Spending Lent at the Ramon Durano Foundation in Danao City

 

As part of our lenten trip to some of the most interesting holy sites in Cebu, Me and Chilly figured to drop by one afternoon and spend lent at the famous Ramon Durano Foundation (located in the outskirts of Guinsay, Danao City, Cebu) for a quick look and take some shots with the new cam that we've tagged along.

I've known this place from one of family trips in my childhood years and it feels so good to visit it again after quite a long time. The foundation notably has holy scenes of the 14 stations of the cross, the last supper, the nativity and other depictions for you to appreciate and marvel.

The place still hasn't lost its beauty despite of paints fading, weather damage and  some of the statues missing an arm or leg.

What saddened me is that vandals have managed to write graffiti on the walls and wrecked this beautiful place. It seems like no one is guarding or attending to the welfare of the place which I believe used to be the landmark that comes to mind whenever Lenten season approaches in the north.

Given that the owners or the civic minded people of Danao City will restore this place back to its former glory would make it a great addition to the pilgrimage and tourism sites, this side of the province.

Here are the other great photo sorties that we took from the place:

 

If you're planning to visit this wonderful place, all you have to do is take an hour+ ride from Cebu City via bus, mini-bus or Jeepney (fares range from 30- 40 php depending on the type of vehicle you're riding) at the North Bus Terminal or at the Carmen- Sogod PUJ Terminal in White Gold Club.

You can easily spot the foundation as it is just sitting beside the highway at Guinsay, Danao near the border of the town of Carmen. 

     

 

 

Cebu Urbano

A promise to bring change for Cebu- Hilario Junjun Davide III and Agnes Magpale

The author is one with the Cebuano community in wishing all the best for Governor and Vice Governor hopefuls Hilario Junjun P. Davide III and Agnes Magpale. 

Looking forward to Cebu's bright future with both of you driving the wheel to fulfill your promise of good governance, transparency, accountability and above all bring change that we've all been hoping for in our officials. More power always!

 Hop in and join the bandwagon. Visit the official website @    www.davidemagpale2013.com and sign up today!

 Cebu Urbano

  
 

Christmas Village of Hope 2012- Big yuletide greetings from small wonders

 

Here's one good treat for those who savvy miniature collections, art collectors  or just want to while their time away with family and friends after a quick break from all the shopping at SM City Cebu. 

Currently on display at their Ground Floor, Northwing Atrium is the Christmas Village of Hope 2012 where hundreds of miniature and scaled establishments, houses, cars and trains are on display.

This endeavor aims to support children with cancer thru sponsorship of each piece showcased. Private individuals and companies are encouraged to donate and in return, have their names labeled on each one all throughout the holidays. 

I rummaged through the display last Monday and had a grand time checking them out. Happy Holidays! 

Check out the Youtube slideshow below, featuring all the photos from this exhibit.

Cebu Urbano

A Visit to the Shrine of the Blessed Virgen dela Regla, Lapu- Lapu City

 

November 18, 2012 - In celebration of her birthday and to pay homage to the upcoming festivities of the Blessed Virgen dela Regla, me and Chilly figured it best to visit the shrine at twilight so we could avoid the mass traffic of people who will be going to the shrine by way of ferry from Cebu port. 

Going to Lapu- Lapu City by land at this time (especially nearing their fiesta) is certainly not recommended as one will only be met by bumper traffic jam at the bridge and of course a load-full of headache.

On our way, the weather was cooperative and the sea was smooth. We got to the Island in roughly 30 minutes and proceeded right to the church to attend mass and pay our respects to the Blessed Virgin.

After one waaay long line and push- throughs with the faithful crowd, we finally got our chance to witness the mother of our faith in glory and it sure was a very rewarding experience to have witnessed another testament that makes up the Filipino spirit.

Below is a Youtube slideshow of our pics taken from the trip. Enjoy!

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Make it Kalanggaman Island- One total getaway to outdoor and beach fun for everyone!

 

 

November 3, 2012- After one boring week spent on the thanksgiving holidays, me and Chilly decided to spend the remainder for a great time at the beach and live outdoors. And we were not disappointed for our good friend Rans Cabigas invited us to tag along with friends and his crew of outdoor enthusiasts from Cebu and head out to Kalanggaman Island, Palompon Leyte’s renowned island attraction of which I heard from friends and some reads on the net that the place rivals that of Boracay- minus the great population of beachcombers.

I figured this sure is one good trip and curiosity in tow, I packed in the essentials such as the tent, canned goods, water containers, swimming gear and of course lamps as we were briefed that the place don’t have the comforts of handy fresh water. The place also has no electricity so all the bulky gadgets will just have to be left behind.

We rode the morning CBL bus trip which lasted a butt- aching four hours to the Port of Maya, Daanbantayan and boarded the awaiting motor Bangka or “Kumpit” which took us to island.

The ride lasted around two hours with some minor complications as we were met by bad weather just as were crossing the channel. In the middle of the tempest or “Unos” and heavy rain, we lost sight of the island and the boatmen had no choice but to stop the boat until visibility is back and thank heavens the sea calmed down after a few minutes and we continued on our way and boy we were stuck in awe to the sight that greeted us as we’re docking.

 

 

 We proceeded with searching for the most suitable places to settle in our gears and tents then hungrily proceeded to a late lunch after setup.

All the day’s dizziness vanished after we’ve had our tummies filled and we went frolicking to explore the Island’s sceneries and of course while the time away with it’s pristine waters and ivory white beaches.

We also found an interesting discovery in the island and that is the double- crowned coconut tree. 

The rest of the story is told in these amazing photos set in Youtube (below) that we took in our sojourn. Recomendación? Definitely I give Kalanggaman Island an All thumbs up! This

200 meter patch of sandbar in the middle of nowhere is a must place to visit for every beach junkie whose looking for one good time to while away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. 

                

Cebu Urbano

Random Musings- A fill of the best wines and alcoholics at Shopwise Cebu

Just for the sake of the curios', after a feast of grilled pork, chicharon bulaklak (deep fried pork intestines), linguas (that's pork tongue for the exotic savvy) and the ever popular Siomai at Tisa, Labangon, Me and Chill figured to cap our Friday evening with a sip of alcos. Having heard from friends that Shopwise opened its newest branch in the city at N. Bacalso Ave., Basak San Nicolas, we decided to check the place out.

We surely got a treat as the place is in full stock with all items one can think of buying. What got my nod btw is their winery and beverage section that is full of the best alcos and party poppers (both local and international) and all are sold at reasonable prices! 

Figured for the wine enthusiast, this place is a must try as some rare items from abroad are in stock.

To make the story short, after scanning around we abruptly settled for some rhum and a liter of ice tea as chaser (to diffuse all the fat we've eaten i hope) and went off to Fuente circle to enjoy the time. Cheers! 

Cebu Urbano

Q Park– Northern Cebu's adventure and leisure getaway for the whole family

Calmly nestled atop the hills of the town of Compostela, sits Q Park- a 200 hectare family and adventure park that’s gaining recognition among adventure seekers, family trippers, curios’, and pilgrims alike. Situated some 35 kilometers north of the metropolitan, Q Park is fully owned by the Quisumbing family and the Norkis Group of Companies and are offering the place’s amenities for the public to enjoy free of charge!

To get to the Park, one must simply enter via the Brgy. Buluang route (the border barangay of Compostela with adjacent Danao City) or by traversing the Brgy. Tubigan- Bagalnga route via Guimbal at Compostela, Poblacion. You’ll never get lost as roadsigns are posted all over the place to guide you on your way.

Whatever you’re looking for, be it be family recreation, camping, adventure trekking, or just simply want a place to commune and meditate; a visit at Q Park is a must.

The park’s attractions include:

The Stations of the Cross. A favorite among pilgrims and devotees especially in the Lenten season, the park boasts of artistic life- size traditional crucifixion scenes each rooted on a steep and scenic landscape.

Marian Hill. A monument of devotion that’s 41 ft high, the statue of the Blessed Virgin – “Mary, Mother of Love, Peace and Joy” stands like a proud sentinel of religion, seated atop one of the park’s hills and can be accessed through a 300+ step stair the chapel below, all the way up to shrine. If one’s not up for the long climb, then an access road to the overlook is an option.



Nativity Cave and the Saints’. Commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, a natural cave was made to replicate the one in Bethlehem and comes complete with other characters of the holy scene artistically sculpted by local artisans. A visit to another cave nearby, focuses one to the known figures of Filipino devotion such as the Santo Niño de Cebu, Our Lady of Guadalupe, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Blessed Pedro Calungsod and La Pieta- the Sorrowful Madonna with the lifeless Christ on her lap.

Retreat House and Cottages. The management of Q Park sees to it to offer comfort to visitors. The Park has a sizeable retreat house with air conditioned rooms and three cottages, all complete with kitchenette, toilet, bath and veranda. Reservations and queries maybe made at the Norkis main office at Mandaue City, Cebu.




Heroes Hill- A Tribute to Filipino Heritage

With the goals of preserving national heritage for the coming generations to view, Q Park also features the Heroes Hill- which houses the exhibit of the legacies of unsung Filipino heroes, brave warriors and leaders as well as a tribute for OFWs.
This part of the park is open for students, teachers or just about anyone who wants to get an enriching experience of our heritage.




Boys and Girls Camps. Q Park also features a campsite for young people to experience camaraderie and adventure of the outdoors or enjoy sitting together amidst the campfire at night.



The Labyrinth. One of the park’s main attractions is this green labyrinth that’s made of 1, 500 sq. meters of lush greens, that’s a sure challenge for children and the child at hearts to enjoy.



Encourage everyone to participate in the global fight for the protection and preservation of the environment.

Q Park is committed to the preservation and protection of the environment and as a token of this social responsibility, encourages visitors in its campsites and Heroes Hill to plant tree seedlings and take care of flora and fauna.

Currently, innovations are still in the works to add more attractions to the park and it’s facilities.

Cebu Urbano

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