The Basilica

Now that the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in Cebu will temporarily be closed to the public, I will miss the various art works that can be seen inside. The ceiling has a Sistine chapel-like view which depicts scenes from the Book of Genesis.

Come January, 2014, during the feast of the Sto. Nino (the Child Jesus), the grounds of the Basilica will again be teeming with people from various walks of life...

People will again endure the long wait before they could see the image of the Sto. Nino encased in glass..

Earthquake...

October 15, 2013 is a date to remember for those living in Bohol and Cebu, Philippines, when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the two (2) provinces about 8:12 in the morning.  The tremor lasted about 30 seconds, sending the fear-stricken populace outside their homes.   People scampered outside their homes and edifices to seek safer grounds in open spaces.  Patients were immediately evacuated from the hospitals which became a hazard to their health.  I  witnessed how the electric post just outside our house swayed like bamboo  dancing with the wind.  Thereafter, electricity and water sources were cut off.  Big cracks can be found on the streets, as well as the houses and buildings everywhere.  The province of Bohol was hit the hardest.  Centuries-old  Catholic churches were razed to the ground.  Thousands were left homeless and their areas isolated due to the destruction of bridges.  Up to this writing, I can still hear people from Bohol pleading for help over the radio.   Efforts to bring the much needed help was limited by the lack of passable roads to the various barangays of  Bohol.  The after-shocks were  not helping.  So far, about a thousand  after-shocks have been  recorded, and the number seemed to be rising.  In fact, I just experienced the earth moving again while wiring this blog.  

As news reports come in, I am just teary eyed at the aftermath of the killer earthquake.   Despite this unfortunate event, I can still say that God was watching us.  The quake occurred on a holiday when there was no work and classes.  Most people stayed in their homes with their families.   It could have been worst.  A lesson is to be learned from this latest catastrophe.  Let us open our hearts and mind to discover what that lesson is,  and never question the will of God.  Everything happens for a reason. God bless us all... 

The bell tower of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, as shown in this file photo, was one of those destroyed during the earthquake which struck Cebu. 

Because of the cracks found at the entrance of the Basilica, the structure was declared unsafe for churchgoers. I would miss looking at the alter inside the Basilica as shown above. 

Sinulog in Cebu

Christmas season in the Philippines does not yet end  in December of each year.  For Cebuanos, it extends until the celebration of the Sinulog during the 3^rd Sunday of January, the feast day of Senior Sto. Niño, or the Child Jesus.  The festivities are made more apparent with the extensive decorations at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.   The word "Sinulog" comes from the root word "sulog" which refers to the the movement of water current or waves.  Thus, the fundamental dance steps consist of two-steps forward, and one-step backward, similar to how water moves.  Sinulog season in Cebu is a spectacle to see. 

A sculpture of the Child Jesus is among the amazing works of art found at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño

Grand decors adorn the altar at the Basilica during the festivities...

For the love of the sun

Sunrise in Bantayan, Cebu is a sight to see indeed.  The mixture of natural colors is a constant reminder how we should start each day with hope in our hearts.  Never despair for each day is a new beginning.

Sunset is likewise a spectacle of nature one should not miss while in Bantayan, Cebu. This was captured while strolling along the Bantayan wharf with the golden hour slowly unfolding before our eyes. 

The beaches of Bantayan, Cebu

The Budyong beach resort is one of the popular places to stay while in Bantayan because of its proximity to the nearby satellite market where food and other products are being sold. If one intends to stay for the Holy Week, booking starts at least six (6) months prior to the season. Otherwise, be contented with living on a makeshift tent for the duration of your stay. :-)

The white beaches of Bantayan Cebu can compete with the other popular beaches in the country.  I prefer this place because of its friendly people. I just love the simplicity of rural living. I do hope the local government of this place will take good care of its natural resources and protect them from abuses. 

More of Bantayan, Cebu

The Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Bantayan, Cebu is considered one of the oldest churches in Cebu. During Holy Week, thousands flock to this site in order to pay respect to the sanctity of the event.

On Holy Thursday and Good Friday, the last days of Jesus Christ  before His resurrection are depicted through a procession of life-sized statues, beautifully adorned with flowers.  I was in awe at the spectacular show.

Holy week in Cebu

Cebu is but one of the many provinces in the Philippines which boasts of its rich cultural heritage.  One should not forget that it is in this province that Magellan, who discovered the  Philippines,  was slain to death by one of its native, Lapu-lapu, in Mactan Island.

It is stretegically located at the center of the Philippine archipelago, and considered the gateway to about 2/3 of the rest of the country.

I am so blessed and privileged to work and live in this beautiful province where the old and modern living co-exist. When in Cebu, one should not forget to explore its countryside.  Up north, Bantayan Island is a must see during the Holy Week. 





The Bantayan wharf on Good Friday
 

Fisherfolks in Bantayan island take a full day rest from any activity in observance of Good Friday. The photo above depicts the fishing vessels on standby at the Bantayan wharf.