Gitna [Middle, Center]

@ mirandablue

Trees growing in the middle of Kabalin-an Lake in Sibulan, near Dumaguete.

Mga puno na tumutubo sa gitna ng lawa ng Kabalin-an sa bayan ng Sibulan malapit sa Dumaguete.

@ mirandablue

Fritz---the center of my universe, lounging with Ivar, my nephew.

Posted for Litratong Pinoy

@ mirandablue

The road in the middle of nowhere.

Ang daan sa gitna ng walang pinanggalingan.

For Thursday Two Questions - you are invited to answer and join:


1)  Does living in the middle of nowhere appeals to you?
2)  Do you like to be the center of attention?

Litratong Pinoy: Misyon [Mission]

Rizal Shrine in Calamba

Kung dati ka ng napadpad dito, malamang nakita mo na ang ibang litratong ito sa dati kong mga post. Naisipan ko lang na ang magiging misyon ng blog page ko ay ang mailarawan ang ganda at mayamang kultura ng Pilipinas. Kung isa kang Pinoy, nais kong magiging no. 1 fan ka ng Pilipinas at ipagmamalaki mong Filipino ka. At kahit maraming problema dito, sana hindi mo ipagsawalang-bahala ang mga kapuri-puring bagay sa bayan mo.

Kung dayuhan ka naman, gusto kong makita mo sa blogsite na 'to ang iba pang mukha ng Pilipinas---hindi lang kahirapan, katiwalian, at krimen ang makikita mo dito. Puno ng yaman ang buong kapuluan. Hindi man ginto o langis, kundi yaman ng pagkamalikhain, taos-pusong pagkakaibigan at tunay na kagandahang-loob. Gusto ko rin makilala mo ang marangal naming lahi, at kung ano man ang pagkakaiba ng ating kultura, kaugalian at paniniwala, imbes na pag-awayan, pintasan o batikusin, sana matuto tayong ipagdiwang ang ating kaibhan.

Navy cadets in Corregidor

World War II memorial---Brothers in Arms

If you’ve been to this blog before, you have probably seen these photos in my previous posts. I thought of re-posting them and make it this blog’s mission to show the beauty and the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. If you are a Filipino, I’d like you to be proud of who you are and become the Philippines’ no. 1 fan. Our challenges seem to be never-ending but don’t let it blind you to the commendable milestones we have achieved as a people.

If you're a foreigner, I'd like this blogsite to show you another facet of my country. Philippines is not all about poverty, corruption and crime. This archipelago is a treasure-trove, not of gold or oil, but of creativity and talent, of sincere friendships and genuine hospitality. I would like you to get to know of our proud and honorable race. We may differ in culture, tradition and religion, but instead of nurturing conflict, let us celebrate our differences.

beach in Camotes Island

Silliman Hall at Silliman University

tranquil Balinsasayao Lake in Negros Oriental

serene Lake Kabalin-an

raging Dumacaa River in Tayabas

a friendly encounter with a cowboy in Tayabas forest

remembering Dr. Jose Rizal's heroism in Fort Santiago

our heirs

Posted for Litratong Pinoy

Habal-habal ride to Lake Kabalin-an

Lake Kabalin-an

My third trip to Dumaguete last weekend was a memorable visit. Not only because I had the ride of my life on board a habal-habal (a motorcycle) through the rain forest, on steep, twisting and rugged mountain road, but because I met new-found relatives I never knew existed in Dumaguete. The meeting with relatives was great as we traced our roots from our great-grandfather who came from Spain in the late 18th century.

But let me tell you about my death-defying ride to the lakes in the rain forests of Sibulan. To reach Sibulan, we took a 25-minute ride in a multicab from Dumaguete. When we asked some townfolk how to reach the lakes, we were advised to rent a habal-habal because the road is only accessible by motorbikes and 4-wheel drive. There were 3 of us and nobody was willing to sit on the gas tank in front of the driver so we needed to rent 2 habal-habal. The motorbike drivers were charging P600 for each bike to bring us to the lakes and back to town. I used my rustic haggling ability and a bit of my charm until we all agreed at P800 for 2 bikes.

Getting to the lakes was an unforgettable experience. Sibulan is a coastal town and the tip of Cebu is seen across Tanon Strait. From the sea breezes at the start of the ride, the road to the lakes took us to the rain forest filled with scents of trees and sweet mountain air. But the steep, rugged road as well as the elevated slopes were scary at the same time exhilarating. My cousin, Franzia, covered her eyes when the slopes become too steep and our motorbikes seem to have lost control, while April held on to their driver with both arms and legs. Their poor driver was almost mangled from their grasps. It was a hilarious sight! My driver, Edison, assured me that he’s been driving through those roads for the past 14 years---it still didn't reassure me.

Riding a motorbike is not my favorite thing. Motorbikes make me extremely nervous. And riding a habal-habal in those rugged terrain with no helmet, no protective clothing, you’d never believe the bloody scenes running through my mind. But I reasoned with myself that anticipating an accident is pointless, so I prayed harder and steered my mind to enjoy the lush mountain ranges, feasted my eyes at the unobstructed view of the sea, and inhaled the fresh air.

After a 45-minute ride (that felt like 3 hours), we finally reached Lake Kabalin-an. It’s a scenic little lake, very calm and the water reflects the green mountains around it. At the center are trees that have sprouted from the bottom of the lake, giving it a mystical feel. Enchanting Lake Kabalin-an is a peaceful haven after our arduous bike ride...a perfect place to catch our breath.

how about a hammock between the trees? cottages and rock boulders are scattered around the lake

the concrete part of the road

(I was busy holding on to my driver on the steep, rugged parts---too nervous to raise my hand and take pictures.)