Enchanted River, Brgy. Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur "What a river" - you can use that expression to mean so many things. Let's start with this.., That's not a metropolis parking area. That's the road - about a kilometer before - the Enchanted River! I was already "pre-warned" by my driver that the place would definitely be more crowded than Tinuy-an Falls, but I didn't expect it to be this crazily crowded at 10:27AM. If you arrived in a 4-wheeled vehicle and this late, you'll be unfortunate to be walking about a kilometer from where you may park your car. Those who come in motorcycles have a shorter way to walk - only about half a kilometer hahaha! That's because motorbikes are allowed to a certain nearer point to drop passengers and/or load, then exit back to a designated parking area. Eto pa, for some reason rain stopped and sun shone harshly! Here here, for posterity shots (after the long walk), smile even if you are panting ...
What place comes to mind when you hear the phrase "Pink Sisters"? Hmm, yes, Baguio, then Tagaytay - in that order, right?! But did you know there is also such a monastery in Cebu? Ah, well, not really Cebu City since it is already a few steps away from the boundary. It is in Mandaue City. Yep, that is the 'Adoration Convent of Divine Peace' - a monastery for nuns clad in pink habit, reason why its called 'pink-sisters' and I think you know all about that part, right?! Anyway, this convent (and chapel of course - that's my topic in the first place) sits in an urban neighborhood that is by the boundary of two barangays both named Banilad. Yep, Barangay Banilad, Cebu City and Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City! And that is along AS Fortuna Ave., - the famed strip where many notable restaurants and branches of virtually every bank in this country are located with or without ATMs! Oh yes, as of this writing, AS Fortuna has four hotels, two of them new - and am only...
Virtually everyone in Surigao City is related to this boulevard directly or indirectly! It's such a big thing , they even have a Surigao City Boulevard Development Program and a Surigao City Development Authority . I'm not joking. Those are for real. As in! Involved in it are not only their local politicians but also the chambers of commerce. What is it anyway? Foremost it's a 1.8 kilometer stretch of a highway along the seafront. The concrete pavement tells me it is still new. That is it! Walang basagan ng trip! It is an emulation (kumbaga sa Tagalog pa: gaya-gaya ) of Roxas Boulevard in Manila, or pwede rin Dumaguete’s Rizal Boulevard - and many other seafront boulevards. Aside from being a “park” for the residents, it is supposed to be an attraction in the city, showcasing whatever bla-blah-blah to attract tourists from everywhere on earth. While I was inclined to raise my eyebrows, it did attract me. I was a tourist, right?! So okay, without a speck of d...
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