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PASIGARBO SA SUGBO 2009

8/15/2009 | Posted by ghen the backpacker

Cebu's Pride...

Held at Cebu International Conventional Center (CICC) in Mandaue City, once again, Cebu is celebrating its 2nd annual Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival today.

"Pasigarbo" is a visayan term of gloat or to admire with triumph and satisfaction. Indeed, its meaning speaks for itself while "Sugbo" is a visayan term for Cebu.

Through the street dancing competition, 38 different contingents showcased their dances in their most creative and native performances all the way to the grand showdown at the CICC main stage. Headed by Gov. Gwen Garcia, Cebu is celebrating it's 440th founding anniversary and Pasigarbo sa Sugbo is part of it.

It's actually my first time to witness the all-in-one presentation of the different arts, products and religious celebrations and festivals of the Queen City of the South. And I could say it's indeed a great idea to have all these put together in one main event to highlight what Cebu has to offer and to help improve and advertise Cebu's tourism as well.

Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island grabbed the grand prize for the Ritual Showdown competition while Ani-anihan Festival of Tabuelan and Haladya Festival of Daanbantayan Cebu took the 2nd and 3rd prize respectively. For the Street dancing competition, Haladya Festival took the 1st place while Banig Festival of Badian ranked the 2nd and Kagasanga Festival of Moalboal ranked next.

It's also my first time to photo shoot an event, so I'm not that too familiar yet on what and where exactly to shoot. I just stood up at the CICC main entrance and took all my shots from there. Hope you still like it..

It's indeed from a beginner's shot..☻

Utanon Festival of Dalaguete, Cebu

Kabkaban Festival of Carcar, Cebu

Banig Festival of Badian, Cebu.

(The attire was made of handwoven mat usually used for sleeping or what we call as "banig". isn't that amazing?)

Hinulawan Festival of Toledo City, Cebu

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SOUTHERN CEBU TOUR

8/09/2009 | Posted by ghen the backpacker

Today was the 2nd day of our Basic Photography Workshop, mentored by Sir Benjie Ordoñez. T'was an actual photoshoot already so we traveled to the southern part of Cebu, mostly taking shots of different historical places and churches from the town of Argao to Boljoon then to Oslob. Although it was more of photo shooting historical places, we named our group as "Magic hour" since most of us are sunrise and sunset lovers and it naturally occurs during magic hours of the day: early mornings and late afternoons respectively.

Sir Benjie Ordoñez with the Magic Hour Group, Batch 7

But unfortunately, we weren't able to shoot sunrise and sunset during the trip because t'was actually a mid-day photoshoot and damn so hot! Nevertheless, it was a fun and memorable experience being with a group of different professions, who all share the same interest-- travel and photography.

From left to right:

Back row: Engr. Jun Baltazar, Cathy Angeles, Chuck Baladya, Atty. Roldan Pepito, Jefferson Villegas, Hazel Puerto
Front row: Dr. Abey Leyson, Reynald Geonson, Marian Rose Jabines, Keena Sibud, Ginelee "Ghen" Lumayag, Dr. Glinda Del Prado

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ARGAO, CEBU

8/09/2009 | Posted by ghen the backpacker

Our first stop during the Basic Photography Workshop - Southern Cebu Tour was at Argao, Cebu. It is 66 kilometers away from Cebu City and takes around 2 hours to get there. I've been to this place once way back college years, but this was the first time I have visited their church--- the Church of St. Michael, the Archangel. He is actually my Archangel and my Patron Saint, so I took time to pray after taking pictures around the place.

St. Michael Church in Argao was built during the Spanish colonization around 1700's and was founded by Fr. Ignacio de Olave. It eventually became famous and valuable to the Philippine history since it's where one of the oldest pipes left by the Spaniards is found. The pipe was designed by Mexican artists but built by Argawanons in the 1700s.

The Spanish colonization has greatly influenced the infrastructures. You can still see the original wood carvings even if it has been into several renovations already. Inside the church, you can find several artifacts and mural paintings as well especially the ones at the ceiling. One of these paintings illustrates St Michael, who won the fight against Lucifer the demon.

Photo by: Dr. Abbey Leyson

while I'm photoshooting

the Belfry. Thanks Doc!

                                                                                                                The Church's Belfry---
        one of the impressive bell
                                                                                                                towers I've seen in Cebu

To the left of the church is where the Argao Parish Museum is found. Built in 1999, the museum houses the remains of church’s priceless antiques and showcases religious artifacts as well. This is a picture of the staircase as you enter the main door.

Above the museum is the Church Convent which was built around 1800s. This was the base operations for Spanish missionaries learning Cebuano.

Photo above is the side view of the convent/museum while the photo below is the front view where you can see Spanish-to-early-American period cannons. This is is actually part of the Argao Unity Plaza where you can also see Dr. Jose Rizal's monument and the community well.