Lakwatsa Sa Sugbo 2014

Few weeks ago, I was invited by my friend blogger-photographer Roxanne Tamayo (FotografiRox) for this event called Lakwatsa Sa Sugbo 2014 which is organized by a family of tour guides (Saynes Family) and headed by Jingle Mirafuentes Saynes. I was excited to attend the event since even if I'm a Cebuano, I am not familiar with Cebu's history and it's spots. So I immediately grabbed the opportunity and get myself listed for the event.

The event was held last April 27, 2014. The meetup place was near JY Mall at 1pm. When we arrived, there is already a Natalie Bus waiting for us and a couple of freebies and shirts when we came in the bus.

The contents of the bag were loads of stuffs. There's a Lakwatsa sa Sugbo 2014 shirt, a Lakwatsa sa Sugbo 2014 tumbler, a Lakwatsa sa Sugbo 2014 towel and a bottled water which is very useful for the tour.

Around 1:30pm (waited for 30 mins for a couple of guests who arrived late) we started our tour. Our first stop was Taoist Temple.

Sto Niño Shrine

Founded in 1986, the Sto Niño Diocesan Shrine in Butuan is one of the churches found in the historic city where many believed Magellan first landed. It is located in Maharlika Highway, Libertad in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte in the Philippines and widely known today as the Sto Niño Shrine and/or Sto Niño Parish.

Declared a Diocesan Shrine in 2000, the Sto. Niño Church enshrines an image of the Holy Child (Sto. Niño) that Magellan first brought to Butuan before it stayed in Cebu at the Sto Niño de Cebu. And because of the Holy Child’s influence to the Christianity in the country, many establishments today are named after it – such as Sto Niño de Paz in Makati, Sto Niño Cold Spring in Camiguin and many more.

The construction of the current church started in 1995 when His Excellency, Most Reverend Carmelo D.F. Morelos was the Bishop of Butuan. It was finished during the incumbency of the Shepherd of the Diocese, His Excellency, Most Reverend Juan de Dios Pueblos while the parish was under the pastoral care of Reverend Father Juanito Belino in 1997. Notable benefactor of the church development is Mr. Rene Sese and the lot where the Sto Niño Shrine stood today was donated by Mrs. Luz Belen Sese and heirs of the late Colonel Alfredo C. Sese and family.

The Sto Niño Church was blessed and consecrated on September 9, 1997 by His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal together with Bishop Pueblos and Father Belino. On March 8, 2000 (Ash Wednesday), the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Franco, solemnly dedicated the church into a Shrine during his pastoral visit. 

 

The Sto Niño Diocesan Shrine is along the main road, 200m away from Libertad Public Market. It is 4-kilometers or about 15 minutes away from Butuan’s Bancasi Airport. From the Airport going to Butuan’s City Center, the Church is on the right side of the road before reaching the Sports Complex. Since we're coming from the National Museum Balangay Shrine, it's also on the right side and we just stopped by the church to pray and thank God for the wonderful weather he gave us today. We also lighted some candles and took some pictures.

For more information, you can contact the office at telephone number +63 85 342-8370.
 

National Museum Balangay Shrine

We stopped by the so-called National Museum Balangay Shrine in Libertad Butuan City. This has been one of the best stop ever in our Butuan City tour. The museum is several kilometers east of downtown Butuan City- more or less 5 minutes tricycle ride. The exact location of the excavation site /shrine museum is Sitio Ambangan, Libertad, Butuan City where the 320 AD dated boat is now on display. The first boat was discovered in September 06, 1976 and dating was conducted by Gakushuin University of Tokyo Japan.

 

320AD Boat on Display

 

Enlightening us with Butuan's history.

 

 Coffins displayed in the museum. Fully carved from a tree.

This is the excavation area of the 'Balangay' or boat displayed in the museum which is just found at the Museum's backyard. 

We met an amazing person during our stay here. He enlightened us with Butuan's History. Allowed us to explore his works and we find him very passionate with his work. I really admired this person so much.

