The Adventure in Lamanok Island

The Adventure in Lamanok Island
By: Allen Dave Gultiano

Lamanok Island is a mysterious place located in Badiang, Anda, Bohol. The island is famous for its unique rock formations, spirits, and ancient rituals associated with it. Visiting Lamanok Island on January 6, 2026, was an adventurous experience for me, as it was my first time visiting a place rich in both history and natural beauty.

Lamanok Island offers three main activities: a mangrove tour, snorkeling, and an island tour. However, I chose to explore and discover the island itself. Upon arrival, the tour guide reminded us to remain calm, avoid shouting, and show respect to the island. With this reminder, I felt ready for a meaningful experience.

My adventure at Lamanok Island began as I boarded a boat and paddled my way toward the island. Along the way, strong waves appeared, causing the boat to shake. Despite this, I reached the island safely. Upon arrival, I was amazed by the beauty of my surroundings, which encouraged me to proceed to my next destination.

My first destination on Lamanok Island was a cave that served as an ancient burial site. Inside, I saw bones placed in coffins and large clam shells along the right side of the cave. According to our tour guide, these were the remains of early humans who once inhabited the area and were buried there after death. Next, we visited the Red Rock Hematite Painting Cave, where a large cross and ancient paintings could be seen on the rock wall. The paintings symbolized “here” or “we are here” and were created using a paste made from plants and animal fat mixed with water. The native people used their fingers or animal tails to apply the pigment onto the cave walls.

We then proceeded to the Ca Iska Rock Shelter and Bat Cave. On the way, I saw small monkeys hanging from the trees, unaware of our presence, which surprised me. Upon arriving at the cave, I was astonished to see many bats resting on the ceiling. The cave was said to have been inhabited by a woman who lived alone in the early 1880s. People feared her because they believed she was a witch who killed infants and young children. No one dared to visit the island until she reportedly died. After hearing this story, I felt a chill run down my spine and the hairs on my neck stood up. Because of my fear, we decided not to proceed further and instead moved on to another cave.

Afterward, I felt calmer when we visited the Shaman Cave, where rituals were performed during Holy Week. Roosters were commonly offered, while some shamans also sacrificed pigs, cows, or other animals depending on their requests. Many visitors had also left money and personal belongings in the cave as offerings. Another interesting fact about Lamanok Island is that it remains rich in wildlife. Bohol’s tarsier, known as mawmag in our dialect, can be found there, and flying lemurs or kagwang may also be seen if one is lucky enough. Finally, we returned home safely, and I felt grateful that our trip ended without incident.

Overall, my experience on Lamanok Island was truly memorable. I learned many things and experienced emotions such as fear, curiosity, and deep respect for the island. I realized the importance of respecting other cultures, nature, and the traditions passed down by our ancestors. Lamanok Island taught me that a place should not only be visited, but also respected and cared for.

 

Sinulog sa Cebu: Tagbilaran City’s Historic Victory

 

Sinulog sa Cebu: Tagbilaran City’s Historic Victory
By Diane Jinayon
All Rights Reserved

Sinulog sa Cebu is an annual Filipino cultural and religious festival celebrated every third Sunday of January in Cebu City. It is the country’s central devotion to the Santo Niño and is widely recognized as one of the largest cultural and religious festivals in the Philippines. The 2027 Sinulog celebration reportedly attracted more than 5.2 million attendees. Aside from its strong religious significance, Sinulog is also known for its lively street parties, which usually take place on the eve of the main festival. Because of its grandeur and scale, the event is often referred to as the “Grandest Festival in the Philippines” by both locals and participants.

The Sinulog Grand Showdown for 2026 was held on January 18, 2026, at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC). The program began at 9:15 a.m. and concluded with the grand parade and ritual showdown. A total of 37 contingents participated in the event, including 12 out-of-town contingents. These came from the Kalivungan Festival of Amas, Kidapawan City; Zamboanga City High School–Main; Bais City; Tabaco College (Albay); Muntinlupa City; Talon-Talon National High School (Zamboanga City); Maria Clara L. Lobregat National High School (Zamboanga City); Malita, Davao Occidental; Tagbilaran City; Antipolo City; Zamboanga Sibugay; and Las Piñas City. A special guest contingent from the MassKara Festival also joined the celebration.

