dodong's posts with tag: iloilo
(last issue of six parts) The Basic Photography Lecture
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec / F-stop: f/4.0 / ISO Setting: 200 / focal length: 18mm /flash: fired / mount: handheld
It's barely more than a month after my visit in Duenas into which the highlight of the adventure is my giving of a basic photography lecture at the Duenas General Comprehensive High School. I could have written and finished this story very, very much earlier but my limited time did not permit me to do so. I am very much occupied with work-related matters and that hindered me into updating this site much often. Anyhow, I am posting here now the fifth and the final installment of the series The Duenas Visit 2007. Shown in the photo above are the high school students who attended my photography lecture last October 2. There were more or less 50 students who participated and eager to learn about photography. Most of them are writing for their student organ. The event was held at Dr. Colleen R. Aujero Memorial Center, a multi-function room equipped with the latest multimedia projector and audio system. I didn't have a hard-time setting up for my presentation as there were teachers who took charge for the preparation and were enthusiastic in seeing the event to be fruitful. I just plugged my laptop computer into the multimedia project and everything was ready to go. When I started the workshop, I was amazed at the attentiveness of the students towards the lecture. Of course, there were few who got distracted but nevertheless, their participation and interaction over the lecture was overwhelming. The lecture went on smoothly. We had planned to finish the lecture in two hours but unexpectedly it went beyond the time limit. I was very happy to take notice that my basic photography lecture was very well received by both teachers and students present at the event. A bonus for the photography lecture is a Jollibee breakfast meal offered for free to all present during the workshop, courtesy of Kuya Bebot. This is the Jollibee meal package we had reserved for at Jollibee - Passi the day before. Spirits were high. Free photography lecture and a Jollibee breakfast meal, who wouldn't want that? The lecture ended at eleven in the morning. A certificate of appreciation was presented to me. The contents of the certificate is shown below: Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region VI - Western Visayas
Division of Iloilo
Duenas General Comprehensive High School
Duenas, Iloilo This Certificate of Appreciation is presented to ISIDRO T. FLORES, JR. for his capacity as lecturer in Photojournalism Workshop held
at Dr. Colleen R. Aujero Memorial Center, Duenas General
Comprehensive High School, Duenas, Iloilo, Philippines on
October 2, 2007. Given this 2nd day of October 2007 at Duenas, Iloilo. (sgd.) LEONIDAS P. PALMA
Head, English Dept. (sgd.) CYNTHIA P. SOTACIO
Secondary School Principal |
The teachers were very much thankful and assured me that my lecture is straightforward and easy to understand. I promised to them for a downloadable handout and Powerpoint presentation available here in this website. That I wasn't able to finish yet until this time. (I apologize to those whom I kept on waiting. Those materials will follow shortly after I can finish this article). The day the lecture was conducted is also the day I was going back to Manila by 7:00 o'clock in the evening. Kuya Bebot would send me to the airport, but not without the sidetrip to the other end of Iloilo province. Highway Scenes and the Sidetrip to ConcepcionDenden and Abby's granny and aunts would be going back to Concepcion in the afternoon. Kuya Bebot decided to send them off using his Honda CRV. Afterwards, he's going to send me off to the airport as well. Junne drove for us. Abby and mother Doll completed the troop. The long stretch from Pototan to Concepcion and back to Banate, Pototan, Mina, Janiuay, and Cabatuan gave me much the opportunity for a photography feast. A few resultant photographs to be celebrated are on display below. Most of the photos were taken while the car is in motion, so photo quality are not that good. Just see it light-heartedly and enjoy... 
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/6 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
We gas up in Pototan and saw those two lovely girls in the background...
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/100 sec / F-stop: f/7.1 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
An old cemetery in Pototan. I didn't have the opportunity to examine whether it is a Catholic cemetery or a public one. We didn't care to stop for spot checking...
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/80 sec / F-stop: f/6.3 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
A street motorcycle fixed with custom luggage rack designed to carry both pillion passengers and cargoes of considerable weight. If you notice, the second passenger is seated on top of the gas tank. In Mindano, we call this habal-habal but didn't know how it is being called in Iloilo.
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/10 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Blurry, blurry, blurry... But I like this photograph!
Sony Ericsson K750i / F-stop: f/2.8 / ISO Setting: 100 / focal length: 4.8mm / flash: off / mount: handheld
This is another tricycle we saw in Cabatuan while we were on our way to Sta. Barbara (leading to the new Iloilo International Airport). I lost count of the number of passengers onboard but I do remember the driver was already standing on the foot pegs and was leaning forward, knees supported by the handle bar, just to give more room for three passengers seating in his behind. It takes a skill to do that. Simply amazing...
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/25 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/100 sec / F-stop: f/7.1 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
In some parts of the country, the most comfortable position in a public transport is riding at the top. True, as seen from this Iloilo jeepney.
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec / F-stop: f/10.0 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Needless to say, that's another fully-loaded tricycle.
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec / F-stop: f/10.0 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Hill Top Native Restaurant, a restaurant to be found in a secluded area enroute to Concepcion. Do I need to say it is located on top of a hill?
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/100 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 18mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Ajuy scenery.
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/125 sec / F-stop: f/8.0 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 18mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Concepcion scenery.
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/125 sec / F-stop: f/7.1 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
The Food HuntCabatuan is just a 15 minutes drive away to the new Iloilo International Airport. It was just 5:00 o'clock in the afternoon - too early for me to be in the airport. Kuya Bebot offered for an early dinner for the whole group. His good taste yearned for a tino-um na manok. We went to several restaurants around town to look for this specialty food only to be told they already ran out of supply. We pushed our luck and ended up our food hunt at Leah's Tino-um located at the back of Cabatuan Public Market. 
Sony Ericsson K750i / F-stop: f/2.8 / ISO Setting: 800 / focal length: 4.8mm / flash: off / mount: handheld
Tino-um na manok is a native chicken in broth wrap up with banana leaf and placed in a wooden or clay bowl. I haven't heard of it before even during my long stay in Iloilo - not until it was being served right in front of us. 
Sony Ericsson K750i / F-stop: f/2.8 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 4.8mm / flash: off / mount: handheld
Sony Ericsson K750i / F-stop: f/2.8 / ISO Setting: 100 / focal length: 4.8mm / flash: off / mount: handheld
Kuya Bebot posed for Leah's Tino-um.
Sony Ericsson K750i / F-stop: f/2.8 / ISO Setting: 100 / focal length: 4.8mm / flash: off / mount: handheld
Abby and her Lolo across Leah's Tino-um. The SUV from behind is the almighty vehicle that transported us all throughout the trip.
