B.L.A.S.T. Live Life to the Fullest Dont Stay Put

Time 2020-06-13 19:02:35

Web Name: B.L.A.S.T. Live Life to the Fullest Dont Stay Put

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Church of Our Lady of AtochaWe after checking out at The Sophia Hotel and brunch, with Vice-Gov. Faustino Bogie Dy III, we were finally on our way back to Manila but, 23.4 kms. out of the city, we made a short stopover at the beautiful and solid Church of Our Lady of Atocha (Nuestra Señora de Atocha) in Alicia.Check out “Hotel and Inn Review: The Sophia Hotel“ Built by Fr. Tomas Calderon, O.P. and roofed with G.I. sheets by Fr. Manuel Alvarez, it was inaugurated in February 1849, with Fr. Francisco Gainza, OP, then vicar of Carig (now Santiago City), in attendance.  The church served as a safe refuge for Yogads from the plundering Ifugaos.The Baroque facadeThis 753.48 sq. m. church, the smallest (in terms of floor area) and the youngest (at 171 years) Spanish-era church in the Cagayan Valley, has a brick façade with a semicircular arched main entrance on the first level and semicircular arched statue niches on the second level, all flanked by engaged columns that divide the façade into 3 segments.Antique church bell above entrance portico to bell towerIt also has a two-level undulating pediment topped by urn-like finials.  The four-storey, quadrilateral and domed bell tower, on the church s left, has blind semicircular arches on the fourth level.  At the tower s base is an entrance portico with the church;s old (1876) bell displayed prominently at the top.The modern church interiorThis church, as well as the churches of Gamu, and Cauayan City, are examples of what is called as the Cagayan Style of Spanish churches that was inspired by the Tuguegarao church. It was officially declared by the Philippine Department of Tourism as a national religious tourist destination in the Philippines.Statue of Our Lady of AtochaChurch of Our Lady of Atocha: Maharlika Highway, Brgy. Antonino, Alicia 3306, Isabela.  Tel: (078) 662-7108.  Feast of Our Lady of Atocha: September 8.Isabela Provincial Tourism Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-3146.  Mobile number: (0917) 317-3820.  E-mail: isabelatourismoffice@gmail.com.Isabela Provincial Information Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-0248.  Mobile number: (0927) 395-7555.  E-mail: letters_info@yahoo.com.How to Get There: Alicia is located 353.72 kms. from Manila and 59 kms. southwest of the City of Ilagan. San Pablo de Cabigan Church RuinsThis church, the oldest in Isabela, was was built using adobe instead of red bricks, which sets it apart from most of the Spanish-colonial era churches of the Cagayan Valley.Now in ruins, this church was founded by Dominican Fr. Pedro de Santo Tomas in 1625.  Probably the third on that site, the present structure was built in 1709 by Fr. Diego de la Torre.Buttresses at the side of the churchIt was already damaged by Japanese bombing in World War II when the strong December 27, 1949 Intensity 7 earthquake further damaged it.  Three years later a fire destroyed the church’s roof.Within the ruins, a smaller church, a third of the original structure, was built in the 1950s. The rest is a garden.The facade of the church built in the 1950sThe interior of the churchThe church’s two level High Baroque-style façade has a semicircular arched main entrance flanked by semicircular arched statue niches containing icons of St. Paul, St. Vincent Ferrer and St. Isidore, now all defaced.The author seated at the stairs leading up to the entrance to the bell towerThe second level has a centrally located statue niche flanked by circular windows.  The undulating pediment has a centrally located circular window and finials. Gorgeous clay insets of rosettes and sun emblems decorate the elegant walls.The 6-storey bell towerIts six-storey square bell tower, on the church’s right, is the tallest in the Cagayan Valley.  Rising in receding storeys, it has blind semicircular arched windows and is topped by a dome.Bas relief of foliage at the right side of the church ruinsInside, one can still see the arched support of the choir loft.The author underneath the arch support of the choir loft.San Pablo de Cabigan Church Ruins: San Pablo, Isabela.  Feast of St. Paul the Apostle: January 15.Isabela Provincial Tourism Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-3146.  Mobile number: (0917) 317-3820.  E-mail: isabelatourismoffice@gmail.com.Isabela Provincial Information Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-0248.  Mobile number: (0927) 395-7555.  E-mail: letters_info@yahoo.com.How to Get There: San Pablo is located 464.01 kms. from Manila and 57 kms. north of the City of Ilagan. Church of St. MatthiasThe notable, Roman Catholic Church of St. Matthias (Spanish: Iglesia Parroquial de San Matías), within the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ilagan, is the best-preserved church complex in Isabela.  