~The Land of Magic~

Siquijor's distinctive natural marine attractions range from dive sites, rich marine life and extensive mangroves to white sandy beaches and bays. Natural inland attractions include waterfalls, flowing springs, tree parks and caves - most of which are unexplored. Also Siquijor is known of as the land of "magic", because of the folk healing practices. The main language spoken in Siquijor is Cebuano. English, Spanish and Tagalog languages are also spoken by Siquijornons.

Salagdoong Beach. A romantic hideaway in Maria tucked in a cove, fine white sand and a nearby islet providing a good vatage point of the beachfront.

With 800 meters of white beach surrounded by turquoise water, Coco Grove Beach Resort offers complete relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy and relax in surroundings of complete nature, from tropical gardens, crystal blue sea to spectacular marine life and unbelievable sunsets all on a long white sandy beach

Cambugahay Falls. Cambugahay Falls is the most famous enchanted falls in the Island. See its several levels of waterfalls and enjoy its cool and refreshing waters. Secluded and relatively unexplored, the waterfalls surely invite trekkers for a refreshing dip.

Marsan took a walk along the water and feel the coldness of it...so awesome he said......!!!

St. Isidore Chruch and Convent. Construction was started in 1884 under the supervision of Fray Toribio Sanchez, using indigenous coral stones and local hardwood. Completed and blessed in 1891, it is spacious and measures 42 by 38 meters the biggest among the oldest in the Philippines and the whole Asia. By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 260 dated August 1, 1973 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 375, dated January 14, 1974 and No. 1505 dated June 11, 1978 the Lazi Convent is declared as one of the historical landmarks of the Philippines by the Philippine National Historical Commission.

Folk Healing Festival. Herbalists in the island are known to produce medicinal potions believed to have effective healing powers made from a variety of tree barks, roots, herbs, insects & other ingredients gathered every Friday of the Lenten season. Preparation takes place on a black Saturday, where the herbs are thrown into a large cauldron filled with coconut oil. They are also famous with their love potions known to charm people and bring good luck.

So to those who are broken hurted or have been in love with one sided love and you wanted to get the heart/attention of the person whom you love most....don`t hesitate to ask this person`s assitance, he is the right person who can anwer your worries...

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My Favorite Famous Epic Story

I would like to introduce to you my favorite and the very famous Epic story in the early 1500s of Central Visayas of the Philippines archipelago, a historical fiction was created, because of the man named Rajah Mangubat. During the time of Rajah Mangubat's reign. He was not only known as a good warrior, but also as an undefeated one. Nobody stood a chance against him especially with his extraordinary battle skills and extra ordinary strength that even his fingertips emanate power. In one of Rajah Mangubat's expeditions, he met a village priestess or babaylan who prophesized that he would be killed by a woman with a twin snake someday.Because of this prophesy, Rajah Mangubat killed the said Punong Babaylan.

Rajah Mangubat becomes anxious about the prophecy not only because he will eventually be killed, but also because the person who will take over his power is a girl - a girl who has a snake for a twin. With this, he orders his warriors to kill all pregnant women in his own village tribe and the other villages that are under his govern.Only Datu Bugna's village survives Rajah Mangubat's terror because they have long been friends and alliances.

What Rajah Mangubat doesn't know is that the baby girl that he has been looking for to be killed has been born in Datu Bugna's territory. Amaya is Datu Bugna's daughter from Dal'lang, an uripon. And because he wants to protect Amaya, he hides her in a secret chamber as a "binukot" and tells her that Dal'lang, is already dead. Amaya's twin snake is thrown away to the forest and is told that it may only come back if Amaya is in dire need of help.

Amaya has once attempted to escape from her chamber when she wanted to see the outside world for the first time. That was when she saw Prince Bagani for the first time. They immediately fell in love with each other. No matter the distance and the years that have passed, they still have not forgotten that day when they first met.

Because of Dian Lamitan's evil desire to get rid of Amaya, she betrays her husband Datu Bugna and tells Rajah Mangubat her husband's plan of revolt. Rajah Mangubat's men take Amaya from her chamber and use her as blackmail to make Datu Bugna confess. He eventually does and Rajah Mangubat kills him in front of Amaya.



