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBg3ceb7RoQ/T-XHuvO6GFI/AAAAAAAAAKg/REFqWsnFRHQ/s1600/IMG_4514b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
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</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6879047778433365854-6444589807422202800?l=arnobs2012.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ariel Alexisnoreply@blogger.com0Davao City, Philippines7.190708 125.4553416.938649 125.13948400000001 7.442767 125.771198tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879047778433365854.post-1295086880351233462009-05-13T00:33:00.000+08:002012-06-24T16:04:35.520+08:002012-06-24T16:04:35.520+08:00Camiguin’s Gui-ob Church: Vestige of Old Vulcan’s Wrath<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">Nestled in one of Camiguin's oldest towns is another ghastly vestige of the fury that one of its now dormant volcanoes, Vulcan Daan (Old Volcano), had unleashed when it went berserk more than a hundred years ago. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79Uy321rXts/T-Xv-0gPZyI/AAAAAAAAANk/euznY83SoUU/s1600/IMG_4565b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79Uy321rXts/T-Xv-0gPZyI/AAAAAAAAANk/euznY83SoUU/s320/IMG_4565b.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Aside from claiming lives and sinking a cemetery, the volcano is known for burying an old church. Known as the ruins of Gui-ob Church, the interesting site is located in the village of Bonbon, several kilometers away from the center of present-day Catarman, which we were able to visit during our tour of Camiguin's different tourist spots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mnjqYbjR_Tc/T-Xj52ekTzI/AAAAAAAAAMg/IsXysMXXiSs/s1600/IMG_4560b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mnjqYbjR_Tc/T-Xj52ekTzI/AAAAAAAAAMg/IsXysMXXiSs/s200/IMG_4560b.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Only the church's crumbling, moss-covered thick walls, belfry and convent have lived to tell today’s generation about the havoc that the old volcano wrought in 1871. But even in its decrepit state, the church, or what remains of it, can still evoke awe among those who step into its hallowed grounds, which have been covered by grass, ferns and other wild flora interspersed with towering dipterocarps and coconut trees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6T-Ctxfbfo/T-XkT1dC_9I/AAAAAAAAAMo/FrFKjtp1qrQ/s1600/IMG_4568b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6T-Ctxfbfo/T-XkT1dC_9I/AAAAAAAAAMo/FrFKjtp1qrQ/s200/IMG_4568b.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Inside the ruins, we found a chapel where some people were praying in silence. That somehow reminded us to keep our voices down to avoid distracting them. So far, the local government has managed to preserve the place partly through donations coming from benevolent patrons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">From a ruthless scourge over a century ago, the cruel old volcano, on the other hand, has now become the island’s Calvary-like shrine, where people from all walks of life brave the steep trek to its peak as their way of making <i>panaad</i>, a religious vow of penitence and sacrifice during Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I saw the walkway leading to Vulcan Daan’s summit when we stopped by a row of souvenir shops on our way back to Mambajao. Every year, it teems with throngs of pilgrims who take on the punishing but rewarding journey to the top that somehow reminds them of Christ's sufferings to save humanity from sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Along the pathway, the penitents, according to one of the shop vendors I talked to, take occasional stops to offer prayers in each station, which features life-size, whitewashed cement statues depicting certain scenes of Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering), the path that Jesus trod on the way to his crucifixion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now that's one spectacle I want to see come Holy Week next year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br />
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<td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QT8jNjSJCpg/T-Xk1t8nVPI/AAAAAAAAAMw/JiQqbMc7IBM/s1600/IMG_4571b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QT8jNjSJCpg/T-Xk1t8nVPI/AAAAAAAAAMw/JiQqbMc7IBM/s1600/IMG_4571b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGgB37bjz6g/T-XlMGKIVyI/AAAAAAAAAM8/ldCSd86tPKI/s1600/IMG_4572b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGgB37bjz6g/T-XlMGKIVyI/AAAAAAAAAM8/ldCSd86tPKI/s1600/IMG_4572b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rOr8itrYDSU/T-XoJEnM7_I/AAAAAAAAANM/hCl2S0A3pEQ/s1600/IMG_4573b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rOr8itrYDSU/T-XoJEnM7_I/AAAAAAAAANM/hCl2S0A3pEQ/s1600/IMG_4573b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