Known for its brick, Baroque-style architecture, it is considered to be the best and most artistic brick structure in the country.The church complexTumauini became a separate parish independent from Cabagan  in 1751. Dedicated to Saint Matthias, it was first built in nipa and other light materials by Dominican Fr. Francisco Nunez in 1707.Historical plaque installed by the National Historical Institute (NHI) in 1989In 1733, it was rebuilt by Dominican Fr. Domingo Forto who hired artisans from as far south as Pampanga. It was continued in 1788 by Fr. Antonio Herrera and was completed in 1805.The celebrated circular bell towerDuring the Second World War, the church was damaged by American bombing but a faithful reconstruction program followed, with undamaged parts of the church building retained.Buttresses supporting the side of the churchOn February 24, 1989, it was made a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The church is now listed by the National Museum of the Philippines as a National Cultural Treasure.A buttress with steps integrated into it for servicing the roofSince 2006, together with the churches of Patrocinio de María in Boljoon, Cebu; La Inmaculada Concepción in Guiuan, Samar; San Pedro Ápostol in Loboc, Bohol and San Isidro Labrador in Lazi, Siquijor, the Tumauini Church has been considered for the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List under the collective group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines (Extension).Paired Corinthian columns at the facadeThis foremost example of ecclesiastical ultra-Baroque architecture in the country is unique for its extensive use of different types of baked red clay brick both for its delicate wall finishing and ornamentation.Finials crowning the wavy silhouette of the facadeSince stones of good quality couldn’t be found in the area, bricks were used instead and artisans from Pampanga were hired to craft the wooden moldings for the clay inset of the bricks for the façade. Each brick was numbered in the design.Niche with a statue of a headless saintIts architecture bears Chinese influence. The façade,  flanked by two pseudo-Corinthian columns and niches (one located above the entrance and the two remaining larger niches on each side of the columns), has a circular pediment that is unique relative to all other churches built during the Spanish Era.A rather unusual 3 moldingThe church’s ornately designed clay bricks were individually designed, prepared, fired, customized to fit the wall, and numbered and dated for the correct sequence respectively for construction purposes.Bas relief of flowersThey come to life in concentric circles with spiral curves on the finials crowning the wavy silhouette of the facade whose centerpiece is a rose window on the circular pediment which is flanked by pinnacled steps terminating into a coil.Bas relief of St. AndrewSerpentine reliefs and many finely molded details: flowers, foliage, wheels, ovules, hearts, sunbursts, squares and circles, oblongs and rectangles, curlicues; three long garlands, vegetal forms, clam shells, also adorn the facade.Bas relief of a sunburstBas relief of a wheelStatued niches of saints (one headless) also flank the semicircular, richly-molded arched doorway.   Bas relief of a headless cherubThere are also eight pilasters; six mini reliefs of saints and cherubim (one cherub defaced). At the end walls is a rather unusual “3” molding.Bas relief of flowersThe adjoining unique, four-storey, unique cylindrical bell tower, built in 1805, is the only known Spanish colonial era cylindrical tower in the country.Bas relief of garlands decorating the perimeter of the circular towerThe tiered belfry notably resembles a wedding cake.  Its bell has bullet holes but was never recast.The church interiorIts interior has no retablo (altar backpiece), just a simple altar under an ornate, white dome and the Crucified Lord against the brick wall.The retablo-less main altarAlso inside are 24 symmetrically arranged, Neo-Corinthian faux columns and ten arched windows with white-green-yellow stained-glass panes adorned with yellow and blue clam shells and red crosses.Symmetrically arranged Neo-Corinthian faux columnsThe ruins of the church s convento (clergy house), located on the gospel side of the church, has a vaulted ceiling that still has impressions of the mats used in construction as forms to mold wet plaster.The front garden has a low, undulating brick wall.Part of the undulating, low brick wallChurch of St. Matthias: National Highway, Brgy. Annafunan, Tumauini 3325, Isabela.  Mobile number: (0927) 791-5490.  Feast of St. Mathias: May 14.Isabela Provincial Tourism Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-3146.  Mobile number: (0917) 317-3820.  E-mail: isabelatourismoffice@gmail.com.Isabela Provincial Information Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-0248.  