~In the center is Rajah Mangubat~



Rajah Mangubat takes Amaya to his village and there, turns her as one of his new slaves. Amaya sees the treacherous Lamitan and becomes enraged with her father's double-crossing wife. She promises that she will do anything to avenge her father. But Rajah Mangubat still has no idea about Amaya's true identity - the girl with the twin snake
                                                       

Rajah Mangubat takes Amaya to his village and there, turns her as one of his new slaves. Amaya sees the treacherous Lamitan and becomes enraged with her father's double-crossing wife. She promises that she will do anything to avenge her father. But Rajah Mangubat still has no idea about Amaya's true identity - the girl with the twin snake
Amaya is surprised to see her long lost love, Bagani, but is devastated to find out that he is Rajah Mangubat's son. Bagani is shocked as well when he finds out that the girl he once fell in love with is now a slave. In spite of this, he still remains in love with her. However, Amaya tries to get rid of her feelings for him all for her plans' sake.

Now the fiction story of  Amaya was promoted by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Department of Education due to its cultural concept that shows and depicts the Filipino beliefs,tradition,and mores in the Pre-Hispanic era .It also teaches the history of the Philippines. In means of Epics and Legends that passed through generations. In this manner the Epic was aired in the prime time daily show of GMA Pinoy TV with the very famous Philippines actress Marian Rivera.

The war ship during Pre-Hispanic era

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~ Las Islas Filipinas ~

Going back to the Philippine history, the name Philippines was derived from that of King Philip II of Spain. Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos during his expedition in 1542 named the islands of Leyte and Samar Felipinas after the then Prince of Asturias. Eventually the name Las Islas Filipinas would be used to cover all the islands of the archipelago. Before it became commonplace, other names such as Islas del Poniente (Islands of the West) and Magellan's name for the islands San Lázaro were also used by the Spanish to refer to the islands.

The official name of the Philippines has changed several times in the course of the country's history. During the Philippine Revolution, the Malolos Congress proclaimed the establishment of the República Filipina or the Philippine Republic. From the period of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine–American War until the Commonwealth period, American colonial authorities referred to the country as the Philippine Islands, a translation of the Spanish name. During the American period the name Philippines began to appear and it has since become the country's common name.Since independence the official name of the country has been the Republic of the Philippines.

Along with the struggle of the early Filipinos from different colonizers, the Filipino were able to adopt the different cultures especially the Eastern and the Western cultures. Since the Eastern and the Western people had stayed in the Philippines for quite a long time now, the Philippine culture is a combination of Eastern and Western cultures. The Philippines exhibits aspects found in other Asian countries with a Malay heritage, yet its culture also displays a significant amount of Spanish and American influences. Traditional festivities known as barrio fiestas (district festivals) to commemorate the feast days of patron saints are common.

The Moriones Festival and Sinulog Festival are a couple of the most well-known. These community celebrations are times for feasting, music, and dancing. Some traditions, however, are changing or gradually being forgotten due to modernization. TheBayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company has been lauded for preserving many of the various traditional folk dances found throughout the Philippines. They are famed for their iconic performances of Philippine dances such as the tinikling and singkil that both feature the use of clashing bamboo poles.

These are things that identify us being "Pinoy" but the real Filipino are "farmers and warior."


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~Language Arts~

Base on my study on the language arts perspective, researchers have found out that between 120 and 175 languages, depending on the classification/island where the person is located. Four languages no longer have any known speakers. Almost all the Philippine languages belong to the Austronesian language family. Of all of these languages, only 2 are considered official in the country while (as of 2010) about 12 are considered official auxiliary and Cebuano language is one of the official language of the Philippines.

A diplomatic representative of Cebu my native language is Cebuano , it is most widely used vernacular in the Philippine archipelago though Filipino (Tagalog) is the official language of the Philippines. Cebuano is not only used in the Island but also by most of the central and southern Philippines.

It's fun and easy learning the Cebuano language. It only has to be exercised by tongue with care, such as uttering some few words.

