PhotoHunt: RIPPLE

From the first time it reached our shores in 1521, as symbolized by this cross which encases the actual first-ever cross planted on Cebu island by Magellan, Christianity has spread far and wide in the Philippines, making it the predominant religious affiliation among Filipinos.

Magellan's Cross, Cebu City 2012, using a digicam.

PhotoHunt: SCOOP

I have been to Cebu several times over the last decade and a half but it was just last week that I got to see its Provincial Capitol in person. I found its U-shaped, recessed facade rather unique- versus the usual "flat" exteriors of government buildings, especially among those built during the American occupation of the Philippines.

Cebu City, May 2012, using a digicam.

Litratong Pinoy: PASKONG PINOY (Christmas, the Filipino Way)

Ang Paskong Pinoy ay lalo pang pinatitingkad ng mga palamuting natatangi, tulad ng ating sariling pagturing sa karaniwang Christmas tree. Habang hindi naman laganap sa ating bansa ang orihinal na ginagawang Christmas tree- ang punong pine- ang ating pagkamalikhain ang nagtutulak sa atin na gumawa ng kahalintulad na simbolo. Ang Christmas tree na ito, nakatindig sa gitna ng Lunsod ng Cebu, ay gawa sa ilang mga lokal na materyales na kinabibilangan ng (kung hindi ako nagkakamali) mga pamaypay na anahaw. At ang nasa pinakatuktok, kung sa ibang bansa ay anghel or Bituin ni David, ay ang Poong Santo Nino naman, nakatanod, nakagabay, nagbabasbas sa lahat ng Kanyang natatanaw at nakakatanaw sa Kanya.

PASKONG PINOY = CHRISTMAS, THE FILIPINO WAY

Christmas in the Philippines is made even glitzier by decorations that we adapt to our own worldview. While the usual Christmas tree made from pine or other coniferous trees are species not widespread in the country, our creativity has inspired us to celebrate using this holiday symbol but with a local flavor. If my vision serves me right, this Christmas tree towering in the center of one of Cebu City's major rotundas, is made from (among other ingredients) leaves of the indigenous anahaw plant. At the very top of the tree, where an angel or the Star of David would usually reside, an image of the Infant Jesus of Cebu stands instead, blessing all and sundry.

Fuente Osmena, Cebu City, November 2006, using a digicam.

PhotoHunt: (FREE WEEK)

After a series of damaging weather disturbances, we have only our faith and spirit of cooperation to rely on to help our country get back on its feet and move forward.

One of the most popular sites for expression of this shared faith is the Basilica Del Santo Nino in Cebu City. This 274-year old church houses a half-a-millennium-old image of the Infant Jesus given to Queen Juana by the first Spaniards to land on the shores of the Philippines. Every January, the city converts itself into a massive staging area of various devotional activities expressed through song and dance, punctuated by shouts of "Viva! Santo Nino!"

The image itself is quite diminutive; it doesn't look an inch taller than one foot. However, that it survived being burned in a fire and helped spare the island of Cebu from war and natural disasters over the centuries have made it bigger in the eyes of locals and devotees.

These locals and devotees of the Infant Jesus in Cebu have a special way of bidding Him farewell before they leave His presence in the Basilica: with one arm outstretched to the air, palm facing the image, they would wave this arm ever so gently from side to side, as if to catch His attention, to feel His blessings even if afar and take these home with them, with an unspoken promise to come back and visit His home again...

view from the Pilgrim Center, Basilica Del Santo Nino De Cebu, Cebu City, October 2009, using a digicam.

Litratong Pinoy: DITO LANG (Just here)

Ang makinang at matikas na gusaling ito ay hindi sa Tokyo o Nueba York kundi sa Cebu City, ang bagong otel na Crown Regency Hotel and Tower sa Fuente Osmena. Ito ay may higit 300 silid na nakapaloob sa 38 palapag. Sa tuktok ng gusali ay ang tinatawag na Edge-Coaster, kung saan isang uri ng munting rollercoaster ang nakadikit sa bubong ng otel, higit 100m ang taas mula sa lupa!

DITO LANG = JUST HERE This shimmering, proud building is neither in Tokyo nor New York City; it is just here in Cebu City- the new Crown Regency Hotel and Tower in Fuente Osmena. It has more than 300 rooms tucked in 38 floors. At the top of the building, adventure seekers will enjoy the Edge-Coaster, a mini-rollercoaster attached practically to the edge of the roof- 100m above ground level =]

outside Crown Regency Hotel and Tower, Cebu City, April 2009, using a digicam.

Litratong Pinoy: SIMULA PA LANG (Just starting)

Paglapag ng unang lipad ng mga eroplano sa simula ng isang mahabang maghapon sa pangunahing paliparang ito.

SIMULA PA LANG = JUST STARTING Landing of the first flight at the beginning of a very long day in this major airport.

Mactan International Airport, Cebu City, March 2009, using a digicam.