Daan Bantayan: A melancholic town after the destructive Typhoon ‘Yolanda’

Hope is the only thing that people is holding on to survive within the municipality of Daan Bantayan, the northernmost tip of Cebu province. After thousands of families have lost their houses, belongings, and food supplies, the residents were also drenched in the rain. A sight of hopelessness except to hold on only to prayers.

Unsafe thoroughfare to Daan Bantayan



The usual four hour travel from the Cebu North Terminal Bus to Daan Bantayan turns out to be a five hour travel to ensure a safe trip. Upon entering Liloan, one has to start being careful and cautious on the drive way. There are still debris lying along the road and lots of bended huge trees that block half of the road lane. There are also lamp posts which are not fully removed from the road. More  precaution is done if one desires to travel up way north to check on the situation there after Yolanda hit the area.

‘Help us’ placards


On the way to DaanBantayan, children bringing placards bearing messages like “We need help”, “We need FOOD and WATER” and “We need SHELTER” on charcoal or pen, wave it through passing motorists to catch their attention hoping to direct aid to their area. Rain or shine, they stand on the road just to bring aid to their affected families, loved ones and neighbors. This poses a threat though as accidents can happen. Due to their dire and urgent need, they might accidentally be hit by approaching vehicles.


No more schools, chapels  and courts

Aside from thousands of houses that were destroyed, ‘Yolanda’ also rampaged schools, chapels and covered courts. Both public and private schools in the municipality were all devastated by the super typhoon. Classrooms no longer have roofs. Chairs, tables and chalkboards are also damaged and drenched in the rain. Covered courts in the municipality are no longer ‘covered’ since the strong winds of the typhoon took away the covers. The same goes with the public markets and cultural complex. Chapels are devastated and some parts of their famous attraction Sta. Rosa de Lima Parish Church was destroyed. Debris from shattered establishments and trees surround the area. One cannot even recognize the plaza of Daan Bantayan anymore because some of the cemented lamp posts around it were all broken. Benches and the playground in the plaza are buried under huge trees that fell, roofs and garbage which were blown away during the storm.

‘Expect the unexpected’ 

“Wala dyud mi nagdahum nga ingani kakusog ang bagyo!” said Landa Secuya, a resident of Daan Bantayan, Cebu, whose house was also destroyed by the typhon.

She did not expect a much stronger typhoon like ‘Yolanda’ after she experienced the Super Typhoon Ruping. She concluded that ‘Yolanda’ is worse than ‘Ruping’ after she witnessed more than a thousand shanty houses in their area were all reduced to wooden planks. She was also able to make such conclusion as an estimate of only five houses remained standing in their barangay with light damages.

“Sus! Murag tulo o lima ra ang nagbarug diri sa amoang barangay nga gamay ra ang damage. Mas kusog dyud ning super typhoon kontra sa una..,” added by Secuya.

Narrating, Secuya primarily received warnings from her relatives to be ready with the typhoon however, she just took it lightly and wasn't moved hat much. She prepared for candles and foods in case of brownout but then, what happened to them was more than what she expected.

“Nagsige pa mi og katawa.. unya pagtan-aw namo sa gawas, dili naman dyud makit-an ang mga puno-an og kalsada unya pagka aod-taod, napawong na ang suga ug kalit nisyagit ako-ang mama nga gilupad na ang amoang atup, mao nagdali-dali na ko og tabun sa amoang mga butang…,” narrated Japheet Secuya, son of Landa. Japheet received minor injury after the typhoon.

After Yolanda passed the town packing winds of 235 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 275 kph, residents were left shocked at the state of their devastated houses.


Scarcity of food and water

Water stations in Daan Bantayan was swarmed by residents of the town hoping to bring home water supply to their families. People from the mountain barangays have to walk for 30 minutes to one hour get water from a deep well. Food is scarce in the area.


The need for carpenters and construction materials

The residents are still hoping that the government will help them rebuild their homes. They are hoping for a fast recovery as they know Cebuanos are one in praying for them and hope for a fast assistance from the local government so that they can begin to move forward and rise again.

Discovering Oslob and Meeting the Butandings!

       Wow! – This is the expression that best describes Oslob: the place of ‘gentle giants’. Why ‘gentle giants’? You will know why later.

      Many of us are still unfamiliar with the town of Oslob due to its far distance–two hours and a half away from the city.Public transportation are available in the Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City to head there, or one can take the private car ride to discover this southern treasure. Oslob, not to mention, is more or less a three-day exploration to do, if one wants to get the best sights of it.

      Here comes the most thrilling part. This southern vibe has been famous of the whale sharks or locally called as “butandings” which swim within 40 kilometers from the shores, and in the crystal blue, coral-reef adorned waters of the town. That means, they can be viewed up close without the need of going farther into the middle of the sea on the motorized bancas. Visitors can actually swim with the creatures within the premises. They can swim up to one hour.