Those who learn the language need to exercise care as a few words of Cebuano will lead Filipinos to believe that one is fluent in it, already. After a few words of Cebuano, spoken by a foreigner, Filipinos will ask "Kama-o ka mo sulti'g Cebuano? " (Do you know Cebuano?) The response would be "Gamay (diyutay)." (Just a little).

For the one who just started to learn Cebuano, it is better not to ask a question which requires a verbal answer. It's useless to ask "Asa ang C.R.?" (Where is the C.R.?) if one isn't able to understand the answer. It would rather be advisable to instead ask "Palihog itudlo na ko ang C.R." (Please show me the C.R.)

Pronunciation of Cebuano is easier than English. For example, there are lots of A sounds in English: dark, race, about, hall, cat, sat and boat. All six words include the letter A, but all six A's are pronounced differently in Cebuano, there is only one pronunciation per vowel. A as in park, E as in get, I as in big, O as in dog and U as in put. There is even a tendency to simplify the pronunciation some more, so that e and i, are often interchanged.

In contrast, Cebuano people even myself have difficulty to read Cebuano magazines, newspaper, and alike.....is it not ironical???? 


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~Stars of Prison-CPDRC Inmates~

Cebu Provincial Detention Rehabilitation Center

^2009^

According to the warden in-charge who gave us the orientation during our visit together with my husband and my peer facilitators he articulated that...from humble beginners...while the inmates still reside in the barriers of detention, various activities are set in a daily routine for rehabilitation purpose. As part of their everyday program, the inmates have to perform some moves for their exercise that runs for an hour each day.

But neither the cops nor the inmates knew of what was to come from the simple exercises they had performed each day until CPDRC Director Byron Garcia introduced the exercise program and saw the astonishing waves of prinoners and had thought that the idea of it looked good.

These inmates are really Great! They learn to follow rules and took a lot of discipline and practice. It built teamwork, tolerance and pride. As I look at it I can say that they are more better than those police man outside who have been trained and got a degree...

Even these people are criminals yet they have made a name.....Very Impressive...!!!!

Picture taking with the dancing inmates after their performance....

Truely, these famous inmates had captured the holy light of fame. Yet, the mere truth of them being inside the prison has never been a hindrace for them to realize the practice the pure essence of rehabilitation.

Although they remain being among those who still have to pay several more years of their lives behind bars, it has been a fact that they have indeed created a history which only proves, despite their downfall, that theycould still rise to become better individuals by becoming the stars of prison....

^please watch their video^

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZC6JuTlOVM&feature=related

Tartanilla Festival 2012...

It`ll be a pity to wait for these house-driven carriages to be part of our history and be seen only in the books before realizing their essence and value to our culture as Filipinos, and more  so, as Cebuanos.

.....Across the years aboard, the tartanilla....

Goind back to my university life, I couldn`t forget that everytime there is Tartanilla Festival in Cebu City which is a kind of horse-drawn carriage I always watch. The festival has a lot of fun, there are so many artists and government officials who will attend/join the festival. With this, it is my previlige seeing those high prestage person in our country since only very few people are going to attend the festival.

The festival is one way of reviving the oldest mode of transportation which they used for travelling around the citys streets. The tartanilla or calesa`s used to ply the busier arteries of Sanciangko St., where the University of Cebu is now located at the same time my university, then to Leon Kilat this place are found near at Colon St., which is the oldest Street in Cebu City then to Tris de Abril.

Intering into the realm of modernization, change is inevitable in order to prosper. But then, again, progress does not always mean adapting to what is new according to the standards set by humans and setting aside it had outgown time. Sometimes, it means turning back in time to regain what ought to be preserved for the betterment of the present, or the future events. Recently, the tartanilla situated at San Jose St., infront of Gaisano Capital South which was tremedously burn last December 28, 2011.

The festival coincide the city’s celebration of  the country’s Independence Day which falls on June 12th every year. The highlights of  this festival includes the parade of tartanillas, a  horse racing  competition, tartanilla decoration competition, a bazaar and flea market. The Tartanilla is a festival that reflects the FIlipino culture and its love for history. This event is not to be missed.

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Only n the Philippines...

The Philippine Icon which I consider as my identity being "Pinoy" because these are not found somewhere they are "only found in the Philippines."

