bless the beasts and their patron

 

A fifteen-month old Asian Tiger named Kiara by her loneself leisurely prances back and forth in the almost three hundred square foot cage in the midday heat. She occasionally  breaks from the walking motion and gives a yawn, signifying satisfaction of the hearty lunch of beef and chicken she just had.

Then a man gingerly approached the side section of the cage and gets the tiger’s attention. “Kiara,” he  hollers as he puts out his arm inside the enclosure, ordering the tiger to come near him. Without hesitation, the tiger slowly treads toward the man, and allows the person to pat her head. “This is Kiara,” he introduces. Next the tiger just sits the steel bar partition as if wanting more affection from the man who is just too happy to give her even more.

- “Tale of the Tiger Tamer,” Success Unlimited Magazine, 2002

It has been a long time since that encounter that I had witnessed and had written for the defunct magazine, Success Unlimited. And just recently, I have come to see again the love and devotion of Ex-Governor Chavit Singson with his menagarie of animals in his home province of Ilocos Sur, particularly in his mini-zoo in Baluarte, just 10 minute tricyle drive away from Vigan.

Somehow, unlike the sorry state of animal affairs in Manila Zoo, the tigers and his other collection of beasts and birds are heftier, more alive and alert. Perhaps, it can be said that these creatures are better taken care of, and healthier. In fact some of these animals have been tagged to electronically track their whereabouts. Thus it would be easier for veterinarians and staff  to give the proper nutrition and sustenance to each animal. 

The white deer, the camels, the cute miniature horses graze on the grass and herbage that grow on a significant portion of land, without the confining steel bars that are familiar in zoos. Thus there can be some fine interaction between such benign animals and the people who are just too eager to oblige some petting on such beings.

Visitors should enjoy the carriage ride, propelled by the mini-horses imported from Australia, around the circular track. Children would have a grand time watching scheduled mini-shows of tigers, lions, and talking parrots and parakeets. And, somehow people will get amazed by those dinosaur statues in a section of the zoo. It can be reminiscent of the scenes from the movie series, Jurassic Park. Best of all, everyone can enjoy such simple joys for free.

The animals of Baluarte, including Kiara, should give thanks to their patron, Chavit Singson, for making their existence happy. Visitors should thank Chavit Singson for making them happy too, particularly that admission is free. On the other hand, Chavit Singson should thank his collection and the people for making him happy as well - as all animals and visitors are truly happy and have appreciated his herculean effort for his project - Baluarte.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

wedding of the year

 

 

The story could have come from a tv soap opera in epic proportion.

A story of strong political couple, willfully ruling a place for some decades, with a vision of creating a perfect  familial image.

In the early 1980s, Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos might have  tried mightily to control the minds of the Filipinos from their Malacanang Palace, but surely enough, they were not able to restrain the heart of their first daughter, Imee.

Apparently, Imee, who was already making her own political mark, as National Chairperson of the Kabataang Barangay, fell in love with a married sportsman, Tommy Manotoc. Obviously, during that time when there were no cellphones, no text messaging, no emails, and even no freedom of the press, such salacious, portently scandalous story would have to be spread through hushed tones, and word of mouth.

And the story took a wilder, more frighteningly turn.  Tommy Manotoc was kidnapped. The alternative press such as We Forum, the precursor of Malaya Newspaper, had a heyday reporting the story, albeit there was a strong possibility of the paper being clamped down by Malacanang. Then all of a sudden Tommy Manotoc just came out of nowhere, reportedly from the New People’s Army camp in the mountains of Sierra Madre. But of course, the popular conclusion about this sordid tale was that Imelda masterminded the abduction.

Some years later, during in first few months of 1983, the youngest daughter, Irene would marry Greggy of the pedigreed and landed Araneta clan. Although Imee could maintain relationship with Tommy, and even start family of their own, they were not able to get the grand nuptials that the Marcoses wanted for them. Tommy who was able to get a divorce from beauty queen Aurora Pijuan could not merit another marriage as the Catholic Church would not allow such. Thus this time around, the Marcoses saw to it that a fabulous wedding would have to be prepared for Irene and Greggy.