      According to the marine biologists watching over these sea creatures, most of the whale sharks present in the shores of Oslob are juvenile. This gave them the presumption that perhaps their parents are just inhabiting nearby in the deep parts of the seas of Oslob. There are a total of 150 whale sharks in the town but only 21 are residents. Of these 21, 17 of them are females, two are males, while the other two have unknown genders. The whale sharks in Oslob are getting used to the presence of humans watching them while fishermen feed them with Krill (uyap).

      Whale sharks are known as filter feeders that have capacious mouth and have five large pairs of gills. Two small eyes are located towards the front of the wide and flat head of this huge but harmless sea creature. Its skin colors are either checkerboard of pale yellow or white spots or stripes with a white belly underneath. Some parts of the skin of the butandings have rough and soft textures.

      According to the fishermen in Oslob who feed them,  if one is not used to touching the butandings‘ skin, it causes panic to some people. With this, their team prefer disallowing touching thebutandings to provide precaution. Other rules to be observed during the whale watching, for safety measures are: no jumping, refrain from heavy camera flash, and no applying of sunblock, among others.  A centralized briefing area is provided to visitors and tourists to  maintain safety as well as to protect the whale sharks. Violation of at least one rule, charges one to a fine of P2,500 or a four to six months imprisonment.

     They (whale sharks) have their names given by the fishermen that feed them, like Fermin, Bubbles, Vanessa, Roxy, Sharkeater and Lucky 7. The fishermen have their indication to each whale shark. Despite of their sizes, the butandings, with its harmless, gentle character, have likely become pets of the fishermen. Thus, they’re called ‘gentle giants’, the reason which Oslob was attributed to–a place of the gentle giants.

Tumalog Falls and Sumilon Island

      After spending an hour of watching the whale sharks, recreation doesn’t simply end because Oslob also boasts of a beautiful, scenic waterfalls–the Tumalog falls.

     Tumalog falls is 3 kilometers away from the National Highway Road. Before getting there, visitors need to pass through steep, blind curve roads. Thus, a careful drive is needed for safety. There are two ways to get to Tumalog falls. One can ride a motorbike (habal-habal) for P60 or rent a car.

     Tumalog falls stands out from other waterfalls found in Cebu because the natural scene it exudes. It has mini-umbrellas that cascade the fine strands of fresh, cool water running down  like raindrops. The falls is surrounded with magnificent century-old trees. Spending time at Tumalog falls brings one definitely to a mode of relaxation, where the natural environment refreshes the body.

     Oslob has also their heritage park where you can see the view of the crystal blue seawaters and where one can pay a visit at the old-burnt Immaculate Concepcion church.

      

     Another must go scenery in Oslob is Sumilon Island, where it is the first marine sanctuary in the Philippines. The island offers tour packages, boat-transfers, and likewise boasts of an infinity swimming pool and other recreational activities that anyone can enjoy such as trekking, fish feeding, and kayaking among others . Sumilon Island is a 15-minute boat transfer from the mainland.

    Oslob is a developing town and is a top tourist destination in the future.

    In Oslob, one may not only discover great places but also meet the gentle Oslobanons who will serve you and bring you the best of their hometown!

Oslobanons in a ‘battle’

        Aside from bringing out the best places and leisure in Oslob, Oslobanons have introduced to us one of their delicacies, podrida, through a cooking competition marked as “Sangka sa Kaha” on October 6, 2013 which was hosted by Cebu Parklane International Hotel. 

A 65 year-old Oslobanon, Erlinda Butron, won the cooking competition. She cooked two flavors of podrida: with raisin and with grated coconut meat or Bukayo. She used a PVC pipe as her rolling pin, plywood as her pastry board and wooded oven (hurnuhan) to make her podrida possible. 

“Dalaga pa ako sukad nagsugod ko og luto ani.. Dugay-dugay na dyud ko nagsige og himo ani kay daghan man pud mu-order ani labi na kung pista.. (I started cooking podrida since I was a teenager.. it has been a long time since I’m making this because I have a lot of orders especially fiesta)” said Butron. 

When the competition started she forgot her molding materials but still finished the podrida on time.  

“The dough is perfectly baked that is why the result is perfectly chewy center with slightly crispy edges…. The first time we taste it, we already know that her podrida will win the contest..” said the judges to METROCEBUNEWS.

Podridas is look-a-like cookies but it is sandwich of grated coconut meat, raisins or pineapple chunks. It taste like cookies but it vary on the flavor of the dough. The savory of podrida will make the people wanted it. The grated coconut meat on podrida is the classic podrida of Oslob. 