Goodbye, Duenas...It's hard to say goodbye but I had to go. In the few remaining minutes of my stay in Panay Island, I was able to take a glimpse of the sundown while traversing the Sta. Barbara airport road. Not the restful and relaxing one as you can see, but at least, that's what my phonecam had "seen" and recorded at that moment. 
Sony Ericsson K750i / F-stop: f/2.8 / ISO Setting: 100 / focal length: 4.8mm / flash: off / mount: handheld
My days of stay in Duenas is over but the adventure wouldn't stop there. The longingness is overwhelming. Finally, I had to bid goodbye to Abby and goodbye to Duenas. I know it will be a long while before I get to see the place again. I say, the place is worth to be reminisced over and over again... 
Sony Ericsson K750i / F-stop: f/2.8 / ISO Setting: 200 / focal length: 4.8mm / flash: off / mount: handheld
...Until I'll get another chance of going back there once more.Goodbye for now...  Technorati Tag: Duenas, Iloilo, Texas, balikbayan, fiesta, town fiesta, Filipino traits, Filipino culture, Tatoy's Manukan, manok tinu-om, hospitality, Filipino hospitality
You can always go back to the first entry of this series by accessing this link: http://travelogue.digitalrebel.ws/2007/10/day0.html. Coming up next: Reasons Why Duenas Is Worth To Be Revisited & The Photography Lecture Downloads. Stay tune...
Post Script: (Nov. 16, 2007)
Photos taken during the photography lecture in Duenas. Shot in 35mm film camera. Photo courtesy of Regino L. Pama, RN. 
Blogger Commentsmaster dodong, ako rin mag-enroll sa klase mo :P Tutubi, hindi ka na dapat mag-enroll sa akin. Mukhang advance ka na sa photography, eh :) sa picture pa lang, lami siguro tong tino-um. wa ka mangayo sa recipe dong? :) Hi, Cantilangnon. Wala ko mangayo sa ilang recipe. Mora man ug sekreto ang ilang pag-prepare sani :D Tagal ko na pumupunta sa Ilo-ilo di ko man lang natitikman yun tino-um na manok. I've been to Pototan and ang ganda ganda dun pag Christmas kasi lahat naglalagay ng bonggang lights sa kanikaniyang bahay. Ang ganda rin ng airport viewed from your lenses... meron ding higanteng Christmas tree doon sa plaza ng Pototan. I hope meron din for this season.
Maganda din talaga ang airport, hi-tech and malinis kasi bago pa lang :) Nice of you to impart knowledge on who would be future photographers. That structure at the cemetery looks interesting. At mukha ngang masarap ang pagkain.
Ang ganda naman ng airport dyan. I should see it one of these days. Thank you, Ferdz. I tell you Iloilo is worth your time visiting :) Nice you spread your knowledge. Great you inspire the youth to go into photography.
Wow! You look very professional on your new avatar! Dodong, ang aga naman ng Christmas greeting mo sa blog ko! hehe
Ako rin, sasama sa photography class mo. There was also a shot I made using just a camera phone of us trudging through the worn-out path into the trees in one of our treks. Medyo magalaw kaya hindi sharp yung photo but it's also one of my favorites. Here's the image. I love the photos - the tricycle filled with passengers, and the overloaded jeepney, as well. I also love the sceneries.
Thanks for sharing. Watson: Mas maigi na yong maaga para ako yung nauuna :)
Saw your photos before in one of your post, I guess...
Nice photos need not always be sharp and saturated in color...
Mari: I love those photos, too. They are so Filipino :) Sidney: I'm also inspired after sharing my small knowledge about photography to young students...
My new avatar is the ID photos I used for my resume in applying for a new job. Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog. You amused me because you made a comment on my first entry in 2006.
Ang tagal na noon. Well, that painting, I posted is really old by now and a family heirloom. I willed it to my youngest son who became a graphic artist. I just returned from a trip to Florida, but today I take the time to view you blog. Very interesting and will read it from now on. I like reading about people's travel. Your photos are great. My blog is about all aspect of art but lately its becoming a travelogue. I love to travel and I try to post only the artistic and creative aspect of traveling. Also congrats for being recognized. Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog. You amused me because you made a comment on my first entry in 2006.
Ang tagal na noon. Well, that painting, I posted is really old by now and a family heirloom. I willed it to my youngest son who became a graphic artist. I just returned from a trip to Florida, but today I take the time to view you blog. Very interesting and will read it from now on. I like reading about people's travel. Your photos are great. My blog is about all aspect of art but lately its becoming a travelogue. I love to travel and I try to post only the artistic and creative aspect of traveling. Also congrats for being recognized. dong,thanks for sharing your travel photos... tagal ko na ring hindi nakapunta ng iloilo ah last ata 2002 pa... tama, share sa iba ang mga nalalaman sa photography.. malay mo sa Duenas manggagaling ang mga photographers na papalit sa mga sikat na photographers now...
habal-habal din tawag sa negros occidental na single na motorsiklo... hehehe kaya ata anim niyan hehe.. Hi, Kneeko. Thanx for visiting. Yes, we wouldn't know. I meet a lot of talented Duenasanon :)
I think motorcycle taxis are called habal-habal in most part of the country. I just came from Ivan Henares' post about Biliran and he mentioned the motorcycle taxi as habal-habal the same.
Again, thanx for dropping by :) congrats to your great lecture!i love the photos,all pf them!nung nasa pinas ako,ang hilig kong magbyahe sa province,gustung gusto kong mag sight seeing,di nga raw ako natutulog sabi ng mother ko kahit gaano kalayo ang byahe...the pictures above remind me of my childhood and persuading me to travel.i hope i can do that next year. Thanks for dropping by my blog again. Yes, you can link my blog to yours. I will link your blog to my art blog too. I love traveling and it's always a pleasure to have a blog mate who loves to travel too. I think people who travels a lot are more interesting. Hindi boring! Hi dodong, ganda ng mga kuha mo ng hometown ng dad ko. Im very familiar sa mga sites na kinuhanan mo.
Inform me naman sa mga future classes/seminar mo, gusto ko umattend para ma-improve ang aking photography skills :) by the way... sa iloilo i never heard na they call it habal-habal. Tricycle ang parati ko naririnig, although tama ka na in the southern part of the country habal-habal ang tawag sa mga malalaking tricycle. Pag nandun ako sa iloilo tricycle rin tawag ko :) hehehe hi kuya dodong! i'd love to be in that workshop. it must be cool learning photography again. i miss taking pictures... :) @ kegler747: Hi, Carlo! I'm glad you like my photos. Hey, I'm not into the level of photography instructor yet. But if you like, I can share my small knowledge to you on a person to person basis. When do you like it? :D
As for the habal-habal, I am referring to single motorcycles used for public transport in remote areas. Motorcycles with sidecars are always called tricycle or trike anywhere in the country :)
@ aCey: Thank you, thank you. I don't have photography workshop yet but I can teach you photography basics. I'd love sharing my small knowledge about photography to all my friends and anybody out there who are interested. Thanx for dropping by again... Ay tama ka, habal-habal yung mga motorcycle lang. Naalala ko na kse nakasakay ako ng ganun sa Camiguin.