Mobile number: (0927) 395-7555.  E-mail: letters_info@yahoo.com.How to Get There: Tumauini is located 451.1 kms. (a 9-hour drive) from Manila and 38.6 kms. (a 1-hour drive) northwest of Ilagan  City. Benito Soliven View Deck and Flower ParkAfter breakfast at The Sophia Hotel, our media group again boarded our provincial government-supplied airconditioned bus for our Discover Isabela Tour which would take us to two of the province’s Heritage Churches as well as an upcoming tourism leisure site.  Our tour first brought us to the town of Benito Soliven, just a 33-km. (1-hour) drive away via the Pan-Philippine Highway.Check out Hotel and Inn Review: The Sophia Hotel The partial medicine wheel gardenOur destination here was the Benito Soliven View Deck and Flower Park, a recreation area ideal for a mini-stroll or pictorial session. The focal point of the Flower Park was its partial medicine wheel garden. More than just a shape, in Native American folklore, medicine gardens serve as ceremonial sites, perhaps for healing ceremonies as medicine wheels build on the radiating energy of circles.A 2-pax wickerwork basketGravel walkways, lined with shrubs, serve as its spokes.  At the moment, its center was dominated by a huge Christmas tree, a carryover from the holidays, and a circular concrete bench. Within the vicinity of the garden is a wishing well and a huge wicker basket where couples can sit and do Instagrammable selfies.  On their own, flower farms are sought after just for photos on social media.A rustic view of the distant mountains, rice fields and the Pinakawan RiverAnother feature of the site is its awesome rustic view of mountains, rice fields and the Pinakawan River.  This scenery is best seen from a concrete view deck reached by a steel stairway.  At ground level, there’s a wickerwork ring chair and wooden platform with wooden benches and a heart-shaped wickerwork backdrop (another great backdrop for your Instagram feed). Truly, there’s something romantic about the idea of being in the middle of a flower garden and an awesome view.An Instagram worthy site .During our visit, we were treated to a merienda of turon, bananacue and buco juice, a fitting prelude to what’s next in store for us the Sky Cycle (Zip Bike), a “rush” (due to the rush of emotions) which takes biking to another level.The media group at the concrete view deck. The author is fourth from rightThis would be my second try at this adrenaline-filled activity, the first being at the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAPS) in Bohol. The bicycle, minus the rubber tires, is securely joined to the zip line so there’s no problem balancing. All we had to do was pedal and feel the ride.Check out “Chocolate Hills Adventure Park”Suiting up for the Sky CycleAfter all suiting up with helmet and harness, Ms. Analiza “Azi” Andaya (outoftownblog) and Ms. Riza Divina (Abante) took first crack at it, followed by me and Ms. Marita “Ika” Roxas-Ysmael (YMV Associates) and, finally, by Mr. Vince Samson (Asian Journal) and Mr. Neilsen Elesis (Woman’s Journal).Riza and Ana trying out the Sky CycleIt took some time to for me to feel at ease with the bike (it needed adjustment for my height) but, once adjusted on the return, I got the feel for it and the ride became more enjoyable and exciting.The author and and exultant Ika (this is her first try on a bike zip) on the return trip (photo: Boy Santos of Philippine Star)The piece de resistance of our visit, the Sky Cycle was truly an exciting, one-of-a-kind experience.Benito Soliven View Deck and Flower Park: District I, Benito Soliven 3331, Isabela.Isabela Provincial Tourism Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-3146.  Mobile number: (0917) 317-3820.  E-mail: isabelatourismoffice@gmail.com.Isabela Provincial Information Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-0248.  Mobile number: (0927) 395-7555.  E-mail: letters_info@yahoo.com.How to Get There: Benito Soliven is located 426.8 kms. (an 8-hour drive) from Manila and 39 kms. (via Junction Naguilian San Mariano Palanan Rd. and Pan-Philippine Highway) from the City of Ilagan. Giant ButakaAfter our visit to the Ilagan Japanese Tunnel, we made a stopover, for supplies, at a pretty Bonifacio Park in Ilagan City.  Here, it brought me face to face with the pride of Isabela and Ilagan’s winning bid for Guinness Book of World Records for the biggest armchair, locally known as butaka. The butaka is a chair with a long arm rest which is not used for the arms but for the legs.Check out Ilagan Japanese Tunnel The  lazy chair  of rich families, during Spanish era, it was used by hacienderos as their resting chair after a busy day of roaming around their lands and rice fields.  Also known as the  little hospital, pregnant women also gave birth to their newborn child on a butaka, with their legs comforted by its long armrests.The giant butaka, christened as the Butaka ni Goliath, measured 11.4 ft. high, 20.8 ft. long, 9.7 ft. wide and weighed 2,368 kgs.  