Ryan Cayabyab, Irene’s personal friend and musical mentor from University of the Philippines, involved himself in composing a whole wedding cantata.  European designer Renato Balestra was tasked to do the Italian silk and Philippine pina cloth wedding gown.  The exclusive, and red bricked Fort Ilocandia Hotel in Laoag was rushed to beat the nuptial date deadline, as it was where many of the invited foreign dignitaries, esteemed government officials and chic members of the society would stay before, during and after the wedding. It was also the venue for the reception.

And of course, Irene and Greggy chose the heritage church of  the sleepy town of Sarrat, where the Edralin side (mother) of Ferdinand Marcos came from, and where the ancestral house still stands. The Baroque and Neo Classical Sta. Monica Church had to be cleaned up, spruced and refurbished for the wedding.  Hundreds were deployed to paint the walls of the edifice, and install large airconditioning  machines in the cavernous church building. And beside the church,  a huge tent was put up for the town’s local officials and people who might  not have the necessary credentials and status to get inside the official reception area, and yet should partake in the lavish food prepared.

True enough, it was the grand social event of that year for the Philippines as  the Marcoses, particularly Imelda would have envisioned. The local press put the event as the banner story, and paralleled it with the Diana and Charles’s royal wedding, a year before.

Some months later in  August, 1983, a strong earthquake shook the church. And some days later, again in August, Ninoy Aquino arrived and shook the Marcoses. And the seeming  telenovela story continued.

kaleidoscope

To say the least, there was much anticipation in getting to Lucban, Quezon afterall it was fiesta time (May 15).  And next to the Sinulog Festival of Cebu, the Pahiyas Festival has been drawing the most tourist crowd according to tourism officials. Tens of  thousands should be swarming the narrow streets of this town, about 5 hours from Manila.

Our driver, took the less popular route, by getting through the hills of Antipolo and Tanay, Rizal, and proceeded to the coastal towns of Laguna. With a brief stop at Lumban where jusi and pina cloth has been its  industry product for years, our family’s reliable Revo went directly to the first town of Quezon – Lucban.

It was not supposed to be the easiest company to have during this road trip, after some heavy domestic problems. But Mom was an eager tourist, ready to sample what this town could offer. This time, Mom and I had a nice ride, no family spats, no recurring ”I told you so’s”, just the crackling of our laughters, somehow wiping out all the recent emotional crises, we just had.

As the car drove towards the town, we knew right away that it was a busy day as commuters packed the jeepneys and buses reaching the area. Our car could not parallel park on the usual avenues thus the driver had to drive it to the designated parking lot.

Mom, a family friend (Nang Bina) and I went to explore the numerous homes, fancied up for the occasion on the feast of San Isidro Labrador, Lucban’s patron saint. It indeed was just like what one gets to watch on tv, and read on the papers, many of the homes are wrapped in a cornucopia of colors.  Each participating house creates its own florid design, a veritable kaleidoscope made out of  farm harvests and the famous kiping – rice based wafers, dyed in assorted color, used either as a petal or leaf in creating ariticial floral pieces.

The tradition of presenting the town’s harvests as part of its decoration is a way of thanksgiving to the Almighty and San Isidro for continually blessing the town’s people with such bounty. Banana leaves, rice grain and the stalks, garlic bulbs, sayote and talong, stringed together are just some of the ingenious  and inspired ways the people of Lucban have fashioned to make the tourist smile and feel good about this town. Well, the P100,00 promised to the best decoratedd house from the local government can be a good incentive too.

The people of Lucban were warm and accommodating during the festivities.  They would let people go up even to the second floor of their houses so that travellers could have some pictures taken at the windowsills which usually were the focal points of the facade adornments.  There was a need for public restrooms though for tourists who might not necessarily know of anyone in the locale. Yet the owners graciously welcomed us to use their bathrooms. We were  just wondering a little why on the very feast day, at noon, many of the owners did not have significant food prepared for their respective personal guests, not that we strangers would gatecrash.

But of course, we had to sample the peculiar way of eating Lucban’s pancit habhab which had to be fetched by mouth directly from the banana leaf make-do plate.  We grabbed a bite from the numerous and crowded restos in the area. The pancit habhab was very similar to that of the usual pancit canton, although less spicy.  Mother and Nang Bina liked it a lot. I enjoyed more the fried lumpiang ubod.

