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

Madyaw Kadyaw

A souvenir shop selling Butuan products both handicrafts and local delicacies. Butuan's one stop pasalubong center.

Almont Lakeside Hotel- Kitcharao

In between Butuan City and Surigao City is a small resort called, Almont Lakeside Resort and Hotel. It's overlooking the famous Lake Mainit.

Lake Mainit is the fourth largest and the deepest lake in the Philippines.



Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte

Centennial Tree

In Butuan's neighboring municipality Magallanes, there is a Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) tree that is officially been given the title of The Philippine Centennial tree. It is approximately 500 years old with a diameter of 290cm. It is claimed to be the oldest tree in the Philippines.



According to historians this tree has been a "mute witness to historical events (such as) (1) the initial evangelization of Mindanao (2) the birth of Caraga as a region during the Spanish colonial period etc." (can barely read the inscription.)

Trivia: This tree used to be the haven for millions of fireflies that served as a beacon light for fishermen during the night.

More info about The Philippine Centennial Tree here.

Bonbon

Bonbon eco park and leisure farm.

For more photos of this place click here.

Grotto

Grotto, Bood, Libertad

Jurassic Park... Really?

I want to share something to you.

I wanted to keep it a secret...

but this is just too delicious not to share...

...because this is my first time to see, and experience...

...a true blue...

Cave Pool...

That I discovered by accident.



Blue Waters Resort formerly (but more popularly) called Jurassic Park Resort.

Carmen, Agusan del Norte.

I discovered this little gem because of my being the inveterate shutterbug.

Diwata

Diwata, Carmen, Agusan del Norte

Diwata definition---In Philippine mythology, a diwata or encantada is a mythological figure similar to fairies. They are said to reside in large trees, such as acacia and balete. They are the guardian spirits of nature, bringing blessing or curses upon those who bring benefits or harm to the forests and mountains. (www.nationmaster.com)

There are some supernatural stories circulating in this area hence the name of the place. (But in my usual fashion I forgot to ask someone about it until the moment when I'm about to post my photo of the day.)

Diwata Cave Resort is also another popular destination for tourist to go to in Carmen. The caves, friendly people and the spectacular view of the sea are more than enough to make people go back again and again- despite the less than pleasant road condition. I know, I'm going back there soon. =)