KUYA MICHAEL IN 5 FRAMES

FOOTNOTE: I shot Kuya Michael Valenzuela, fellow CLSU alumnus and MASP comrade, as he delivered a tribute to the flag in behalf of our ancient fraternity during the commemoration of the nation's 114th year of independence. 

AMAZING TAGUM

Pampublikong sementaryo na mukhang parke at kinagigiliwang dalawdalawin...

Magarang munisipyo na nagpapahiwatig ng tapat na pamamahala at maluluwang na kalsada na napapalamutian ng mga higanteng palmera...

Pagmamay-ari sa isang "pinakamalaki" sa buong mundo...

Malinis na pamilihang bayan na naglalako ng mga lokal na produkto...

Mapayapang hapunan ng mura subalit masarap na pagkain sa night market.

Ang TAGUM CITY

ay isang mahusay na halimbawa

ng GOOD GOVERNANCE

at POLITICAL WILL!

THE ISLAND WAS THERE BUT WE MISSED THE GARDEN AND THE CITY

The island was there alright.

Some 15 slow minutes from Davao City's Sasa Wharf.

Then some more 15 motorcycle minutes from what used to be the center of the former municipality of Babak to Penaplata which is now the IGaCoS city proper.

But there was no city.

There was no trace of the garden either.

At least I have 2 churches as a consolation.

And I was finally able to scratch that itch to cross-over to the Island Garden City of Samal.

We should have ferried to one of them expensive seafood restaurants at them high-end tourist resorts.

But we usually don't do that as self-proclaimed backpackers.

So back to the real city for a late lunch at good ol' Luz Kinilaw.

PHOTOS: [1] The Virgin Dolorosa parish church of Babak District and [2] IGaCoS's church of the Immaculate Conception in Penaplata.