The ingredients of podridas are the following: Flour, baking powder, grated coconut meat, raisins or pineapple chunks, margarine, pork fat and egg yolks. 

Erlinda also caters torta and rosquillos by orders. It is not her main job but she is a barangay health worker in Poblacion, Oslob. 

The Sangka sa Kaha was organized inorder to feature different delicacies of the provinces of Cebu. And, this was their fourth-legged which highlighted podrida as Oslob’s delicacy.

How to make Vegetarian Pork BBQ

With summer breeze brushing our skin and “Mr. Sun” shining down at us, we can’t help but to imagine going to the beach and feel the thrill of jumping in those white sandy beaches especially in Cebu.

Together with our friends and families, we always don’t forget to bring our favorite “baons ” to the beach. One common food choice is the popular pork barbeque. For those health-conscious though, you don’t need to fret! There is a unique vegetarian pork barbeque recipe that can help you remove those worries!

Vegetarian Pork BBQ
1 small pack meat magic cutlets (available in supermarkets)
1/8 cup olive or vegetable oil
1 1/2 cup banana ketchup
1 1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 tsp. pepper
BBQ sticks

Procedures:
1. Soak the meat magic in the water overnight.
2. Drain and squeeze it out the excess liquid.
3. Cut it into halves. Then, put it in a bowl.
4. Pour it with a 1/2 cup of soy sauce and marinate the meat magic for 5 minutes.
5. Set aside. Prepare a bowl for the marinade.
6. Combine the Banana ketchup, pepper, 1/2 cup of soy sauce and oil in a bowl.
7. Put the marinated meat magic into the BBQ sticks. Prepare the griller.
8. Baste it with the marinade and grill.
9. Basting occasionally with the marinade, then turn it over until heated through and soft.
10. Ready to serve. Good for 6 people.

A girl is having fun while eating vegetarian
pork barbecue.

What is Meat magic?

It is used as meat alternative for vegetarians. It is made up of soy protein, wheat, corn and carrageenan.

Why is Meat magic healthy?

According to alternative-meat-magic.com, meat magic is healthy because it has high protein content. It is easily meets the daily protein requirements for adult, which is 40-60 grams a day. Fifty five (55) grams a day of Meat Magic provides 25 grams a day of soy protein. Aside from that, it has high-fiber content, zero saturated fat content, no preservatives, and it contains vitamins and mineral especially calcium and iron.

Start off your summer season with magic. Likewise, magic your food during summer.

The Voice of Cebuano Youth Leaders

An electoral forum, was created for the Cebuano youth to share and urge local candidates about youth agenda- The #YOUTHVOTE2013. The running candidates have given opportunities to share their platforms and visions for the youth and Cebu as well. Subsequently, the student leaders have given their time to listen and put the electionists on the hot seat.

Most of the student leaders have raised their concern about education as today's dilemma. After the UP student who committed suicide because of unable to pay tuition fee, the students speak out of it, that, the students have believed that the education is a right not a privilege.

More than 200 student leaders were wholeheartedly participated the remarkable “NOW TRENDING: #YOUTHVOTE2013”. The #YOUTHVOTE2013 was spearheaded by the Cebuano Youth Ambassadors (CYA) and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) held at Capitol Social Hall last April 6, 2013.

The “NOW TRENDING: #YOUTHVOTE2013” was started with two-hour registration of participants. The program has officially opened on-time, hosted by Marmie Dyan Deniega, CYA leader, then followed by the Philippine National Anthem, and a youth enlightenment opening remarks by Gea Ecoy, SCAP Sugbo Spokesperson.

Gibby Gorres, SCAP National Secretary, has pointed out Tuition Fee Increased, Problem about Health, Education and Employment of the college graduates, No Permit, No Exam Policy and the rising of HIV Cebuano victims as youth agenda for  the  #YOUTHVOTE2013.

The electionists and partylists who were graciously attended the #YOUTHVOTE2013 are the following: Hon. Alvin Dizon, re-electionist Cebu City Councilor, Danton Remoto, second nominee of LADLAD Partylist, Dong Navarro, North District Congressional Candidate, Marlo Maamo, independent Congressional Candidate, Concordo Quizon, 1-Care Partylist Representative, Sanlakas Partylist, Partido ng Manggagawa Partylist, Akbayan Partylist,Aristotle 'Totol' Batuhan, Cebu City South Congressional candidate and the re-electionist Cebu City Mayor, Michael Rama.

The organizers of #YOUTHVOTE2013 have invited the Bando Osmeña- Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) candidates but unfortunately, only Councilor Alvin Dizon recognizes the invitation while the rest, they refused to attend the event. They have no statement why they ignored the invitation.

