Filipinos are very resourceful in using recycled material for every need, Here the local blacksmith creates Bolo knives from discarded car leaf springs. Each knife sells from 120PHP to 200PHP depending on length.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Nepa Hut
Nepa Hut leaves are used to create roofs for huts that are found on this tropical island and through out the Philippines. This women can make over 100 bundles of leaves in a 8 hour day, weaving the leaves together to create parts of the roof material.
Hanging Bridge
The same bamboo bridge with a surreal affect added. Tourist go back the way they came but make sure that they do a few at a time as the bridge moves with every step. Making it a good adventure unless you have vertigo.
Hanging Bamboo bridge
Across the upper part of the Loboc River in Bohol is a hanging bamboo bridge that is a major tourist attraction. This bridge hangs approxiamately 20 meters abive and sways back and forth as you walk across.
Chocolate Hills
One of the most spectacular sights of the island of Bohol are the hills in a province called Carmen. During the summers, the dome-shaped grass covered limestone hills dry up and turn brown, transforming the area into seemingly endless rows of chocolate “kisses, thus the name Chocolate HIlls. There are 1200 mof these hills that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Tarsier Monkeys
Over the thanksgiving holiday this past yer I spent time on the island of Bohol which is about 90 minutes south of Cebu by Ocean Jet Ferry. On this island they have the smallest primate in existance. Would you believe that the tarsier, measuring 4 to 5 inches and a tail longer than its body, can easily fit snugly in the human hand and is 36 million years old? It is limited tot the forest pockets in Bohol and having the status of an endangered species, the tarsier has generated substantial interest.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Home in the jungle
My former journalism career took me all over and let me see things others never saw. In the province of Borbon most people that live there live in house constructed of wood, and tin. The base of the homes are concrete to prevent termites from destroying the whole house.
Boys and their goat
I was visitng my girlfriends province north of Cebu in a town called Borbon. There I met her family and some others that couldnt wait to greet me. Here 2 boys show off the goat they are raising for market. Later that day I bought this goat and another for a party I was having in Cebu.
Solitude
Serenity - that is what you get as you sit in the ocean above a reef in the South Pacific. A grandmother and her daughter enjoy the theraputic affects of the ocean off the island of Cebu in the Philippines.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
3's a crowd
Now I know I haven't posted in while - but work has been hectic and I haven't had the inspiration to post until now.
Lets see since I posted last I have been back to the US to visit friends for 2 weeks.. Why is that I feel like a visitor every time I go back home?
Well this picture I had been trying to get for some time - In this country the best mode of transpotation is by Motorcycle. The size of the bike are anywhere from 90cc to 150cc. It is not un-common see more than 2 people on the bikes. In this case you have Mom - Dad - son all on one scooter. Now near my condo in Cebu I have seen 5 on these things - Mom - Dad - and 3 kids. Quite a sight. Still trying to get that picture.
Lets see since I posted last I have been back to the US to visit friends for 2 weeks.. Why is that I feel like a visitor every time I go back home?
Well this picture I had been trying to get for some time - In this country the best mode of transpotation is by Motorcycle. The size of the bike are anywhere from 90cc to 150cc. It is not un-common see more than 2 people on the bikes. In this case you have Mom - Dad - son all on one scooter. Now near my condo in Cebu I have seen 5 on these things - Mom - Dad - and 3 kids. Quite a sight. Still trying to get that picture.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Carbon Market - Cebu
Not for the timid. I ventured out at past 11pm to a place that only locals go. This is Carbon street market. A market that is there all day but comes alive after the sun goes down. Here the locals and many people that have relocated to Cebu shop for fruits, vegetables and other edibles. Foreigners are a rare site here, as most wont venture this far due to the unsavory crowd the one might find. My girlfriend���s cousins escorted me as they did shopping there for their canteen. It was an experience as everywhere I turned I felt as if I was the main attraction of the night. This usually happens when I venture out to somewhere new in this country.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Baby Ducks - Itik
These are the ducks that are birn if the eggs reach thier full maturity before they are sold and eaten. The idea behind having so many ducks as to stop having to get our eggs shipped from Manila. We are now on our way to that with 150 baby ducks ready to become egg producers.
Checking the eggs
My partner checks the current supply of eggs for age. If the egg is clear it is usually sellable as. As the egg starts to age, you must constantly check them as it will reach certain stages that make it unsellable or more of a delicacy as the baby embryo develops.
The selected eggs are first incubated between bags of toasted palay (whole rice grains with husk) or ipa (rice husk) to stimulate the body temperature of the mother duck (42½C). The set-up is then layered with sako (burlap bags) to serve as insulators. Complete development or hatching takes place within 28 days of incubation. After six days the eggs are tested and those discovered to be infertile are itlog na maalat (salt-cured) or sold as sariwa (fresh). Those which are fertile but have failed to develop at normal speed are detected and separated on the 14th day of incubation. They are boiled and sold as penoy. Their appearance is similar to a hard-cooked duck egg. Eco, those containing dead embryos, are spoiled and have no market value.