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</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6879047778433365854-129508688035123346?l=arnobs2012.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ariel Alexisnoreply@blogger.com0Davao City, Philippines7.190708 125.4553416.938649 125.13948400000001 7.442767 125.771198tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879047778433365854.post-78951935103297869812006-02-19T10:14:00.000+08:002012-06-24T13:43:36.760+08:002012-06-24T13:43:36.760+08:00Caught Up With Cebu’s Colonial Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BftfbF7hl2s/T-aAhfC9VVI/AAAAAAAAASI/3vebw4WS62g/s1600/DSC_4255b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BftfbF7hl2s/T-aAhfC9VVI/AAAAAAAAASI/3vebw4WS62g/s400/DSC_4255b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cebu,
the first city I've ever seen in the Visayas, always surprises me with
something new — an avant-garde bridge, a luxurious mall, a swanky hotel or what
have you — whenever certain occasions lead me to visit this boom town; all of
them impressive testaments to the progress sweeping the metropolis that
reinforce its reputation as the undisputed Queen City of the South. That's why
I still look forward to the next visit even if I've been there on countless
times during the last two decades.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLpW0WVr5ac/T-Z_xkIgEoI/AAAAAAAAARw/YLkgqgnTcPo/s1600/DSC_3846b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLpW0WVr5ac/T-Z_xkIgEoI/AAAAAAAAARw/YLkgqgnTcPo/s200/DSC_3846b.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">Despite
its changing landscape, there are a number of things in </span><st1:place style="background-color: white;" w:st="on">Cebu</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">
that have remained virtually untouched by the relentless wave of urbanization
that continues to bash its shores. Take for instance the ancient landmarks that
speak so much about its colorful history. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0etcFEPtn_g/T-Z_RDlqgPI/AAAAAAAAARc/xct1QlqfhRU/s1600/DSC_4530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0etcFEPtn_g/T-Z_RDlqgPI/AAAAAAAAARc/xct1QlqfhRU/s320/DSC_4530.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">One
of the city’s more prominent historical shrines I've visited on several
occasions is Magellan's Cross. Located just a stone’s throw away from city
hall, it was put up in honor of the Portuguese navigator who landed on Sugbu
(Cebu’s old name) in April 1521. Following a mass held in the island, Magellan
planted a wooden cross on the very spot where the shrine now stands and then
gave the Sugbu chieftain’s wife an image of the Santo Niño.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Housed inside a roofed chapel-like concrete kiosk, the cross or, more accurately, a replica of the original that was planted almost 500 years ago, never fails to attract the crowds. Every time I go there, the place is often packed with curious tourists, beggars and itinerant peddlers selling a variety of items — guitars, rosary beads, sweets, to name some.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrAhIhFLW5Y/T-Z8MHf8eOI/AAAAAAAAARE/7HidqEAACiQ/s1600/IMG_6778b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrAhIhFLW5Y/T-Z8MHf8eOI/AAAAAAAAARE/7HidqEAACiQ/s1600/IMG_6778b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMh_iMtVcZE/T-Z94rdzY-I/AAAAAAAAARM/11PujUZT1UM/s1600/IMG_6797b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMh_iMtVcZE/T-Z94rdzY-I/AAAAAAAAARM/11PujUZT1UM/s1600/IMG_6797b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0fNx91oN3I/T-aAzKLJWJI/AAAAAAAAASQ/7wd8WSBCfp0/s1600/DSC_4537b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0fNx91oN3I/T-aAzKLJWJI/AAAAAAAAASQ/7wd8WSBCfp0/s1600/DSC_4537b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">On
one occasion, I found myself accosted by women devotees on my way to the
covered pavilion, selling candles and
offering to say a prayer for me, for a fee, of course. I politely declined and
asked them to leave me in peace. Along with other tourists, I turned my
attention to the kiosk’s center of attraction, the wooden cross standing on top
of a pedestal. Below the cross is a sign claiming that the real one is encased
