Cebu-Bohol_Educational_Trip

C. SIDE TRIPS BOHOL We arrived in Bohol at five in the morning of October 26, 2012. It was an overnight trip from Cagayan to Tagbilaran City, Bohol. There was a bus and a van is waiting for us outside the pier. Inside the bus, we met our Bohol tour guide, Mang Anjo and the driver. We went first to Bohol Plaza for our breakfast. While we are traveling, Mang Anjo started sharing to us about Bohol. We learned that the nearest Island to Bohol is Panglao Island and the two islands are connected by two bridges, an old and a new one. Bohol Plaza is situated at the mountain top of Panglao Island, it can be seen even when you are still in Bohol. When we arrived in Bohol Plaza, we brought some clothes and toothbrush with us, then proceeded inside. It was such a wonderful view to gaze upon. We can see the overlook of Tagbilaran City and the sea. They have a pool, rooms, a transparent elevator and restaurant. We took many pictures and explore the place. Their foods are also delicious; you can get bread and rice at the same time, no limit. I just don’t like the steamed chicken hotdog, it taste awkward for me. We just regret it that we are not able to stay even a single night there even we already paid for it because of typhoon Ofel. After Bohol Plaza, we went to the historic Baclayon Church, the second oldest church in the Philippines and the oldest stoned church in the country and in Asia. It was built on 1724 and was declared as a National Historic Treasure in 1995 because it is considered the best preserved of its kind in the region. The church includes a small museum and has a 21 meters (69 ft.) high bell tower. We took pictures of the nature-made image of St. Pious in the outside wall of the church. Inside the church, they have lots of images and figures of saints, Mother Mary and Jesus. The altar is spectacle, it’s really high and they used pure gold in some part of the altar. The Baclayon Church is really a national treasure that Philippines must be proud of and take good care of. We visited next the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol. Carmen is 59 km to the north-east of Tagbilaran City. As we’re heading to Carmen, we passed by the town of Bilar. Bilar is is more or less 40 km to the North-east of Tagbilaran City. The road there is called “tina-I sa manok” or chicken intestines because it’s a winding road. Bilar is also known for its Mahogany man-made forest, a dark area of thickly reforested land on the way from Tagbilaran City to the Chocolate Hills. We also passed by the Ship house and stopped for a while in a souvenir shop. I only bought a t-shirt while my other companions bought lots of souvenirs. The shirt is enough for me and their souvenirs were so expensive even though they said it was the cheapest store in town. The Chocolate Hills is Bohol's most famous tourist attraction. The chocolate hills consist of 1, 268 hills. They are very uniform in shape and mostly between 30 and 50 meters high. They are covered with grass, which, usually in summer, turns chocolate brown in color. From this color, the hills derived their name. To enjoy the scenery of the Chocolate Hills, you have to climb the 214 steps of the stairs of one of the hills for a wonderful view. This is the best spot to enjoy the spectacular landscape of the famous Chocolate Hills. I enjoyed climbing the stairs; it’s a form of exercise. When I got to the top of the hill, I wished in the wishing well, throw a coin and rung the bell. I hope my wish comes true. We took many pictures; I ask my classmates to have solo pictures and join the group pictures. The next we visit are the famous Philippine tarsiers (Tarsius syrichta) in the Tarsier Conservation Area in Loboc, Bohol. Before we went to see the tarsiers, we were first briefed about them. I didn’t expect tarsiers were so small, 5-6 inches only and they look like a combination of rats and bats. We only watched them because we are not allowed to touch them. After watching them, we went outside and waited for our companions. After visiting the trasiers, we went to Poblacion Ondol, Loboc to have our lunch at the famous Loboc River Floating Restaurants. We got there 12 but we are scheduled 1:30pm so we need to wait. Me and my friends went inside the Loboc Church, the second oldest stoned church in Bohol. It’s also old and historic like Baclayon Church. It was past 1:30pm, we are all hungry and tired but we are still waiting for our boat to arrive. It was pass 2pm when we ate our lunch. I don’t like