Ms. Cebu 2012: What's New with the Old Cebu?

Some highlights of Ms. Cebu 2012.

 

The reigning Ms. Cebu opened the pageant. She entered the stage hoisted by men like a native princess.

The candidates.

The candidates in their Fun Wear. The outfits on the left especially caught my eye. Design by William Manahan.

The evening gown competition. Some dresses left me awed. Others made me go What?! like minion here. I nicknamed the gown on the left as "fondant". Well, because...she looked like a cake parading on stage. My top favorite was from Cary Santiago worn by candidate number 6, who rightfully won Best in Evening Gown. If only somebody informed the announcer that Cary was a "he" before calling his name then it wouldn't have ruined the elegance of the moment and of the dress hehe!

My other top favorites - gowns by Philip Tampus (left) and Dino Lloren (right).

 

It was a night of mermaid dresses.

Then the stage was clad in Cobonpue's Yoga chair.

Check out the back detail on this candidate's dress.

My favorite part, the question and answer portion. I found amusing how: Most candidates started their sentences with "I believe" and ended it with "Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen"; the candidates repeatedly stressed on promoting their advocacy without even explaining what it was; one candidate likened Cebu to Mango while another candidate attributed the root of all evils to the LOCK of money (toinks) and one candidate claimed that her iPhone 4S was her most prized possession in life. (uh..what about your family inday?). These ladies on this picture were my top bets though.

What is wrong with this picture? LOL

The top 5. Two of my bets got in!

I betcha the headphones were playing "Sinulog, ishagit ug kusog! Pit Senyor, Pit Senyor, tanan magsaulog!"

And then there were two...

My money was on two other candidates, who, in my opinion gave more sensible answers with flawless delivery. But I guess judges know best! All I can say is that, that gown was amazing on her. It fit her like a glove!

Thanks to Chu Abayon for my free ticket. Yay! I almost rubbed elbows with my frequently stalked Cebuana blogger. LOL

(Little) Ms. Cebu. Haha!

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Vale el Zamboanga!

Last vacation for 2011 was spent at my boyfriend's hometown. Now this get-away is extra special because its a many first for moi. For one, its my first time to visit Christian's home and see where the "baby with five strands of hair" grew up. Second, in my 27 years of existence, its my first time to ever step a foot in Mindanao!

The Zamboanga International Airport. This photo was taken on my departure though. I was too eager to see Zamboanga the morning I arrived that I didn't bother to take snapshots.

Contrary to the Cebu weather, Zamboanga's was perfect. There was no cloud in the sky and the sun was just brightly smiling at us. That afternoon, we went sight seeing right away. They toured me to the heart of Zambaonga City, where their shopping malls lay. We walked with and against the crowd. Since it was the day before New Year's eve, people were obviously busy last minute shopping. We then hiked to Fort Pilar. I constantly had my head up, gazing at the tall acacia trees lining the streets to the Fort.

Their Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas stood out among the buildings there.

So did this fern-adorned Acacia Tree.

Lovers reunited. Ayeee!

Imported goods on display at one of the stalls near the fort. 

Candles for lighting at the altar of the Lady of Pilar. Pretty, aren't they?

Pigeon house a-top an old tree. Christian said it has been perched there for as long as he can remember.

Las Campanas del Santuario de la Virgen del Pilar (Bells of the Virgin Mary)

Unfortunately for me, the museum was closed for the holidays. So we lit candles at the altar and whispered our prayers to the Lady of Pillar instead. According the historian Mr. Jeff Mendoza, this wall with the image of the Lady survived a tsunami that hit Zamboanga decades before. However, after I Wikipedia-ed "Fort Pilar", I found that 

"a strong earthquake struck the western region of Mindanao in the 1800s. TheVirgin Mary made an apparition, according to the people who witnessed it, they saw the virgin standing mid-air over the Basilan Strait, she had her right hand raised to signal the onrushing waves to stop, saving the city from a tsunami"  

Close enough Jeff!

See that bottle of mineral water at the bottom right of the pic? That's only P20 in Zamboanga! Amazing huh? LOL

Paseo del Mar at day. I wish we had a hang-out by the sea in Cebu.

By the entrance.

That's Santa Cruz Island behind us, famous for its pristine pink sand beach.

I just heard wonders about this dish - Satti. In fact, it is one of the main things that got me excited about my trip. They said, the recipe remains to this day a top secret. The ingredients are a mystery. In fact, the owner would make the concoction at home rather than at the store for fear of being copied. We dined at Jimmy's, the most popular Satti-han in Zambo. Each bowl is priced at P25, which comes with unlimited sauce, puso, and your choice of 4 sticks of beef, liver, or chicken. No pork for religious reasons. The sweet spicy tangy flavor, they said, is the best cure to nurse a hang-over. I, on the other hand, just love it for being spicy. Period.

That night, Christian's parents took us to dinner at Palmeras. I had my second encounter with the Bilao. This round had more choices than Bob Marlin's and was tastier too. Don't your mouth just water staring at those prawns? 

Palmeras is also famous for this treat - the Knickerbocker. Its fresh slices of mango, watermelon, and banana mixed with milk and jell-o, topped with strawberry ice cream. It's a good alternative to halo-halo, I say.