He let us try his so called instant restoration to relate of the historic plates and other stuffs excavated from the area. It is said that all Balangays and Coffins placed on the museum are all excavated in within the Museum's premises.

We really had fun and appreciated him a lot. We learned a lot in this visit because of him.

Butuan National Museum

After taking pics of the so-called Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Bridge, we immediately went home and picked up our friends to start the Butuan City Tour. We first visited the National Museum of Region XIII located in Butuan City.

You can't take pictures inside the museum with those placed in there. There are ancient stuffs such as wooden boat, things that I think is used to make wine and those that are used to carve gold. Also, we are very blessed to be able to see the parts of the famous Lolong - largest crocodile captured that was present in the Guiness Book of World Records. His skin and head were placed on a large freezer. They kept it frozen and they said it will be moved to Manila in the future.

We were only able to take a picture of Lolong's head since the other freezer that contains his skin, is locked that time. Before we leave the museum, we finally took a picture together.

Our next stop is Magellan's Landing in Masao.

Magellan's Landing in Masao

Located in Masao Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte, this site is believed to be where Magellan landed and made blood compact with Raja Siaiu. There are a lot of locals swimming that time when we visited Magellan's landing since it's just beside the public beach in Masao. Obviously, we just stopped by the place for FREE.

According to the history:
Antonio Pigafetta and the Official Chronicler of Magellan’s fleet wrote “as we have seen a fire on an island (Masawa) that night before, we anchored near it.” The bright light was the beckon in the darkness that guided Magellan’s fleet to the isle. “Masawa” means “bright” in Butuanon, the only language in the Philippines that contains the word.

 

Our picture together at Magellan's Landing 

President Diosdado Macapagal Bridge

Just as I said on my previous post, it was raining the whole afternoon til late night due to the typhoon. Gladly, when we woke up, Mr Sun was rising beautifully. Hello Sunny Saturday!

We followed our plan which is to do the Butuan City Tour in the morning and do the Delta Adventure Discovery Park in the afternoon. We immediately run somewhere to borrow the car of my friend's father since his car couldn't accommodate all 8 of us during the tour.

Our first stop was President Diosdado Macapagal Bridge though we're originally planning to take a picture on the Magsaysay Bridge which happens to be a busy bridge to stop the car in the middle. So we decided not to. Since the two bridges were on our way to his father's workplace, we were able to stop by on the Macapagal Bridge. 

The Diosdado Macapagal Bridge is the longest bridge in Mindanao, which is 3 kilometers upstream of the old Magsaysay Bridge and provides an alternate route across the Agusan River to connect the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway (Surigao-Agusan-Davao road) and the Butuan City-Cagayan-Iligan road. The bridge is gaining popularity as the only cable stayed bridge with steel deck and single tower in Mindanao, and it has a total length of about 10.30 kilometers.

It was during the Presidency of Joseph estrada that the project was approved which was lobbied by the city government way back President Fidel Ramos' time to decongest the traffic of the more than 50 year old Magsaysay Bridge and create an alternate route. However, it was President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who approved and implemented the project. The bridge was funded through a Special Yen Loan Package from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The project was started on May 6, 2004 and completed in May 2007.

The Diosdado Macapagal Bridge is envisioned to provide a more reliable infrastructure with greater design and safer traffic measures while the Butuan City Bypass Road will divert the traffic passing through the core of the city. The overall infrastructure project will enhance the urban transport needs for commerce and industries in the CARAGA region by sustaining the efficient flow of people, goods and services among the major growth centres in the eastern part of Mindanao.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurated the newly-completed 2.2 –billion Diosdado Macapagal Bridge and the Butuan Bypass Road project on July 10, 2007, touted by the Butuanons as a "legacy that would last a hundred years and make life easier for the whole of the CARAGA Growth Area." 

Then on our way home, we also stopped by their Water Refilling Station business and took our picture together.

Our ride for the rest of our Butuan City Tour.