Eight contingents represented Cebu Province and nearby cities, including Toledo City, Carcar City, Alcoy, Mandaue City, Carmen, Dumanjug, Moalboal, and Asturias, with Danao City participating as a special guest contingent. Meanwhile, 17 Sinulog sa Dakbayan contingents took part, representing Basakanon, Basak Pardo, Barrio Luz, Guadalupe, Banilad, Binaliw, Mabolo, San Nicolas Proper, Inayawan, San Roque, Tisa, Kasambagan, Babag, Tribu Kinaiyahan, UP Cebu, Labangon, and Talamban.

The grand parade passed through major streets such as P. del Rosario Street, Imus Road, General Maxilom Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard, and R. Landon Extension before returning to the Cebu City Sports Complex. The festival atmosphere was vibrant and colorful, highlighted by energetic street dancing and intense ritual showdowns.

After the competition, winners were announced in several categories. In the Sinulog-Based Category, fifth place went to Mandaue City (₱750,000), fourth place to Banay Labangon (₱1,000,000), third place to Carcar City (₱1,500,000), second place to the Municipality of Dumanjug (₱2,000,000), and the champion was Tagbilaran City, which received ₱3,000,000.

For the Free Interpretation Category, fifth place was awarded to Tribu Carmenon (₱750,000), fourth place to Lambo Mabolo (₱1,000,000), third place to Hudyaka sa Bais (₱1,500,000), second place to the Kalivungan Festival of the Province of Cotabato (₱2,000,000), and the champion was Toledo City, which received ₱3,000,000.

In the Best in Street Dancing category, fifth place went to Hudyaka sa Bais Festival (₱200,000), fourth place to Lumad Basakanon (₱300,000), third place to the Kalivungan Festival (₱500,000), second place to Carcar City (₱700,000), and first place to Toledo City (₱1,000,000).

For Best in Musicality (Free Interpretation), Lumad Basakanon placed fifth, Tribu Carmenanon fourth, the Province of Cotabato third, Hudyaka sa Bais second, and Toledo City won first place. In the Sinulog-Based Category, Best in Musicality awards were given to Zamboanga City’s Maria Clara L. Lobregat National High School (5th), Carcar City (4th), Banay Labangon (3rd), Banaun Cultural Group (2nd), and Tagbilaran City (1st). Best in Costume awards were given to Banay Labangon for the Sinulog-Based Category (₱100,000) and Toledo City for the Free Interpretation Category (₱100,000).

For the first time in Sinulog history, Tagbilaran City participated in the Sinulog Grand Showdown and made history as the first contingent from Bohol Province to win the prestigious competition. The city’s entry, Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Bol-anon, was declared overall champion in the Sinulog-Based Category Ritual Showdown and also won First Prize for Best in Musicality (Sinulog-Based).

The contingent was composed of 400 members, including 100 dancers, 200 props handlers, and 100 instrumentalists. Their dedication, discipline, and teamwork resulted in a synchronized and culturally rooted performance that captivated audiences during the Sinulog Grand Parade.

 

My Most Memorable Experience as an Immersionist at Anda Pearl Premier Resort

 

My Most Memorable Experience as an Immersionist at Anda Pearl Premier Resort

by EJ Magadan

Some days, I felt both excitement and overwhelming self-doubt. Other days reminded me how hard work truly is and how I needed to push myself every single day. There were mornings when I woke up feeling tired and unsure if I could keep up with everything I needed to learn and accomplish. From talking to guests, washing dishes, asking help from my co-immersionists, to coordinating with the staff and the people around me—everything required courage. Still, I am glad I took the risk and was willing to learn everything I could.

It was challenging, to be honest, especially when I made mistakes because I lacked knowledge or failed to ask how things should be done. There were bad days and there were good days. By taking small steps, I began to feel that I was no longer doing things just because I was an immersionist, but because they were important and would help me in the future.

I am just an ordinary person with no special knowledge about this kind of work. At first, I felt out of place and doubted whether I could do it. However, with the people around me, I found the strength and courage to face something new. The good side of the experience was that everyone believed in me and was willing to help. The resort staff taught me many things—from learning how to be patient and kind, to always smiling at the people around me. Through this, I found ways to overcome challenges that had been a hindrance to me since my first day. As I worked through every challenge, relationships grew stronger, and tasks slowly started to become enjoyable.

Looking back to December 15, when I first started, I realized how much I learned and how much I grew. The challenges helped me become stronger and taught me how to handle difficult situations. I learned that you don’t need to be perfect at everything, nor do you need special talents or skills to work well. With hard work, perseverance, and commitment, every effort pays off. I am proud of everything I went through, and I could not have achieved this without the help of the people around me.