While waiting for the mayor to come, the students were asked to make a "love letter" for the electionists. Enclosed of their "love letter" are the requests and visions of the student leaders for Cebu City and its citizens. The significance of "love letter" is that, it is the best way to make them feel how important you are for him/her.

The students were all overwhelmed as Michael Rama was on staged. Rama has shared stories of success and highlighted his accomplishments in Cebu City as the city mayor.

"Keeping together is a progress, Working together is a success and together, we can make things happen...” said Mayor Rama as he ended his speech.

One of the student leaders testifies his grateful experience from Rama. The student stated that, he was one of the victims of the sudden closed of Direct Access, a call center company in I.T. Park, he has not received any compensation and benefits from the company. He has no choice but to ask help together with his fellow agents to Rama. Rama did not hesitate to help them until they surpass their problem. He has greatly expressed his gratitude to Rama for helping him to stand up during his downfall.

Rama has astounded with the student leaders and believes that youth has a great role in the society.

Rama has shared his songs to the student leaders. Rama and the student leaders have enthusiastic danced with the Team Rama's campaigning tune before he left the event.

“NOW TRENDING: #YOUTHVOTE2013” has ended successfully and historically. It was made possible together with their partnership and sponsorship with InterAksyon.com, News 5, Smart Communications, Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc., AlternatiV , and Marc and Matthews.

La Veggie! Deli Café offers must-taste dishes

 Most of the people have chosen to eat meat and seafood rather than to eat vegetables. They want something to cook out of meat. It is just like a sacrifice for them to forbid themselves from eating meats.  However, if your doctor will prohibits you from eating meat and seafood, you will have no choice but only to obey their rules.

 No worries about missing meat and seafood from your plates! There is a place for you. A pure vegan vegetarian café named “La Veggie! Deli Café”. It sounds like Spanish and elegant type of café but, the truth is, it was designed with simple lights, clean and comfortable environment . They also offer very affordable prices which start from 35-75 pesos. It is located at the ground floor of Wellnessland Health Institute, 314-C Sikatuna Street, Zapatera, Cebu City. It was operated last November, 2012.

 The name, La Veggie! Deli Café, gives you the hint what are foods catered in – The Vegetables! “La” also means “wow!” and this café really offers amazing foods. They serve no-guilt, meat-like and meat-taste vegetarian foods like vegetarian Dinuguan, so-called “Beanuguan”, Vegetarian Barbecue and other Filipino dishes. Aside from Filipino dishes, they have also served different cuisine such as Arabic, Lebanese and Indian foods in a form of vegetarian.

 The café also offers vegetarian frozen foods, canned goods, and veggie meats; catering services and deliveries but for limited areas only.

 La Veggie! Deli Café is operated by La Veggie Society, a vegetarian family who cooks and prepares vegetarian foods as well as living in a vegetarian lifestyle. They also teach and share life of a healthy living.

 “LA also stands for Lalita Araneta because she is the main personality who inspires La Veggie!” said Rene Araneta, a proprietor of La Veggie! Deli Café and husband of Lalita Araneta.

 Lalita Araneta is a Filipino-vegetarian chef from Abu Dhabi. She has also trained from Europe as macrobiotic and raw food. She is enthusiast in cooking all kinds of dishes and makes her own vegetarian menu from it. She has a lot of original vegetarian menus and a first-class teacher of all-type cooking includes desserts and pastries.

 “I decided not to go back abroad because I think it’s about time to share and educate Cebuanos in acquiring healthy lifestyle”, she said.

 She also tackled, that, we actually do not need a doctor to be healed (even doctors choose healthy lifestyle), instead, help ourselves to stay healthy and live in a healthy way. If we just know how to appreciate a healthy lifestyle, we may attain a longer life and innocuous remedy from diseases.

 “My vision is to accommodate Cebuanos and make it internationally. It is just a starting. We are looking forward to have another branch of La Veggie! Deli Café to serve Cebuanos and give them foods that they have been looking for”, she added.


 It was indeed a haven for those who are willing to acquire a healthy lifestyle. Every food that they serve is tantamount to a person’s healthy life. It is the natural choice!

 “I think my expertise is the credibility of my café. Taste my foods and they will not regret”, she enclosed.

 They have also scheduled series of cooking demonstrations. They have upcoming two sessions of vegetarian cooking demo on April 13 and 27, 2013. The sessions are entitled: “How to prepare a healthy vegetarian vegan dishes” and “How to prepare a healthy vegetarian breakfast and dinner delights”.

You can like their Facebook fan page at La Veggie Society or email them at laveggie_society@yahoo.com.You may also contact them thru landline (032) 254-0339 and mobile phones (globe) 0916-5416264 and (sun) 09335211391 then look for Mr. Rene Araneta or Mrs. Lalita Araneta.