The selected eggs are first incubated between bags of toasted palay (whole rice grains with husk) or ipa (rice husk) to stimulate the body temperature of the mother duck (42½C). The set-up is then layered with sako (burlap bags) to serve as insulators. Complete development or hatching takes place within 28 days of incubation. After six days the eggs are tested and those discovered to be infertile are itlog na maalat (salt-cured) or sold as sariwa (fresh). Those which are fertile but have failed to develop at normal speed are detected and separated on the 14th day of incubation. They are boiled and sold as penoy. Their appearance is similar to a hard-cooked duck egg. Eco, those containing dead embryos, are spoiled and have no market value.
Balut loaded and ready to go
BALUT - The wayward nature of the itik (native Filipino duck) must be the reason for an unusual Filipino delicacy - balut - a fertilised egg with a partially developed duckling, which is eaten boiled. Balut is a very nutritious snack food, which most Filipinos appreciate. However, non-Filipinos generally take a bit of convincing before taking their first bite.
I have invested in this business with my friends brother. There is a huge market in this country for the duckling eggs. Especially in provinces where supplies are thin. Cebu is one of the islands with several little small towns that don't have the commerce do have everything Manila or even Cebu City would have. Our day started with a trip to the pier to pick the lastest shipment of Balut, which would last approximately 3 days then it would be time to get more. The eggs are shipped from Manila by ship and then transported by a small truck or Jeepney. It is sold on the streets by vendors who pick up theirt supply from my partner.
I have invested in this business with my friends brother. There is a huge market in this country for the duckling eggs. Especially in provinces where supplies are thin. Cebu is one of the islands with several little small towns that don't have the commerce do have everything Manila or even Cebu City would have. Our day started with a trip to the pier to pick the lastest shipment of Balut, which would last approximately 3 days then it would be time to get more. The eggs are shipped from Manila by ship and then transported by a small truck or Jeepney. It is sold on the streets by vendors who pick up theirt supply from my partner.
First ride in a Jeepney
I have said since I have been in the Philippines that I would never ride in a Jeepney. Well never is a prtetty big word. For those that know I am a pretty big guy and I tower over most vehicles in this country. I was in a province called Liloan, where a business I have invested in resides. We were delivery Balut to the storage place and my partner wanted to show me the small province, or town as it would be called in the US. So I climbed int eh bacl of the Jeepney we had rented for the delivery run from Cebu City to Liloan. The whole time I was in the Jeepney I was bent over. I could never raise my head and was in a cramped position. Nowe i know why I would never ride in one of these things.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Fort San Pedro - Cebu
Fort San Pedro, located at Cebu City’s wharf area, was the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the country. It began as a single triangular bastion, built in 1565, and was not completed for another 200 years. Over the centuries the fort has been put to several uses, including a watch-tower to counter pirate attacks in the 1700s, a prison for local rebels during the Philippine revolution, a US army barracks, and during world war II a prison camp. Today the fort has been turned into a museum-park, giving visitors to Cebu a glimpse of the island’s history.
Walking in a tide pool
Early morning search in the tide pool... you find all kids of things hiding in the seaweed. Shells - Star Fish - baby crabs... The list never ends..
Low tide at Herdon Beach
Low tide at the beach in Cebu allows you to take some spectacular shots. If you arrive at the site early in the morning you can walk up to 200 yards out into the bay while the tide is low and experience all kinds of sea life, as well as get a good look at where you just came from.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Mine is stronger than yours
Owners of birds arrive from all over the island. Ready to do battle with anyone. Each Rooster is wieghed and then put into a class. The fights usually last about 2 minutes. There is a 10 minute time limit on bouts, but the 10 I saw never lasted more than 2 minutes. For those that are weak of heart but are still curious, dont sit ringside as you will see all. Blood, feathers, and moeny fly everywhere.
Here are more pictures of the event.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gcphotog1/album?.dir=/2d61
Here are more pictures of the event.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gcphotog1/album?.dir=/2d61
Dance to the death...
For those that are not familar with Cock fighting. Each bird is fitted with a very sharp blade that is attached to one leg. The bird battle to the death, once they are let loose by thier owners.
Place your bets...
These events are big and are held in arena that are made just for this. The Sunday that I went there were over 2000 people packed into this place. Here ring leaders are placing odds on the Roosters that are about to do battle. Filipino dont make much money but there were some $100 to $200 bets, which for most could be one month pay.
In this corner...
Since I have been here I have always wanted to go to a Cock Fight. I am not one that likes to see animals that are trained to kill each for the sport, but in this country this sport is actually shown on a sports channel. So my interest was peaked. Here the birds are introduced to each other than let go to fight.
Santa Nina holy candles
Basilica Minore de Santo Nino is one of the oldest churches in Cebu. It is among the most important religious pilgrim destinations of the Philippines. This church marks the seat of the Christianization of the country, which took place in 1565 with the conversion to the Christian faith of Rajah Humabon, the king of Cebu at that time, and his wife Queen Juana. In 1965, thousands of people from all over the Philippines and across the globe came to Cebu City for the celebration of the 4th Centennial of the Christianization of the Philippines. You can light candles in the courtyard and say your prayers. Many people believe by doing this miracles are performed.
Santa Nina holy candles
Basilica Minore de Santo Nino is one of the oldest churches in Cebu. It is among the most important religious pilgrim destinations of the Philippines. This church marks the seat of the Christianization of the country, which took place in 1565 with the conversion to the Christian faith of Rajah Humabon, the king of Cebu at that time, and his wife Queen Juana. In 1965, thousands of people from all over the Philippines and across the globe came to Cebu City for the celebration of the 4th Centennial of the Christianization of the Philippines. You can light candles in the courtyard and say your prayers. Many people believe by doing this miracles are performed.
Magellan's Cross
In the middle of the commerce section fo Cebu City, near the Colon sits a monument of the Cross that Ferdinand Magellan brought with him.
Ferdinand Magellanwas the first European to come to the Philippines in 1521. Also known as Fernao Magalhaes or Fernando Magallanes, he was a Portuguese navigator working for the King of Spain. When he and his crews landed on Cebu island, they were met by a native chief, Rajah Humabon. Having befriend him, Rajah Humabon, his wife and hundreds of his native warriors agreed to accept Christianity and were consequently baptised. Magellan planted a cross to signify this important event about the propagation of the Roman Catholic faith in what is now the Philippines. The original cross is reputedly encased in another wooden cross for protection, as people started chipping it away in the belief that it had miraculous healing powers. This prompted the government officials to encase it in tindalo wood and secured it inside a small chapel called "kiosk." Some say, however, that the original cross was actually destroyed as it took another 45 years (1565) before Cebu was visited again by another European (Miguel Lopez de Legazpi) who made it the first capital of the Spanish colony known as Las Islas Filipinas. The Magellan cross displayed here is said to be a replica of such cross. It is housed in a small chapel located in front of the present city hall of Cebu, along Magallanes Street (named in honor of Magellan).
Sadly, Magellan met his death under the hands of another Visayan chief, Lapu-Lapu, when he went to the nearby island of Mactan. Mactan now forms part of Cebu, in central Philippines. There, both the statues of Magellan and Lapu-Lapu proudly stand.
Ferdinand Magellanwas the first European to come to the Philippines in 1521. Also known as Fernao Magalhaes or Fernando Magallanes, he was a Portuguese navigator working for the King of Spain. When he and his crews landed on Cebu island, they were met by a native chief, Rajah Humabon. Having befriend him, Rajah Humabon, his wife and hundreds of his native warriors agreed to accept Christianity and were consequently baptised. Magellan planted a cross to signify this important event about the propagation of the Roman Catholic faith in what is now the Philippines. The original cross is reputedly encased in another wooden cross for protection, as people started chipping it away in the belief that it had miraculous healing powers. This prompted the government officials to encase it in tindalo wood and secured it inside a small chapel called "kiosk." Some say, however, that the original cross was actually destroyed as it took another 45 years (1565) before Cebu was visited again by another European (Miguel Lopez de Legazpi) who made it the first capital of the Spanish colony known as Las Islas Filipinas. The Magellan cross displayed here is said to be a replica of such cross. It is housed in a small chapel located in front of the present city hall of Cebu, along Magallanes Street (named in honor of Magellan).
Sadly, Magellan met his death under the hands of another Visayan chief, Lapu-Lapu, when he went to the nearby island of Mactan. Mactan now forms part of Cebu, in central Philippines. There, both the statues of Magellan and Lapu-Lapu proudly stand.
Festive colors - Sinulog
Almost every costume is hand made. The colors are spectacular. The people and history are great. More images can be found here.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gcphotog1/album?.dir=5689
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gcphotog1/album?.dir=5689
Waiting for the parade to continue
The parade lasted a long time and one of the reasons was that it seemed like ecery 15 minutes it would stop. For those that have every been to the islands know that mid day heat can get pretty hot and humid. These band members take every opportunity to take a break in the long parade.
Crowds were shoulder to shoulder
Crowds lined the over 15 kilometer parade route from the start of the parade at 9am to the end at 10pm.
Reaching the Masses - Sinulog
The parade offered all types of floats, including the large walking puppet that had the ability to dip into the crowd.
Sinulog Parade '05
In January I got a chance to watch one of the most colorful festivals I have ever seen. The city of Cebu on the Island of Cebu, celebrated Sinulog, Sinulog is a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo Niño. Santo Nino, which means image of the child Christ, is played prominently in the parade. It is believed that miracles can happen in the Catholic community when you pray this Saint. Every parade participant paid special homage to the patron saint,
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