Contrast/OWT & WWW

Overlooking a small, crowded pier at Culion Island.  

Moved my camera frame a few inches to the left and captured this serene scene---strikingly different from the jam-packed pier.

We do not live an equal life, but one of contrasts and patchwork, now a little joy, then a sorrow, now a sin, then a generous or brave action. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Linking to Our World Tuesday and  Water World Wednesday

Contentment/Water World-Wednesday & NF Waters

Contentment is a pearl of great price, and whoever procures it at the expense of ten thousand desires makes a wise and a happy purchase. ~ John Balguy

A pearl farm near Dynamite Point in the Calamianes

Get your eyes wet over at Watery World - Wednesday

and NF Waters

An ordinary day/Watery World Wednesday

An ordinary day in the lives of fishermen in Culion Island.  A mundane moment captured while waiting for our boat ride, witnessing the richness of everyday life.

Linking to Kim's Watery World-Wednesday

Culion Church/OWT

Purisima Concepcion de Nuestra Senora

One of the sites in Culion Island that was hard to miss is the Purisima Concepcion de Nuestra Senora (Immaculate Conception Church). The church was an imposing structure, one of the oldest buildings in the island.   Its dramatic steps were seen from the gate of the leprosarium. 

A group of Augustinian priests arrived on this remote island in 1622 and established a parish thereafter.  The island was a constant target of harassment and raids by Muslims pirates that around 1740, the superior of the Augustinian Recollects decided to construct a watchtower and fort as a defense measure against the Moro Raiders.  Within the fort, this church of about 25 meters long and 10 meters wide made of hewn coral rock was built.

 

The interior of the church had been renovated since, I'm sure, as the arches reminded me of Silliman University Hall (built in early 1900's).  And I couldn't help but admire the design of the nave and the light coming in.  As this church sits by the sea, the breezes were cool and salty.  It was was closed when we visited because they were preparing for an important religious event the next day.  But the ladies in the parish office were kind enough to let us explore the church.

Looking towards the main entrance of the church, I noticed the gallery for the choir and a stoup standing infront of the door. The yellow tiles are beautiful.

 

Beside the main entrance was the tomb of a Jesuit priest, Fr. Javier Olazabal, who came to Culion Island in 1971 and died on the island in 1988 at age 79.

 

The Immaculate Conception Church viewed from the walls of the old fort beside the watchtower.

 

 Culion Island can be reached by outrigger from Coron town in Busuanga Island; or by a passenger ship that docks here once a week from Manila.  

Culion Island, Calamian Group of Islands, northern Palawan

 

Linking to Our World Tuesday

Culion Island [Our World-Tuesday]

Culion Island was not a part of our itinerary but I asked our guide to arrange a visit to this island.   My mother told me that her father who died during WW II, taught English in this remote, sleepy seaside town in the 1920's.  We chartered a banca and started early on our hour and a half journey to Culion.   

Culion is one of the bigger islands in the Calamianes group--it's a historic island where the Spanish built strategic fortifications to protect the island from Moro raiders.  It is also a place wrought in pain and despair. This island once housed the world's largest leper colony established by the Americans in 1901.

Agila View Deck - approaching the island, we were greeted by a huge image of an eagle set in stone at the top of the mountain.  I later learned that it is a testament to the resilience and gratitude of the island's patients, who made the giant replica of the Philippine Health Service seal in 1929.  There is also a Christ the Redeemer statue near the seal.

Culion was called an "island of no return", and home to thousands of Filipinos segregated and isolated in one of the country's most remote islands due to leprosy.  Leprosy has affected humanity for over 4,000 years, and was once believed to be highly contagious.  It is primarily characterized by skin lesions; left untreated, it can be progressive, causing permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes.  An effective treatment for leprosy was finally introduced in the early 1980's.  Now, Culion is leprosy-free.

Aside from its poignant past, Culion Island has an unassuming beauty.  It is blessed with warm, gentle people, pristine marine treasures, a beautiful church, a fascinating museum and captivating scenery.


The red-roofed church is one of the island's attractions.  

We docked near this house and walked the streets of Culion.  We would soon discover how the original settlers overcame their darkest years and built the foundation of this community.  

To reach Culion island, you can charter an outrigger boat at Coron harbor.  Average boat rental is P2,500 (about $60.00) for 6-8 persons; P1,500 (about $35.00) to 2-4 persons (smaller boat).  There are commuter boats available from 12 noon to 2 pm at P180 (about $5.00) per person.  There is also a passenger ship from Manila that docks in Culion Island once a week.

Share your world at Our World - Tuesday and NF Waters