Backpacking: Laguna’s 5 Lakes Plus Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery and Liliw

This trip was simply an extemporaneous decision among the three of us. My 2 college buddies and I planned to simply meet and spend some time together since it has been months since our last get together.  Since, the two of them have never experienced backpacking, I suggested we do it together for the first time. (I guess Melai now knows well the definition of “backpacking”. She has been asking me what it is about. ^^). One easy to do backpack trip I have read from a blog (journeyingjames.com) will be a good one for us. It is just in Laguna (not too far for us) and it’s only for one day (since we can’t go on a trip on other days except Sunday). Another good thing is, Jessica (who is not used to having this kind of trips) agreed! ^_^

To be guided in this trip, we tried to follow James’ itinerary (travel guide) in journeying the lakes, the underground cemetery, and Liliw. Though we tried to see the 7 lakes, we ended up with 5 because we didn’t have enough time. Another reason, Jessica is already tired (and we don’t want to make her cry. haha!).

1. Meet Up!

Since we are from different cities, we decided to meet at Buendia, JAM Liner bus station. I was a bit late because my alarm clock failed to wake me up (Lessons learned: 1. Don’t sleep too late, I mean, dawn if you plan to wake up early; 2. Ask someone to wake you up to make sure that you can wake up on time).  We took a bus going to Lucena and drop off at San Pablo, in front of SM San Pablo.

2. Sampaloc Lake

To reach the lake, we took a jeepney going to Sampaloc Lake. From the highway, we had to walk for few minutes to see the lake. On our way, we just kept asking strangers for direction. When we got close to the lake, we spent few minutes taking pictures in the small park near the lake. Then, we proceeded to the lake to find that “iconic tilapia”. We took pictures then planned to buy some snack, but we eventually decided not to because we wanted to make our tummies ready for lunch. ^^

3. Bunot Lake

From Sampaloc lake, we took a tricycle going to Bunot Lake. When we arrived there, we were a bit shy to get close to the lake since it is a residential area. Houses surround the part of the lake where the tricycle brought us. However, the residents were kind enough to let us in their compound to see the scenic lake. One kid even joined us in the picture-taking. ^_^

4. Calibato Lake

From Bunot Lake, we walked for few minutes to get to the highway and took jeepney going to Calibato Lake. I find this lake the best among all the 5 lakes. Why? I simply like its location. We had to walk from the highway then go down to a forest-like or seemingly-mountainous path and trek for few minutes. We also passed by a small river where we saw some women washing clothes (I find that very rural life!) and it really caught my attention. My friend, Jessica, who is not used to trekking, complained about it but actually it was just a short walk. It was just a bit slippery that time because it rained when we were on our way. The weather was actually very inconsistent at that time. When we started the trek, it was so sunny, then we suddenly experienced a mild drizzle. After few minutes, it rained quite much. That was the time we were already in the Lake. So, it was raining when we were taking pictures. When we were about to leave the place and started to hike going back to the highway, it became so sunny again. 

5. Pandin Lake

From Calibato Lake, we had to ride on a jeepney again going to Lake Pandin. Among the 7 lakes in Laguna, I guess this is the most-visited place by tourists. Because of that, there are already available “balsa” tours/rides being offered to its visitors. You can also order foods there for your “balsa tour”.

When we got off the jeepney, we had to walk for few minutes again to reach the lake. As expected, we were all tired and hungry at that time. It was already past 1PM. However, we still had enough energy to walk since we were expecting that we can order sumptuous meal there. I already had in mind a rice and grilled tilapia meal. To our surprise, we couldn’t take our lunch there. L The staff there told us that they prioritize those who have prior reservation. If there were few people that time, they could’ve entertained us but since it was Sunday, there were many visiting local tourists. So, we ended up taking pictures instead, even though we were already starving. (Take note! Melai and I didn’t have breakfast and lunch and that was almost 2PM. However, Jessica was still the hungriest. Haha!) After taking pictures, we rushed to the highway again since we had to eat lunch (late lunch!) so that we can still drop by at the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. I have read in James’ blog (journeyingjames.com) that it is open until 4PM only. Past 2PM, we reached the eatery (Aljon’s Eatery) along the highway. We satisfied our stomachs with the delicious “adobo” with rice and soda. (I just got one order. Jessica was so thirsty, she drank 2 bottles of soda and Melanie was so hungry, she had 2 cups of rice. ^_^). After the meal, we had ice cream on stick. Kuya (ice cream seller) was so persistent in making us buy it. ^_^

6. Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

After having our lunch, we decided to go to Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. We had another jeepney ride going there. When we reached the place, we were happy that it wasn’t 4PM yet. It means, we can still enter the place. It was very quiet there but it was a little scary when you get to the underground cemetery (simply because of the fact that it is a cemetery). Jessica was scared every time she hears unusual sounds but it’s actually normal to hear some sounds since there could be some echo. We took pictures from the entrance to the sides, stairs and in front of the tombs. Just take note that camera flash should be turned off (follow instructions!).

7. Liliw

It was past 4PM when we left Nagcarlan. We had another jeepney ride going to Liliw. We started roaming around the area to see some of the shoe shops there. There are lots of footwear you can choose from. We also took pictures in the nearby small park where we saw the monument of Gat Tayaw. If you will see it, read the description!

8. Red Brick Church

When I saw the church, I could easily say that this church had a long history but it has a very strong structure. The red bricks make the church really attractive in photographs. The atmosphere surrounding the church is very relaxing. There are spots where you could sit for a while before entering the holy place. The altar of this church is also great. However, we decided not to take picture when we were inside because a mass was on going (show respect!)

9. Palakpakin Lake

It was already a bit late, almost dusk actually, but we wanted to see the lake since James described it as the most scenic. When we got there, we realized that it’s a bit similar to Bunot Lake. The place surrounding the lake is a residential area. So, again we simply asked permission to get in. We were still able to take photographs of the scenic lake. Indeed, James was right. It is scenic because it shows the complete view of the mountain on its background. 

10. Bidding Goodbye to Laguna

We took a jeepney ride and a tricycle ride going to San Pablo highway. Since we were hungry already, we dropped by at a fastfood chain to buy food. We decided to just eat it inside the bus. After that, we waited for bus going to Manila. We took a bus (JAC Liner) going to LRT/Taft. After boarding, we started with our dinner. (We ate chicken and rice in the bus. We made the bus a canteen. Haha! A proof that we are cowgirls! Hehe!) On our way, Jessica and I had some sort of naps but Melai said she didn’t because she just enjoyed the wi-fi connection and spent time browsing Facebook. 

Religious Spots in Cebu: The Most-Visited Churches

Cebu is now the “Manila of the Visayas” as most people would say. Why? This is probably because this provincial region has now become more modernized --- more business establishments, recreational opportunities, technological advancements, and many more. Apart from this, Cebu is now becoming a hot destination to many tourists. I guess one of the reasons would be the modernizations, the scenic tourist spots, as well as the historical landmarks which have become a big part of the Philippine history. Because of these things, I have been so interested about Cebu. Another thing that made me really want to go there is that I speak a language which is considered the main language in the area, the Cebuano. I speak Visayan (or Cebuano), Dumaguete version. My hometown is very close to Cebu but since I studied high school and college in Luzon, I didn’t have the chance to go that nearby town in my entire life until last month, January 2013.

When I reached the place, it made me think that Cebu is like a combination of Dumaguete and Metro Manila. Yet, one thing I noticed, especially around Cebu City is that there are a lot of historical landmarks and churches. And since I was with all women during the trip (Catholic women, to be specific), we have agreed to visit the many churches and/or religious spots in Cebu. It was just great to find out some unique characteristics of each spot.

Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño

My snapshots of some parts of the church (look at that structure!)

Magellan's Cross (This can be found just few steps from the exit of Basilica Minore. When I saw this in pictures before, I thought it's a wide place. ^^)

Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño Museum (This is just few steps from the entrance of the church.)

During our first day, this was the first church we visited. One reason may be is that it’s the most well-known and one of the oldest. Aside from that, it was the closest to our hotel (Cebu Business Hotel) located at Colon St. It was just walking distance from the hotel actually. Yet, since we were not familiar with the place by that time, we rode on a multi-cab passenger jeepney [Trivia: passenger jeepneys in Cebu have specific number-letter combination, e.g. 12D, 10E which corresponds to their route and/or point of origin and destination. I was actually surprised to know that! ^_^). When we were back to the hotel later that day we realized that we could just have taken a good dose of walk going there.

Being one of the first churches to be established in the Philippines, it is very noticeable that the style, and structure are kinda old. From outside, you could easily see the traditional (or should I say, old Hispanic?) type of architecture. Inside, you can see different images of some saints but the most renowned there is the image of Sto. Niño. By the way, masses are conducted there form time to time, some are done in Cebuano and some in English. For travelers who cannot speak their language, you may check out http://basilicasantonino.org.ph for schedule of masses so you can attend the English mass. 

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

My photography session outside the church! ^_^

This was the last church we went to on our first day in Cebu. It was around 5 or 6 pm when we reached the holy place. Since it was dusk, it was already a little bit dark outside. However, the lighting of this church was really great. In fact I enjoyed taking picture outside the church. The contrast of the little-dark sky and the brightness of the church’s lights compliment well. When I got in the church, I was impressed with how modern and grand it looks, from the structure, to the paint, to the wall decorations, chandelier, and more. Another very notable thing inside is that there are a lot of tarpaulin and pictures of the recently recognized St, Pedro Calungsod.

Simala Shrine (Church of the Miraculous Mary)

The castle-like structure of Simala Shrine...

These are just some of the statues and paintings you can find inside the Shrine...

Stations of the Cross

This church is not close to Cebu city proper where our hotel is located. So, we had to travel to Marian Hills, Sibongan for around 2 to 3 hours by bus (locally, they call it Ceres --- name of a popular bus line). This place is one of the grandest holy places I have been. Upon entering the place, I could already see the castle-like structure of the church. If you’ll take pictures there, it would seem like you are posing near a castle, or probably, you are in some places in Italy. No matter how far it is, still a lot of people flock to the area. Why? Probably, Filipino’s belief on Mama Mary is still very strong. For the non-Catholic visitors, it’s probably because the place is very scenic --- it’s a like a castle in the midst of mountains. When I looked at the church, I couldn’t help but wonder how the church improved this much in just a short span of time. I have read some blogs and saw pictures of the place taken months or few years back and they weren't as scenic as the one I saw.

Inside the church, there are lot of things proving the testimonies of those people who have experienced miracles from Mama Mary. But, what amazed me was the so many figures of different Mary --- Mother Mary of China, Mother Mary of the Bride, Mother Mary of Good Voyage, and many more. The structures of the ceiling (with many artworks as well), the floors, and walls, and the architectural design really defines grandeur.

Taoist Temple

at the entrance of the temple

with my family and relatives...

You might wonder why I included this in the list. Yes, I’m a Catholic but I respect other religions --- their ways of worshiping, and their beliefs. I like the serenity of this place and how the staffs of this place are able to preserve the cleanliness and quietness of the area. If you’ll pray in the main altar, you could really do it with much concentration because people are not allowed to loiter in the place. 

Holy Week in the Philippines

Holy Week is a significant religious festival in the Philippines. It is known as both “Semana Santa” (the original Spanish name) or by the Filipino name “Mahal na Araw” (literal translation: Lovely Days). The Holy Week starts on a Palm Sunday and the final celebration falls on Easter Sunday. The days of the Holy Week are called Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday.

Beginning Maundy Thursday, businesses in the Philippines either shut down operations until Black Saturday or have later opening and earlier closing times. Many local television and radio stations closedown out of respect, or have limited broadcasting hours. Those that do operate replace normal programming with special religious content and news coverage of religious ceremonies.

Let us now talk about some of the significant festivities/events during the Holy Week.

Palm Sunday

This is a day to commemorate the entrance of the messiah into Jerusalem and how people placed palms on the ground in front of him.