inside the replica made of </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">tindalo</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;"> to
protect it from people who have been chipping it away for its alleged
miraculous healing powers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTPR_3i4hLg/T-aBQ9AF41I/AAAAAAAAASk/6YOY4zyleyI/s1600/DSC_4610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTPR_3i4hLg/T-aBQ9AF41I/AAAAAAAAASk/6YOY4zyleyI/s320/DSC_4610.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Looking
up, I noticed the colorful mural on the pavilion’s ceiling that depicted the
various events during the arrival of the conquistadors in the island — the
conversion of the natives, the image of the Holy Child, and of course, the
planting of the cross, among others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66jN_xAvQMI/T-aBCb24y2I/AAAAAAAAASY/cKmVvwUUBLA/s1600/DSC_4604b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66jN_xAvQMI/T-aBCb24y2I/AAAAAAAAASY/cKmVvwUUBLA/s200/DSC_4604b.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">In
one sortie to the city, I stumbled upon another famous historical landmark:
Fort San Pedro. Located at the city’s port area near Plaza Independencia, it
was originally built in 1565 under the orders of conquistador Miguel Lopez de
Legazpi to protect the settlement from the persistent attacks of Moro raiders.
Rebuilt in 1738, the triangular-shaped fort was once called San Miguel but it
was renamed to Fuerza de San Pedro later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkPcckXy8cs/T-aJt8NycpI/AAAAAAAAATQ/JU79jsAWxOo/s1600/DSC_4614b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkPcckXy8cs/T-aJt8NycpI/AAAAAAAAATQ/JU79jsAWxOo/s200/DSC_4614b.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">Through
the years, the former Spanish fortress stood as mute witness to the unfolding
of historical events in the city. It became a barracks and a school during the
American regime; a refuge and hospital during the Japanese occupation; and an
army camp during the early postwar years. Starting in the 1950s, the crumbling
bastion, or some parts of it, was turned into a mini-garden, a clinic, a public
works office and — guess what — a zoo!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bL51wtcGprY/T-aJSlepxCI/AAAAAAAAATI/0PxKvwKKbVQ/s1600/DSC_4608b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bL51wtcGprY/T-aJSlepxCI/AAAAAAAAATI/0PxKvwKKbVQ/s320/DSC_4608b.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">By
the 1960s, it was so dilapidated that a major rehabilitation effort became very
imperative if only to save this important historical landmark. It took the
collaboration of the city government, a civic club and the tourism board (now
the Department of Tourism) to mount the massive undertaking. The restoration
work was said to have progressed slowly but the facade, the main building, the
walkway and the observatory roof garden were faithfully restored after one and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">a
half years.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At
present, the fort houses the DOT office, an open-air theater and a park. Part
of it has also been turned into a museum where I came across some
well-preserved legacies of Spanish rule in the country such as documents,
paintings and sculptures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LK9aMR3nt5c/T-aBgaTcYnI/AAAAAAAAASs/BatQo8JUdHI/s1600/IMG_7417b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LK9aMR3nt5c/T-aBgaTcYnI/AAAAAAAAASs/BatQo8JUdHI/s320/IMG_7417b.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cebu
also holds the distinction of having the country's oldest street — <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Colon</st1:place></st1:city>, which has been in
existence since the time of Legazpi. Located in the downtown area, it was named
after Christopher Columbus, the Italian navigator credited for bringing the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Americas</st1:place></st1:country-region> into
the forefront of European attention following his explorations in 1492.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xEwCAywSis/T-aBvSvN4nI/AAAAAAAAAS0/PlbuQMeK6XA/s1600/IMG_7424b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xEwCAywSis/T-aBvSvN4nI/AAAAAAAAAS0/PlbuQMeK6XA/s200/IMG_7424b.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">In
its heyday, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Colon</st1:place></st1:city>
used to be the hive of the city’s business and commercial activities. Following