Nakakahiya naman kung one-on-one :) wala ako pambayad sayo, hehehe. Pag meron ka nalang mga speaking engagement about photography just inform me :)
By the way, yung mga photos dun sa week 10 ng blog ko sa Alubihod, Guimaras ko sya kinuhanan last Nov. 1. Di pa nga ako nakakagawa ng blog sa Western Visayas trip ko. hello po, I tried so many times to get in here kaso strict ang browser namin. Hindi tuloy ako nakapagpasalamat sa pagbisita mo sa site ko. at least today is just a lucky day. anyway, lumipat na po ako.
Ang gaganda ng mga pics niyo, I miss Iloilo...and Congrats sa plaque niyo...keep it up! Happy weekend,Dodong!
ans hey,thanx for the flattering comments :)
pero over yata yung i look like a goddess??hahhaha! its a pleasure :)
ghee Ghee, beauty is in the eye of the beholder ;) Pareng Dodong: I love your Deunas series. I hope I can be able to visit that town one day soon. The people looks friendly and cool! Anyway, your photo-seminar should also be held here in Manila. There are really a lot of people (including me) wanting to know your techniques in composition, lighting, etc.
Congrats on a wonderful seminar and exciting trip! Pareng Dennis. Thanx for the appreciation of my Duenas series. I still have lots of things to learn about photography lighting. The seminar I gave is just basic. We all need to learn about advance photography technique :D
(third of six parts) Rain, Rain, Go Away..."Rain, rain, go away! Come again, on another day! Boys and girls want to play. Rain, rain, go away..." It was Saturday, September 29. It was just raining the whole day. There was not much activities to be done. I felt lazy then. I just read magazine while we couldn't go out. I alternatively read Popular Mechanic and Men's Vogue magazines. I could have watched my favorite TV program in Western Visayas, GMA TV 6' Bongga, if it were Sunday (later did I know when I checked Wikipedia today that the show stopped airing on Sept. 2). The Visit to Duenas ChurchIn the afternoon, the rain had stopped for awhile. Using his Honda CRV, Kuya Bebot and I went to the Duenas Catholic Church to pay a visit. The primary purpose actually is to take photos of the church interior. It can be remembered that during my visit here last year, I wasn't able to take a peek of what's inside the church because of a funeral.
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/6 sec / F-stop: f/5.0 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 40mm /flash: off / mount: handheld  
1/60 sec / f/4.0 / ISO 3200 / 30mm /flash on | 1/8 sec / f/3.5 / ISO 3200 / 18mm /no flash
 
1/60 sec / f/4.0 / ISO 3200 / 27mm /flash fired | 1/125 sec / f/8.0 / ISO100 / 27mm no flash
Tour to Majestic HousesFrom the church, Kuya Bebot brought me to Ninpha's house that happens to be situated just in front of his house. If you remember in the earlier part of this series, I had mentioned Ninpha as the balikbayan in the DWAI night who was awarded the Star of the Night not only because of her striking beauty but because of her Filipiniana dress which is far superior than the others. We were received warmly and were offered finger foods and red wine. But the most interesting part of the visit is my tour around her elegant home. I was drop-jaw all over seeing the intricate design of the house. The house is well-crafted and personally designed by her husband, a mechanical engineer by profession who is also based in the USA. There were no photos though as I sensed Madam Ninpha doesn't like the idea. It rained again and we were trapped inside the house. Kuya Bebot's house is actually just a two second dash from Ninpha's house but I didn't want to risk my camera into getting wet. The rain was getting heavier. Later, more visitor came, mostly balikbayan, and a dinner was offered for everyone. We ate and that was my last experience of the day. Previous Part: From Tuguegarao to Duenas: The Duenas Visit 2007 (Day 1)
Next Part: From Tuguegarao to Duenas: The Duenas Visit 2007 (Day 3) Technorati Tag: Duenas, Iloilo, Texas, balikbayan, fiesta, town fiesta, Filipino traits, Filipino culture, Tatoy's Manukan, manok tinu-om, hospitality, Filipino hospitality
(second of six parts) Duenas Tour and the Sidetrip to Passi CityIt was Friday in the morning, September 28. We made a short round by the town proper after which we proceed to Passi City located just a few kilometers from Duenas. I was very happy I got my network signal with Sun Cellular upon exiting the municipality. To my dismay, I can't contact my girlfriend. She too must have lost her signal in Kidapawan. We passed by Jose Mari Chan's asucarera before we reached the city proper. While I only knew Jose Mari Chan as a popular singer and composer who originated from Iloilo, I didn't know he's got a lot of properties in the province. The second asucarera we passed was just recently bought by Gokongwei, the owner of Robinson's Land, Robinson's malls, my airline of choice, my preferred cellular carrier, and many more. The convenience of roaming around in a luxurious car is overwhelming. I had been driving a lot of VIPs for years but it was my first time being treated as VIP. I just realized it feels good to be VIP. Together with me inside the car is Nong Junne who drove for us, Kuya Bebot seated at the back and his two lovely grand kids, Denden and Abby. In Passi, Kuya Bebot visited a few relatives to invite them to come to Duenas for the fiesta. During introduction, Kuya Bebot introduced me to his relatives and friends as his friend who is a photography expert. I was flattered, of course, but didn't show any sign of it. From Passi, we proceed to Iloilo City. We went to Viosils Arcade in Molo for an important personal business to finish. From there, we proceed to Tatoy's Manukan in Villa. Tatoy's Manukan
Sony Ericsson K750i / F-stop: f/2.8 / ISO Setting: 100 / flash: off / mount: handheld
The last time I was here was during a Paraw Regatta event in 2002 and since I didn't have money at that time, I roamed around the place with empty stomach. The first time I visited here was in 2001 during a Bikini Open competition. It was also the first time that I had tasted their seafoods and the lechon native manok. All the foods at Tatoy's were simply excellent. Abby and Denden on camera in the photo below. These two lovely kids were a total relief for the travel experience. They behave very well but even if they would become makulit, it wouldn't bother me and I still would prefer to be having them around (And who wouldn't like them? They are pure Ilonggo children and are typically malambing). I started to like children since I wished I could have mine. I always value any moment where I can have the opportunity of being around with children. If my girlfriend was with me, I know she'll feel the same.
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 200 / focal length: 55mm /flash: fired / mount: handheld Kuya Bebot posed with grandkids for a souvenir photo.