It was made from a total of 1,184.48 board ft. of seasoned, first-class narra with a seat made with 1,740 ft. of interwoven 1-in. diameter rattan.  During my visit, the wood varnish has now faded and the rattan weave was in dire need of repair or replacement.Unveiled for public viewing last April 23, 2003 (in time for Isabela’s 147th founding anniversary on May 11) at the Provincial Capitol’s Rizal Park, it was constructed by 12 to 50 skilled craftsmen of Brgy. Alinguigan II (touted to be the furniture capital of the Cagayan Valley, about 95% of Alinguigan residents being furniture makers) in 29 days, working on it daily, even on weekends, from 2 to 10 PM.The project, to promote Isabela’s furniture industry, reportedly cost about PhP175,000 and, for the manufacture of the giant butaka, the big furniture entrepreneurs in the village contributed at least PhP500 each while small ones chipped in PhP200 each. The rest of the expenses were shouldered by the municipal government, led by Mayor Delfinito Albano.The author with the giant butaka in the backgroundInitially, the barangay thought of making a big rocking chair but the Mayor Albano suggested to just make an armchair.  A rocking chair is also locally called a butaka. The rocking chair only evolved from the early butaka early Ilagueños crafted about a century ago. During assembly, at least 15 Ilagueños were needed to carry the chair s feet and arms.  A boost to the local tourism industry, it gave tourists another reason to visit and explore this vast Cagayan Valley province.Historical plaqueGiant Butaka: Ilagan Rotunda (the junction going to Cagayan), Bonifacio Park, Brgy. Alinguigan, Maharlika Highway (beside Bonifacio Park), City of Ilagan, Isabela.Isabela Provincial Tourism Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-3146.  Mobile number: (0917) 317-3820.  E-mail: isabelatourismoffice@gmail.com.Isabela Provincial Information Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-0248.  Mobile number: (0927) 395-7555.  E-mail: letters_info@yahoo.com.How to Get There: The City of Ilagan is located 429.3 kms. (an 8-hour drive) from Manila and 35.5 kms. (a 1-hour drive) from Cauayan City. Ilagan Japanese TunnelA lull in our 2020 Bambanti Festival proceedings allowed our 20-man media group to make a visit, via the provincial government-supplied airconditioned bus, to the Ilagan Japanese Tunnel, just a short 6.5-km. (15-min.) drive away from the Provincial Capitol.Upon arrival, we were met and guided by Ms. Gemelet C. Amugauan of the Ilagan Sanctuary Tour Guide Association.  Inside the tunnel, we were not allowed to take pictures though.Statues of Japanese soldiers guarding the entrance to the tunnelThis man-made war tunnel, part of the Japanese military headquarters during the 1942 to 1945 Japanese Occupation of the Philippines in World War II, was built with the sweat and blood of detained Ilagueños and is one of the few remaining tunnels in the province.The Japanese tunnelAside from being the headquarters, it was also a weapons storage facility for bombs, explosives, guns and ammunition. Captured Filipino guerrillas were also imprisoned and tortured here.The tunnel  measures about 40 m. long and 3.66 m.  in width and height. However, the real length of the tunnel has yet to be determined as the site has yet to be fully explored. Part of the exhibitThe tunnel was restored, reconditioned, and conserved by the city government and, on February 16, 2016, through City Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz,  was unveiled and opened to the public.Stairway leading up to the watchtowerInside the cave, Gemelet narrated the history of the place and showed us a replica of a golden Buddha (the original was said to have been inside the cave when it was first found), bomb shells (now defused), a Japanese rifle, a golden fan, replicas of pieces of gold bars and some uniforms of that era. Scattered inside the cave, as well as outside, are concrete, life-size statues of Japanese soldiers. The watchtowerSome people say that this tunnel in Ilagan is only a decoy as there might be a larger tunnel somewhere in Brgy. Camunatan, where 6 x 6 army trucks can fit inside but, up to now, they couldn’t find that tunnel.Japanese Gates (Torii) at the top and bottom of the stairwayA long flight of concrete steps, cut into the hillside, leads to a watchtower. At the top and bottom of the stairway are concrete Japanese gates (torii).Japanese-style gardenOutside the Ilagan Japanese Tunnel, garden has been designed to look like the parks of Japan, with a Shinto shrine, bridge, wind chime (furin) and a koi pond.Ticket office and souvenir shopThere’s also concrete model of  Japanese World War II plane (its wing broken), a children’s playground, a treehouse, picnic tables and a souvenir shop.TreehouseLady visitors can have a slice  of Japanese traditional by renting traditional Japanese kimonos, have their hair styled like a Japanese Geisha, carry a Japanese umbrella for a more authentic feel and then have their awesome pictures taken along the stairway or under the torii. Statue of Japanese soldierIlagan Japanese Tunnel : Brgy. Santo Tomas, Ilagan City, Isabela. Mobile numbers (0935) 701-1586 and (0932) 858-3081. Admission: PhP50/pax.  There’s an Information Center at Bonifacio Park in Ilagan City where a guide can take you to the Ilagan Japanese Tunnel. Documentary and pre-nuptial photography sessions as well as other pictorials are allowed for a fee. You have to pay for comfort room use.Isabela Provincial Tourism Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-3146.  Mobile number: (0917) 317-3820.  E-mail: isabelatourismoffice@gmail.com.Isabela Provincial Information Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-0248.  Mobile number: (0927) 395-7555.  E-mail: letters_info@yahoo.com.How to Get There: The City of Ilagan is located 429.3 kms. (an 8-hour drive) from Manila and 35.5 kms. (a 1-hour drive) from Cauayan City. Dahilayan Adventure ParkAfter covering the opening of the Kain Na! Food and Travel Festival and checking into and freshening up at Seda Centrio Hotel, we met up with tourism officer Ezra Glinogo at the hotel lobby. Instead of continuing with our coverage of the food festival, we were instead treated to a visit to the Dahilayan Adventure Park in the town of Manolo Fortich in the adjoining province of Bukidnon.Check out Kain Na! Food and Travel Festival and Hotel and Inn Review: Seda Centrio Hotel The 57.3 km. drive, along the Sayre Highway, took 1.5 hours and, at the Manolo Fortich boundary, quarantine staff there stopped our vehicle and requested all of us to step down and step on foot baths to protect Bukidnon from foot and mouth diseases.Moving on, we enjoyed the breathtaking countryside and mountain views along the way and, before reaching the park, we passed by Camp Phillips where the massive, 23,000-hectare  pineapple plantation of Del Monte, one of the biggest in the world, is located.After passing through lush greenery and breathtaking views, we arrived at Dahilayan Adventure Park, nestled at the foot of Mount Kitanglad, by 4:10 PM.  Its cool and invigorating climate reminded me of Baguio or Tagaytay.Since its opening in September 2009, Dahilayan is famous for its Zipzone, two dual ziplines, with a drop of 100 m., which are said to be the longest in Asia at 840 m. long.The author being suited up by a park staffGuaranteed safe and fun for every age, Zipzone has been visited to over a thousand enthusiasts and has become the ultimate adventure destination for young and old alike, including a courageous 2 year old and a 77 year old grandfather. It was an opportunity too good to miss, and Kristian, Marco, Paolo and I were excited to try it out.L-R: Kristian, Marco, Paolo and the authorFirst, the staff suited all four of us with helmets, harness and other safety gears. Once suited up, we all boarded a 4WD Safari vehicle for the short drive to the launch tower 4,500 ft. above sea level. Marco and Paolo were the first to try followed by Kristian and me.On board our $WD Safari vehicleWe were strapped in a face-down position, Superman-style and, upon taking off, zoomed through the lush rainforest canopy at 60 to 80 kms./hour.Arriving at the launch towerThe launch towerMidway through my flight, it had already started to rain and I was already soaked when we landed safely at a platform deck using a special arresting gear system. Still, we got the thrill of our life from this scream inducing ride.Paolo and Marco strapped face down in a Superman positionAll strapped upand ready to go We were also slated to try out the Skytower Base Jump ride, the highest parajump in the Philippines, but the persistent rain prevented us doing so.The ziplineFrom an 8-storey platform on a cell site tower, riders first experience a split second free fall, followed by a gradual descent and ending in a soft landing, all in less than 10 seconds.The cell site tower site of the Skytower Base Jump. Maybe next time Dahilayan Adventure Park: Brgy. Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Tel: (088) 309-4708. Mobile numbers: (0922) 880-1319 and (0917) 715-4399. E-mail: zipzoneinq@yahoo.com.  Website: www.dahilayanadventurepark.com.Zipzone Booking Office: Parasat Centrio Ayala Mall, 3rd Floor Building (in front of Centrio Cinema), CM Recto Highway, Cagayan de Oro City.  