the rise of shopping malls and the exodus of entrepreneurs and merchants into the
city’s booming uptown area in the 1990s, it lost quite a significant portion of
its customer base.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The
economic crunch in recent years, however, has brought back many shoppers to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Colon</st1:place></st1:city> which has always
remained a haven for bargain hunters. Most of its old shops and even the newer
ones offer quality merchandise at prices way below those sold by their
counterparts at the malls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At
the rate things are going, there’s no stopping to <st1:place w:st="on">Cebu</st1:place>’s
march to progress. With the passage of time, its landscape will continue to
change but its historical must-sees will be there to provide fixedness to a
city that’s forever in a state of flux.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>More pics:</b></span></div>
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<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkCLeDxqqnY/T-Z6VsnT5vI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/lYBBU3E-xRk/s200/IMG_6765b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
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<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n1TCqJQoy2s/T-Z7M1TF7fI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/IEfmkPub-1I/s200/IMG_6774b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
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<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9PgCt3D_dw/T-Z_8_jJBsI/AAAAAAAAAR4/q1aF2ePBeAQ/s1600/DSC_4118b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
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<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2XJiA4uKxw/T-aecAslicI/AAAAAAAAATk/wTrq8GUY7Fo/s1600/DSC_4612b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
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<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8_q-WImN_A/T-aet4UmSrI/AAAAAAAAATw/XTyUBW5vXjo/s1600/DSC_4618b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPHgPq2CFiE/T-ae8OYW14I/AAAAAAAAAT4/Ao6rJt6m_IU/s1600/DSC_4597b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
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<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wze2YALUzXU/T-agwT7KTRI/AAAAAAAAAUs/ZtC5Dwcp4Rk/s1600/DSC_2661.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wze2YALUzXU/T-agwT7KTRI/AAAAAAAAAUs/ZtC5Dwcp4Rk/s1600/DSC_2661.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
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<img height=150 width=200 src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOUq2MLtu6k/T-aijztatbI/AAAAAAAAAVM/7ckmF4VFpvQ/s1600/IMG_7128b.JPG" alt="pic name"/></a></td>
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<img height=150 width=200 src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dgu7WzpoQxo/T-ai82WYmTI/AAAAAAAAAVU/mDYDwt1J-zg/s1600/IMG_7041b.JPG" alt="pic name"/></a></td>
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<img height=150 width=200 src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwufADV9NBY/T-amsB_ns5I/AAAAAAAAAVs/LxxfopIUkjw/s1600/IMG_7036b.JPG" alt="pic name"/></a></td>
<td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTEduU5-Lik/T-anFPRwj_I/AAAAAAAAAV0/Z88ciNzb-yQ/s1600/IMG_7041b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img height=150 width=200 src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTEduU5-Lik/T-anFPRwj_I/AAAAAAAAAV0/Z88ciNzb-yQ/s1600/IMG_7041b.JPG" alt="pic name"/></a></td>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6879047778433365854-7895193510329786981?l=arnobs2012.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ariel Alexisnoreply@blogger.com0Davao City, Philippines7.190708 125.4553416.938649 125.13948400000001 7.442767 125.771198tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879047778433365854.post-53761090789763400592006-02-18T13:30:00.000+08:002012-06-24T10:11:08.601+08:002012-06-24T10:11:08.601+08:00Contemplating in Child Jesus’ Country<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">Considered
as the </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">’ oldest
Spanish permanent settlement, </span><st1:place style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" w:st="on">Cebu</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"> might just
as well be called Santo Niño country. Nowhere in the entire archipelago can you
