Fog Walkers

A few months ago (when my camera was still okay), an MCPB reader sent me a private message. He said that he enjoyed my photos and that he would like to one day join me in one of my ‘adventures.’ So when Harry mentioned that he wanted to go to Balamban to check out K33 Green Adventure, I emailed the MCPB reader (Jack) right away and told him about our plans. He said that he wanted to come and he asked if he could bring a friend along. Of course, it was all right.

To cut the long story short, we all met last July 6 at Andok’s in Mabolo. The guys (Jack and his friend Mark) were pretty cool and adventurous as well. So, me and Harry didn’t have any problem with them. Hehehe.

Before we went to the Citilink Terminal, we bought chicken inasal, enough rice, some bottled water, and some drinks. Our plan was to look for a nice little place where we could eat lunch after trying out the zipline. Anyways, we got on a taxi and reached the Citilink Terminal around 30 minutes later. The van-for-hire left the terminal just twenty minutes after we got there (fare is around 100). And less than an hour later, we were already in Gaas, Balamban (33 kilometers from the city.)

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Into the mist! Hehehe.

Love Letters

I originally didn’t want to post the following photos because I thought that they might not be interesting to some. I changed my mind, however, when I got to inspect them one by one tonight. See. although the objects in these photos may appear useless and trivial, I believe that they represent a very important part of our rich and colorful culture as Visayans and Cebuanos. And I fear that if I don’t post them, some people (Cebuanos, particularly) might not even know that they exist at all.

You’re probably asking ‘What is he talking about?’ Well, I’m talking about these truly moving love letters etched in concrete and stone in some of the very old churches in our country. If you’ve ever visited the age-old church of Carcar, for example, you might have probably seen the numerous tombstones all over its walls. They’re very easy to notice not only because they stick out like annoying scratches on a painting, but also because they bear messages that can literally move you to tears. These tombstones contain epitaphs which use old Spanish and Cebuano words. And for me, these messages are not only ageless symbols of love and devotion for those loved ones who can no longer be with us but also true testaments of the beauty and elegance of the Cebuano culture.

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A tombstone from 1911 containing a truly moving epitaph.

 

Bell Boys

So, this is a very late post. Hehehe. Anyways, after taking lots of photos in Naga, we went straight to San Fernando to take photos of the town church and hopefully get up the bell tower to check out the, uh, bell. Hehehe.

Luckily, when we got there, there was no one around. So, Arnold and I helped ourselves up the belfry. The climb up was dangerous as the wooden staircase was really old and weak. Good thing Arnold and I are both ‘small’ people. Hahahaha.

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Scene at the top of the bell tower.

Thank You!

Thanks for all the birthday greetings!! Hehehe.

And thanks for regularly dropping by MCPB! We’re turning 4 years old in a couple of months! Big thanks! You guys know who you are!

Trailing Through Old Carcar

I’ve seen the old photographs and I’ve heard the stories. But I’ve never seen them with my own eyes. I’m talking about the old railways of Cebu.

Did Cebu really have railways and trains in the past? The answer is definitely ‘yes.’ But human as I am, I wanted some proof! Hehehe.

Luckily, Arnold and Markki were kind enough to answer my questions and show me some proof that yes, Cebu had railways and trains in the past.

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Ruins of an old train station in Carcar City, Cebu.

Gorgeous Naga

So, after a short stop in the city of Talisay (we took a couple of shots of the old church and the World War 2 landing monument), Arnold and I were back on the road. Our next stop was the gorgeous City of Naga. We parked the car in front of the gym and headed towards one of the most easily-recognizable road-side churches in Southern Cebu – the Saint Francis Catholic Church. More popularly known as the Naga Church, the Saint Francis Catholic Church was built in the 17th Century.

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Naga City’s Saint Francis Catholic Church

Southern Exposure

Last June 14 (holiday), my friend Arnold of Cebu Heritage asked if I would be interested to tour the southern churches of Cebu. He said that he would be driving his car so I didn’t have to worry about anything. Well, that was just four days since payday so I really didn’t worry much about cash. What I was worried about was my camera. Hahahaha. Thankfully, Lacey decided to cooperate. So, thanks a bunch, Lacey! Hehehe.

Anyways, Arnold texted a couple other friends but they were either still asleep or busy doing something else. In short, Arnold was stuck with me. Hahahaha.

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Arnold clicking away in Naga City, Cebu.
 

NRT

So, after months of planning, headaches, excitement, and replanning, we were finally able to tour the northern end of the island of Cebu. The plan was to leave Cebu City for Hagnaya Wharf in San Remigio on May 29, stay in Bantayan Island for a night, and come back the next day May 30, to try the zipline in Balamban.