Open daily, 11 AM to 8 PM. Laguindingan AirportThe PhP7.85 billion Laguindingan Airport is the first airport in Northern Mindanao that serves the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Marawi, as well as the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon. Mindanao’s second-busiest airport (after Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City), it is classified as a Principal Domestic Airport Class 1 by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).This airport, sitting on a 4.17 sq. km. (1.61 sq. mi.) site, is 46 kms. (29 mi.) from Cagayan de Oro and 57 kms. (35 mi.) from Iligan City. it replaced both the old, worn-out Lumbia Airport (now Lumbia Airfield, a military air base for the Philippine Air Force) in Brgy. Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro and Maria Cristina Airport in Brgy. Maria Cristina, Iligan City.Here is the historical timeline of the airport’s construction:On January 10, 2006, the Laguindingan Airport Development Project was inaugurated, with groundbreaking ceremonies presided by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.By July 2007, the construction of the 4.4-km., 4-lane access road had started to connect the new airport to the national road.On August 30, 2007, the cost of the airport project (US$09 million or ₱7.853 billion) was duly approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board.In early 2008, grading of the airport site area, headed by the Department of Transportation and Communications and its foreign and local consultants, South Korea-based Yooshin Engineering Corporation and Ortigas Center, Pasig-based SCHEMA Konsult, Inc. respectively, and Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Company(as the general contractor for the project), wasOn June 13, 2013, the airport was inaugurated by President Benigno Aquino IIIOn June 15, two days after its inauguration, the airport was opened.In August 2013, the Project Development and Monitoring Facility Board approved the revision of the operations and maintenance of the airport.By December 2014, the installment of the Instrument Landing System and other equipment was completed.On March 12, 2015, the airport began to accommodate night flights and operating hours were increased, from the previous 6 AM –6 PM daily schedule, to 5 AM–9 PM.In September 2017, Ayala Land (which owns 183 of the 417 hectares of land acquired by the government to develop the airport complex), is set to build its first industrial estate outside Luzon within the planned aerotropolis around the airport.On October 20, 2017, Cebu Pacific made Laguindingan Airport its seventh hub, with its wholly owned subsidiary Cebgo adding flights to Caticlan and Dumaguete at the same time.On February 26, 2019, Aboitiz Infra Capital Inc. was granted by CAAP an Original Proponent Status (OPS) for its unsolicited proposal for the airport s upgrade, expansion, operations, and maintenance.One of two conveyor belts for baggage claimThe airport has a single 2,100 m. x 45 m. runway which can accommodate four takeoffs and landings an hour and features a cargo terminal that has a built up area of 350 sq. m.; a 46,150 sq. m. apron area for Code C/E aircraft (10,000 sq. m. for ATRs); 23 m. wide taxiway and facilities for general aviation and ground support facilities.The 7,184 sq. m., 1.5-level very clean and modern passenger terminal building, overlooking the sea, can accommodate 2,000 passengers a day and 1.6 million passengers a year. It has 2 conveyor belts for baggage claim and two passenger boarding bridges.Branches of Seattle s Best Coffee and Kenny Rogers at the Pre-Departure AreaIts Pre-Departure Area, at the second floor, has branches of Kenny Rogers and Seattles Best Coffee.  As of 2019, Laguindingan Airport was the 6th busiest airport in the country, with an estimate of 2,000,000 passengers passing through it.Pre-Departure AreaIt serves flights from Manila, Davao City, Cebu City, Iloilo City, Bacolod City and Zamboanga City through Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines or PAL Express and Air Asia.One of two jet bridges service a PAL Express jetLaguindingan Airport (IATA: CGY, ICAO: RPMY): Brgy. Moog, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. Open daily, 4 AM- 11 PM. Isola de FrancescoPart of the Panglao Bluewater Resort-sponsored CountrysideTourAfter our Dolphin Watching Tour, we proceeded to the nearby Isola di Francesco (“Island of St. Francis”) on Pungtud (or Pontod) Island.In the past, I have seen this island only from afar, from the vantage point at nearby Virgin Island.Check out Virgin Island The island is owned by the Philippine Centre of St. Pio of Pietrelcina and Mr. Ramon Rodriguez, a devotee of Italian Capuchin monk St. Pio (Francesco Forgione) of Pietrelcina, who was said to have been once blind. He was said to have prayed to St, Pio and his eyesight was restored.A mere 10-min. boat ride from Panglao town proper, Isola di Francesco is a destination for meditation, silent prayer and reflection in harmony with the lapping of the waves and the chirping of the island’s resident birds.Upon arrival on the island, we were greeted by the welcoming arms of a huge statue of St. Pio of Pietrelcina.The author with the huge statue of St. Pio of