Foot and Fire

We ended our day tour at the old Spanish house located at the end of the island of Gigantes Norte. It was a sight during sunset given the ambient light given off by the sun and the rustic paint and structure of the old house. It withstood the test of time because it is made of cement mixed with shells found in the locality and eggs, just like how old Catholic churches were made then. *** I mentioned we enjoyed the ambient light of the sunset..  Here are what we took during our brief visit: *** The lighthouse is a recent one and it is said to be Japanese-funded. *** ***  And Kodjack, our tour-guide and water-fetcher, becomes an instant photographer... Just check this out: *** *** Ah, the view.... *** *** And please don't forget to buy trinkets for souvenirs from these lads: *** *** Check out how Gigantes got its name here.. And my other blog posts on Gigantes here. .. Don't forget ...

Our group had a grand time sampling the trail going up the cave and partly towards the opening. We did not move forward anymore than the first touch base because we were not properly dressed for spelunking as we were dripping wet with saltwater after the day's Island hopping. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the introduction to this Bakwitan Cave, so-called because it is used as evacuation place for families from lowland during the past typhoons and this cave saved many lives.  Please check out the allure of this cave. There are sporadic live rocks that still have the potential to grow. Also, as in any other caves which are not regulated, there are occasional graffittis on the cave walls...  Jun "The Cavekeeper," our cave tour guide, is trained regarding caves by the Department of Tourism and he displayed some wisdom regarding taking care of the Bakwitan Cave. *** A makeshift bed used by the cave's temporary resident in the past. *** ...

The Legend of Isla Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo* In a place called Punta Bulakawe in the town of Carles, there was a childless couple who endlessly asked for a child. They were blessed with a son who grew up too fast. Too fast he grew that he can no longer enter thier house when he was one and all men were only as tall as his knees. The giant child grew up and spent his adolescence in a mountain known as the Beheya Hill. Everytime this giant walked, the surroundings shook. Each of his step meant earthquake for everyone. This made everyone fear him. Because of his steps, he was called Higante Tay-og -- literally means Giant Quake. Higante Tay-og decided to remain in Beheya Hill which he could access by two or three steps only. To entertain himself, he learned to smoke cigars. Each time he exhale smoke from his cigar, the surroundings dim. When he accidentally inhaled the smoke, he coughed; the folks feared it like thunder that shook the surro...