Five Year Goal Philipine Travel Bucket List (Culture and Historical Must See)

1. PICK STRAWBERRIES IN BAGUIO
Why you should do it:
The summer capital of the Philippines has been a favorite vacation spot for generations. But beyond your fondness for the cooler climate, you should try the unique experience of picking your own strawberries. The red heart-shaped fruit spread out in front of you is a sight to behold–unless you’re not fond of strawberries at all. But if you’re a die-hard strawberry lover, we recommend getting a cone of strawberry ice cream or a cup of strawberry taho right after picking for additional pleasure after a job well done. 


2. GO SPELUNKING IN SAGADA
Why you should do it:
Craving for a highland adventure? Grab your backpack and gear, and go caving in Sagada. What appears to be a quiet retreat away from the city actually has a handful of unique experiences available for the thrill-seeker. Sumaguing Cave, or Big Cave as it is popularly referred to, is a must for any Sagada traveler. Although there are other smaller caves to explore, this cave is the most-frequented caving hotspot in Sagada. 

3. VISIT THE COBBLESTONE STREETS OF VIGAN
Why you should do it:
A walk down Vigan’s streets brings you back to how it must have been like to live during the Spanish era. Vigan tops the list when it comes to revisiting the romance of our colonial past. Calle Crisologo, the hub for old, ancestral houses, is the place to go to. Try renting a horse-drawn carriage or calesa, and enjoy a ride around this world heritage site. 

4. GO HORSEBACK RIDING IN TAGAYTAY
Why you should do it:
Tagaytay’s cool climate makes it a favorite for urbanites seeking relief from the heat of the city. The Picnic Grove in particular, is a favorite because it’s the center for various activities like horseback riding. And it doesn’t matter if you’ve never ridden a horse in your life, there are experienced guides and instructors who will be more than willing to show you the ropes. 

5. VISIT THE SHRINE OF THE BLOOD COMPACT IN BOHOL
Why you should do it:
Apart from a visit to the Chocolate Hills, the Sandugo Shrine is another must-visit because of it’s historical significance. Said to be the approximate spot of the ritual where a pact of friendship to end hostilities was made by Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the shrine memorializes this event with the help of bronze statues by the National Artist, Napoleon Abueva. 

6. WATCH THE SINULOG FESTIVAL IN CEBU
Why you should do it:
Every third Sunday of January, the city of Cebu swells with tourists from all over the world who want to take part in the annual Sinulog festival. It is, without question, one of the most famous, most colorful, and grandest festivals in the country. So if basking in the sun or hiking up the mountains is not your thing, then you can perhaps try watching Cebu's Sinulog Festival parade or dancing the night away in the street parties that follow it. 

7. DECORATE A HOUSE FOR THE PAHIYAS IN QUEZON
Why you should do it:
This annual tribute to San Isidro Labrador, the patron of farmers, is held to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Houses are decorated with kiping—leaf-shaped ornaments made with rice flour—in various colors, and other produce arranged in such a way that homes resemble parade floats. It’s a feast for the eyes, and with all the dishes served during the fiesta, the palate as well. 

8. SEE THE MASKARA FESTIVAL IN BACOLOD
Why you should do it:
The Masskara Festival, also referred to as the “Festival of Smiles,” will call out to the amateur photographer in you as the festival practically bursts with color. Various dance groups try to outdo each other with elaborate costumes and masks as they parade dancing down the streets to the beat of lively music. 

9. DANCE WITH THE ATI-ATIHAN IN AKLAN
Why you should do it:
Love street dancing? Go to Kalibo in Aklan and dance to the tunes of the famous Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan. Celebrated every third weekend of January, this festival is been considered by many as the Mardi Gras of the Philippines. You don’t have to paint your face with soot or wear the costumes; just shout “hala bira!” while dancing wildly with the locals is just as much fun. 

10. GO ON A DAY TRIP TO CORREGIDOR
Why you should do it:
Corregidor holds a special place in history as one of the key points in the defense of Manila during World War II. Today, the ruins of the soldier’s barracks as well as the guns used used against the enemies serve as a testament to the brave individuals who fought to keep the country safe. 