Guys let us know them one by one......

                                                           Jose Rizal (National Hero)

Jose Rizal is the Philippines national hero and pride of the Malayan race, was born on June 19, 1861, in the town of Calamba, Laguna. He was the seventh child in a family of 11 children (2 boys and 9 girls). Both his parents were educated and belonged to distinguished families. He was considered hero because he was the first filipino who fight against the Spaniards and wrote a book against the Spanish people NOLI ME TANGERE, EL FILIBUSTERISMO and a poem Ultimo Adios. He died at Bagumbayan Field in the cold morning of December 30, 1896 a man whose 35 years of life had been packed with varied activities which proved that the Filipino has capacity to equal if not excel even those who treat him as a slave.

As I have noticed in every president terms they always made a money of their own or changing the old one. Now, my way of keeping the old one I put the money in a bottle for my future children that they could still have knowledge/idea about the Philippine money during the decayed...

                                                                 Sampaguita flower

The child who is selling the flower commonly found at the park...each garlan is cost 5 pesos. He is less fortunate child where his parents are irresponsible who are just depending their child`s income...what a pittyful child and a dam parents...!!! So everytime I pass by the park I always buy Sampaguita to help the child that he may have food eat everyday and it is may way of help to the child instead of ignoring him.

Sampaguita flowers are very popular in the Philippines where they are strung into necklaces and sold in the streets of Manila. They are usually given to tourists, new graduates, and competition winners either as traditional welcome offerings or as honorary symbols for their achievements. The garlands are also given to saints, whether in churches or altars at home. The flowers are treasured for their distinct fragrance, and are even used in perfumery and tea-making.

The name “sampaguita” is believed to have come from the Filipino words “sumpa kita,” meaning “I promise you.” In early days sampaguita garlands are exchanged by young couples as a pledge of their love, not unlike the exchange of rings in wedding ceremonies.
 



Bangus (Milkfish)

 Milkfish, Chanos chanos (Forsskal), locally known as "bangus" or "bangos", is the predominant species being cultured in the Philippines. Hundreds of years ago bangus was grown in ponds along coastal areas. That was the beginning of fish fanning. Bangus is a popular table fare among Filipinos. To the biologist, it is an innately sturdy fish, being able to adapt and thrive even in the confined, unnatural environment of the fishpond. This characteristic is not often found in most other fish species.

The milkfish is my number one favorite fish among all the fishes of the Philippines. When I was in Davao my  main dish is always fried bangus and when I move to Cebu I could no longer eat bangus because, no one in here is skillful to debone the fish ...so sad.... :(

                                      

                                                             Nara Tree 
National Tree: Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) is a beautiful and strong tree. It is a favorite wood for furniture but because there are only a few trees left, cutting down a Narra tree is no longer allowed.It is found in Bicol, Mindanaoand the Cagayan Valley forests and in Juana Osmena Blvd. St., Cebu City.

I`ve been staying  in Cebu City for 31 years but I never had any picture of Nara tree. If it is not my biological teacher Ms. Minzo I never had any knowledge about the narra tree image...that I just always pass by everytime I go to my university.



                                             Carabao (During our Carabao Parade Festival)

The carabao is also considered a national symbol of the Philippines as well as in Guam. They were imported into Guam from the Philippines in the late 1600s during the Spanish colonial administration of Guam as a beast of burden and as transportation. They were used for farming and to pull "carabao carts." As recently as the early 1960s, carabao races were a popular sport on Guam, especially during fiestas.

Monkey-Eating Eagle @ Davao Eagle Farm

 The monkey-eating eagle, the Philippine eagle is unique to the forests of the Philippines. Deforestation through logging has been its primary threat, and now it is considered one of the most critically endangered species in the world, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

The monkey-eating eagle I saw it at Davao Eagle farm and crackerjack man let the eagle spread his wings and follow his command...so impressive!!!

 

Tarzier @ Lobok River-Bohol

The tarzier the world smallest monkey in the world and it can be found in Bohol Island Philippines also they are now of the most critically endangered species in the world. The monkey are very sentive and they must not be touch or even taken a camera because they died after few days. But even the in-charge person told us not to touch I really touch them because I want to feel their skin and their nature...



