Photo Sunday: The harder I pray

A young man praying at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Tagbilaran, Bohol

This photo was taken in one of the oldest Churches in Bohol, The St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral which can be found in Tagbilaran City. This young man who prays by the stairs of the church really struck me as I, like him, prays though lately, have not been the constant church goer. Like him, I pray for great strides in my life, great health and the companionship of the Holy Spirit. The constancy of the reminders of my own vulnerability as a man who is tempted by transgressions made me even hold on to my prayers every day, not just every Sunday.

Travels 207: Understanding the Liberation of Bohol

A very unassuming marker sits grandly on the pre-departure lounge of the fastcraft ferry terminal in Tagbilaran City that ultimately led me to a better understanding of the historic journey of Bohol towards liberation from the Japanese during the Second World War. It was said that there were 1172 men and officers of the Third Batallion of the 164^th Infantry Regiment of the American Mission who docked in Tagbilaran City, the very spot where the pier is located to help liberate the island.

The young men and women as well as gentlemen and officers was led by a young Lt. Colonel by the name of William H. Considine and they landed at exactly 7:00 in the morning of April 11, 1945. The American mission was composed of six (6) landing ships, six (6) landing crafts for infantry, Two (2) landing crafts for support and one (1) landing craft intended for a medium rocket.

Upon entering the pre-departure lounge, I was fortunately seated at the front mono-block chairs and alas, the marker caught my attention which incidentally, at 7:00 in the morning of October 23, 2011, I am taking photos of the marker and studying its texts. I was rather impressed of how rich the cultural heritage of Bohol was and is from the time of Sikatuna in Bool to the Spanish inspired Churches under the colonization and to the American liberation and influences.

Firstly, I have been to church that are with Spanish influences, been to the blood compact and also the Provincial Capitol which was built by the Americans in 1946 under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946. Transitionally, Bohol has matured well enough to be a grand province replete with culture, traditions, norms, history and its pivotal role in nation-building.

The City of Tagbilaran is thus liberated from the Japanese on May 25, 1945 by Major General William H. Arnold of the United States Army. The unassuming marker speaks of its glorious liberation so next time you travel from Tagbilaran City, forget not to check the marker! You will be amazed.

Travels 206: The best barbeque in Bohol

Wandering feet results in hungered stomach, so while I was in Bohol on a work-related R&R, I asked around where to find a good and hearty meal of barbeque which is one of those I frequent everytime I travel outside my city. It led me to Haydee’s BBQ House where the BBQ was deliciously cheap and affordable.

First off, I ordered pork BBQ , rice and coke. The BBQ costs Php12.00 while the Chicken BBQ costs Php50.00. The sumptuous meal was complete with the stories the owners told and shared. One was that Haydees BBQ existed for 18 years already and has been patronized by Tagbilaran city-folks.

Haydee’s BBQ is an unassuming alfresco eatery where the locals dine for a hearty BBQ meal. Students and office workers alike dine here. If it is BBQ in Tagbilaran, it should be Haydees.

It is located along Tamblot street cor J. A. Clarinet Street in Tagbilaran City. Come and try the best BBQ they offered for its hearty patrons!