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/8 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 200 / focal length: 47mm /flash: off / mount: handheld The photo below shows the cottages at Tatoy's Manukan. A few years back, I and a few companions (i.e. Jun Pios, Roselle, and Desiree) would eat here enjoying the breeze from the sea. But this time, we chose the air-conditioned place. I was the first "VIP" to arrive the place. Close second was a real VIP, a Manila-based high-ranking government official. Iloilo at that time is declared under the state of calamity due to typhoon Hanna. That was probably the reason a top government official was in the province. 
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/80 sec / F-stop: f/5.0 / ISO Setting: 200 / focal length: 18mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/6 sec / F-stop: f/4.5 / ISO Setting: 200 / focal length: 34mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Talaba, lechon native manok, sinugbang blue marlin, sinabaw na tangigue, squid, and atsara. That was our order. Talaba was my own choice. 
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/6 sec / F-stop: f/3.5 / ISO Setting: 200 / focal length: 18mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
After Tatoy's, we dropped by SM City Iloilo to buy something. When it was getting late, we headed back to Duenas. We needed to prepare for the Balikbayan Night. The Balikbayan NightThe Balikbayan Night was spearheaded by Duenas Worldwide Association, Inc. (DWAI),
an association of Duenasanon (that's how people from Duenas call themselves) composed of members from both local and across the globe. It is important to note that while Duenas can be mistaken to be a sleepy town, it produces a lot of sons and daughters who for the past few decades are working from across the miles especially in the USA. And these loyal sons and daughters of Duenas would visit their mother homeland during fiesta and gather together as one big family. Not only that, these balikbayans shared away their fortunes and blessings in life by sponsoring poor but deserving students by granting scholarships through the association. Students who enjoy such privileges are called DWAI scholars. DWAI had also established a library situated at the second floor of the municipal social hall. While I had personally observed that Duenas residents originally just rooted out from more or less four big families that composed Duenas, I can see they maintain that close family ties with each other regardless of the time span they're away from each other. 
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/15 sec / F-stop: f/5.0 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 37mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec / F-stop: f/3.5 / ISO Setting: 800 / focal length: 18mm /flash: fired / mount: handheld
That's Kuya Bebot (in royal Moslem outfit) with all the invited family members in our balikbayan table during the Balikbayan Night. 
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec / F-stop: f/4.5 / ISO Setting: 800 / focal length: 31mm /flash: fired / mount: handheld
The photo below shows the Duenas Central Elementary School Children's Choir perform the Doxology.
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/20 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld The Philippine National Anthem was being rendered by the Duenas Teacher's Choir.
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/25 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld The theme of the event is Filipiniana and the presentations that followed were all cultural shows. 
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/25 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/25 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/40 sec / F-stop: f/5.0 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 33mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/30 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 52mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
For the Balikbayan presentation, Kuya Bebot, a Texas-based himself, waved around the Texas state flag while the Texas state song was played in the background. 
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/15 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
After the Texas state flag, the US flag was presented next while the song God Bless America is being played in the background. One of the attendees, the beautiful Ninpha Carumba-de la Cruz, another balikbayan who is later awarded the Star of the Night, can't help it but stand and made her round of applause (she's the woman standing second from the right - see photo below). The presentation is a mark of respect to all Filipino who are working abroad most especially those who are based in the USA. 
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec / F-stop: f/5.0 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 41mm /flash: fired / mount: handheld
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/40 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 48mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec / F-stop: f/4.0 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 25mm /flash: fired / mount: handheld
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/40 sec / F-stop: f/5.0 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 31mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/13 sec / F-stop: f/4.5 / ISO Setting: 3200 / focal length: 31mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
 
1/13 sec / f/3.5 / ISO 3200 / 18mm /no flash | 1/60 sec / f/3.5 / ISO800 / 18mm /flash fired
Balikbayan Night was concluded very successfully. Previous Part: From Tuguegarao to Duenas: The Duenas Visit 2007
Next Part: From Tuguegarao to Duenas: The Duenas Visit 2007 (Day 2) Technorati Tag: Duenas, Iloilo, Texas, balikbayan, fiesta, town fiesta, Filipino traits, Filipino culture, Tatoy's Manukan, manok tinu-om, hospitality, Filipino hospitality
(first of six parts) In this 138th entry of my blog, I decided to celebrate travel photography around the Philippines, the Filipino hospitality, Filipino friendliness, and Filipino generosity. There are lots of positive things to talk about around our country other than the baywalk massacre and dirty politics. Events like fiesta also reminds us of unique Filipino values and cultural traits. Filipino culture is definitely unique. Really, as in really. It is not just about travelling around but it is more about rediscovering the somehow forgotten Filipino cultures and getting acquainted with new friends not only local but all across the globe. That is why as far as Texas in the USA, Kuya Bebot invited me to witness their one of a kind town fiesta in Duenas, Iloilo which is celebrated from September 25th to the 30th. Going there was not that easy as I had expected. Two days before my scheduled departure for Iloilo, I was tasked by my company to drive for Tuguegarao. So, I Ieft from Manila last Tuesday at 11:00 in the evening. I arrived in Tuguegarao at 6:00 in the morning. I took a rest while my companions went on with their business transaction. The very same day, Wednesday, at 6:00 in the evening, we prepared ourselves to be going back to Manila. I may have gotten enough sleep but I hadn't eaten well. I was so tired driving the whole 400 kms. of 7-hour trip that I slept all throughout the rest of the day when I got the chance. The trip going back to Manila was another 7 long hours of stressful non-stop driving. It was not really the driving that caused me stress but the very thought of getting short of time in preparation for my Iloilo trip. Day 0 (Sept. 27) The PreparationWhen I arrived Manila on Thursday at 2:00 in the morning, I started packing up my things that I needed for my Iloilo travel. Worst, I haven't charged my batteries yet as I intended to do it just a day before my departure. The unanticipated Tuguegarao trip simply destroyed my timetable. I charged my batteries while packing up my clothings. I had already prepared my checklist for all the things I needed in a 5-day stay in Iloilo. I finished packing up my things at 6:00 o'clock in the morning, but I still had to wait for all my batteries to be fully charged before I leave. I also charged my phone and PDA. I had to maximise my time. Meanwhile, I called up my girlfriend telling her I would be late. We agreed earlier that we go together to the airport. She was also leaving for Kidapawan via Davao. We booked for the same airline but she got the earlier flight. Hers was supposedly 3:50 in the afternoon. Mine was supposed to be 6:05 later. By 9:00am, I was already on a taxi together with my luggage going to my girlfriend's boarding house. I was not feeling well. I haven't rested since driving straight for 7 hours and had skipped my breakfast. I felt I was totally disorganized for this trip. Final checking of my things is being done as soon as I arrived to my girl friend's boarding house. There, I found out that I missed the external flash for my mobile phone camera. There were minor changes to be done too, like changing my laptop bag to an old on which is lighter. The one I am currently using is sturdy but heavy and bulky for a hand-carry in flight. My girlfriend found my brown steel toe shoes to be shabby for the Iloilo trip. She had it changed with my pair of Bristol shoes that I had just worn in a few occassion. It was good that I left a few of my things in her custody. At least there were always options every time I get to visit her. The Peeled-Off SoleIt's good the traffic going to domestic airport is not that heavy that the taxi we were taking in swiftly traversed EDSA. For my girlfriend Jovy's scheduled flight, we were three hours earlier. That was a good thing. The bad thing is that her flight was delayed for more than two hours. So, to escape from boredom due to delayed flight, we toyed with our phonecam.
