Viva Pit Senyor!

Kahimunan. Photo taken by Xe1+ Samyang 12 mm

Today is the Kahimunan festival. It's an event in Butuan where we celebrate the feast of Sto. Nino usually by dancing in the streets, listening mass at Sto. Nino Diocesan Shrine, yelling "Pit Senyor!"

Kahimunan. Photo taken by Xe1+ Samyang 12 mm

 There are a lot of activities leading to the culmination of Kahimunan festival like a fluvial parade in Agusan River, different kinds of parades and other activities.

Kahimunan. Photo taken by Xe1+ Samyang 12 mm

Today was the first time I've ever experienced Kahimunan. Sad to say because it was amazing. It was fun. Full of colorful whirling dancers chanting their chants. 

I wanted to complain about the rain,  the mud, and my unpreparedness but I saw how the young un's dancing enthusiastically barefoot in the concrete, mud, snow, and sleet and I know I'm a wimp if I do. So I'm not writing about my woes and just post photos from my second ever photography contest! Thank you Fotografia Inc., for hosting this year's awesome bonding moments for photographers.

Psychedelic Scooter... with a Roof

Before you say that I should up my ISO, increase the shutter speed, or use a tripod if its dark and other boring stuff like that- I just want to tell you straight up that this was taken with the intention to make a hallucinogenic-like photograph of an awesome subject. A subject of a man on his motorcycle with roof. (Okay not really I was taking long exposure photo but I saw this extremely intriguing cowboy on two wheels with roof... and I forgot to change my camera settings).

Years before, when my mother and I used to have to ride a motorcycle from Tagbina to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, I first saw these fascinating form of transportation. These passenger motorcycles with sun, dust and wind protector cover or "habal-habal" with roofs according to my source, were more attractive to passengers (women)  than without the covering counterpart because of their SPF qualities (and not because most Filipinas want fairer skin).

In the '80s the only way commute to Hinatuan from Tagbina were double-tire jeepneys and "habal-habal" (a motorcycle that can carry up to six passengers or more). Bus routes were intermittent. Sometimes they were allowed and some days they weren't- until they were finally just there.

Anyway, years before the only way they added roofs to two-wheeled rides were to fashion it out of tarpaulin and 2x2 wood. It was a more comfortable way to travel- the sun didn't beat on us too harshly but then again its easy for the motorcycle to topple over backward too. Which nearly happened to me and my friend, once, in La Paz, Agusan del Sur. (Too bad I didn't get any footage. It was hilarious. And a bit scary).

I've been seeing these two-wheeled roof machines around the city for a while now. I thought it's interesting that it's now made out of plastic and light metal. It's way better than the heavy roofs they fixed to their vehicle before.

I made the subject cooler though by adding long exposure with quivering hands special effects. If you're interested where to find these handy attachments to your awesome ride you can browse Lazada our popular online store and be part of this epidemic. Thank you.

Thanks again to Em, my unofficial typo- hunter!

Build! Build! Build! (JC Aquino Avenue, Butuan City)

Fuji Xe1+ Samyang 12 mm

For years, Butuan City has been known to be, not as a historical city, no, but a city always submerged in "baha" (Flood water). Different Butuan local government has addressed the problem and at present, this is the billion pesos people's money in action. 

During Christmas season, this area is the bottleneck of the traffic. The traffic has settled a little but its still annoying during rush hour/s. 

 Km 2, J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City--Fuji Xe1+ 12mm

I'm sure everyone is looking forward for the construction/ rehabilitation of the main highway to be completed.

Fuji Xe1+ 27mm

But till then, just hold tight, it will be alright. :D

Of Night Basketball, Repressed Memories and Nightmares

Night Basketball (Fuji Xe1+ 12 mm)

Disclaimer: This is a silly post. I suggest you view the photo and ignore the rest of the post.

This was a photo was taken last night. It was past seven in the evening and I saw these guys playing at my secret place. (I think this writing everyday thing is like a big exercise in nostalgia for me or a way for me to dump my frustrations and regrets like a big psychological exercise and I'm inviting you all to psychoanalyze me. Exhale.) That was MY basketball court. I've been planning and wanting to play there for days. I go there every day, walk by, think about shooting a basketball, imagine feeling the tiny dotted surface of sphere made out of rubber and sweat. I even bought a ball. I drive with it wherever I go.