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Experience A Boracay Like Beach...

Tagbilaran Terminal....on our way to BBC

~Welcome to a Boracay Like Beach~



A small shanty that welcoming the guest to the beach... 



I went to Bohol Beach Club together with my husband and co-office mate last May of 2009. The Bohol Beach Club is located on the southern end of Panglao Island, roughly a ten mile taxi ride from Tagbilaran City. The Oceanjet fast ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran is about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The resort grounds are lush, green and fairly well maintained. The beach is long with beautiful clear blue water. The sand is a little on the coarse side and upon entering the water the sand becomes much coarser and gets mixed with tiny rocks, pebbles and seashell remnants. Walking ankle deep in the water barefoot is definitely uncomfortable. This is a beach that is probably better for laying out in the sun rather than for activities unless you have durable feet.

There are three restaurants at BBC. One is by the front desk/bar area. Taclobo and Agotata are located by the large swimming pool on the east side of the resort (the Amihan Wing). I had nice mussel soup at Agotata. Further east along the beach beyond the BBC grounds is the outdoor DBR Grille where I visited twice for lapu lapu and BBQ pork shishkebabs.

Internet access is available at the business center and they leave the wifi on at night even when the business center is closed. A couple of times I had to go online before dawn to get some business done and was able to get a connection right outside the business center door. The BBC resort is kind of isolated which is good if you're intention

is peace, quiet and solitude. It is self sufficient enough that you could feasibly stay

for a few days and never have to leave the resort. To get to some of the more 'vibrant' tourist spots like Alona beach two miles due west or Tagbilaran City you need to take a taxi. Tours of the island can be arranged at the front desk area. I took a one day tour that covered pretty much everything: Baclayon Church & Blood Compact Monument, Chocolate Hills, Loboc River cruise w/ lunch and a visit to a tarsier sanctuary.

The Bohol Beach Club is a sprawling resort compound with beautiful, lush tropical surroundings. If the rooms and amenities like wifi were brought up to date then this could be a 4+ star resort. My brief excursion to neighboring Alona beach exposed me to many tempting resort and dining options, and if I ever return to Panglao Island I will probably try someplace there.

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One of the largest pool facing the sea...



A pool with a small bridge surrounded by beautiful native rooms...

taking on spur of moment of pose since no one is around :)



A boracay experience like....lets take some relaxization in the breathtaking beach with a very spectacular shore line...!!!

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Sinulog 2012...Cebuano Yearly Practice...

It`s Sinulog!

When the Queen City bops and hops for the Señor Santo Niño...

It`s January and it`s Cebuano`s yearly practices is back again except me........ It`s time for the grand revelry in honor of the Holy Child in the historic and corolful city of Cebu. For the festive Cebuanos, this year is the time to bring color and verve to the idea of "One beat, One Dance and One Vision"

Every third Sunday of January, Cebu City, Philippines will celebrate Sinulog. The festival commemorates the Cebuano people's pagan origin, and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

The features a street parade with participants in bright coloured costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs. Smaller versions of the festival are held in various parts of the province, also to celebrate and honor the Santo Niño. There is also a "Sinulog sa Kabataan" performed by the youths of Cebu a week before the parade. Recently, the festival has been promoted as a tourist attraction, with a contest featuring contingents from various parts of the country. 

The Sinulog Contest is usually held in the Cebu City Sports Complex. The word Sinulog comes from the Cebuano adverb sulog which roughly means "like water current movement;" it describes the forward-backward movement of the Sinulog dance. The dance consists of two steps forward and one step backward, done to the sound of drums. The dance is categorized into Sinulog-base, Free-Interpretation. Candle vendors at the Basilica continue to perform the traditional version of the dance when lighting a candle for the customer, usually accompanied by songs in the native language.

Being a Cebuano I respect those who worship the Santo Niño image but I don`t participate the parade or even watch the parade on street. Aside from I am not a Catholic I don`t like crowd...it made me sick and tired...Last January 15, 2012 I just stayed at home and made my beauty rest...Love it!!!...

 ♥ ♥ ♥ gefting ♥ ♥ ♥

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