 
Sony Ericsson K750i / f/2.8 / ISO 240 Sony Ericsson K750i / f/2.8 / ISO 160  
Sony Ericsson K750i / f/2.8 / ISO 240 Sony Ericsson K750i / f/2.8 / ISO 320
Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/13 sec / F-stop: f/5.6 / ISO Setting: 400 / focal length: 55mm /flash: off / mount: handheld
Not contented with phonecam, I took out my SLR and started playing around. In the first photo below, I was experimenting with depth-of-field. Next photo, which is my self-portrait, was taken by my girlfriend as her first hands on with my SLR.
 
a) Canon 300D / 1/10 sec / f/5.6 / ISO 800 / 54mm b) Canon 300D / Shutter Speed: 1/5 sec / F-stop: f/4.0 / ISO Setting: 200 / focal length: 25mm /flash: off / mount: handheld Her 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon flight was rescheduled to 6:00pm. Mine was rescheduled from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. While our flight schedule was getting bad, the worst thing that had happened is the peeling off of the sole of my Bristol shoes during security check. But I didn't bring another pair of shoes to spare. I had to bear with such consequence. 
Jovy flew an hour ahead of me. I left Manila airport at 7:00pm and arrived at the new Iloilo International Airport at 8:00pm. My flight experience was not bad. My host, Kuya Bebot, one of the first male nursing graduates of Quezon City Medical Center School of Nursing class 1974 and now based in Texas, was already there waiting to pick me up. In no time, I also received a text from Jovy that she too, landed in Davao safely. Later, she would call me up that she's already on a passenger van going to Kidapawan. VIP AccommodationKuya Bebot is using his Honda Civic to fetch me from the airport. The car was driven by Tito, the husband of Kuya Bebot's niece. The travel from the airport to Duenas was less than one hour. Passing by the town plaza, I noticed the place is still very much alive and very well-lighted for the town fiesta. Since it was already past nine in the evening, we proceed to his house for the dinner. Later we would go out again to visit the High School Night which was held at the town's social hall. One of the main event that I missed during the day is the parade that took place in the morning. Kuya Bebot surprised me with a very beautiful house, in fact, one of the most beautiful houses every built in town. It is a modern castle - that's if you would like me to exaggerate. But yes, while the house doesn't look that big as seen from the outside, inside, you will find out the house to very spacious with enough number of rooms for immediate family members and guests. Air can freely flow in and out of the house so hot air would easily dissipate leaving a cool temperature in the interior. The house is very well designed yet maintained its simplicity that offers every visitor a homey feeling. 
Sony Ericsson K750i / F-stop: f/2.8 / ISO Setting: 100 / flash: off / mount: handheld
To surprise me more, Kuya Bebot gave his air-conditioned room for my accommodation. Other than the air-conditioning unit, other main convenience available are the built-in toilet and bath room, desktop computer, a few men's magazine to while the time away, and a very cosy bed. While Duenas is a fast-progressing municipality, such accommodation being extended to me is very exceptional considering the seclusion of the town from the key city (Duenas is more or less 30 kms. from Iloilo City). So I would say it was more than a 5-star hotel accommodation for me given the feel of the town. However, lonesomeness struck me the most due to the absence of Sun Cellular signal. The network is not available yet in the area. I lost contact with my beloved Jovy. Next entry, let's see how did I balance my longingness for Jovy and enjoying the rest of my vacation. Technorati Tag: Duenas, Iloilo, Texas, balikbayan, fiesta, town fiesta, Filipino traits, Filipino culture, Tatoy's Manukan, manok tinu-om, hospitality, Filipino hospitality
|  | Iloilo is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Iloilo City and is located at the southeast portion of Panay Island, bordering Antique to the west and Capiz to the north. Just off Iloilo's southeast coast is the island-province of Guimaras and across Panay Gulf and Guimaras Strait is Negros Occidental.
Spanish architectures can be seen in old churches in Iloilo. Merchants from China and India have long traded with the Ilonggos, as people from Iloilo are being called, even before the Spaniards came.
 |
October 12-15, 2006 I remember discovering myself being inclined to photography while being stationed in Camiguin Island way back in 1994. But then, my monthly allowance wouldn't just permit me to buy extra roll of films so I could experiment further. The passion was restrained to mere point-and-shoots only during occasions and any other events that needed to be documented. I always wanted travel photography and discover new things. Take photos of landscapes and beautiful sceneries, sunsets and sunrises. But the high costs of films, the film processing, and the expensive 2CR5 battery always drained my pocket. Sure, I was a proud owner of an SLR during those times when big cameras are pure luxury, but my poor buddy found itself most of the time being locked up inside the closet. Getting serious with a chosen hobby at that time seemed impossible to be reached out.
When I was in Iloilo, I started to feel in love with the place. Armed with my glorified point-and-shoot (that's my first SLR - everything automatic), I travelled across the island far and wide. I wanted to see seas, mountains, greens, and everything. I went to Estancia to photograph different kind of fish; I went to the island of Isla Higante in Carles just to see fancy clear waters; I braved Concepcion just to see the Tampisaw festival; I explored every detail of the Guimaras Island. I found myself falling for Iloilo.
Love conquers all, others may say. That was probably what it meant to me, when, as a resolute shutterbug, I decided to brave the high seas around my beloved Iloilo. I travelled from Iloilo to Capiz, crossed Masbate and Sorsogon. Then, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, Albay, way up there to CALABARZON. From Batangas to Mindoro, Romblon to Boracay, Boracay to Aklan mainland, Aklan to Antique, Antique to Guimaras, and finally back to Iloilo. That was my first romance.
Overtime, I got my own digital SLR. While in the process of getting the hang out of it, a friend from Norway challenged me to make a digital reshoot to places I had photographed in film. I hate to admit, but I'm afraid I must have already taken the challenge. It didn't take long and I had this headstart - a shorty itinerary for Iloilo. The mission: photograph old churches in Iloilo, colonial houses, and other sites with historical values. Mr. Pablo Minto, this is just a prologue of a long digital journey...
