Blog #130: This Is The Part 2 of My Bantayan Trip Story

Hey Hivers!

Three days ago, I posted a blog entitled Exploring Bantayan Island Part 1. Today, I will be going to continue my story about my Bantayan trip. In Part 1, I've already shared it with you on how to get to Bantayan Island; the spectacular view of the Diving Cliff; the history of the Ruins; and the story behind the Japan-Japan spot.

This time I wanted to make your imagination active as I will be featuring another wonders to behold in Bantayan Island.

As I've mentioned in my previous blog that this island has many white sand beaches located in Sta. Fe town. For today's post, I will be featuring the Kota Beach and the neighboring beach resort; the history of the well-known Bantayan Church; and the Bantayan Park.

When my Landlord instructed me to dine in to Kota's Restaurant (or known as Kadlawon Restobar) so I can access to Kota Beach I followed as what he instructed. We went to Kota Beach very early because I wanted to catch the sunrise. Luckily, I made it, in fact I'd enjoyed taking photos as sunrise was my background.

Since I arrived early in Kota Beach Resort and the restaurant was not yet opened I took that opportunity to hike in the beach.

I strolled in the shoreline; took more photos; hiked with barefoot and did some funny pose.

Maybe some people in the beach find it weird since I was only with myself doing these funny pose but they didn't know that I'd enjoyed that moment even I was just alone.

The weather when I arrived was good. The sun was shining but after few minutes, it was turned into dark and the sun was being covered with the dark clouds.

When I went there, I also took that opportunity to play with the waves. It feels like I was a child again. It was really relaxing when the water kept splashing on my feet. It was absolutely a great morning!

The wave that time was beautiful to look at. The color of the sky; the water; and the sand was marvelous as they combined together.

Since the weather the time I went there was not really good there were many drifted woods and garbages scattered around the beach. It made the beach untidy to look at. Have you seen it?

I headed and entered to the neighboring resort since there was no barrier. This area was clean compared to Kota Beach.

But there were some part that was also untidy to look at.

While I strolled around, I find these 2 bicycles very cute so I took them a photo.

After I strolled around the beach, I decided to return back to Kota Beach and checked their restaurant if they were already open.

I had my breakfast in Kadlawon Restobar. I ate first because first it was an exchange so I can access in the beach and second I need to have my breakfast before I will be heading to the next tourist spots.

In the afternoon, I went to Bantayan Proper and visited their church. This is one of the oldest churches in Cebu.

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Bantayan Church is considered to be as the first and oldest parish established in Cebu, Philippines. The church was burned and destroyed by the Moro. It was repaired in the same year. Used to be a hiding place for the town's folks during calamities and war, the Bantayan Church stands firm and has seen a lot of notable historical events which happened to Bantayan island.

While the whole country is silently praying, reflecting, and fasting during April's holy days, this province in the north of Cebu crowd the streets, organize parties, and do a range of activities. Why? Well, according to the history, Bantayan was granted a papal permission in 1800s exempting them from the visual religious duties done during the Lent. This is most likely the reason behind the place's festivities from Maundy Thursday until Good Friday. One of their Holy Week highlights is the grand Good Friday procession that features carozas, particularly the image of Santo Entierro, which is believed to be miraculous by the Bantayan locals. In addition, the excuse to eat pork during holy week is still part of the papal exemption. Fishing is the primary livelihood in the island, and since fishermen were requested by the catholic church not to fish during the Lent (leaving the locals no seafood to eat) Pope Leo VII issued a Papal indult document stating that Bantayanons can eat pork during this no-fishing season.

Reference:

Why Pope Leo VII issued a Papal indult document to Bantayanons?

The church ceiling was painted with the biblical images. Have you seen it?

This is the view inside the church.

After I visited the Bantayan Church, I headed to Bantayan Park. Since the weather has suddenly changed from gloomy to sunny, I also wanted to stay longer in Bantayan Park because it was cold under the big trees.

Bantayan Park is located in front of Bantayan Church. It's just meters away.

The Park is full of many big trees. That's why I decided to stay there longer because it's a bit colder.

The vibe of the park when I went there was festive because of its Christmas decoration.

In the Philippines, there were many vendors selling cotton candies; ice cream; and balloons in the park. Children were easily got attracted. They were kept asking their parents to buy it for them. Some children were ended up crying because their parents don't buy that stuffs for them.

That was my Bantayan trip story. How about you? Have you already been to Bantayan Island? How was your experienced? Drop a comment below.

Thank you for reading and see you on my next blog. Cheers!

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Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.

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