Last night my secret basketball court was occupied by these testosterone-laden creatures. They were playing at MY secret place. This shocking incident made my repressed memories burst out from my consciousness. 

When I was in High School, my friends and I played basketball. We wanted to be good. We wanted to be the best team in school. Most of all, we wanted to beat the living shit out of the freshmen and the teams ahead of us. Basketball in Highschool was brutal. There were a lot of scraped knees, faces hit by elbows or knees. There were jeering and tears. I'm sure you get the picture. This was why we wanted to practice. 

Do you know how hard it is for girls to practice basketball in Butuan in the 90s? Very hard. All basketball courts were usually occupied by men (or boys) every day, all day. (Come on dudes. Ya'll short, you'll never play in the Nationals or PBA). We tried to come earlier than them at 4am or 5 (We weren't completely crazy), we'd play freely and happily for a couple of minutes but they'd come and overwhelm us. We had to assert our right to use the basketball court every, and each time. It was stressful. It was giving me wrinkles. This was why I promised myself that if I ever win the lotto I'll buy a huge state- of- the- art gymnasium and allow only girls or girls to play. Take that, invading creatures. 

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Btw, thank you, dudes, for making me remember those painful memories. And thanks for reminding me to buy lotto tickets. 

P.s. Thank you for letting me take your photos! ;)

Bislig: Tinuy-an Falls

Tinuy an Falls (Fuji Xe1+ 12 mm)

This falls is probably the most photographed waterfalls in Mindanao. According to my credible source Wikipedia, Tinuy-an falls is the widest waterfalls in the Philippines. The popularity of this place started, I think, during the boom of the Friendster era.

In 2006, my friend's friend said we have to go to this waterfalls because its magnificent! Amazing! Breathtaking! "I saw a photo of it in a newspaper!" (Ouch I'm getting old). 

We went there even though we heard rumors about the area swarming with NPA (New People's Army) rebels. We also had no clue where it was other than it was in Bislig. Most of the people we asked in Bislig have no idea that a falls even exist near their place. Still, we forged on, we persevered (actually our driver did), and we held on to the belief that it's going to be worth it. 

Eventually, after enduring the rough roads and uncertainty, we managed to reach the right location. Or so we thought. It was a disappointment. At first, we saw a small falls and we thought- this was it? We eventually found the real waterfalls and it was what we expected. (Thank goodness).

Waterfalls hunting wasn't a thing back then. The idea of being tourists in our own country didn't become a way of life for most of us. PGMA (Pres. Arroyo) changed all that with her admin's promotion of taking long holidays during weekends, and most of all it happened because of Friendster. Once we uploaded our video to youtube and our photos to the site, it seemed like everyone wanted to go there too! Photos of this place turned up everywhere. (Nowadays every city is finding ways to promote tourism). If you go to Bislig now, you bet everyone knows where Tinuy-an is, unlike before.

That's why Tinuy-an Falls is close to my heart (even if it's very far from Butuan). It became a contrast to the before social media and after social media, to me.

This photo was taken recently, last August 2017 when my aunt and cousin came for a visit. I hoped you enjoyed your Tinuy-an Waterfalls trip Stephanie! Next time we'll go to Bega falls when you come visit again hehe!

How to go to Tinuy-an Falls: According to Google, takes about 3 h 21 min (156.9 km) via Bayugan - Canitlan - Tandag Rd. From the highway to Tinuy-an take about another couple of minutes. Don't  worry the road is a lot better than before. If you want, check out this blog for more specific info: Senyorlakwatsero.

Thank you to my unofficial proofreader/Editor/Idea Generator: Em. If there are remaining mistakes or typos, it's all her fault. :D

Cabadbaran: The Man, The Carabao, The Truck and the Skylab

Puting Bato- Photo was taken using Fuji Xe1

Months before, I asked my brother where he wanted to go if he wants to go somewhere outside Butuan City. He immediately replied,"Puting Bato!" So for months, I kept that in mind. One day I told Mama and Mash that we're going on a trip. I told them, "let's go to the beach." Then I asked my brother to look for the address of this Puting Bato (Literally translated as White Rock/Stone) place.

We prepared to go to the beach with all the paraphernalia that goes with it: food, towels, extra clothing etc. etc. We arrived in Cabadbaran, bought Lechon Manok (roasted chicken) and off we went looking for Puting Bato Elementary School, the only available location when we searched for it on Google Maps. When we reached the school I saw a small road across from it. There were no other signs where to go next so I asked a woman on a bike where Puting Bato beach was. She answered, very helpfully, that to go there we should go to the small road right across the school that we just passed by. 

When I was about to turn back, Mash said, embarrassed (for me), "Ate Ly (Ate pronounced as "Ah- te," a title given to older sister/s), Puting Bato isn't a beach."

I was gobsmacked. I was expecting to go swimming on the beach! I told myself before, after driving the rollercoaster-like road of Hinatuan's Enchanted River, I won't drive another mountain or hill anymore! 

Anyway, that's one of my Puting Bato story. If you're going there, prepare to drive winding roads, steep (but not very) hills and other elevated surfaces. You will come across rough roads near the top portion of the journey. BUT, the view is spectacular. When we went there, the sun was shining brightly, the skies were cerulean blue, and the greens were lush and vibrant. It was great to see because we experienced drought before brought about by El Nino. I never thought we have a view like this in Caraga region. Amazing.

The photo I posted was taken when we were about to leave. We were at the top of the mountain, higher than the Puting Bato spring was. I saw a "skylab" with passengers in it so I had to take a photo. Couple this with the Puting Bato background? Gold.

This sight usually amuses me and scares me in equal measure. Plus how can I resist taking a photo of a man, a carabao,  a pick-up truck and the intrepid way of Pinoy traveling: the "skylab"?

Skylab with passengers and pieces of wood

My brother, Mash

Puting Bato- I will come back again!

Cabadbaran: Puto Maya and Tsokolate/Sikwate

Cooking implements for the making of Puto Maya and Sikwate/Chocolate/ Tsokolate (Fuji Xe1 + 27mm)

When someone mentions Puto Maya it always makes me remember the warm feelings that remembering my late Aunt Deling bring. This is one thing that can immediately transport me to my (oh so distant) childhood. I remember vaguely, the old house in AD Curato, the golden afternoon light coming from the window and a lot of people bustling around in the living room (?), and my late Auntie Deling. My memory is a very fickle thing so I can't remember the specific time when that was but I remember that it made me feel nice. 

Last year, my aunt, who came from Australia for a month-long holiday, suggested we go visit Cabadbaran and have their local delicacy Puto Maya. I was excited because I want to taste this rarely partaken dessert for the first time in years. I was so happy I brought my camera too. Yay for a photo opportunity!

Puto Maya wrapped in Banana Leaves (Fuji Xe1 + 27mm)

Whenever I think of Puto Maya, aside from associating it with my Late Aunt Odelona Vargas, it also makes me think of native chocolate drink more popularly known to us (Bisaya?) as Tsokolate or sikwate-- and ripe mangoes! I always thought that puto maya should be wrapped in the green banana leaf when served. That was always what appears to me whenever they brought us Puto Maya years ago. When I was finally able to have this rice cake freshly made from the source I was quite surprised that they served it without the triangle shaped leaf covering. 

Puto Maya, hot native chocolate drink (tsokolate), and ripe mango (Samsung Note 4)

So what is puto maya? Puto maya is basically made out of rice. It's glutinous (pilit) rice cooked in coconut milk and ginger and milk. I don't know if it's a category under Suman (Budbud) or it's a different kind altogether. All I know is that Budbud although is made out of sticky rice, the variations I saw of Budbud doesn't have ginger and they are mostly shaped like a tube. Puto Maya, on the other hand, is shaped like a triangle. Like puto maya, budbud is also covered with banana leaf (mostly). 

I'm trying to lessen my intake of rice from my diet, and rice desserts and variations of, don't really get me enthusiastic. But it's my Auntie Deling's dessert (I consider it to be), and I rarely have it so I was eager enough to try it again. The taste is mild, so people usually have it paired with its usual combo: Tsokolate. This pair could really make one roll their eyes in ecstasy (okay I'm lying- a bit.) top it with mango and you'd really be in rice dessert heaven. If you're into those sort of things.

Chocolate pot and Batirol (Fuji Xe1 + 27mm)

Disclaimer: The owner of the Puto Maya and Tsokolate stall in Cabadbaran Market cried in dismay when she saw me photograph her smoke- stained cooking implements. So to provide privacy and protect her pride I won't post the exact location of the stall. When you go to Cabadbaran though, make it a point to ask around for the best puto maya and sikwate and chances are they'll point you in the right direction.

Unusual word:

Batirol- Wooden (usual), or steel mixing utensil to mix the tsokolate into frothy goodness. Also called Batidor. Follow this link for more info.

As usual please, like, share, comment or donate if you like and want to support this blog. Don't forget to attribute this page if you want to link it to your social media account too!

RTR: Tagnote Falls

Tagnote Falls

It's January, I forget how rainy it is usually. It's gray outside. The usually vivid blue skies are light, faded blue. Someone must've fiddled with the clarity, shadows and blacks in the photo editor of the universe- or something.

Anyway, I'm posting an opposite of the weather outside. This photo was taken in RTR (Remedios T. Romualdez), a municipality in Agusan del Norte, Philippines. This falls is called Tagnote falls. I don't know what it means or if it has a meaning. I will update this blog if I come across any information on that.

If you're living in Butuan (most of the reader I assume are), you're lucky that you are in the vicinity of this small yet beautiful falls. It's accessible due to fully concretized roads from the highway going directly to the falls. This is in contrast to the previous waterfalls I've been to where I had to traverse deep, and violent rivers, rappel down from craggy mountains and ride an unharnessed stallion to reach them. Reaching this waterfall (if you come from nearby municipalities) is a breeze.

Driving the narrow, winding, one-lane road is very relaxing. The view is pleasant with the backdrop of yet unnamed mountain (help me with this please) in front of you. 

There is an entrance fee when you enter this tourist spot. It's a local 

government- managed- and- funded so try and not grumble too much because it'll really help with the maintenance of this place.

Alas, all is not perfect in the land of waterfalls. I have one major grievance with Tagnote falls management. The restrooms although well built aren't clean. Or at least it was the last time I used the facilities. All stalls in the female cubicles were filthy. Yuck. If you go there I hope they did something about it if not you can always hold it in until you reach home.

The photo on the right is posted to show you how blue the skies usually are in the Philippines. 

Below is the swimming pool built near the falls. I think the water supply comes from the falls itself. I haven't tried swimming there myself because every time I go there my companions were being such killjoys. They wouldn't go swimming with me.

I hear that RTR has a lot of waterfalls. I can't wait to discover them all. Help me by hiring me please as a private nurse or a photographer. Or if you can't, you can help me out by visiting my blog often and sharing it with your (our) friends-- or you can use the donate button posted below the page.

Photos were taken using Fuji Xe1 + 27mm

Tagnote Falls Swimming Pools

Butuan Street Portrait 2018 #1: Skylab Photography

Photo was taken with Fuji Xe1+ Samyang 12 mm

It's Saturday, January 13. I was supposed to be at the Philippine Port Authority (PPA) early in the morning if I had decided last night to join a photo contest. I only made the decision to at least take some photos of the Fluvial parade that was supposed to take place at 4 in the morning at 8 am. 

As expected, there were no boats, no parade, no people in Agusan river that I could see at 10am when I finally got there. Hilarious. There were college students (probably) playing volleyball in the PPA grounds though. I could've taken their photos sure, but I wasn't in a street portrait or street photography frame of mind that time. I was overcome with shyness that sometimes paralyzes me especially when I'm taking street photos. 

I thought that since I was there I hoped I could take at least one photo that I could use for my blog today. When I went back to the car I saw this guy drove in with his "skylab." (To those who don't know, we call motorcycles attached with wings-  able to carry passengers or various pieces of luggage (or boxes of beer), skylab.) And voila, a lightbulb figuratively flashed and I immediately asked the skylab pilot if I can take a photo of him. He nodded (Wow, I couldn't believe it) so  I took his photo quickly with the camera I still was holding. He drove off the moment he saw me put down my camera. I didn't get the chance to ask him questions, ask his name or to ask for more photos. But-- I'm so glad I overcame my shyness and just asked! I got my photo of the day, the first street portrait of this blog for the year and most of all I didn't waste the time I could've done studying with this photo! :D Thank you, sir, for agreeing to be my model for today.