their food because they serve pork. I don’t have a choice because I’m so hungry so I ate; I only ate grilled fish, rice, buttered chicken and some fruits. After we ate, the boat started to cruise in a slow speed. The air was fresh, the water was clean eventhough its brown in color due to typhoon Ofel. We stopped for a while in a nipa hut along the river, there was a Rondalla and Dance Group composed of natives of the place. They played a couple of popular local songs and dances such as the Kuradang and Tinikling. We all enjoyed the 10 minute show and some gave small donations. After the lunch in Loboc, we went to the Sandugo Blood Compact Site in Tagbilaran City. The site of the monument offers a nice view over the Bohol Sea, with Panglao Island to the right and Pamilacan Island on the far left side. I stayed on the bus with some of my classmates because were so tired and we want to rest. Some tooks pictures and some bought somesouvenirs and delicacies such as the kalamay-hati. Last we stopped by is Dauis Church in Panglao Island. The well of Mother Mary is located inside the church, near the altar. It was believed that the water from the well can cure sickness and it is natural, no trace of minerals or salt water. I went back to the bus and get my bottle; then lined up to get water and gave some donations. We went back to Bohol Plaza for our early dinner. It’s only 5pm and we are still full but we need to eat because our scheduled trip to Cebu is 7pm. Me and my friend was almost left behind because we went to the bathroom to brush our teeth. Good thing, we got back before they leave. We rode 2go Supercat from Bohol to Cebu. I slept during the trip while the others watched the movie they played. CEBU We arrived in Cebu port at pass 9 in the evening. A bus and a van is our vehicle in Cebu. We stayed in Sarossa Hotel, which is located near the home of Ma’am Melody, the owner of the tour agency. We were divided into 5 persons per room and my roommates were Charles John Relampagos, Reymark Baldaba, Haron Bansilan and our muse, Resnieve Guinawatan. Our room is room 930 in the 9th floor of the hotel. The hotel is great; it has hi-tech facilities and most especially clean, offers great comfort and relaxation. The doors can be unlocked by cards given to us per room. The card is also used to turn on the power supply of the room. I was the first one to use the bathroom and I stayed for 5 minutes in the Jacuzzi. The water is too cold and I cannot adjust the temperature. After taking bath, majority went to IT Park to party while some stayed in their rooms and slept. We want to go to IT Park but sadly, the van didn’t pick us up so we went to Jollibee and ate. I enjoyed much hanging out with my classmates and friends and taking stolen pictures. The very next day, Ma’am Melody distributed our t-shirts. I don’t like it as well as my companions because the design is not suitable and it has computer science only at the print of the shirt, no information systems. It’s unfair! At 8am we had our breakfast at Ma’am Melody’s house. Then, we had our city and plant tour at the same time. We passed by the new bridge connecting Cebu and Mactan, Mactan Airport and Waterfront Hotel, and then went to PAGASA. Before we went in in the PAGASA headquarter in Lapu-Lapu City, we took pictures first for souvenirs. They conducted a seminar about what is PAGASA and it’s the functions; the equipment and facilities they used; safety measures and many more. The speaker is funny and we had fun listening and watching her presentation; we learned many things from her. Next we went to Lapu-Lapu Shrine or Magellan’s Monument in Lapu-Lapu City. I took lots of pictures in the monument and myself. I only bought a t-shirt that is printed with “I ♥ CEBU”. Mostly bought too many souvenirs, few even bought big native bags that look like bayong. I also bought a box of Sugbu otap for only Php300. After Magellan’s Monument, we went to Shopmart mall for our lunch. The place is crowded but their foods are really delicious even though they serve pork, majority of their meals are chicken, beef or fish. Their desserts and fruits are my favorite part of the meal. I really loved eating the apple slices. After the lunch, we went back to the hotel to pack our things. Supposedly, we will visit Innove Communications Inc. but we don’t have enough time. So instead, we went to KartZone in F. Cabahug Mabolo, Cebu City to go karting. Originally, I didn’t plan to go karting; I want to go to mall because I need to buy keyboard