THE SOUTHERN GARRISON

THE CUARTEL  Oslob, Cebu

The heritage town of Oslob has made me discover for myself more of its past as I came across the Cuartel, an unfinished structure just outside the perimeter stone fence of the Church of the Immaculate Concepcion. As I wonder what this structure was, I sighted some writings on one of its walls:

CUARTEL   

This unique structure was built through the effort of EL GRAN MAESTRO DON MARCOS SABANDAL to serve as barracks for Spanish armies but was halted during the arrival of AMERICANS in 1899.

The coral stones used for its construction came from remnants of the collapsed floor of the church bell tower. The walls of the structure which measure 19 centimeters thick still stand. The facade built of coral stones features a double row of arches.

It was a very good additional info with my history. Shutters then followed as I appreciate more of the place. I was thankful I was still able to take a glimpse of these mute witnesses of the past.

Mute Witness of a Bloody Past

THE BALUARTE- Oslob, Cebu

My weekend escape into Cebu's southern town of OSLOB has made me explore further what this place was in the past with the structures that were still visible up to this very day. One was the Baluarte, which is a Spanish name for a watchtower. It is one of the many watchtowers that ply the coastline of Oslob as part of the defense system against Moro raiders in the past.

However, as you watch the structure closely, all you can see are the ruins of this ancient watchtower. Indeed, a mute witness of a bloody past..

TUMALOG FALLS

Oslob's Cool Surprise


My recent trip to southern Cebu, particularly the town of Oslob, made me discover for myself a waterfall that doesn't even ring a bell on everyone's ears.  It is not yet that popular I still don't know what should it be called because as I read it in the internet, one named it as "Toslob Falls, others called it "Mag-ambak Falls" and the driver that took us to the falls mentioned a Spanish-sounding name I can't even recall.  Whatever it will be, it will be safer to call it after the name of the place- TUMALOG.


Although we can't really expect to take a dip on the falls because the waters on the ground are just ankle-deep, yet you'll be amazed by the sight of the falls that cascade mini-umbrellas of fine strands of cold and fresh waters, just enough to relieve a weary travelling soul from a busy weekday in the city.

BUTANDING WATCH (a Side Story)

TAN-AWAN, OSLOB, CEBU


Sightings of whale sharks in this town, 117 kilometers south of Cebu has attracted quite a number of local and foreign tourists these days.  That is why we hit the road last weekend, though it was an unplanned vacation, and drove via bus down south on a three-hour ride to Boljoon for a night sleep and woke up early the next day to see for ourselves these gentle sea giants.  


True enough, my companions were mesmerized by the experience. And me?  I may confessed, I was not able to see the Butanding myself but I was having a good time taking rounds of shots on the scenes that took place on the shore..:)