There is a photo contest for the Kahimunan Festival, the fluvial parade was supposed to be one of the activities to be included in the said contest. Click this facebook link for more information.

Historya by Antigo

Last year my friends invited me to have coffee and chika (chat) at this new place in Marcos Calo, Butuan City called Historya by Antigo. We had this dessert called Arroz Turrones. It's basically a fried "elongated" sticky rice dessert (usually encased in a banana leaf) topped with vanilla ice cream. My mother usually fries her budbod so it wasn't an unusual thing for me- but for my friends it was. Since it's served with ice cream- the experience was enhanced two-fold. Anyway, we ordered different menu from last time. I just wanted to tell you what are some of the food they offer. They offer an elevated art form of some of the local delicacies, with a twist. 

Last Monday I ordered Banana-Mango smoothie and my friends ordered Bottarga pasta and Antigo's mom salad. We enjoyed the food that we shared. I'm not a practiced foodie blogger but all I know is that I enjoyed everything. I loved the banana- mango smoothie, it made me want to try all the smoothies on the menu. It's not too sweet and I tasted the full banana flavor mixed with a hint of the sweetness of mango. 

I'm not a big salad eater too- although I was the one who suggested we order one (New year's resolution everyone!). My friends said they should've used a different kind of lettuce. In the end, we still finished everything anyway.

If you haven't been by Historya by Antigo Cafe you should come and drop by. The ambiance is great. There are locally sourced ancient relics and art as decor. It shares its business with a flower shop. You can just imagine how homey yet chic everything is.

Photos taken using Fuji Xe 1, Samyang 12 mm

Banza Church Ruins # 3: The Balete Tree

Banza Church Ruins Facade

My friend saw my post yesterday and was so interested in the history of this place, particularly on the Balete tree just behind this little building. I had a post already in mind for today, but she made me change my mind and post more photos of the same subject for two days in a row!

When Banza church ruins is mentioned this structure usually comes to mind. This can be seen from across Agusan river too which was the perspective I first had of this historical site (Banza Church Ruins Blog entry #1).

The building on the picture houses the stone writings regarding the history of this church. I think this was the attempt also to rebuild the church from the destruction done by Moros in the past. The tree behind the building is a Banyan tree or more commonly known to us locals as Balete (Banyan). It is said to belong to the family of fig trees. It is where the actual spot of the destroyed church is located. 

When you see a Balete tree you can't help but imagine all kinds of supernatural happenings- if you believe in that sort of thing. It is a huge tree with a gnarly trunk and frightening looking branches (according to one site, is actually aerial roots instead of branches) that fall from the top part of the tree. 

My friend commented to me that it's quite amazing that at present a tree known by its mystical folkloric stories now ensconced the remains of what was known as the first Catholic church in Mindanao, Philippines. Butuan Government site. 

Photo from Banza Church Ruin Entry #2

I can still remember the stories of how Tikbalang, Diwatas and other Philippine folkloric monsters prefer to live on Balete trees. 

For more stories on Balete trees you can follow this interesting site on Balete trees.

Photos taken using Fuji Xe1, Samyang 12 mm

Up Close: Banza Church Ruins #2

The Balete tree encasing one of the remnants of oldest churches in Mindanao

This is my first visit to what is popularly known as Banza church ruins. I had an entry about this subject before but taken from afar- from the Agusan river perspective. When I first learned about this place, I thought that the small structure beside this huge Balete (Banyan) tree was the remains of the old Augustinian church. I learned soon after that inside that tree, was the church ruins. 

In 1622, the Augustinian Recollects started their mission in Butuan eventually building one of the oldest churches, in a used to be predominantly Moro Islam area. Spanish-Moro Conflict (Wiki). It got decimated in a raid by the Moros.

You can read some of the histories at this stone writings beside the church ruins. 

When we went there one Saturday afternoon, we hoped for a good view of the sunset. Alas. It was gloomy that time. The lighting was a little flat and grey. So my mother, my brother and I just went around taking selfies, and photos of the surroundings. Then I happened to glance around and saw this couple. They were just there, still. Enjoying each other's presence. They stayed there the whole time we were there (which was probably 20 or 30 minutes) in more or less the same position. It was a little unusual. And it made me wonder. ;)

This is my first post of the year. My first post since I last posted in 2013!

Photos taken using Fuji Xe1, Samyang 12 mm