It's more than a week that I was not able to update my blog. I've been away for the field research practicum of my students. The now "world-famous" Caramoan Islands were the venue for our field research we were studying the stakeholders perception on the benefits and challenges of the emerging nature-tourism in Caramoan. Indeed there were so many bonuses for our field research in terms of experience. The moment we arrived in Caramoan typhoon "Dante" hit the Bicol Region. It was three-days of misery. But after the storm was over we were able to resume our field work. Caramoan is a remote municipality in the Eastern Portion of the province of Camarines Sur. The most convenient way to reach Caramoan is by Boat. It is bounded by high mountains and deep gorges which make the building of roads a tremendous challenge. But what made Caramoan famous is its outlaying Islands, with its famous corals and white beaches. Almost untouched [use to be], but with the growing number of tourists coming in, things may be different.
The photo above shows the outrigger boat we took on our way to Caramoan from the port of Sabang in San Jose, Camarines Sur.
My students taking a ride. This is an improvised vehicle known as "tricycle". A tricycle is a motorbike with a side cart attached to it. For short distances this can serve as effective means of transport in the rural areas of the Philippines. Foreigners would marvel at the capacity of a tricycle to accomodate as much as ten persons, packed together like sardines in a tin can.
Here are my undergraduate students. Posing for a photo. Behind is the image of St. Paul. This picture was taken in front of St. Michael's Church.
My undergradaute students together with me poses for a photo in front of this massive and beautiful red brick church dedicated in honor of St. Michael the Archangel. St. Michale is a well loved saint in this remote town. One would wonder how a red brick church was built in this remote municipality. Often huge churches are usually located on urban centers. But in this remote island the early missionaries who built this church were prophetic enough to think that the future of conversions would be bright and hence anticipating the future built this reb brick chuch. A marvel of architechture and above all a marvel of faith. A faith that looks to the heavens full of anticipation of the heavenly Jerusalem. I will share with you more about the wonderful places in Caramoan, and hope you will consider visiting the place [No I am not advertising, but what I am doing is that I am trying to convince you about the beauty of these islands]. Visit Caramoan and see for yourself. But for now I need to get some sleep to recover lost energies. HAPPY FEAST DAY! ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PRAY FOR US! AMEN.
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