Got Myself Back

The day started off so wrong. Been battling with insomnia since I got my period as well as the God-awful munchies. I missed the 8:30 am fast craft to Tagbilaran so I bought another ticket for the 11am trip. So I made port at 12:45pm and did some waiting before my folks picked me up. And I thank my lucky stars that I didn't wilt from the heat. Apparently, they've been having better weather than Cebu.

Tagbilaran Pier

The moment I disembarked, the air that filled my lungs was different. It had less lead content. And I was happy that tourists were being protected from getting scalped by drivers, both taxi and pedicabs alike, from cab fares that would be worthy of Kim Henares's attention. They have huge tarpaulines stating how much is the standard fare and to report any driver who refuses to transport you to your destination (Sweet!).

I had to give in to an afternoon nap. Then I woke up to my mother's summons to watch the sambat (waterway procession) of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of Loboc, Bohol. Each year the sambat takes place at the Loboc River where several floating vessels are decorated with flowers and hymns being sung. After the river cruise, the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be brought back to church. This year, it was devoid of the usual fanfare and fireworks due to the recent earthquake that decimated the church.

The last time I visited this place, it wasn't ravaged with calamities. I only had to dealt with the heat and ongoing "repair" of the roads. My mother told me to prepare myself for what the church looks like now. On our way to Loboc, we passed by Baclayon church but it wasn't that bad. Just a section was being repaired now and mass can be held inside. And this is now what remains of the Loboc church.

The section seen above is where baptisms were performed. I haven't ventured to the front but much of the place has been secured for safety and undergoing reconstruction and restoration. According to the heritage society, it might take a whopping 20 years (I fervently pray that this time frame is unstained of corruption). I have yet to see the temporary area where the mass is held. I was looking forward to relive my awe each year as I attend the mass on the day of the fiesta. It's being conducted in the dialect and unfortunately I'm not proficient with the appropriate response. I always end up craning my fat neck and gawk at the splendor of the paintings on the ceiling with their captions in Latin (Domus aureus, etc.). So this year I have nothing to gawk at and will be forcing my brain to recall who  Santiago is among the 12 apostles of Christ. Sometimes Spanish names have way too different English equivalents (Santiago=James, not Jaime=James!).

In spite of it all, I'm happy that the roads were so much better than the last time I was here and tourists have come back which would really help Bohol. And the rice fields have remained verdant so I'm hoping that this would be a good year for harvest. Viva Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe!