J.J. Cale/ Eric Clapton- After Midnight Live From Crossroads Guitar Fest...

Bulusan Fiesta 2013 Images (1)

Saint James the Greater, Patron Saint of Bulusan

Bulusan's Ms. Tourism 2013 

Photo ops with Mr. Bulusan "Pretty boy" (in yellow barong) 

Contestants for the Ms. Bulusan Tourism 2013

Chickoy Pura  in his "homecoming" gig

Bikers all set for the mountain bike challenge, literally - route includes the scenic Mt.  Bulusan fringes.

Greeting tarp with interesting Saint James the Greater images

Winner for the 'Tiriladan' (pili nut de-shelling) contest

Event organizers with Mr. Bulusan 'Pretty boy' winner.

Local flowers adorn the stage 

Karagumoy weaving contest

Ms. Bulusan Tourism with the DLC winner

Photos: Alma P. Gamil

Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Haen an langit? (Where is heaven?) : Playing with a praying mantis

The praying mantis is a harmless insect and likes to play, so it seems to me. This was shown in several of my photo captures with the creature staring at the camera in a pose-like manner. It was at this point of my photo shoot when Jomabel, our young house assistant started asking the praying mantis  this question : "Haen an langit (Where's heaven?)," then I remember and pointed out this observation to Jomabel that our usual question (addressed to the praying mantis) when we were kids was different. Our question was : Haen an sirangan?(Where is the sunrise?) . But it doesn't matter. I was busy taking photos of the lovable creature.

Overhearing our conversation, Oya Choling, our elderly neighbor smiled at us with a knowing look and a glint in her eyes that only means that she too is reminiscing her own childhood. So, I thought this 'bayi' (local name of  the praying mantis) conversation play is as old as any senior Bulusanon can remember. It is a traditional Bulusanon children's play that has been going on for so long and  most often taken for granted but nevertheless have brought joy to Bulusan kids from generation to generation.

The praying mantis after the play was over is always released unharmed by Bulusans kids then and now. The question still remains however on why the praying mantises involved  in those play conversation always do their part willingly with playful gesture to boot.

Photos: Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Scarlet beauty

Growing wild along the curved highway of Porog is this eye catcher red clump of what seemed to be little berries but as soon as these opens turn into minute flowers with interesting features.

To anyone from Bulusan who is familiar and knows exactly the local name of this indigenous flower,  I will appreciate it much if it can reach me via comment or my contact info. Much thanks in advance.


Photos: Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Bulusan Volcano Fenced

Bulusan Volcano appears to be fenced here in the above photo. Well,  in reality it can happen. If and when the Bulusan Geothermal Power Project will be pursued, the area of around 26,000 hectares surrounding the volcano will become a Geothermal Energy Field zone. This means this area will be literally  fenced! No entry  for even the residents without the consent of the big geo company.

The planned industrial development will convert irrevocably  the last remaining rainforest of the Province of Sorsogon  from a pristine state to an industrial state. No amount of cosmetic 'greening' will hide this fact.

Hopefully this will not happen with the vigilance of the pro nature conservation sectors of Bulusan and neighboring towns.

Photo: Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon

What caught my eye in the recent Bulusan Ecotrail Run

Look who is promoting the Bulusan Ecotrail Running Cup! At first glance the National hero appears to be running too in the fun run. The only thing that is out of place here is the overcoat. But with running shorts and top, Jose Rizal will blend in naturally with the tarpaulin ad.

Photo: Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Moonlight

“Moonlight floods the whole sky from horizon to horizon;

How much it can fill your room depends on its windows.”

                                                          ~ Rumi, Essential Rumi

Photo: Alma P. Gamil 

Full Moon, May 25 2013, viewed from Sabang Bridge, Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines