Sta. Cruz Island...

It's one of Zamboanga City's pride. The Little and Great Santa Cruz Islands are known for their "pink sand beach" and best for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The islands are accessible by boat from downtown Zamboanga City. It takes around 15-20 minutes depending on the sea current and the speed of the boat.

I set foot on Little Sta. Cruz island only once. I was in 4th year HS then and one of the participants of the National Boy/Girl Scouts Encampment. Didn't enjoy the beauty that much because we were too tired from other activities and we arrived there a little late. Since the Little Sta. Cruz island is taken cared of by the Philippine Navy, we took the Navy Boats from the Ens Majini Pier at the Naval Station of Zamboanga City to the island.

I want to visit Great Sta Cruz island. Never been there. I've heard that's it's really beautiful and I can only admire its beauty through pictures. Here are some pictures of Great Sta. Cruz Island.

Pictures courtesy of Mr.Ryann Elumba, a faculty of the Computer Science Department.

Experiencing Different Sunsets

Missing the sunset from the Boulevard of Dipolog City

I love sunsets.

There's always mixed emotions with sunsets. There's joy in watching the beauty of God's creation. But sometimes, there's a feeling of loneliness and longing for something. For a long time, I tried to find an explanation why such gloomy feeling exists while watching such great scene. Just a few minutes ago, I found a possible answer. Sunset brings about feelings of sadness and loneliness because we know that it will be gone soon. And as much as you wanted to enjoy the magnificent horizon, you know you cant. You wanted to hold it longer, but you know it will slip away soon. And it makes one sad and long for it to stay.
I remember watching the sunset from the Golf Beach resort in Zamboanga, in less than 3 minutes, the sun was hiding behind the clouds and going down to the other side of the earth. You can't waste a second or you'll miss it.

I have here some pictures of sunsets from different places. But whether it's in Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao, the feeling is the same... the feeling of longing, the feeling of missing something, the feeling of loving the life you have.

These pictures were taken from the viewing deck of the Mall of Asia, Pasay City Philippines

This was taken from our roof. I really went up to take a picture... (Tetuan, Zamboanga City)



Taken while on travel in a bus in Lanao de Norte...

(NOTE: All pictures were taken using my Canon Digital IXY 70 Camera)

The Boulevard...

R.T. Lim Boulevard, or simply Boulevard to the Zamboangeños. It's one of the places people go in the morning, for their early morning walks (or jogs), or during late afternoon, to witness the sun setting in the west.

I always find the Boulevard a memorable place. When I was younger, and the water was quite cleaner, my father would bring me during early Sundays for short swims. However, it's not safe to do it nowadays. The sea water in the area is insanitary.

The boulevard had become a witness of our trying moments... trying to be "OKEY" :). When days seemed gloomy, my friend and I would find ourselves heading to the boulevard. We just sit and watch the waves moving towards the shore, or just look straight to nothing. The horizon brought solace to our troubled minds. Sometimes, we just watched the darkness and see nothing but lights from a distance.

I miss those moments.

Everytime I come to the Boulevard, things get okey, feelings become lighter. Perhaps the waves wash away confusions and its sound brings about music of peace to the troubled. And the sunset cheers us up with the colors it paints in the sky.

Taken last September 20, 2007 (Thursday) with Dimple...

Durian, anyone?

Very few people know about this fruit. For others, durian is no more than a candy flavor. This fruit is known for its peculiar smell and its really thorny surface.

In the Philippines, durian are found in the southern part of the country like Davao and Sulu. However, the durians in Davao are bigger and its meat is more of yellowish compared to the Sulu-grown durian which are smaller and with whiter meat.

Durian fruits are commonly used as flavors of candies and ice cream. Yummy! But what's yummmieeerrr for me is durian cake at Myrna's Bakeshop, only here in Zamboanga City.

Tarsiers of Bohol

The Philippine Tarsiers are known to be the smallest known monkey on earth. They are found in the Southerneastern part of the Philippines but they are very popular in Bohol. When you visit Bohol, you should not miss these tiny, nocturnal creatures. They have been considered endangered by our Philippine government.

They eat insects and tiny (of course, tinier than they are!) animals. They love clinging on to trees and branches.

See the picture? that's how small they are. My niece, Denise and his father, Alvin, are looking at one. Dee was quite amused with this animal in front of her. Her stories are endless when she got home from Bohol.

Dagohoy's Land... Bohol

If there's one place I wanna visit soon, it's Bohol. I have heard about places that are uniquely Bohol's. The presence of tarsiers is one of the famous attractions of Bohol, not to mention the "chocolate hills" which are again a unique attraction of the place. Now, when you visit Bohol, don't ever miss the paradise-like beaches in Panglao. Bohol also have centuries old churches. People still visit these churches not only because of their faith but also because of these churches were witnesses of Bohol's past.

Last summer, my sister had the chance to visit Bohol. So, his husband and daughter tagged along. And of course, our mother, whose origins are traced back in Tubigon, Bohol would be envious if she couldn't come along. So, I was the one left envious. I couldn't go with them because of work. But I wish I can visit the place soon and witness for myself the beauty that only Bohol can offer.

Oh, by the way, Bohol's famous hero is Francisco Dagohoy. He was known for leading a revolt against the Spaniards during his time. It was told that his rebellion started when the priest refused to accept his brother's body for burial. Dagohoy's brother died in a fight.

Baclayon Church, one of the old churches in Bohol

A beach in Panglao. Who won't enjoy the beauty, paired with serenity?

A picture of Chocolate hills