Zamboanga's City Hall is a sight to behold. All those festive Christmas lights, colorful parols and floating bubbles fills me with glee, like a child during Christmas. I wasn't the only one. See the crowd behind me? LOL

On the first afternoon of the year, Christian's parents brought me to the Yakan Village. The Yakans belong to a Muslim tribe originally from Basilan. Because of wars, they were forced to leave their homes and move to Zamboanga. They are known to be the finest weavers in the country.

They have the best eyesight too, I should say. A few minutes on this machine and I'd probably go cross-eyed. Not to mention, endlessly complaining about my back problem. It takes a weaver to 1-3 days to finish a product. They practically use their whole body in weaving. Their back provides the needed support in stretching the material while their legs in turn support their backs to maintain the length. Kudos to them!

A Yakan cloth costs around P180 to P600, depending on the size. I think its reasonably priced, considering the efforts placed in making it. Aside from pitching in to their livelihood, buying a piece or two is a good way to help keep the Yakan weaving industry alive.

They also had traditional Yakan bolos of different shapes and sizes on display.

I specifically asked Christian to bring me to the vintas when I get to Zamboanga. I remember my grade school books and how they'd always have pictures of vintas when the lesson came to Zamboanga. Unfortunately for me (again), Christian said, there are lesser and lesser vintas sailing their shores. Blame it on the invention of the motor. The vintas have become, hmm...functus officios, in legal parlance. (hehe!) Nevertheless, I was happy enough to see this miniature vinta displayed at the Yakan Village. Even happier was I when I posed next to this sail at Vista del Mar.

Curiously, I asked Christian if "Mar" was the name or nickname of their mayor. Well, because of its usage in Paseo del Mar and Vista del Mar. My boyfriend smiled and said, "Mar is Spanish for sea." Toinks. Dumb blonde moment!

Zamboanga is beautiful. Vale el Zamboanga. The Zamboanga I visited is nothing like what the news often say. It is peaceful. The people are warm and friendly. Hearing them talk in their dialect is like music to my ears. (Or perhaps, I'm just biased hehe!)

Many thanks to Christian's friends for the sweet company. You know who you are.  (Shocks, murag artista!) AND, thank you to the Daño Family for welcoming me to their beautiful home, for feeding me with sumptuous food, and for making me feel like I'm part of the family. (Assuming much!) Man mirahan kita ole!

My Little Christmas Tree

Two days til Christmas.

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A Stroll in Intramuros

Its my fourth return to Bureau of Immigration Manila. Like my previous trips, I have been told to WAIT for my document to be signed by the head officer. Instead of sitting at the corner for a number of hours and be hit on by old gentlemen as they pass, I surmised to explore neighboring historical site.

I strolled along and above the Muralla Wall, the side closest to Magallanes Drive. People I met along the path probably knew right away it was my first time there because I was busy snapping pics away.

One of the clearings above the Muralla Wall.

Intramuros was swarming with students. It has several schools housed within its walls. Above is just one of them - Colegio de San Juan Letran. A few steps from it is Lyceum of the Philippines University.

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The Walled City Dormitory. I found it adorable how they managed to put that blooming lush garden on the rooftop.

Stone paths always fascinate me. It gives that genuine Spanish era feel.

After several minutes of walking under the heat of the sun, I rested inside the cool walls of Puerta del Parian.

Who knows how long these doors have been locked.

A view of the ceiling.

Signage at the site said:

Puerto Del Parian was "Named adter the Parian de Arroceros across the city were Chinese merchants lived. Built in 1593. One of the earliest entrances to Intramuros. Became official entrance of the Governor-General in 1764, after following destruction of Puerto Real during the British invasion. Ravelin built in 1603 following Chinese uprising. Used as defense line between the curtail walls of Baluarte de San Andres and the Parian Gate. Vaulted chambers built in 1739 to house soldier and military supplies. Entire defense work completed in 1782. Gate and ravelin severely damaged in 1945. Restoration began in 1967 and completed in 1982.

Just outside of the the Puerto del Parian gate is the Asean Garden. Its a cool and breezy path that students take from Magallanes Drive to Lyceum or Letran.

I know its typical of a government office to ask you to come back the next day. I did not expect to be told that because I've ALWAYS managed to finish processing with BI in one day. I have been in much WORST situations before and I pulled through. Charms always help in getting things done (cough,cough) LOL! So when the employee uttered those five words to me, I wanted to wage war and scream bloody murder! Who wouldn't if you were scheduled to fly back that night, with no change of clothes, you have two dying cellphones but you are unequipped with a charger, no place to stay and worst, your funds were depleting?! I came to my senses and decided against strangling the guy. Who would sign my documents tomorrow if he was dead? LOL. 

So I called the only friend who would be so kind enough to allow me to squat at his place - Mark Leo Chang. My luck turned when he said yes and that he was treating me to dinner because it was his birthday. WOOHOO! On all days, I chose to inconvenience him on his birthday. The best part was, I forgot it was his birthday! LOL! We ate at this elegantly cozy restaurant - Casa Roces. Mark said it was one of the restaurants the President would take them to eat. (O diba, ang swerte ko talaga. Sosyal pa! LOL) If you are reading this Mark, THANK YOU again!!!

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