My Iloilo travel was inauspicious when the big boss hesitated to approve my leave of absence. I let him understand the importance of claiming my renewed PRC license at the PRC office in Iloilo otherwise I couldn't make it to the next renewal that ironically had already passed came my birthday. I was so insistent that the big boss couldn't do anything other than to put his signature for approval. Yet, the dilemma didn't stop there when my girlfriend, who always read my mind by just looking straight right through my eye, hesitated. Her concern was more of the expenses that entail with the trip. She even told me that the PRC thing is just a covert of an ulterior motive. I started to believe she could really read my mind. I just couldn't read hers when she released some amount for my travel allowance.
The initial disapproval of the big boss and the girlfriend must have foreboded an untoward misfortune along the way. It started with a taxi travel from my house to the airport that lasted three hours instead of the 45 minutes average travel time. The ongoing dismantling of EDSA billboards being conducted by DPWH men caused monstrous traffic from Cubao until Taft Ave. I left home at 1pm and arrived at the airport more than two hours later. My departure was scheduled at 3:55pm. I almost wanted to blame the taxi driver for his stubbornness. I suggested to him earlier for an alternate route of EDSA to avoid the growing traffic congestion but he insisted his own. He didn't know that like him, I'm driving everyday, too. The E-ticket blues Before entering the departure entrance of the domestic airport, I let out my driver's license and the print out of the airline's transaction receipt sent to me through email. The printed email would also serve as my e-ticket. When I handed those to the guard, he asked for my plane ticket. Surprised, I still politely told him I'm using e-ticket and that he can read through the details of my flight at the computer print out for reference. He told me that was unacceptable and advised me to get an ''actual ticket'' from the ticketing office. It was crazy! Having been in the travel industry for quite a time, I knew pretty well how e-ticket should work. I had attended countless seminars about e-Ticket while it was still in its infancy. The concept of e-Ticket is to give flawless convenience to every e-Ticket holder. So there I was, who precisely knows how e-ticket should work, standing helpless in front of a guard who probably knew nothing about e-ticket. For that moment, I can't subjugate the guard anyway, so I decided to be doing the very awkward thing he told me to do so. Otherwise, what if he's really right and the procedure for e-ticketing had changed in time?
At the ticketing office, there was a long queue of passengers buying ticket. It was good that at least they provided one teller to accommodate those who already had booking reference numbers, etc. I left my driver's license as valid identification so they could process my transaction receipt. It was printed on an official Cebu Pacific paper. When I had it, finally, the (stupid - sorry) guard let me in. Empty Bullet Shell for Amulet Purposes At the check-in counter, I checked-in my backpack because it contained liquids like drinking water, hair styling gel, and shampoo that are not allowed to be hand carried inside the aircraft. I also checked-in my tripod that was later attached with a ''Fragile'' sticker, a decision that I regreted later. I then confirmed to the lady in charge at the check-in counter whether the email printout and the official transaction receipt I got from the ticketing office are two different thing or not. She replied, "No, Sir. They are both valid and any of them can be presented as ticket just fine.'' Damn! I wanted to get back into that guard. Had my time of departure not moved on 4:15pm, that guard should have watch out for me.
I paid my terminal fee and proceeded to the final security check. The security procedure was simply amazing for me seeing passengers removing their wristwatches, belt, wallets, and shoes!
...and my combat shoes?!!
I obliged to remove my combat shoes that I painstakingly put on some four hours back. I requested for a separate tray for it so it won't mess up with my camera, phones, wristwatch, belt, wallet and coin purse. The X-ray assistant commented, "Nice boots, Sir!" into which I replied, ''It's none of your business. That's only a pair of old and rugged combat shoes."
After I underwent body-frisking, a security guard brought all my stuff to the nearest police desk. Later did I found out that the X-ray operator had seen a spent cal. 380 bullet shell inside my coin purse that I was no longer aware of.
The ongoing security checking procedure behind me was stopped for awhile as the ''body-frisker'' was told to lead me into the lady officer's desk. I asked first for my pair of shoes but was declined. I asked for my belt and it was handed to me. I then walked a few steps towards the lady officer's desk. There was no carpet going there, so I messed up my white socks. Well, at least my jeans didn't fall off.
The lady officer examined me from head to foot and started raising questions like why I was wearing military boots. I told her that was only my personal preference. I was asked what had happened to my forehead. I told her it was a result of a cyst procedure some two weeks back. I was asked why I had thick knuckles. I introduced to her my martial arts affiliation and showed to her my expired ID. I was then asked why I possessed such spent shell. I told her about my professional affiliation and told her further that I just don't have any credentials to show off. I was also asked about the purpose of keeping such, I told her I was planning to buy an amulet at Quiapo and the empty bullet shell would be used as enclosure. I just didn't have the time to visit Quiapo so the empty bullet shell resides inside my coin purse for quite a time. Had they didn't give up on me, I could have mentioned a few big names but they released me anyway. The empty bullet shell was not even touched (so I could photograph later for this article). The lady officer even bid me a successful Iloilo trip.
As for the amulet thing, I don't really believe such thing and such was just a lame excuse to the investigator.
And by the way, only live ammunitions are not allowed onboard. Frenzy Taxi It was already past 5pm when I landed Iloilo. It took me another 30 minutes before I could get my entire luggage from the conveyor.
Outside the airport, there were lot of taxis waiting with unauthorized dispatchers barking here and there. When I get to a few of them, I was negotiated for a flat rate of P300. Some lowered it down to P250 or P200. I was pissed off. Why do they have to ask me flat rate when they are metered taxis anyway? Lintik! So much for this misfortune! I need to reverse this! I shouted within.
I walk further to the end of the airport and found a signage few meters outside. The sign read Metered Taxi. I walked to the sign and found one taxi waiting. True enough, the driver used the trip meter. I asked him to bring me to Lapaz Plaza. When we reached my destination, I was only billed 72 pesos. I handed him over a 100 peso bill and he was already very grateful to that. I was also hopeful his sincere smile would contravene the whole misfortunes I went through. Lapaz PlazaMemories...
I spent most of my time here before coming home from work, and even in the morning, if I still have enough time, I also pass here by before going to work. Being solitary in my life, I always enjoy watching promenaders as they glide in front of me. This is also the same plaza where my racer bike was stolen.
I walked to the mid-section of the plaza so I could take a couple of night shot in the area. When I brought out my tripod, I found out that the tripod had acquired dents and the tilt lever was unscrewed I can no longer put it back. I understand the Fragile sticker attached into it the earlier didn't serve its purpose. Don't cry over spilled milk, I just told myself.
Without any tripod to spare, I took a few night shots handheld.
 
I chose Lapaz more than any other place in Iloilo having been residing here some few years back. I know I would always feel home when I get to the place. I can just walk around and find it easily anything that I need.