PietrelcinaThis solemn and peaceful island has a chapel (opened in 2016), a visitor’s center, a mini museum, clean restrooms, water tanks, changing rooms and guest houses.Tableau of the CrucifixionThere are also several religious sculptures (some in the middle of the sea) of Jesus Christ, the saints, angels, cherubs, and the Holy Family.Life-size statues of Jesus and the Apostles on a fishing boatJust off the waters of the beach are  quite unique, life-size statues of Jesus and the apostles. Most of the cost to develop this place was donated.Cherubs hanging from treesThe interesting Isola di Francesco’s Nature’s Art Museum, filled with photos of the Franciscan friars as well as artwork that speak of the grandeur of God and His Creation, was opened last March 2017. A 10 AM holy mass is said every 23rd day of the month in the chapel.Nature’s Art MuseumThis serene island, maintained by the faithful as religious shrine, is not your usual tourist trap and is not often included in the island hopping packages, an exact opposite of the much crowded and touristy island and beach destinations of Panglao. You only need an hour or so to explore the island.Young mangroves shoots found offshoreThis beautiful sandbar is open to the public and there is free boat shuttle service, at Poblacion Panglao, near the church, going to and from the island for those who wish to offer prayers for healing, pay tribute or simply just want to visit the place.The tourist trap called Virgin Island seen from Isola di FrancescoVisitors can stay as long as you want. Even the use of the kayaks, snacks (bottled water, soft drinks, etc.)  and birds’ food to feed pigeons are free (however, donations are welcome). There’s a souvenir shop selling religious items.Visitors CenterThe beautiful island has white sand all over, with plenty of seaweed, some mangroves and big and small starfish but no fish. The waters around the sandbar are pristine and clean and very good for swimming.The doves and pigeons of Isola de FrancescoThe island is a dove and pigeon sanctuary and you can see eggs and babies in nests in the central garden area.The author hand feeding some of the doves and pigeonsYou can feed the doves and pigeons by donating any amount in the store for a plastic of bird feed. Even when there s a sign to not scare them, some people scare the doves away to get a beautiful picture of it with them.Statue of St. Michael the ArchangelHowever, here are rules to be followed.  You cannot bring any food or drinks on the island.The chapelAt the chapel, you cannot enter if you are wearing shorts, short skirts, sleeveless, etc. (however, they can lend you a sarong to cover yourself).Rosaries hanging from treesAs this is a shrine, peace and soft talk is very much appreciated and public displays of affection and ogling is frowned upon here. Statue of St. Augustine of Hippo, the patron saint of PanglaoBohol Tourism Office: Governor’s Mansion Compound, C.P.G. Ave. North, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol.  Tel: +63 38 501-9186.  E-mail: inquire@boholtourismph.com. Panglao Bluewater Resort: Bluewater Rd., Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391. Loboc Night River CruisePart of the Panglao Bluewater Resort-sponsored CountrysideTourFrom the Bohol Biodiversity Center in Bilar, we again boarded our coaster for the 19.3-km. (30-min.) drive to the Loboc River Port where we were to try out the Loboc Night River Cruise of Village Floating Resto and Cruises as guests of Loboc Mayor Leon A. Calipusan and cruise owner Ms. Maria Lourdes Tuyor-Sultan, both of whom were joining us on the cruise. This would be my first nighttime cruise of the river (the others were during the day).Check out Bohol Biodiversity Complex, “Loboc River Cruise (2014)” and “Loboc River Cruise (2003)”Boarding the Village Floating RestoThe first of its kind in the Philippines, this nighttime cruise is a welcome diversion to the day cruise which, for quite a time now, has caught the fancy of local and foreign tourists. The four floating restaurant operators (the others are Mary Jo Varquez of Busay Monarch, Sonia Balbido of Long River Cruise Floating Resto and Tessie Labunog-Sumampong of Loboc Riverwatch Floating Resto) have been servicing an average of 800 guests daily for the upstream daytime cruising.The table setup ..All 19 floating restaurants are served by a commissary which employed a chef to oversee food preparations for the hundreds of tourists who board and eat at the restaurants each month.The buffet spread ..The night cruise, introduced by the Provincial Tourism Council as an option to help ease congestion at the river, actually had its beginnings in 2006.Appetizers ..Dessert ..That year, Gov. Erico Aumentado embarked on the lighting of the Loboc River, with Chinese businessman (the chairman of Filipino multinational Liwayway Group whose flagship enterprise is the manufacture and distribution