11. GO TO A POTTERY WORKSHOP AT UGU BIGYAN
Why you should do it:
Named its owner, Ugu Bigyan is a special destination in Quezon for those whose passions lie in art and food. Art is a focal point for Ugu’s family and along with the home atmosphere and the delicious food, the one-of-a-kind items sold at the workshop makes this a one-stop destination for tourists. 

12. SEE THE WINDMILLS OF BANGUI
Why you should do it:
The windmills that dot the shoreline of Bangui lend a special charm to this seaside town. Used as a source of clean energy, the huge windmills are a sight to behold and make for some pretty amazing photos. Get the full romantic effect by taking photos during the “blue hour” and you’ll know what we mean.

13. TOUR MALACAÑANG PALACE
Why you should do it:
Built in 1750, Malacañang first served as a summer home for a Spanish aristocrat. It was purchased by the state in 1825, it then became the official home for Spanish Governor Generals, and during the Spanish-American War, the residence of American Governor William Howard Taft. Malacañang is now designated as the official residence of Philippine presidents during their tenure. After the People Power Revolution in 1986, the Palace was reopened to the public and was converted into a museum. Guests can view art and furniture from the Palace collection, including portraits of every President from Emilio Aguinaldo to Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. 

14. VISIT THE BARASOAIN CHURCH
Why you should do it:
For travelers looking to see a little bit of history, a visit to the Barasoain Church in Bulacan is a must. Founded in 1859 by the Augustinian missionaries, this structure is witness to some of the most important moments in our country’s history. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and former President Joseph Estrada are just some of the leaders that have a special connection to the church.

15. EXPLORE THE COCONUT PALACE
Why you should do it:
Named after the tree of life, the Coconut Palace, situated at the CCP Complex in Pasay City, now serves as the official residence, as well as primary office of the Vice President of the Philippines. Built in 1978, the grand palace was made out of special coconut lumber, Philippine hardwood, and coconut shells. This structure also features a salakot-shaped roof. The suites on the second floor are named after the regions in the Philippines, and each features handicrafts unique to the regions. 

16. RIDE THE OLD LOCOMOTIVES IN THE SUGAR PLANTATIONS IN NEGROS
Why you should do it:
Known as “Sugarlandia,” the wealth of Negros comes from the vast sugar plantations scattered throughout the province–-and you have to see the wonders of these plantations at least once in your lifetime. Take a ride on the old locomotives with the locals and enjoy the vast view of the province’s lifeblood. 

17. SEE RIZAL’S HOME IN CALAMBA
Why you should do it:
Rizal’s ancestral home in Calamba, Laguna, is among the most-visited attractions in the province.  Although it was destroyed sometime in World War II, the national artist Juan Nakpil supervised its restoration under the Executive Order No. 145 issued by then President Elpidio Quirino. The Calamba Church, where Rizal was baptized, was just next door. 

18. VISIT THE PINEAPPLE PLANTATIONS IN MINDANAO
Why you should do it:
Some claim that the biggest pineapple plantation in the world is in the Philippines and it is located in Mindanao. Here, pineapple plants stretch as far as the eye can see, not surprising since the country is the second largest producer of the fruit. While Mindanao is home to a number of large pineapple plantations, the one in Polomolok in South Cotabato offers not just huge tracts of land devoted to the fruit, but also an amazing view of Mt Matumtum. 

19. GO ON A CALESA RIDE OR A WALKING TOUR OF THE STREETS IN INTRAMUROS
Why you should do it:
The walled city of Intramuros is famous for a lot of things. From the old buildings that make up each block, to the ruins of the old cells used as prisons, this city within a city is teeming with history. The best way to imagine how life was back then is by way of a horse-drawn =calesa down Intramuros's cobbled roads. You never know what things you may discover just around the corner. Not one for the carriages? Sign up for a walking tour! 

20. TOUR FORT SANTIAGO
Why you should do it:
Fort Santiago was set up as a military defense structure in the 16th century and has seen it's share of wars, even surviving the bombing during World War II. Officially a part of Intramuros, Fort Santiago is now an important monument that captures Manila's glorious past. A tour of Fort Santiago means walking the same streets as our ancestors from long ago. 

21. SEE MAGELLAN'S CROSS AND THE STO. NIÑO SHRINE IN CEBU
Why you should do it:
Cebu holds the distinction as being one of the first places in the country to experience Western influence. Magellan's Cross, housed in a small shrine near the Cebu City Hall is said to be the original cross that the Portuguese explorer brought with him when he first landed on the islands. Right next to it is the Sto. Niño Shrine, which houses one of the oldest images of the Child Jesus as well as centuries-old antiques. 

22. MACARTHUR'S LANDING SITE IN LEYTE
Why you should do it:
The island of Leyte in the Visayas played a special role during World War II. General Douglas MacArthur landed on the shores of Leyte on October 20, 1944 and presided over a campaign that helped in the liberation of the country from the Japanese. On Palo Beach, where General MacArthur landed, there is a memorial that commemorates the exact pose of the party as they waded to shore all those years ago. 

23. SEE THE SPOLIARIUM AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
Why you should do it:
The Spoliarium is a painting by the celebrated Filipino artist, Juan Luna. Standing four meters high and nearly seven meters wide, the painting shows the scenes beneath a roman arena where the bodies of dead gladiators are placed before being disposed of. This painting is a source of national pride because it won the Exposicion Nacional Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884. 

24. MEET THE IGOROTS OF THE CORDILLERAS
Why you should do it:
Composed of six ethnic groups (the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Isneg, Kalinga, and Kankan-ey), the Igorots of the Cordillera region represent a culture that is unique to their region. From their languages and customs, to the way they dress, the Igorots continue to preserve a culture that still depends greatly on the spirits and bounty of the earth. 

25. SEE THE LIGHTS AND SOUNDS SHOW AT RIZAL PARK
Why you should do it:
Located on the purported exact site of Rizal's execution, the light and sound show is performed daily for audiences that include tourists and school children. Here, people are treated to a re-enactment (by way of statues created by Eduardo Castrillo) of Rizal's final days before his execution by firing squad on December 30, 1896. 

26. SEE THE PETROGLYPHS IN ANGONO, RIZAL br /> Why you should do it:
These images, carved in stone in Angono, Rizal, are the oldest known works of art in the country. Discovered in 1965 by National Artist Botong Francisco, these etchings date back to 3000 BC. Showing stylized images of people as well as animals, these petroglyphs are the earliest indications of human life in the country. 

27. EAT LECHON IN CEBU
Why you should do it:
Most Pinoys will agree that a trip to Cebu will not be complete unless you sample the lechon. Their version of the lechon is said to be so tasty that no sauce is required. And it's not just the locals that sing the Cebu lechon praises. Even internationally acclaimed foodie Anthony Bourdain called it "the best pig ever" in his food trip show, No Reservations. 

28. EAT BALUT IN PATEROS
Why you should do it:
This delicacy is an acquired taste, even among Filipinos. After all, the balut is not exactly eye candy. But the best way to enjoy balut is in Pateros--a place that is known as the balut capital of the country. They even have a festival for this delicacy! 

29. TRY OUT THE ORIGINAL SISIG IN PAMPANGA
Why you should do it:
This tasty favorite may not be the healthiest dish around, but sisig's appeal is undeniable. Variations of sisig vary from kitchen to kitchen and from restaurant to restaurant. but it supposedly was the culinary brainchild of Lucia Cunanan from Angeles City. As with anything, the original version always comes out tops! 

30. GALLERY HOP IN ANTIPOLO AND RIZAL
Why you should do it:
While people may go to either of these location for a quick break from their busy city lives and recharge, a growing number of individuals make their way to Antipolo and Rizal to see beautiful paintings, sculptures, and pottery made by talented local artists. Grab a few friends and expand your cultural horizons during a day trip to some of the galleries scattered throughout these locales.

SOURCE: http://www.femalenetwork.com/travel-leisure/a-philippine-travelers-bucket-list-30-cultural-and-historical-must-sees