After some photo opportunities, we went to the church where many activities were being  prepared until the early evening. But we knew our time had come to leave the area and head back to Manila, and we just had to get a kilo or two of the popular longganisang lucban as pasalubong. Amidst more laughters and good conversation inside the car, I got to see my Mother who had been adversarial and combative just a month ago in a different view – a vital and vibrant part of our small family. It was just a matter of focusing where one could get to really see the beautiful colors and shades of a person, again just like in a kaleidoscope.

capitol gains

Who would have thought that the premises of  a certain  provincial capitol  could dust off its stodgy and prim attributes in exchange for being the hippest and coolest government territory?

Just hie off to the Camarines Sur’s sprawling 151 hectare Kapitolyo at Pili, and you get the sense of youthful enthusiasm and vigor what with the several important projects involving  high technology and some paradigm shifting  in providing jobs, education, and tourism activity.

The CWC (http://letsgopinas.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/amped/) is the big kahuna in its arsenal of offerings inside the government dominion. Some would characterize the project as juvenile, but it is a significant project in line with province’s top of mind positioning as an action packed and adventure laden travel destination. The idea of CWC converges with images of other spots inside and a little beyond Camarines Sur - the beaches of Caramoan, the butandings of Donsol, and the mountains of Mayon, Isarog, and Bulusan.

Within the compound, the provincial goverment goes into computer animation and informaton technology, allowing two separate buildings to provide education in cartoon making, and jobs in call center accounts for the youth.  Unquestionably, the Governor L-Ray Villafuerte’s young energy and mindset that direct  the whole system in providing innovative and yet effective methods in showing what the province can do.

But one should be aware that the past governers of the province have also made substantial physical inputs inside the governor’s executive expanse during their terms. One could enjoy the aviary, the deer farm, and the pigeon feeding area at the Ecovillage.  There is also the manmade cave and lake to explore and to take respite in respectively. And aside from what CWC’s accommodations, there are a number of other hotel rooms for the visitors to stay in – the Governor’s Mansion and in the campsite area.

The whole Capitol grounds is really impressive, considering the meager resources perhaps. But it is in the way this administration thinks and acts that is most riveting and exciting  - with so much aplomb, and outside the usual box.

the making of a town fiesta queen

One of the highlights of a fiesta whether it is on a provincial, city, municipal or barangay level, is the coronation of a designated queen, usually on the eve of feast day itself.  Many times the queen or relatives of the queen reside on the place where she is anointed as one.

There is much pomp and glory in presenting the muse for that particular occasion. The queen is expected to wear the refinery and elegance that only the best designers and dressmakers can offer. She parades her outfit, and displays her grace throughout the plaza or auditorium to the cheering onlookers, and the admiring audience. This is the queen’s night when profuse words of praise from an orator or a local politican are uttered about her.  And the queen will have no say but to blush and smile in shyness and embarrassment.

There will be musicmakers, usually hired orchestra players to regale and entertain the guests, but most specially the lady of the night. There will be special performers, again usually from the realm of showbusiness that will be invited to sing or dance to make the night more memorable, particularly for the attending masses. And at the exact time when the crown is placed on her head by the past year’s queen, firecrakers and fireworks display will create that radiance of glamour and excitement which the new young queen will never forget throughout her life.

There is quite a high demand for the privilege of being a queen of a certain place’s fiesta despite the expenses significantly paid by the family and the sponsors.  Afterall, there can only be one for each year. And if a certain lady just could not get the premier status, she might just settle to be one of the many princesses or dames. Thus many of the relatives will need to reserve for the ”queenship” of a certain year, perhaps even 10 years or more after the time of request. Hence, somehow there is an elite circle of ladies, lucky enough to be queens for a given year. 

It is just hoped that the lady upon the moment she becomes queen, not only will she possess the exquisite beauty and charm very much expected of her, but she becomes an inspiration and delight to the community that she ”reigns” in.

In this regard, let this post introduce to you, tall and dusky, Ms. Ginger Carmela Diamante Orais, the Town Fiesta Queen of Dumangas, Iloilo for (May 5) 2009. She is the daughter of Captain Leovigildo Orais and Dr. Roslyn Derla Diamante. At 19, she is taking up Nursing at the University of San Agustin, Iloilo.  Ginger says that she will utilize her reign in supporting the various programs of the local government of Dumangas, particularly in the protection and conservation of the natural resources, and the feeding program of malnourished children.

Then let Her Majesty Queen Ginger rule!

tanay idyll

From Antipolo (http://letsgopinas.wordpress.com/2009/03/12/the-antipolo-ambient/), one can slowly descend through a circuitous pass along the other municipalities of Rizal, like Baras, Teresa and Morong and take pleasure looking at the number of scenic views of the boondocks and hills of the province. And then one can make a fullstop and explore the charming old town of Tanay.

Although a significant portion of the area is hilly terrain, Tanay is largely about plains and fields where you can appreciate the acres of rice plantings.  Here, the slight breeze coming from the wide expanse circulates evenly thus making Tanay an ideal short trip to enjoy some pasteural landscapes.

But the temperature goes down significantly, as one proceeds to its famous Daranak Falls, passing by some family owned orchards and farms. Many of Tanay’s residents and guests sample the refreshing gushing waters. The aquamarine color of the pool invites everyone to take a dip and cavort in its pristine coolness. It is an ideal family picnic setting, rustic style.

 One can romp around in Tanay’s small plaza and have some cola drinks and chips at several neighborhood stores, and then admire the antiquity of the Catholic church right across. It is a fine specimen of early renaissance architecture built in the 17^th century utilizing local quarried stones. At the podium niche of the edifice, an image of the town’s patron saint, San Ildefonso de Toledo stands.

 Then go straightaway to the bay area, where the  small white parola (lighthouse) welcomes you to the rich resource of Laguna de Bay. Old fisherman’s bancas float idly, waiting for the respective owners to employ them amidst a smattering of waterlilies.  Then witness a farmer working with his carabao in the shallow and muddy section of the bay.  One can just sit and feel the wind in the newly established azotea right beside the lighthouse, probably just two lengths of the usual electric lamp post. As you admire the scenery, rekindle the feeling and maybe remember the past of your bucolic days in your own respective provinces.

Then cap off a visit at the nearby Kainan sa Tabing Lawa (Restaurant beside the Lake). The restaurant sits just beside the bay thus one can get a glimpse of the idyllic views from inside. Feast on different ways of cooked freshwater catch such as kanduli (catfish), dalag (mudfish), and pla-pla (big sized tilapia) with extra heapings of steaming rice and hot shrimp sinigang broth.  

 Escape the powerful heat of the summer, and cruise through some of the interesting points of Rizal where one can get comforted with its airiness and nippy temperature.

chill!

Since the Philippines is in the tropics, aside from halo-halo, Filipinos have readily come up with other native popular chillers and coolers.  They may not have reached the stature of the great halo-halo (http://letsgopinas.wordpress.com/2009/03/01/hail-halo-halo/), yet they are still effective to cool down the body heat.

1. Guinumis - A coconut milk drink with  sago (tapioca balls) and gulaman (jelly). and pinipig (pounded immature glutinous rice) or cron cereals on top. Flavorful cocodrink which origin is supposedly from Nueva Ecija. Best to have guinumis at Ponciana’s and Via Mare.

2. Sago and Gulaman – A mixture of tapioca and jelly, with a hint of banana extract and vanilla. The arnibal (caramelized sugar syrup) creates the burnt/rust color of the cooler which started humble in the streets and has now been elevated in many restaurants using tall glasses and large straws. Goldilocks has good sago and gulaman preparation. But I wish they were served in tall glasses, and not in plastic cups.

3, Buko Juice – Athough halo-halo may be the king of Filipino coolers, it is the image of the buko (young coconut) that represents the Philippines more, particularly to the Westerners. Buko juice together with the shredded meat can be served in a tall glass, sometimes with sugar and even evaporated milk. But it is more fun, if you sip the juice, and scoop the meat from the the nut.

4. Buko-Pandan – The craze for anything buko pandan (salad, shake and juice) started only in the 90s thus it buko pandan juice is relatively new. The pandan leaves gives an aromatic flavor to the buko juice, and voila -another innovative quencher is born!   Fruit Magic kiosks inside malls could serve up one nicely.

5. Mais con Yelo – Somehow this chiller’s popularity has waned probably because of the addition of new coolers such as buko pandan. Yet it is still refreshing taste cornbits and evaporated milk together, served with shaved ice. Iceberg’s has a mean mais con yelo with ice cream on top.

6. Kalamansi Juice – Others prefer drinking it hot, particularly for colds and fever. But cold kalamansi (calamondin) juice can be an answer to the cool lemonade of other countries. Others serve this citrusy flavored juice with honey. Good for the heat, and good for the health too. One could have it inside your home.

7. Other Fruit Juices – Since the Philippines is host to lots of  fruit bearing trees and plants, then obviously there are fruit juices to experience and explore – from the common mango or melon juice to the more exotic dalandan or guyabano juice. Drink it fresh or take it from extracts coming from the bottles. All refreshing, all reinvirgorating, all thirst quenching, all good.

CCP: An Opus of 40 Years and More!

 

(Author’s Note: Ms. Imelda Marcos seems to be in the glare of media again, owing to her inclusion in Newsweek’s greediest people. She may be notorious to many, but somehow she has made true contribution to Philippine Art and Culture through the development of CCP. After the postings on the Pasinaya to commence on CCP’s 40th year celebration (http://letsgopinas.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/fostering-a-renaissance/ ), and gallery of CCP’s art collection (http://letsgopinas.wordpress.com/2009/02/27/the-repository/), a posting is finally given to show a glimpse on the colorful history and background of CCP.)

 

 

“In that site, I will build the Cultural Center of the Philippines,” the First Lady Imelda Marcos said with pride to a foreign guest dignitary while on board a presidential automobile along the then Dewey Boulevard (Roxas Boulevard).

 

But the dignitary only saw the open waters of a bay. “How is that possible?” he muttered.

 

“Haven’t you heard of reclamation?” Imelda retorted back.

 

The whole scenario supposedly rang true more than four decades ago when Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos thought themselves as the Filipino mythic figures of “Malakas and Maganda.” (The Strong and The Beautiful”)  During this time, the Marcoses wittingly or unwittingly, started to develop personas which have been open targets of the political opposition and rebels. Ferdinand strengthened his cult like image through heavy handed or even dictatorial rule while Imelda took care of the supposed soul of the Filipino through artistic and cultural activities which some said were merely her eccentricities and caprices.

 

Imelda had a vision of putting up a national center for arts which was congruent with her favorite maxim during the later years of the Marcos Rule – “the true, the good, and the beautiful.”  But even in the early years of constructing the main theater of the CCP, many, particularly from the left leaning groups saw the whole project as extravagant whim and a total waste of government fund. The whole idea was seen as a symbol of profligacy and Marcos dictatorial ascendancy amidst the wasting economy and socio-political hardships.

 

But there was no stopping in creating a magnificent edifice above the waters of Manila Bay, as designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin.  The Main Theater was just part of the whole reclamation complex. In later years, Philippine International Convention Center, Folk Arts Center, and the Manila Film Center were erected under the helm of Imelda Marcos.

 

Although it was heavily criticized, CCP was able to showcase Filipino talents in a world class theater surroundings. Prodigies like pianist Cecille Licad were developed and honed under the auspices of CCP. Different dance companies in ballet and folkdancing were housed in CCP. Resident theater groups performing Filipino originals or foreign plays and musicals which were translated in Filipino language have been put up. During Imelda’s time, there was much dancing, singing and acting inside the different theaters of CCP. Art was buzzing although it could be said that art about politics and against the Marcoses was clearly suppressed.

 

As the Marcos regime abruptly ended in the middle 80s, the subsidy and support for the CCP from the next administrations have dwindled significantly. Art in general took a back seat in the agenda of the chief executives and partner spouses. CCP was on its own; it had to create its own finances which should support a plethora of plans and developments even if the interest of the audience has shifted to popular films, television and even malling.

 

Now CCP needs to become more relevant to the times, and try to appeal to an audience who might not be as highbrow as before and might not be as passionate as before. Hoping it can still develop a young appreciative audience at times CCP like any Filipino art and theater groups today, has to bargain their ticket prices and “coerce” elementary and highschool students to watch a performance,

 

Yet CCP is surviving and has thankfully reached its 40^th year of existence.  CCP celebrates with a series of  special shows and programs and even gives a tribute to its foundress and true patron, Imelda Marcos entitled “Dahil sa ‘Yo” (Because of You), apparently the title as well of her favorite song.  Despite the gloom of the world economic crisis, and diminishing priorities of the Filipino family on traditional art, CCP forges on – tapping on the intrinsic musicality, the artistic brilliance, and healthy dose of  enthusiasm and liveliness of the Filipinos. Take a bow, CCP.

 

sacred vow

It is Holy Week. And somehow through the years, there is progressive diminishing solemnity on how Filipinos have spent such days. We can blame it on how people see it as opportunity to travel and do some rest and recreation. We can also point to cable television and the internet as sources of distraction. I remember the years when Holy Week meant  a lot of  bleakness, and sorrowfulness. And everything lightens up only during Easter Sunday. (But just the same, I am still wondering why there is extensive sadness during these days when Christ willingly allowed himself to die for all our imperfections. In fact Christ has triumphed over our inert evil ways.)

But there are still people who remain to be pious during the most hallowed days of the Lenten Season. And they do this with some ritualistic observance done to fulfill a promise. This is what we Filipinos call – Panata. There are many ways and rites to show devotion to the Lord. Pabasa is one panata where people in the community take turns in singing the Passion of Christ’s Crucfixion. Usually pabasa is done for the whole holy week.

Many times  a panata is started by one person, until the whole family becomes a part of it, and even continues it once the person who originally commenced the panata is not available. And it is possible that a whole community takes part of a particular panata such as in Pabasa and Cenakulo. 

There are other methods of doing panata. Some would go to 14 churches during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday for Visita Iglesia. Some would act and be part of a Cenakulo – a dramatization of Christ’s last days. And some would go to extreme – flagellate themselves, and even accede to nail themselves to a cross – just like what Christ had done. The Catholic Church has already expressed that such acts are violent and unwarranted.

Some panatas are ways to thank the Lord for His blessings and miraculous healings during the years. Some panatas are done for a wish to come true in the future. While some do their panatas for fear that some unexpected and bad things can happen once a panata is skipped. Just the same, these people see a panata as an overt expression of devotion to Christ, the Saviour. And yearly panatas are done for the rest of their lives.

But a panata is not exclusive to the activities done during holy week. Some would be called to go to Quiapo Church for the Nazareno devotion or even trek to Naga for the Penafrancia Festival and participate wholly for the activities.

In our case, my Mom celebrates San Jose, who is the carpenter-father figure of Jesus Christ. In our household, it has been done  for a few years now. But my mother says that her mother in her hometown in Iloilo had this panata   for many years. And somehow, mom wants to revive it in our family.

At first I find it a little weird. We have to look for people to represent St. Joseph, Mother Mary, and a young Jesus and dress them as such. Then after some prayer, they are to be fed food by other people. Then everyone has to take the hand of each significant participant and ask their blessings. Until now, I am still struggling to get the full meaning and sense of this custom afterall the responsibility of pursuing this panata can just fall on me, some time from now. Hopefully, I just don’t want this to be just a mere ritualistic continuation of my mom’s sacred vow.

Advanced Happy Easter everyone. Belated Happy Birthday Mom.

menu for living the life at bantayan island

Puso (4 pcs) – P8.00

Petso (2) – P50.00

Chorizo (2) – P30.00

80z Pepsi (3) – 30.00

Total – P118.00

Yups, that’s what the  total bill is  for a late lunch at the dining area of Aling Maribel near the market at Bantayan proper.  And that is good for two people. Amazingly, not bad.

The food stalls there serve different grilled seafood and rice packed inside coconut palm leaves (puso).

Bantayan is the northern most island of Cebu. And there are three municipalities which qualities are different from each other. Sta. Fe has the powdery white sand beaches to boast about.  Bantayan proper has its 430 year old church that truly impresses. And Madridejos has the magnificent sunset view to wow its guests. 

Bantayan Island is a three hour trip from the Metropolis of Cebu. Take a Ceres bus at the North Bus Terminal or even the faster van for hire at SM Cebu to the wharf of Hagnaya. Then ride a ferry towards the port of Sta. Fe. Then you may need some help for you to explore Bantayan’s three towns. Just look for Don-don and Danny to assist you as they have their padyaks (foot pedalled cab) and motorcycle. Just call them at this number 0907-6445218. 

And since Bantayan Island has access to the freshest, mouthwatering seafood – crustaceans, shells and fish alike, particularly in this unassuming grillery, Arjaymay near the beaches of Sta. Fe. The owners can even cook up the famous rock lobster at P160 pesos per serving.

And of course, don’t forget to buy your pasalubong afterall, this is where a significant portion of dried seafood of Cebu come from. There is danggit, and there is danggit unsalted for those health conscious. Just get such just before you go on board the ferry back to Cebu city.

There is much more in living life at Bantayan. And definitely there is much more to talk about in the coming posting as well about the three towns of the island of Bantayan.