This is how we talk in Davao! The Bisaya word of the Day... Day 2

This is how we talk in Davao!

This is the word of the 2nd day:

This is the word of the 1st day:

Learn more Bisaya words and expressions here.

Silent world below sea level: Coral Garden at Talikud Island

Oh, hi down there!

Lately we discovered a new world - some 12 feet beneath the sea level. A world made of mountains of blue, white, green, yellow stony corals, sea anemones and zoantharias that are home to a various number of sea animals. Far away from the city we find the scenic, yet silent beauty at Talikud island: the Coral Garden.

Me and my sister Heidi

We signed up for a beginner's course at Carabo Scuba Diving Center for P850. We were taken with a boat at 9am at Sasa Wharf to the open waters near Talkid Island. This is a estimated boat ride of 45 minutes.

a beautiful pic by Blogie Robilio

When we first heard that the course might only take some 30 minutes, we were quite sad. But would you imagine, that time down there seems to stand still? It felt like an hour or more. I guess, being the first time down there sharpens your senses tremendously and all the impressions of colors and animals leaves you alarmed. All you want it to soak the vibrant view in.

Saying hi to Nemo and his family

Talking about breath-taking... The breathing aspect was a fight we had to battle within us. Carrying a heavy, full Scuba (which m Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) equipment did not make it easy at all. Good thing, a dive master accompanies one down and gives instructions per hand signs on what to do and what you are allowed to touch. The whole group was superbly instructed about what scuba is and how to use the equipment correctly. According to the dive master, there are two important rules we should keep in mind while being below the sea level: "breath and have fun."


We definitely had fun! And great shots to remember!

Around lunch time, we rested at a nearby resort with white sand on Talikud island. The food could be ordered ahead; at affordable Davao prices.

A downside of the trip, we were scheduled with the advanced divers. What should have been an undertaking in the morning, stretched til the afternoon. We arrived back at 4pm. I hope they could do such trips exclusively for beginners so that it does not become tiring.

Rating:

To inquire about scuba diving, get in touch with:

Carabao Dive Center
D1 F. Hermanos Bldg. Sta. Ana Wharf, Monteverde St., Davao City
call: 082 300 1092
or visit: http://cdc.e-davao.com

Pinoy tradition: the Christmas Parol

(photo credits)

We are the Land of Fiestas! I think - and probably all Dabawenyos would agree - that Christmas is the most celebrated of all holidays in the Philippines. To be honest, we might be even renowned in the world as a nation that loves to start this festive season as early as the "-ber" months hit the calendar. Then no one can escape the 'Last Christmas I gave you my heart', 'The Christmas song', 'Rudolph the red-nose reindeer' and 'All I want for Christmas' blasting out of the speakers and radios over and over again.

A vendor selling parols along the street (photo)

As early as then, I love seeing the vendors along McArthur Highway, Quimpo Boulevard, Roxas Boulevard and the side street of BSP Quirino, who are selling those beautiful Christmas lanterns as decoration. A Christmas without these illuminating the streets, buildings or bridges in the city of Davao, is not possible and unthinkable. It is a deep-embedded tradition which we love. What the Christmas tree is to the Westerns, is the Parol to us Filipinos.

Hundreds of white parols hung in the old acacia trees in Davao's Rizal Park.
(photo credits)

It is interesting to learn that these Christmas lanterns are also called "Parol" from the Spanish word "Farol". Farols evolved some time in 1928 from the five-pointed paper star lantern originally crafted by an artist known as Francisco Estanislao. 

A woman making a parol (photo credits).

Way back then, simple people used to build their parol with Japanese rice paper ("Papel de Hapon"), sticks taken from a bamboo tree and a candle that will be placed inside to light their paths during the Misa de Gallo (learn here how to make your own parol) The five-pointed stars originates from the bible when The Kings followed the Star to Bethlehem to find the Infant Jesus.

It also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos' hope and goodwill during the Christmas season.

A parol made of capiz shells (photo)

Nowadays, Parols look very different and come in different shapes and sizes. But generally, modern crafters still stick to the traditional pattern of a five-pointed star. They use plastics, woods, ropes, cellophane and other materials that are available. 

A Sea of Lights: Mana Davao

The Mana Davao or Mana Casa de Artes y Antiguas is one of the most anticipated, and a must-see spectacle in Davao City during the Yuletide season.

Bright colors, artistically crafted lights and glitters of the shop's facade draw thousands of Dabawenos and visitors alike to this spot in Lanang - even causing a traffic along the highway as people walking by, jeepney and taxi drivers and passengers  stop&look in awe at this enormous sea of dancing lights.

This year's theme went big displaying giant christmas trees with huge ornaments... Simply magical! Year after year, it is hard to believe how the event organizers can top this the next time.

Mana Casa de Artes y Antiguas opened in 1999 along J.P. Laurel, Bajada, and has a 3,850-square meter showroom of various arts, antiques and imported furniture mostly of hard wood sourced from Greece, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Korea, Pakistan, India, Indonesia as well as Turkey and some parts of Europe, as far as Central and South America aside Philippine artifacts.

Yes, this is real!

You can find it here:

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The tone sets the melody: Easy Commands in Bisaya!

photo credits

Here is a little collection of easy commands you may use during conversations. Here again, the tone sets the melody. If you say things the soft way, it sounds normal and inviting, while if you raise your voice and be firm in tone, it sounds insisting, angry or even taunting. So be watchful when using!


Come here!                    Dali diri!

Look! See!                     Tan-awa!

Listen!                            Paminaw!

Wait!                              Hulat!

Sit!                                 Lingkod!

Stand!                            Tindog! 

Stop!                              Para! (can be used for drivers)

Run!                              Dagan!

Be silent!                       Hilom! / Paghilom bhe!

Enough!                         Tama na! (f.ex. if somebody is giving you food)

Lets go!                          Tara na!

Sleep!                             Tulog na!

(the 'na' emphasizes the now-moment)