and mouse. But when I saw how cool, enjoying and exciting it is, I changed my mind. We had to wait for there are so many people who want to kart especially the Koreans. Luckily, me and my classmates were the first batch to kart in our group. We were ten in our batch, 7 are single riders and 3 with partner. At first, I’m so nervous but after the 1st lap, I started to enjoy it until it’s over. It’s really once in a lifetime experience and I enjoyed it so much. After karting, we had our dinner at Jollibee in front of KartZone. I enjoyed watching the street kids dance then gave them some foods. After dinner, we went in the bus and wait for our companions. Finally, we had to go home and set one last look to Cebu. We rode Trans-Asia boat from Cebu to Cagayan but this time bigger and we are all in the tourist mode. B. PLANT TOUR BRIEF HISTORY OF PAGASA  01 January 1865 OBSERVATORIO DEL ATENEO MUNICIPAL Prior to this date, meteorological observations were being made by the Jesuit Fathers. Tne systematic recording of meteorological observations started on this date.  28 April 1884 OBSERVATORlO METEOROLOGICO DE MANILA A Spanish royal decree recognized the observatory as an official institution of the government.  22 May 1901 WEATHER BUREAU Act No. 131 of the Philippine Commission established the Weather Bureau.  08 December 1972 PAGASA Presidential Decree No. 78 reorganized the Weather Bureau into the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and transferred it from the Department of Commerce and Industry to the Department of National Defense.  02 June 1977 PAGASA Presidential Decree No. 1149 amended PD No. 78. The amendments include the establishment of two additional major units. The Typhoon Moderation Research and Development Office (TMRDO) and the National Flood Forecasting Office (NFFO).  17 September 1984 PAGASA Executive Order No. 984 transferred the PAGASA from the Ministry of National Defense to the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) and also provided from certain changes in its structure.  30 January 1987 PAGASA Executive Order No. 128 mandated the reorganization of the NSTA now the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under which the PAGASA belongs.  01 January 1988 PAGASA Pursuant to Executive Order No. 128, the PAGASA was reorganized consisting of (5) major branches and three (3) support units. Mission The primary mission of PAGASA is to provide protection of life and property against natural hazards due to typhoons, floods, drought, giant waves, high seas, etc., to utilize scientific knowledge and information as an effective instrument to ensure the safety, well-being, economic security and improve the quality of life of all the people and the environment; and to promote national progress and contribute to regional socio-economic development through various applications of meteorology, geophysics and space sciences (including astronomy). Vision PAGASA envisions itself to be the center of: Excellence in its distinctive competence in meteorology, operational hydrology, climatology, astronomy and other allied sciences; World-class capability in monitoring, analyses, forecasting and warning of tropical weather systems such as typhoons, monsoons, Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). KEY OFFICIALS 2012) DR. NATHANIEL T. SERVANDO Administrator | | DR. FLAVIANA D. HILARIO Acting Deputy Administrator Research and Development | CATALINO L. DAVIS Acting Deputy Administrator Administration and Engineering Services | DR. VICENTE B. MALANO Acting Deputy Administrator Operations and Services | | ROBERT S. SAWI Officer-in-Charge Weather Division | DR. SUSAN R. ESPINUEVA Chief Hydrometeorological Division | |   | EDNA L. JUANILLO Officer-in-Charge Climatology and Agrometeorology Division | DR. CYNTHIA P. CELEBRE Chief   Research & Development and Training Division | |   | SYLVIA N. DAVIS Chief Administrative Division | LILIBETH B. GONZALES Chief Financial, Planning and Management Division | Engr. EDWIN F. MANRESA Officer-in-Charge Engineering and Technical Services Division | LEO L. BU�AG Officer-in-Charge PAGASA Regional Services Division - Northern Luzon | DR. LANDRICO U. DALIDA, JR. Chief   PAGASA Regional Services Division - Southern Luzon | |   | FREDOLINA D. BALDONADO Officer-in-Charge PAGASA Regional Services Division - National Capital Region | OSCAR C. TABADA Officer-in-Charge PAGASA Regional Services Division - Visayas | RICARDO A. MERCADO Chief PAGASA Regional Services Division - Mindanao |