Except for Lex, Ivan, and Dencio, the original cast members of SRT were still there. Plus, we got a few first timers this time (Candice, Raf, Che, and Rhea).

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Bantayan Island! Look at the water!!!!

Gabii Sa Kabilin 2010

 The Gabii Sa Kabilin 2010 was a huge success. I’m not sure exactly how many people joined the event but there were obviously more people this year. Last year, guests started leaving the museums after 10 pm. But this year, there were still guided tours in almost all participating museums a few minutes before midnight.

By the way, I would like to congratulate all the members of the working committee for a job well done. It was a blast,definitely. I hope this will be a yearly event. And hopefully, more people will join next year.

We need more activities like this so that modern Cebuanos will be able to understand our culture better and appreciate the colorful past of this beloved island of ours.

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Gabii sa Kabilin 2010 – A night to remember.

Cebu’s Newest Landmark

Redjie and I were on our way to Banilad last Saturday when we passed by the recently completed complex of the Church of Latter Day Saints in Lahug. I read in the newspaper that before the complex and the temple (most especially) become fully dedicated, members and even non-members will be allowed to check the place out via guided tours and lectures.

I stepped on the brakes just in front of the complex and told Redjie to ask the guard at the guard house if the place was indeed open to the public. And guess what? The newspaper wasn’t lying. Hehehe. The complex is open even to non-members from May 21 to June 4.

So, Redjie and I didn’t think twice and we both just decided to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a place that means a whole lot to the members of the Church of Latter Day Saints.

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View of the Cebu Philippines Temple in Lahug, Cebu City at night.

Night of Heritage 2010

 

I’m glad that the The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and the Visayan Association of Museums and Galleries, Inc. have decided to make Gabii sa Kabilin (Night of Heritage) a yearly event. On its fourth year (I think), more museums have decided to participate. In 2008, guests were able to enjoy the exhibits and presentations of 5 museums. The next year, the number rose to 6. And this year, the final number is 9. This is a very good news. This means we will be able to learn more about the history of our beloved island. Plus more free food and presentations! And of course, the awesome Kalesa rides are still there. Don’t miss this one, guys!

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(Click to enlarge)

The newbies this year are:

The Jesuit House (Right beside the Sandiego Ancestral House)
The University of Southern Philippines Foundation Rizalian Museum (Beside USP Mabini)
and the Sacred Heart Parish

The other museums which will open from 6 pm until midnight on May 28, 2010 are:

Casa Gorordo Museum
Cathedral Museum of Cebu
Basilican del Sto Nino Museum
Fort San Pedro
Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House
Museo Sugbo

See you guys there!

Related Links:

Gabii Sa Kabilin 2009

Gabii Sa Kabilin 2008

Fun In Bantayan

Sorry for the lame title. Well, it rhymes. That’s what matters. Hahahaha.

So, yeah, my good friends Kristine and Mark decided to lend me their Nikon D60 camera so that I could get used to it before their wedding. See, they’ve asked me to take some additional shots during their wedding reception. Of course, I said yes.

Anyways, the rest of the SSC-Cebu guys left Cebu for Bantayan Island last April 30. Those who couldn’t make it (Me, Harry, and Henry) decided to take the first trip the next day. Henry agreed that we could all just meet at the North Bus Terminal at 4 in the morning. Harry and I, however, decided to meet at midnight and just hang out until around 3 am so that we could go to the terminal together.

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Bantayan Island is awesome!!!

Teaser: Bantayan Island

I’ve been very busy lately. And my internet connection at home has been nothing but mind-boggling. So, I hope you’ll all be patient.

Anyways, here’s a teaser of our weekend adventure in Bantayan Island and Virgin Island. It was a very awesome trip because I got to use my friends Kristine and Mark’s Nikon D60 DSLR camera. I think I got quite a few nice shots. Hehehehe. DSLRs can really do wonders! Hehehehe.

Anyways, I hope the connection fixes itself tonight because I will be very busy tomorrow because of TIn and Mark’s wedding on Saturday (yes, I will be taking pictures using their camera. And I’ll be wearing a barong. Nyahahahaha.)

Ziplining in Balamban

 First of all, welcome home to my cousin Clint! He just got back from Jeddah!

So, anyway, a few weeks ago, a friend told me about a new zipline facility somewhere in Balamban. She said the name of the place was K33. So, obviously, it’s 33 kilometers from the city. She also said that her friend owns the place and that if I wanted to check the place out, I could simply look for the owner and tell him who I am. I would then get a discount or something. LOL.

Well, I didn’t do it. Hahaha. 1, because I couldn’t do it. And 2, because Clint promised that he would take all of us there when he comes home. And indeed, he didn’t break his promise. Hehehehe. Thanks a lot, Clint!

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Clint and his brother Istong taking off!