find a place as devoted to the Child Jesus than the city. Central to this
devotion is the original image of the Holy Child which is enshrined at the
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ovmt7FDlIg/T-Zq9cp3pnI/AAAAAAAAAP4/yymWlcvhVpk/s1600/DSC_4551b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ovmt7FDlIg/T-Zq9cp3pnI/AAAAAAAAAP4/yymWlcvhVpk/s400/DSC_4551b.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">If
I’m in town, I make it a point to pay homage to the miraculous icon inside the
church, which is located just a few steps away from the kiosk housing the cross
that Portuguese maritime explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted on the island in
1521. Whenever I go there to attend a mass, say a little prayer, light a
candle, or contemplate on life, I have this awesome feeling of peace and
serenity engulfing me. Truly, it must be the Santo Niño who’s at work on such occasions.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WOBW0fH4DO8/T-Zoxq1hL1I/AAAAAAAAAPc/DJwfOO4dVEo/s1600/DSC_3925b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WOBW0fH4DO8/T-Zoxq1hL1I/AAAAAAAAAPc/DJwfOO4dVEo/s200/DSC_3925b.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">In
the many times I’ve been to the Basilica, I always encountered a steady stream
of devotees praying before the image that has shaped Cebu and the rest of the
country’s history since Magellan came to Sugbu (Cebu's old name) almost 500
years ago. History has it that he gave the Santo Niño’s icon to the Sugbu
king’s wife after her and her people’s baptism.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When
Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi landed in the island more than 40
years later, he and his men found an image of the Santo Niño which is believed
to be the one that Magellan gave to the chieftain’s wife. A church — the first
one in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place>
— was then ordered built on the very spot where the icon was discovered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g370qt4VFb0/T-ZohR4EnBI/AAAAAAAAAPU/zDKKhUHTmPI/s1600/DSC_3898b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g370qt4VFb0/T-ZohR4EnBI/AAAAAAAAAPU/zDKKhUHTmPI/s320/DSC_3898b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">On
a recent visit, I came across an interesting back story about this
centuries-old shrine whose rank was elevated to a Minor Basilica by Pope Paul
VI. Still being run by the Augustinians, its original structure, which housed
the image that the conquistador found, was gutted by fire. The same thing
happened to the second one that was also burned down in 1628. It took a little
over a century for the third structure to be completed, but this one stood the
test of time and the elements, eventually becoming the renowned seat of
widespread devotion to the Santo Niño.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_EglXBIxcxE/T-X-vYggZeI/AAAAAAAAAOc/ZBhwY-Lj9As/s1600/IMG_6818b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_EglXBIxcxE/T-X-vYggZeI/AAAAAAAAAOc/ZBhwY-Lj9As/s320/IMG_6818b.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Every
third Sunday of January, thousands of devotees, not only from Cebu but from
other parts of the country and the world, flock to the basilica to pay homage
to the miraculous image of the Holy Child through Sinulog, Cebu’s biggest,
grandest and world-renowned celebration. I haven’t been to the city during the
festival day itself but I'm still hopeful I'll make it there one of these days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Just
across the basilica, there's this sprawling, open-air theater type structure —
the Pilgrim's Center — where Friday
masses and other religious activities are held. As Santo Niño's devotees kept
growing over the years and easily filled up the basilica beyond its capacity,
the Augustinian authorities deemed it wise to put up the center to accommodate
the growing number of worshippers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vo3DtWwPlI/T-Zo8F-THpI/AAAAAAAAAPo/B7FZCVHs7Sk/s1600/DSC_3926b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vo3DtWwPlI/T-Zo8F-THpI/AAAAAAAAAPo/B7FZCVHs7Sk/s320/DSC_3926b.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Also,
you’ll find hawker stalls outside the basilica selling all sorts of religious
items — rosaries, icons, prayer books, candles, etc. Years ago, I bought a
replica of the Santo Niño’s image in one of the stores there which now count
among the many souvenirs that came from <st1:place w:st="on">Cebu</st1:place>.