of Oishi snacks) and Philippine Special Ambassador to China Carlos Chan funding the riverbank lighting project and commissioning lighting experts from China to determine the requirements of Loboc River.Grilled prawns .Thus, the P13.5 million project of lighting the whole 2.85 km. stretch of the Loboc River was born, with some 450 lampposts and floodlights being installed from the modern, PhP10-million (also partly funded again by Mr. Chan), 120-m. long docking port (which houses the eco-tourism center and includes the tourism office, a visitor’s lounge and air-conditioned comfort rooms) all the way up to the Busay Falls, including the two bailey bridges crossing the river.The very Christmas-like light show along the riverbankOur cruise was sort of an inaugural run as the original night cruise was discontinued after the October 15, 2013 earthquake damaged the lighting system.  Cruising the Loboc River at night, soothing to the spirit, was a different experience altogether, relaxing both body and mind and infusing peace and harmony to weary souls.The on-board live entertainment ..The cool night air, the eerie lights on the riverbanks (lighting up the palm trees and putting to shadow other vegetation) and their colorful reflections shimmering on the waters coupled with the soft serenading music of the performing band while we dined on a delicious buffet spread lent a romantic air to the night cruise.The author enjoying the cruise ..The night scene, with myriads of shimmering lights reflected on the waters, casted a shimmering splendor on the river.L-R: Ms. Corazon Cagahastian, Mr. Diego Cagahastian, the author, Ms. Teresa Chanco, Loboc Mayor Leon A.Calipusan, Mr. Pete Dacuycuy and Mr. Pedro Boo Chanco.Village Floating Resto Cruises: Brgy. Valladolid, Loboc, Bohol. Tel: (038) 537-9223  and (038) 501-8078. Mobile number: (0928) 507-7627. E-mail: villagefloatingresto@yahoo.com.Bohol Tourism Office: Governor’s Mansion Compound, C.P.G. Ave. North, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol.  Tel: +63 38 501-9186.  E-mail: inquire@boholtourismph.com.  Panglao Bluewater Resort: Bluewater Rd., Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391. Search About This Blog This travel blog, a diary of the author’s local and international travels, aims to provide the reader with news and information on people, places and events that would interest the avid traveler and tourist. But, it also aims to be much more, providing insights on the wonders of this beautiful country, as well as the world, beyond the strict confines of the city.Have a BLAST seeing old churches, exotic temples, educational museums as well as palm-fringed islands; white sand beaches; thundering waterfalls; placid lakes; fiery sunsets; turquoise seas; cathedral-like caves; swirling rivers; majestic mountains; stupendous, amphitheater-like rice terraces; awesome volcanoes and the like. Get to know the movers and shakers in the tourism industry; find out where to titillate the palate; rejuvenate your body; feed your adrenalin, unwind and relax; satisfy your craving for history and culture; and find out what's being celebrated and where. The Savvy Traveler The Author BENJAMIN BENJIE LAYUG, an architect by profession (he finished his B. S. Architecture degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1982), is an avid reader, traveler and free-lance travel writer in his spare time, contributing articles to Travel Update, Philippine Daily Inquirer, COLORS, TODAY, 7107 Islands Magazine, Business Day, Bluprint and the Business Mirror.He is also the author of the following travel books:A Philippine Odyssey (New Day Publishers, 2005)Pathfinder’s Travel Guide: Boracay (Great Books Trading, 2006)A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Churches (New Day Publishers, 2007)A Tourist to Notable Philippine Historical Landmarks, Monuments and Shrines (New Day Publishers, 2010)A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Museums (New Day Publishers, 2012)Some of his books now appear in the local library shelves of the National Library of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Sto. Tomas, U.P. Diliman, Centro Escolar University, San Sebastian College, Miriam College, Silliman University, to name a few, as well as internationally at the National Library of Australia and the University of California Berkeley Library.Now a senior citizen, he is probably one of the oldest, if not the oldest, active travel blogger in the country today. He also has a lifestyle blog called F.Y.I.:Firing Your Imagination (www.firingyourimagination.blogspot.com).  Benjie has traveled to two-thirds (53) of the country s 81 provinces and over 20 countries in 4 continents. Categories ACTIVITIES (332) Entertainment (20) Recreational Outdoor Activities (174) Recreational Water Activities (108) Shopping (32) Sightseeing (134)

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