From Lapaz Plaza, I walked to Pechopak for my dinner. My dinner consisted rice and chicken.
 
This is how the Pechopak look like in the evening, and to the right is the dinner I had eaten. I photographed the food using my Sony Ericsson K750i.
When I finished my dinner, I walked to Jereos St. to find my favorite internet cafe, Ross-Ron Internet Station. I found it, I was glad it still exists. I was online for two hours.
My accommodation was at the Q Hotel. It is not actually a hotel but rather a short-time motel. I was on a tight budget so a cheaper accommodation would suffice. I was surprised the rate didn't change in a few years. It's P170 for the first 3 hours and 50 pesos per succeeding hour.
Lapaz Plaza signifies a lot, when accommodation, internet station, affordable restaurant, and even the Gaisano mall, all are just a stone-throw away.
Jaro Plaza and Jaro Cathedral It is the second day of my travel adventure. I started the day with a cold shower. I paid my bill so I could check out right away. Every minute counts and I knew I have had lots of things to do. I was only charged 470 pesos for a 9 hour stay of the Q Hotel. As a side note, I was glad Q Hotel (read: motel) are accepting single occupant. Those found at V. Mapa only accept customers in pair.
My friend Angelito met me at Lapaz Plaza. He told me he can lend me his Nissan X-trail provided I will fill it up when it will ran out of gas. That was a great idea but I ultimately turned down his generosity for several reasons. I was tight on budget and I’m sure I’ll spend more of the petrol costs than taking commute. Having your own car maybe a time saver, but more often than not, I am always in trouble looking for parking area that it in fact cost more of my precious time. By that time, I was tight on schedule, too. But the main reason I was not taking his offer is that because I’m not driving automatic transmission.  Angelito offered me a ride to Jaro but I declined telling him I missed Lapaz Plaza so much and I have to satisfy myself by roaming around and enjoy the cool morning. I thank him and assured that I can just take one jeepney ride to Jaro. He wished me good luck and left.
I took several shots of Lapaz Plaza and the two churches nearby, i.e. the PICC church and the Roman Catholic Church. After making a final round, I proceeded to Commission Civil St. that leads to Jaro Plaza. Along the way, I was taking photos of people, jeepneys, and anything that tickled my interest.
It was already 7 o’clock in the morning when I arrived at Jaro Plaza. The same thing that I did at Lapaz Plaza, I roamed around and take photos of the plaza at different angle. I also took photo with the old belfry. I then proceeded to the Jaro Cathedral, get inside to say a prayer and snap several photos in its interior. The Jaro Cathedral is among the churches in the Philippines that has its belfry separated from it, across the national highway and situated in Jaro Plaza. Historically, the belfry was used as a lookout tower for sea raiders. The historical marker of the church states, that Philippine hero Graciano Lopez-Jaena was baptized there. Jaro Cathedral is also the first and only cathedral in Panay built in 1864. One of its high points in Panay's history was the visit  of Pope John Paul VI, conducting a mass in 1982. Like what I always did to most church, I again took my customary symmetrical shot of the church interior. Several photos were also taken outside including a full view of the church. I then proceeded to the nearest Jollibee in the place for my breakfast.
One important thing that I failed to visit and photograph though is the Madonna and child which is situated at the veranda or balcony at the front of the Jaro cathedral. The icon is approximated to be life size. It is encased in glass and is dressed in typical cape. It has a large white choker around its neck. Catholic devotees believed that the image is miraculous and is originally sheltered further up in a small niche atop the church front. Over the years, the icon is believed to have grown in size, and when it could no longer fit the niche, it had to be brought down, hence its current location. The stairway that leads up to the balcony was close at that time. I was sure it would be opened up later of the day.
 When I made my final round of the plaza to snap a few shots to those old colonial houses of sugar barons and Hispano-Filipino houses of the elite during the Spanish era, I spotted a bigger eatery of the famous Andok’s Litson. Somewhat I regretted to be going to Jollibee promptly. Andok’s Litson is my favorite, too. I just didn’t expect that an Andok’s branch had already invaded the place. It was not around during my care-free days.
When it was 15 minutes before 8 in the morning, I proceeded to the regional office of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). I shouldn’t forget this was the alibi I made to my boss so he would grant me a leave of absence. It was just timely when I arrived at the office because there were very few people yet, mostly young professionals and would-be-professionals that are taking exams or were checking the result of their examination.
It didn’t take me long doing my business. I got my PRC license in more or less 30 minutes. I walked back towards Jaro Plaza to take another jeepney that would bring me to my next destination.
San Joaquin Church and San Joaquin Cemetery  From Jaro Plaza, I took a jeepney with sign Leganes-SM Highway. This route would pass by JC Aquino Avenue so it's easier for me to transfer to another jeepney bound for San Joaquin. I paid only 7 pesos to that Leganes jeepney.
Luckily, it didn’t take me long to wait for a San Joaquin jeepney. San Joaquin is an hour trip or 53 kms. from Iloilo City and the farthest town in the Iloilo province. . Except for one broken bridge that we passed by, the highway is considerably smooth so the ride was simply easy. Actually, the problem I encountered with this adventure was the cellular phone signal. When I hit the boundary outside Iloilo, I lost Sun Cellular signal. Even my network signal to Globe worked sporadically.
Ilonggos, as what people in Iloilo are called, are always known to be very hospitable. I was seated next to the driver and he started a good conversation. In fact, he started to speak to me in Tagalog when he took noticed of my shabby Hiligaynon. We reached San Joaquin before 10 o'clock. I asked the driver if the jeepney route is passing the church. He told me it is not but he voluntarily told me he can drop me by so I don’t need to take a traysikad (pedicab). In our earlier conversation, I told him I would be photographing churches. Transportation from Iloilo City to San Joaquin only costs 50 pesos.
In a few more minutes, I was already standing in front of the San Joaquin old church. I was amazed at seeing how obviously old it is and how it is able to stand throughout the ages. I have had my earlier internet research about the place and this is the information I had lifted from this link verbatim: http://www.admu.edu.ph/offices/mirlab/panublion/r6_sanjoaq.html
The church is built of coral stone quarried from Igbaras, and is flanked by a three story bell tower to its right and the ruins of a building, probably the convento to its left. The bell tower, however, is now damaged and the upper most story, a construction in reinforced concrete. The two stories of the façade are uneven in height, the second being about one-half the dimension of the first. The first story is decorated with rosettes and divided vertically by engaged columns on tall plinths like Guimbal. Composite capitals crown the columns. A plaque above the arched portal displays the Augustinian seal flanked by cherubs. The second story is plain compared with the lower floor. The façade's striking feature, however, is the disproportionately large pediment. When Fr. Santarén was still building the church news of the victory of Gen. Leopoldo O'Donnel over the Moroccan Crown Prince Muley Abbas reached Iloilo. The Spaniards recaptured Tetuan. Santarén's low relief mural captures the excitement of victory where cavalry and infantry are tearing down Moorish defense, near palms and a minaret. The troops are composed in an ascending spiral with figures of horse and rider becomes smaller the higher they reach. Spaces between the figures are filled with vegetation. The title of the composition "Rendición de Tetuan" is carved at the base of this animated relief.
Okay, that’s enough for that lifted story. After taking a few shots at different angles, I hailed an approaching traysikad and asked the driver to bring me to the old San Joaquin Cemetery. It was a little bumpy ride of a traysikad running on municipal streets with pot holes along the pavement. In less than five minutes, we arrived at the cemetery. Drivers are not only sweet lovers, they are also full of surprises, too! When I inquired for my fare, the driver replied, “Ikaw na ang bahala.” (It’s all up to you). This is weird, I thought to myself. What if I’ll only give you one peso? Seriously, it was not funny. Anyway, I handed him four 5 peso coins to make it sure I give him more than enough. Later, I learn from the cemetery folks that minimum traysikad fare is only 5 pesos.
 The cemetery is really impressive with its design very rarely seen. During my stay in Iloilo, I had never visited this cemetery. I had been to San Joaquin on several occasions but never been into this place. Since I was already standing at the very place, I satisfied myself with lots of shots, after which, I backed off to the highway and waited for another jeepney to take me to Miag-ao.
Here’s my note about the San Joaquin cemetery, lifted from the same link above. The San Joaquin Cemetery (1892), one of a number built in Iloilo province during the 19th century, is located along the highway leading to the town. Built on a low rise, the cemetery's square perimeter is demarcated by a wrought iron fence and shored by a wall of carved stone, embellished with niches and saints. A flight of 20 steps leads up to the cemetery compound. The octagonal structure at the compound's center is a mortuary chapel, where it was customary to bless the dead. The chapel is decorated with Classical motifs. A pointed dome crowns the whole structure.
Miag-ao Church  From San Joaquin, I took an Iloilo-bound jeepney for Miag-ao. I arrived at the municipality of Miag-ao in more or less 10 minutes. I paid 10 pesos for the transportation.
The church is just right there beside the highway, about 40 kms. away from Iloilo City.
Miagao Church' sandstone facade rises out of its surroundings to grab you by your visual senses and keep you staring at "the most Filipino” among the country's historic churches. Its most outstanding feature is its pediment, on which is carved a relief of coconut, banana, papaya trees and stylized guava fruit. Built in 1786 and was declared as national landmark in 1973, Miag-ao Church is now in UNESCO's World Heritage List.
If you’re reading this article online, most likely clicking the link will lead you to another website,http://miagao.tripod.com/church/church.htm. The link gives detailed information about the church. I found this link over the internet a few days back while I was planning my Iloilo travel.
Guimbal  I decided to eat my dinner in Miag-ao. While on my way looking for a nearest eatery or refreshment parlor, I passed by an internet café. I went inside for a few minutes to check emails, after which, I proceeded to the nearest refreshment parlor. The time was past 11 in the morning. Next destination was Guimbal, 29 kilometers southwest of Iloilo city proper.
Transportation from Miag-ao to Guimbal is only 12 pesos. Any Iloilo-bound jeepney would do. It took me only more or less 10 minutes to reach the next destination. Along the way, I passed by Virginia Bridge but missed to take it a photo simply because it was out of my itinerary. Sometimes I would wish I accepted Angelito’s Nissan X-trail so I could stop in between my destination. Unfortunately for him, getting his SUV means getting him as my driver of the day as well.
Virginia Bridge is now known as Guimbal Steel Bridge. The bridge is constructed during the American period. The construction was ordered by US President Roosevelt. It is approximately 0.350 kilometers long and made of Pittsburgh Steel, which were imported from Virginia, USA. I’ve heard from sources that it is the longest steel bridge in Western Visayas.
Finally, I arrived at the famous Guimbal Church. It looks magnificent as always. I had been here in the past for several occasions but never remember seeing the photo I had taken here. I probably must have lost the film.
The church is famous for its Spanish architecture, built of adobe stones called igang and coral stones quarried from Guimaras. This church was constructed through force labor or folio imposed by the Spanish friars during the Spanish colonial period. It has undergone some reconstruction after it was destroyed twice, during the Second World War and during the 1948 earthquake. Presently it was rehabilitated to its original structure.
Guimbal Plaza, known for its beautiful ornamental plants and landscapes, is described by many as the little Luneta of southern Iloilo. It is well-maintained and well-lighted at night. It can be likened to an European labyrinth.
Another thing I didn't want to miss is the Guimbal Watchtower or referred to as the Moro Watchtower or “bantayan” in the local dialect. Originally, there were four structures located in different sites along the shoreline area in the poblacion. Only three are still intact and renovated to its original condition through the Department of Tourism. These “bantayan” are the 17th Century structures used as look-out for raiding Moro pirates. Like the church, these were also constructed through force labor.
For fast mobility, I hired a tricycle. Actually, the watchtower is just a walking distance away from the church but I didn’t want to mess up with my schedule. I still have lots of places to go. I asked the driver to wait for me since it won’t take long and I’d be heading back to the highway. He waited and after taking a few snaps around the place, I climbed back again to his tricycle so he could send me to the highway.
To my astonishment, I heard from him the same line I had heard from the traysikad driver in San Joaquin when I inquired about my fare. “Ikaw na ang bahala.” I almost believe somebody must have oriented these drivers to utter such lines to any individuals with big cameras. Or maybe it is just in their instincts that anybody who sling big cameras is lord whom their remuneration of the day are being entrusted. I gave him a 20-peso bill anyway. I know that was far more than enough, but I know that was all he expected. If a few extra peso can brighten up his day, why not?
Tigbauan Guimbal and Tigbauan are just 7 pesos away. 7 pesos, you read it right. In between these two focal points is Racso’s Woodland. Another would-be destination have I had sufficient time. An internationally-known inland resort, it is a theme park for nature lovers. A sprawling oasis of trees, flowering plants, shrubs, birds and marine and ground, animals that blends well with modern amenities. They also have mini-hotel to cater those who prefer to spend the night with. I had been in the place twice. During my second visit, we had a photoshoot here with my companion. During that time, I wished that my honeymoon be accommodated into that place. Again, I wished Angelito and his SUV is with me.
Tigbauan, I was told before, was named after Tigbao, a local name for a type of grass that used to swarm the countryside. Tigbauan, a coastal town, was one of the landing sites for American Forces led by General Douglas MacArthur in March 1945 for liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese in World War II.
Tigbauan Church |
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master dodong, ako rin mag-enroll sa klase mo :P