Whenever I’m down and out, I just take a look at the statuette and say a little
prayer that somehow eases whatever pain I have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There’s
another religious shrine in the city which I also had the chance to see on two
separate occasions: the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Located a block away from
the Basilica, the church is the ecclesiastical seat of the metropolitan
archdiocese of Cebu. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXZ7C4hBTaw/T-X_PnFZDjI/AAAAAAAAAOw/D4CFUqESUoM/s1600/IMG_6902b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXZ7C4hBTaw/T-X_PnFZDjI/AAAAAAAAAOw/D4CFUqESUoM/s200/IMG_6902b.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jt9WkgaR06g/T-ZuOa7HnbI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/HNja6kWJlrc/s1600/DSC_4561b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jt9WkgaR06g/T-ZuOa7HnbI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/HNja6kWJlrc/s320/DSC_4561b.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">It
took almost a century for this church to be completed due to numerous problems.
Construction, which reportedly began in 1719, was suspended when funds were diverted
to finance military campaigns against Moro raiders. Done in typical Baroque
style just like many Spanish churches in the country, the church was finally completed
in 1811 after so many delays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Much
of it, however, was destroyed by Allied bombings during World War II, with only
its belfry, facade, and thick walls surviving the bombardment. In the 1950s, a
massive reconstruction was relentlessly pursued to restore the cathedral into
its former state. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">One
time, I was tempted to take some snaps of its dazzling interior but a wedding ceremony
was in progress, deterring me from doing so. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3prCPMNPxaE/T-Zuha6ZAeI/AAAAAAAAAQY/JUdRGKvQqrM/s1600/DSC_4586b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3prCPMNPxaE/T-Zuha6ZAeI/AAAAAAAAAQY/JUdRGKvQqrM/s320/DSC_4586b.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRZemtPoNIA/T-Zt_rNZkbI/AAAAAAAAAQE/XfGsirACGvw/s1600/DSC_4556b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRZemtPoNIA/T-Zt_rNZkbI/AAAAAAAAAQE/XfGsirACGvw/s200/DSC_4556b.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Like
the many centuries-old shrines all over the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region>,
the churches in Cebu stand as tenacious and timeless landmarks of what can be
considered as <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Spain</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s
greatest legacy to us: Christianity. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">Unfortunately, there are some people who
argue that these religious edifices are nothing but symbols of the tyranny,
oppression and injustice which we experienced during the Spanish regime. I’d
like to think though that without them we’d never get to know and understand Christ
and his teachings, much less become the shining beacon of Christianity in this
part of the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">More pics:</b></div>
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<td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfNXwWLG6n4/T-Zn8_nb1uI/AAAAAAAAAPE/ALy5X6C6F7g/s1600/DSC_3892b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfNXwWLG6n4/T-Zn8_nb1uI/AAAAAAAAAPE/ALy5X6C6F7g/s1600/DSC_3892b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BXMfE1beACA/T-ZoPmsxIlI/AAAAAAAAAPM/JoYKFG-ogYw/s1600/DSC_3897b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BXMfE1beACA/T-ZoPmsxIlI/AAAAAAAAAPM/JoYKFG-ogYw/s1600/DSC_3897b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcDMK6xIBUA/T-X_bVzle1I/AAAAAAAAAO4/UG5Mw88dMLE/s1600/IMG_6958b.JPG" target="_blank" title="View">
<img alt="pic name" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcDMK6xIBUA/T-X_bVzle1I/AAAAAAAAAO4/UG5Mw88dMLE/s1600/IMG_6958b.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6879047778433365854-5376109078976340059?l=arnobs2012.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ariel Alexisnoreply@blogger.com0Davao City, Philippines7.190708 125.4553416.938649 125.13948400000001 7.442767 125.771198