Carabao ride

Marvin (photo) riding their family'scarabao in the village of Santa Barbara is a veteran carabao shepherd. "He is almost of the same age as our carabao. He literally grew up with the carabao as his playmate that is why the bond between the two is  so strong," says his father.

Marvin giving me some tips on how to easily mount the carabao.

There was a feeling of calmness and relaxation the moment I sat on the 'siya' -- a contraption for carabao riders made of rattan and old banig that serves a cushion.

I waited for her (the carabao is a she) to finish the grazing before roaming around the pili grove. 

Location: Pili grove in Barangay Santa Barbara, Bulusan, Sorsogon

Date: July 12, 2014

Photos by Jomabel Fulo

Barcelona's Presidencia ruins

A trip to Barcelona, my hometown's border town, will not be complete without passing by the Spanish  period Presidencia ruins. A former part of the Old Bulusan, Barcelona is so similar to Bulusan town in so many ways including the language.

The structure is said to be part of a protective defense structure against the moro pirates during the Spanish colonial period built  probably at a later date than the fortress in Bulusan town, extant of which still dot the coastline of the Poblacions.

The Barcelona Spanish colonial Presidencia structure though in ruins is a major heritage site of the town that attracts tourists both local and foreign. It is located just across the Barcelona church (also a tourist draw) and faces the vast Pacific Ocean.

Note:

Information from LGU Barcelona about the history of the ruins reads: Moreover, the Presidencia Building with a two-story structure was the seat of Barcelona local government headed by the Governadorcillo. Being a few meters away from the shoreline of the Pacific, it served as a FORTRESS from pirate attacks with an underground tunnel leading to the parish church across the street. During the Japanese occupation, the Presidencia was used as a garrison. After the war, it was used again as the seat of the municipal government. A series of typhoons destroyed the upper part and surrounding walls. Its remains served as a historical landmark and an awesome sight to savor the past. The remnants of the adjacent Stone Building which was also built in 1874 as a school building for the children of the “Illustrados” can still be seen. During the American rule, it was still utilized as an elementary school building until a typhoon destroyed its roof.

Photographs by Alma P. Gamil
in Barcelona, Sorsogon, Philippines

Village hopping in Bulusan

Three villages in one day resulted in priceless images (partly shown here). It was a trip that left me wondering why it took me so long to set foot on these wonderful local spots of my hometown. Never too late though.

First Stop: Buhang  (San Vicente)

Mapaso, Indigenous Healing ground

Rock Beach as spectacular backdrop for Mapaso

Hot waters shoot out from the low cliff's crevices to pour unto the seas, hence the name, Mapaso.

Second Stop: Bagacay (San Ramon)

This unknown mountain beauty is a serene river in the village of Bagacay.

A brief stop on our way back  from the village of Odikin  for this unexpected sight in Bagacay.

Third Stop: Odikin (Santa Barbara)

Shy village girls of Sta. Barbara (Odikin)

More than a century-old partnership, Karagumoy and Pili

Pili trees: magnificent as mansions in Santa Barbara

With Oya Choleng and Mabel for a souvenir shot with Santa Barbara. The Saint protects them from lightning coming from the Volcano (Bulusan) says Oya Choleng (Soledad Freo).

Sta Barbara is located around 2km from the PDZ (Permanent  Danger Zone) of Bulusan Volcano where century-old (and older) pili trees are to be found.  Photos of which to be released in my succeeding blogs.

Photographs by Alma P. Gamil (except for the last photo).
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines