Another dinner-meeting! This time at the town of Naval in Biliran Island-Province! But, it was only past noon, and we already left Ormoc's
Lake Danao, where it takes only about 2hrs (or less)
to Naval. Thus, I asked my driver to pass by the eastern towns of Biliran Island for a counter-clockwise route to Naval.
Chance to say "hi" to some contacts at their locales, most of whom I was to meet later in the evening!
Ah, that directional signage tells the way to the three
Cs of Biliran spanning the east side of the island! That's still at the town of Biliran, after crossing the bridge and turning right at the big rotunda junction.
At Brgy. Julita, Biliran (town), the fantastic views of the sea start to beckon..,
The eastern-most barangay of Biliran that sits beside the western-most barangay of Cabucgayan.
But the equally panoramic views of the hills and mountains cannot be ignored..,
That pointed peak in the distance is Mt. Biliran a.k.a. Biliran Volcano said to be active, whose first and last recorded eruption was in 1939. Although it is not the highest peak on the island, it is touted as the cause of the "creation" of what's now Biliran Island. Also the source of hot springs at Libtong in Naval.
This is the first barangay as you enter Cabucgayan. Such an amusing name. (Isa kang) Balaquid!
Mind you, there is purportedly a waterfall here (Kasabangan?) with as many as 13 levels! Despite the constant invitation, I haven't had the chance to go and see that marvel of nature (I have seen photos).
There are also a scattering of big old wooden houses, although, mostly are now in disrepair..,
But this one surprised me that my chinky eyes opened to its widest.., THE Statue of Liberty!
I asked my contacts in this town as to "how" and "why" this statue got erected here. No one was sure! They promised to ask around and tell me as soon as they have reliable information hehe! Bakit kaya?!
It stands at (what remains of) the town's municipal playground where a big portion of the land is now their Rural Health Unit (to the left of photo), across newer structures in the municipal hall compound.
Here here.., this is the town's Municipal Hall. To the left edge of the pic (not seen) are new buildings..,
Across the street (right edge of pic) are the RHU and the Statue of Liberty - which I think is about to be struck down (from the way it looks - ill maintained) just like their old open air basketball court which is no more (now behind the RHU) because they have a new municipal gymnasium in the adjacent block.
This is the façade of their town hall. Small compared to others, but there are buildings at the back..,
Behind the trees at left is a Rizal monument, while at right is another statue I wasn't able to identify.
Across the town hall compound is this new municipal gymnasium complete with concrete bleachers.
Behind that tarpaulin at right is their RHU and the "ex"-basketball court. That road goes to their public market and a 'mini' baywalk with 'bahay kubo' huts that look like being managed by their government.
Oh, from the side of the new gym, we went on a narrow road smack right into the side of the church.
With a "rare" name - St. Francis Borgia Parish Church of Cabucgayan. Hmm, first time I heard "Borgia"!
And uniquely, this "side" (as in gilid) of the church is actually the main entrance! Bakit, bawal ba?!
Walang basagan ng trip! Pews face to the left, because the altar is there. What is at right? Ah eh.., the supposed "front" of the church, but yes, you can only go there by turning right once inside that gate! I noticed that going to the right via this street (front of gate) leads to a dead end. Left is to the highway.
This one is common (and I'm getting used to this).., the church was closed hahaha!
So, I attempted to get a shot of the altar just outside the grills! It looks like it has nice cozy interiors.
Since I could not enter, I then walked to the right where the main entrance is supposed to be..,
Whoa! So the church faces the sea. That would probably be the towns of Capoocan and Carigara out there. Therefore, that body of water must be Carigara Bay or what they call the Coalargo Bay. Whoa!
Ah eto na.., the wonderful seascape distracted me.., I forgot all about the church hehe ✌ peace!
Those mountains that look like a haze in the distance must be the peaks above Capoocan, even Jaro.
Whoa and so, Cabucgayan poblacion, the center of town, I just realized now, actually still faces south. Only the rest of it (going to Caibiran) faces east. This is useful for a kind of thing I call "work". Haizst!
Anyway, I learned this from a photographer friend.., if you're looking to shoot photos or videos without the direct harsh glow of sunlight, choose places that either face north or south. Cabucgayan shore is one example. Unfortunately, there's no beach to go down to, in the poblacion area. Well, I have ideas!
Let's go get running to Caibiran. That's next!
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