Both the good and bad days taught me that everything takes time and does not need to be rushed—it’s a matter of moving forward step by step. This experience taught me that a privilege like this is not about being inferior or better than others, but about using the opportunity to gain knowledge, learn from it, and make the most of every moment we are given.

 

Education Week: Building Knowledge for a Better Tomorrow

Education Week: Building Knowledge for a Better Tomorrow
By: Rhea Mae Torreon

Education Week is a special school event that celebrates learning, creativity, and student growth. The purpose of Education Week is to improve and enhance students’ skills in learning. It helps students grow not only academically, but also socially and creatively. It gives students the opportunity to present their skills in arts, science, sports, entrepreneurship, and performances. As a TVL student, it was an amazing opportunity for me to practice our skills not just socially, but also in critical thinking. It felt like real practice, especially since we are all preparing for our Work Immersion. It taught me a lot about cooperation, leadership, and teamwork.

My experience during Education Week on November 27–28, 2025, at Badiang National High School was truly unforgettable. I was able to help sell different kinds of street foods such as barbecue, chicken intestines, and chicken feet. The campus was full of energy, and it felt exciting to be part of students who had their own small booths. We also won Best Booth Award and Best Christmas Tree Award. It was very unexpected, especially because we were so busy and did not have enough time to prepare properly. The preparation was rushed, but thanks to the help of the HUMSS students, they managed to decorate our booth and made it one of the best booths on campus. Selling street food taught me a lot—not just about handling money, but also about being patient and responsible.

What made the experience even better was the teamwork and laughter with my friends. We supported each other, helped cook and serve, and enjoyed every moment even when things became hectic. Handling customers taught me how to be patient and more understanding during times of pressure. As a TVL student, I learned how to deal with difficult customers. Based on what I learned in my strand, it is important to empathize with customers and put yourself in their shoes. These real-world lessons are just as important as academics.

 

 

Reading with Faith: My First Time Serving as a Lay Liturgical Minister

Reading with Faith: My First Time Serving as a Lay Liturgical Minister

by Cristel Jane Gultiano

Serving for the first time as a Lay Liturgical Minister (LLM) was an experience that challenged my fears and strengthened my faith in God. At first, I thought it would be a simple task—just reading—but it turned out to be a meaningful moment that taught me that true service is not about performance, but about mission and calling. It is about offering oneself to God sincerely and wholeheartedly.

Putting on the Lay Liturgical Minister (LLM) uniform for the first time, I already felt nervous as I looked in the mirror, constantly reminding myself that I could do it. What ifs flooded my mind—what if I made a mistake while reading? What if I mispronounced a word? As I walked toward the church, my hands trembled and my pulse fluttered. However, knowing that my friends were beside me and that it was also their first time serving somehow gave me a sense of relief. I reminded myself that I was not alone in this journey.

When we arrived at the church, I composed myself and reread the First Reading, since I was assigned as the first reader. I practiced carefully and asked for clarification on the proper pronunciation of certain words to make sure I would read them correctly. A few minutes later, we proceeded to our seats. As I sat down, I looked up and saw the image of God. I silently prayed for guidance, hoping everything would turn out well. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths to calm my tense heart.

When the priest arrived, my attention shifted. I listened carefully and kept in mind everything I learned from our seminars and rehearsals. As we walked down the aisle and bowed before the altar, I felt my heart thump louder than ever. When I reached the podium, I heard nothing but silence. I looked at the people and began to read. As I spoke the first word, a thought flashed in my mind—read with heart. And so I did. With every word I read, I felt its meaning deeply, as if it touched not only my voice but every part of me—my heart, my bones, my spirit. It felt light in my heart.

When I finished reading, it felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted from me. I was deeply thankful that everything went well. I realized that despite my fear of speaking in front of many people, I was able to overcome it—not by my strength alone, but because I was serving God. Since I have the ability to read, I used it to share His words with others.

After the Mass, I came to understand that serving is not about performance or how one appears before others. It is a mission—a calling. This experience made me realize that serving in the house of God and serving God Himself is more than just standing and reading aloud in front of people. It is a calling that humbles me, gives me courage, and strengthens my faith. Through this experience, I learned that when service is offered to God, fear slowly turns into purpose, and even the smallest role becomes meaningful.