At the last minute

The great mass exodus as what Estan in his blog described the large throng of people trooping at the last minute just to get home to their hometowns for the Kalag-kalag celebrations. It was totally expected, as this is just one of the three occasions where massive migration of people out of the city and into the provinces. (Holy Week, Kalag-kalag & the Christmas Holidays) The holiday fell on a weekend and as what most would have wanted there came no prior announcement of a free day last October 31.

I decided to see for myself the phenomenon at the South Bus Terminal. Cebu being a small island, the only way to get around is by land transpo. And there is no other way to go down south but thru this hub.

It was already 9 am and the place was unusually noisy and hot. A slight drizzle earlier in the morning made the dust settle down but as soon as the sun took its place clouds and clouds of dust started to spread out. The main building is undergoing renovation and there is no space to move around. There was just this unimaginable long line of people meandering through each corner of the building. And as each bus arrived people started pushing themselves inside the narrow bus entrances, unmindful of the kind torture they are in.

I did not want to experience this kind of agony. I took the unpopular route instead.

Where all roads lead

A week before cemeteries, like this one in Argao, would be crammed. Graves would then have been cleaned and repainted. The living would stream with candle and flower offerings to the departed.

For a large Catholic country like the Philippines, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day for that matter, is one of the most celebrated occasions of the year. Aside from the usual trip to the cemeteries to offer prayers and all, it is also a time to meet and catch up with relatives and friends who have come for the occasion.

[Note: The photos above show what remains now of the colonial cemetery in Argao built in the 1900s. In the cemetery complex is a small lake. Behind the cemetery is a beach, the level of the water on the artificial lake varies throughout the day. When I visited the place the capilla was under repairs.]

Simbahan: Cebu heritage churches in watercolor

St. Catherine of Alexandria in watercolor, originally uploaded by GIBBster.

Cebu churches were once again the highlight in a painting exhibit by known Carcaranon painter Tony Alcoseba. The exhibit dubbed “Simbahan: Cebu heritage churches in watercolor” was one of the big events in conjunction with the celebration of the commemoration of the founding of the Parian district of Cebu City.

The Carcar Heritage Conservation Society and the newly-formed Taytayan heritage conservation group spearheaded the exhibit at the Cathedral Museum of Cebu last October 11 and runs until October 30, 2008.

Art enthusiasts and heritage conservation advocates alike were joined by no less than Ace Durano, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism of the Philippines and the Archbishop of Cebu, Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal. Both ended up buying the church paintings of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva church of Danao City and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral respectively.

Each painting costs Php65,000 but part of the proceeds go to support heritage conservation.

Cebu's Top 12 Beach Destinations

Badian, Cebu

It is unusual for a Cebuano not to love the beach. Whether he admits it or not he always has subconscious desire that takes him to the beach or any kind of body of water for that matter. After all the island of Cebu is surrounded by water. And wherever you go in the island there is always one that is inviting you.

I always make it a point that after a long workweek to take a trip to seclusion where it's just me and the sea. Whether it be a bike to the nearby shore or to a day immersed in the crystalline waters of a hidden beach. It's therapy!

I have been to most of the places around the island and the surrounding islands of Cebu yet there are more things to see, more things to discover.

Here is my list of the best beach destinations of Cebu waiting for you. What I've written down are random and are based solely on the lasting impressions I have of these places. Accessibility is never a consideration and I travel always on a budget, so trust me, these are the places to be in if you are the spartan type of person.

1. Malapascua Island
2. Bantayan Island
3. Carnaza Island
4. Moalboal
5. Badian
6. Olango
7. Sumilon Island
8. San Remigio
9. Tabuelan
10. Santander
11. Alcoy
12. Camotes Island