At a mass on Palm Sunday (Filipino: Linggo ng Palaspas), Catholics carry palm fronds to be blessed by the priest. Many Filipinos bring them home after the Mass and place them above their front doors or windows, in the belief that doing so can ward off evil spirits. 

mass attendees bring palms to be blessed

Maundy Thursday 

Maundy Thursday (Filipino: Huwebes Santo) is the beginning of the Triduum, and represents the build-up of events for the week.

            

The main observance of the day is the last Mass before Easter which usually includes a re-enactment of the “Washing of the Feet of the Apostles”. This Mass is followed by the procession of the Blessed Sacrament before it is taken to the Altar of Repose. When I was young, I used to observe these since I grew up in a Catholic family.

Beginning in the morning, some people observe the "Visita Iglesia" or "Church Visit", which usually involves going to seven churches to meditate on the Way of the Cross. Many of my friends do this Holy Week activity. Some would even go to different provinces to visit the different churches there.

washing of the feet

Good Friday

Good Friday, or Biyernes Santo, is a public holiday, commemorated with solemn street processions, the Way of the Cross, the commemoration of Jesus' Seven Last Words or Siete Palabras, and a traditional Passion play called the Senakulo.

This day is probably the highly commemorated event in the Holy Week because this day commemorates the death of Jesus. This seems as the highlight of the Holy Week celebration as well. On this day, there are many observances done. This is also considered as the “fasting day” or “fast day”. People are expected to eat just one full meal or if necessary, with 2 small snacks.

The “Way of the Cross” recalls the hardships that Jesus had gone through before he was nailed on the cross. In “Senakulo”, some communities in the Philippines (most especially in the province of Pampanga) , the processions include devotees who self-flagellate and sometimes even have themselves nailed to crosses as expressions of penance, in fulfillment of a vow, or in thanksgiving for a granted request. The marathon chanting or "pabasa" of the Pasyon, the epic narrative of Christ's Life, Passion, Death, and Resurrection, usually concludes on this day. “Pabasa” or marathon chanting is started on Holy Monday and continues day and night, for as long as two straight days.

The commemoration of Jesus’ Seven Last Words (Siete Palabras) recapitulates the last words of Jesus before he actually died on the cross. In many churches in the Philippines, they assign speakers for each of the seven words. Each word will have a different speaker and each speaker will share their own explanations and interpretations of the word/s. I sometimes even cry while listening to this, especially if the speaker delivers it in a very heart-felt manner.

a usual scene during a "pabasa"

  

Senakulo

Black Saturday

Holy Saturday known locally as "Black Saturday" or Sabado de Gloria (Spanish expression for "Saturday of Glory"), has the traditional silence and solemnity from the previous day spill over. Preparations are made for the Easter Vigil to be celebrated that evening.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday (Filipino: Pasko/Linggo ng Pagkabuhay) is marked with joyous celebration. Early in the morning (or at dawn), there is what we call “Salubong” (Filipino: meeting), in which statues (normally life-sized or bigger) of the Resurrected Christ and the Virgin Mary are brought in procession together to meet at a designated area. This re-enacts the imagined reunion of Jesus and his mother Mary after the Resurrection.

Salubong

The Virgin Mary is clothed or veiled in black to express bereavement. A girl dressed as an angel, positioned on a specially constructed high platform/scaffold or suspended in mid-air, sings the “Regina Coeli” in Latin or in the vernacular and then dramatically removes the black veil, signifying the end of Mary's grieving. This is accomplished by other "angels" who simply pull off the veil, or tie it to balloons or doves and release these into the air.

When I was a kid, I have always participated in “Salubong” as one of the angels. Until now, I still know how to sing the Latin song “Regina Coeli”. In my hometown, after the black veil is removed, we even throw flowers to the people who witness the event. Since we are on a high platform, the people can catch those flowers. It is believed that the flowers from the angels could be a lucky charm.

Easter Sunday is a great feast day of the Christian liturgical year. On this day, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated. Easter Sunday is the main reason why Christians keep Sunday as the primary day of religious observance.

PHOTO CREDITS:
thaholiday.com
rogerstrukhoff.sys-con.com 
www.adventistonline.com
www.traveltothephilippines.info
www.asianet.it
charm04.tripod.com