Out of boredom, out of solitude, I once again scoured every available chance of a getaway. Luckily, Brod. Fritz, a co-teacher slash friend mentioned he's going to Jimalalud, Negros Oriental for an engagement. And so, this narrative came into being...
Coming from Dalaguete, our town here in Cebu, we boarded an aircon Ceres bus heading south; said to the conductor we wanted to go to Bato, Samboan; and paid 70 pesos each for our fares.
It was already past 9 in the morning when we left our town. We arrived in Bato at 10:10 and walked towards the port area for "Fastcrafts" (Cuadro Alas) bound to Tampi, Amlan in Negros Oriental.
I used my student ID to avail of a discount and paid 62 pesos instead of 72 for my ticket.
Our trip was at 10:30. While waiting for the boarding signal, I was drawn to a ruckus made by some kids. They have hauled a huge rock from the water, and were very noisy about what they're doing.
Apparently, a snake is trapped inside the rock. They were very excited poking the creature with sticks. Afterward, they placed the snake inside a water bottle and threw it back to the sea... This is one of those instances that make summer quite enjoyable for the young...
The boarding signal sounded; we boarded the vessel, and in less than 30 minutes, we arrived in Negros.
In the highway of Amlan, we waited for a bus. We needed a bus heading Guihulngan or San Carlos City, for only these buses will surely pass the town of Jimalalud.
The buses we've seen are smaller than what we have back in Cebu. These have only one door.
After a while, a bus bound for San Carlos City came; we boarded it. Again, I used my student ID to pay 74 pesos for Jimalalud.
As I seated, I braced myself for a very long travel time with nothing else to see but sugarcane plantations. Huhh! In either sides of the road, here, there, everywhere, it's covered with green swords from the purplish-yellowish canes.
In some parts, the dust coming from the on-going road repairs settled on the leaves of the canes and blanketed the concrete sidewalks. This is wafted and scattered everywhere with every passing of vehicles. I did not cover my nose; I inhaled the the gases. They're part of the journey.
Soon, the noonday heat crept inside us. But still, passengers kept on getting on the bus. Well isn't that nice??? Tsk! This driver!!!
Anyway, Jimalalud is found eight towns north of Dumaguete.
Soon, the noonday heat crept inside us. But still, passengers kept on getting on the bus. Well isn't that nice??? Tsk! This driver!!!
Anyway, Jimalalud is found eight towns north of Dumaguete.
Yes, it's that far. So before you engage in this journey, prepare. I for example, conditioned myself beforehand that I should sleep it away until Infant King Academy, our school destination in Jimalalud. Hahaha!!!
Well, my plan to sleep was not realized because I had my digicam on hand. I was keeping my eyes peeled on my side of the bus for vestiges of the February 6 earthquake. There were a lot of them. These include collapsed or cracked houses, commercial spaces, waiting sheds, bridges, pavements, concrete fences, roads and even mausoleums in cemeteries. Wew, just imagine the corpses coming out of the fallen coffins. Ahhhhhh!
A chapel in Ayungon...
A waiting shed in Tayasan...
Apart from the things above, fascinating sights and sounds could be perceived.
In Tanjay, huge mud crabs are hung for sale. In Bais, the new "Mercado de Bais" made me turn my head. In Manjuyod, I searched for the sand bar (which I did not see.) In Bindoy, watermelons displayed in open spaces and murallas lingered in my thoughts. In Ayungon, I witnessed a little girl going berserk when she saw her father getting on the bus--such a dramatic parting. Then the town of Tayasan came.
Tayasan was the epicenter of the Feb. 6 quake. There I saw the damage. I thought Tayasan has the most shares of the catastrophe, but the next town garnered it all. This town is Jimalalud.
A detour crossing a river in Jimalalud...
Jimalalud bridge, look closely to see where it crumbled...
Temporary shelter for quake victims at the Central Elementary School...
To come to Jimalalud, our bus had to make a detour in a private lot because the bridge has snapped. In this detour, all vehicles including our bus have to cross the water of the river.
After all that and almost 2 hours of travelling, our bus came to a halt in front of our destination--Infant King Academy (IKA).
Brod Fritz was invited by the sister-administrators to teach and conduct the RVM schools' alma mater song to the graduating class. This will happen the following day, April 9. They have started the practices with Broder the week before.
Welcome to Infant King Academy...
Upon entering the gate, I saw their new building. It was blessed last 2010 but experienced quite a beating during the quake. I've heard that the walls on its second floor fell. But now, it stood with an unscathed look because its contractors (RABCON) came back and started the repairs last Feb. 30.
We handed the sisters our pasalubong to them. It was Torta from Argao. The ones available at Oj's with the catchphrase--Magtago ka sa ka lami..
We were then ushered towards the sisters refectory for our lunch (pork nilaga and lechon kawali were served for it is Easter Sunday). Hospitality started right after we set foot on the place. This was evident with the good food, the warm smiles and the eager stories they shared with us.
S. Grace is the superior and principal of IKA. S. Marilyn is the cashier and econome while S. Leonor is the campus minister and CL Coordinator. These three RVM sisters made our stay so comfortable and relaxing.
After lunch, Broder started their final practice. The senior and level honor students have been waiting since 1 pm.
After the practice, we decided to wander around the town center. There we saw many of the damages. First we went to the Catholic Church. It was a total wreck. But still, a party was going on in the convent to honor the graduating acolytes.
Holy Child Parish Church...Notice the tilted pediment on top....
The fallen baptismal font...
The nave...
The church belfry...
Municipal Hall... Art. II.Sec. 1.1987 Constitution...
Next we saw the enormous cracks of the municipal hall. We've heard that the mayor, who is riding a wheel-chair, was abandoned by his aid when the quake happened. Mayor Tuanda, however, did not fire his aide... Good one mayor!
The stairs of the Tiangge..
Then we went to the "Tiangge" or market place. Their market place is made of hard wood and is very old. Sadly, it contains little or insignificant things that are for sale. Nothing of interest could be had in there.
Look at the entrance... "Hambabalud tree"
Going back, we inspected their covered sports and cultural complex. This looks new and looks good in style and structural integrity. The quake has not damaged it. Unfortunately, its floor is so low that when it rains, all the waters of Poblacion will flood its court and transform it into a swimming pool.
JNHS is Character... Excellence... and Service... IKA is Faith... Excellence... and Service...
Then we kept on walking until we came in the collapsed bridge. There we noticed a sign. It reads, "Effective April 9, 2012, all Ceres buses are no longer allowed to pass this private property." Yeah, we will be affected as we will go home only on the 10th.
It was almost dusk when we called a "sikad" to bring us back to IKA. Along the way, we passed by Methodist, UCCP, Presbyterian's buildings of worship. Theirs too were not saved from the ravages of the quake.
Unlike IKA's building, the other damaged infrastructures around the municipality are not repaired yet.
After shopping for the pasalubong, we went back to Belcina Jewelry in Cambagroy (San Juan & Maria Cristina Sts.) to get our bags. Kim, the owners' son told us he has a friend who owns a store for air soft enthusiasts. Kim called his friend and inquired if he has pellets. His friend gave a positive. So we crossed the street toward the appliance centrum, and in its 2nd floor, a clerk ushered us inside the air soft display room. There were about 5 rifles, parts and other supplies, but they were not that impressive. It appears the owner has this place only as a hobby and not for serious business. We bought a bag of pellets and said goodbye.
Back in the Jewelry store, we picked our bags, said goodbye to them, and we're once again chauffeured. This time, toward Sibulan Wharf and there we bid Dumaguete, farewell...
Apart from the things above, fascinating sights and sounds could be perceived.
In Tanjay, huge mud crabs are hung for sale. In Bais, the new "Mercado de Bais" made me turn my head. In Manjuyod, I searched for the sand bar (which I did not see.) In Bindoy, watermelons displayed in open spaces and murallas lingered in my thoughts. In Ayungon, I witnessed a little girl going berserk when she saw her father getting on the bus--such a dramatic parting. Then the town of Tayasan came.
Tayasan was the epicenter of the Feb. 6 quake. There I saw the damage. I thought Tayasan has the most shares of the catastrophe, but the next town garnered it all. This town is Jimalalud.
To come to Jimalalud, our bus had to make a detour in a private lot because the bridge has snapped. In this detour, all vehicles including our bus have to cross the water of the river.
After all that and almost 2 hours of travelling, our bus came to a halt in front of our destination--Infant King Academy (IKA).
Brod Fritz was invited by the sister-administrators to teach and conduct the RVM schools' alma mater song to the graduating class. This will happen the following day, April 9. They have started the practices with Broder the week before.
Upon entering the gate, I saw their new building. It was blessed last 2010 but experienced quite a beating during the quake. I've heard that the walls on its second floor fell. But now, it stood with an unscathed look because its contractors (RABCON) came back and started the repairs last Feb. 30.
We handed the sisters our pasalubong to them. It was Torta from Argao. The ones available at Oj's with the catchphrase--Magtago ka sa ka lami..
We were then ushered towards the sisters refectory for our lunch (pork nilaga and lechon kawali were served for it is Easter Sunday). Hospitality started right after we set foot on the place. This was evident with the good food, the warm smiles and the eager stories they shared with us.
S. Grace is the superior and principal of IKA. S. Marilyn is the cashier and econome while S. Leonor is the campus minister and CL Coordinator. These three RVM sisters made our stay so comfortable and relaxing.
After lunch, Broder started their final practice. The senior and level honor students have been waiting since 1 pm.
After the practice, we decided to wander around the town center. There we saw many of the damages. First we went to the Catholic Church. It was a total wreck. But still, a party was going on in the convent to honor the graduating acolytes.
Next we saw the enormous cracks of the municipal hall. We've heard that the mayor, who is riding a wheel-chair, was abandoned by his aid when the quake happened. Mayor Tuanda, however, did not fire his aide... Good one mayor!
Then we went to the "Tiangge" or market place. Their market place is made of hard wood and is very old. Sadly, it contains little or insignificant things that are for sale. Nothing of interest could be had in there.
Going back, we inspected their covered sports and cultural complex. This looks new and looks good in style and structural integrity. The quake has not damaged it. Unfortunately, its floor is so low that when it rains, all the waters of Poblacion will flood its court and transform it into a swimming pool.
Then we kept on walking until we came in the collapsed bridge. There we noticed a sign. It reads, "Effective April 9, 2012, all Ceres buses are no longer allowed to pass this private property." Yeah, we will be affected as we will go home only on the 10th.
It was almost dusk when we called a "sikad" to bring us back to IKA. Along the way, we passed by Methodist, UCCP, Presbyterian's buildings of worship. Theirs too were not saved from the ravages of the quake.
Unlike IKA's building, the other damaged infrastructures around the municipality are not repaired yet.
We ate our dinner at the refectory. Dinner consisted of pork adobo, fish with "sikwa;" steamed okra paired with ginamos. This time, S. Marilyn stood up and distributed canned soda.
We dined for almost 3 hours. We talked about the events during the Holy Week.
They said that during the Easter Vigil, when the priest asked the elderly to be baptized what's her current religious affiliation, the latter answered, "PORTES." Haha! Portes stands for "Protest" or Protestant. According to them, many people there have these penchant for rumbling words like "kublaan" for "kulbaan."
We talked about almost anything. And in this way, the conversation was carried on with vigor. S. Marilyn stood up again and grabbed from the parlor a bottle of a non-alcoholic drink. Then the conversation started anew.
The bottle was drained, and we excused ourselves to have a walk outside.
Another conversation followed outside. S. Grace shared her experiences in the school. Since we are to have our Grand Alumni Homecoming back in SMA-Dalaguete this 2013, we asked her to share what they did in their recent homecoming. This ended almost midnight.
We went inside our individual rooms (TLE designed). I slept right away.
The music coming from the church rectory woke me up at 5 am. Of all songs it was "Oh Come All Ye Faithful." Merry Christmas to all. I was informed later that it is the morning ritual. The song line up does not follow the Liturgical Year.
I went back to sleep and woke up two hours later. We went up to eat breakfast. The sisters have eaten already. The food was plentiful--Gardenia raisin loaf, cheeses, butter, tocino, danggit, dried squid, and lechon paksiw. Fr. Torres has sent them a large bowl of paksiw from their party the night before. I ate the paksiw with great gusto. Coffee too was consumed.
After more than two hours talking about how we slept the night, if we were visited by supernatural beings and the like, we went down and slept again in our rooms.
I woke up at 12:30 and prepared for the Mass and Graduation Ceremony which will start at 2 pm. We ate our lunch with the sisters and with Fr. Michael Quintana, the celebrant for the mass. He is a priest in a church found in downtown Dumaguete.
The Processional begun before 2 pm. This started from the school toward the Tuanda Sports and Cultural Center.
The boys wear white long-sleeved shirts and the girls wear their "gala" every first Fridays and on occasions like this.
The stage...now an altar...
Alleluia!!!
The Choir with Brod Fritz... I am confident to tell you that they are really great singers...
After the mass, we stationed ourselves as spectators of the graduation ceremony. The valedictorian was Friendship Mae Abrenica and Yasmin Diza Braitwaite, the salutatorian.
The salutatorian then gave a welcome message. Apart from this, Mayor Tuanda in his wheelchair gave also a lengthy graduation message; DepEd Supervisor Asentista read Sec. Luistro's message; Mr. Estoconing, a successful alumnos, shared his life; and Ms. Abrenica, her valedictory address.
The graduates singing the Alma Mater song...
Ring out and cheer for I.K.A.!!! The graduates singing the school hymn. Brod Fritz on keyboard and Sir Audi on guitar.
Their High School life was then reminisced through a slide presentation while they sang God Gave Me You as their batch song.
The ceremony ended. The graduates, we must have experienced it, took time to pose, smile, laugh, hug each other, kiss, said sorry and thanked their batch mates for the last time. We, on the other hand exited toward the school; we're starving. The program started at 2 pm and ended at 7 pm...
The catering has set up a good one. We have lechon, sweet and sour Mamsa, beef steak, drum sticks, cucumber salad, pork adobo and chocolate cake with turon for dinner. They have prepared for 30 people, but we're only few. I was so full. I slept with an aching tummy.
Our task has been accomplished... Sleep...
Oh and by the way, S. Marilyn handed Brod Fritz a small jar of her "ginamos." (This famous ginamos would later be the subject of envy for others back in Dalaguete...hmmm..What's with that stuff?)
The following day, as agreed the previous night, we both woke up at 6:30. Past 7, we climbed up the refectory for breakfast. This was our last meal with the sisters. It appeared they are reluctant to let us go for they kept on talking with us until past 9. We were able to say goodbye few minutes after 10.
Together with the registrar, S. Marilyn came with us for they are going to Bais City (SSS).
Crossing the fallen Jimalalud Bridge...
The bus on the other side of the bridge...
We opted to go to Dumaguete City. Brod Fritz has a relative there who owns Belcina Jewelry. He had ourselves invited for lunch.
For security reasons, I will not tell you where there house is. Anyway, they have numerous houses.
After lunch, we rode into one of their cars and went to Robinsons Place. Brod wants to buy pellets for his air soft rifle. Another reason for going there is to buy pasalubong from Sans Rival and Bongbong's...
Weekend warrior stall does not have what Brod Fritz wanted so we went to Sans Rival, bought Brazo de Mercede; went to Bongbongs and bought tarts, polvoron, pinasugbo, butterscotch, biscocho and marzipan.
Back in the Jewelry store, we picked our bags, said goodbye to them, and we're once again chauffeured. This time, toward Sibulan Wharf and there we bid Dumaguete, farewell...
Thanks for sharing. I am an IKA alumni class 1977.
ReplyDeleteI am an ika alumni of class 2018 - 2019 happy to see your story😊
ReplyDelete