Journeys
San Joaquin's Camposanto, Bayluhay & Pasungay
Let's go to San Joaquin, Iloilo's southernmost town, some 53.50 kilometers from Iloilo City. The town has a lot to offer in terms of natural, historical and cultural tourist attractions. But San Joaquin's best attraction of all is its people ---simple, charming and always have time to be friendly.
San Joaquin is in the main thoroughfare of tour itineraries in Iloilo. As a Professional Tour Guide I have guided tour groups including those composed of foreign dignitaries to the town and found joy in explaining to the visitors the various points of interest found in this southern Iloilo gem. The town's municipal tourism officer is a gem of a lady herself, Erlyn Alunan, who is known for her efficient and hardworking ways. She is my palangga in San Joaquin.
The Parish of St. Joachim under Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Manuel Sevilla, Mayor Ninfa S. Garin and the People of San Joaquin, Iloilo have invited Atty. Helen J. Camarista, among other guests to the Blessing of the Camposanto on Saturday, January 13, 2007 9:00 o'clock in the morning. I plan to go there, too.
The Camposanto is one of the points of interest in a San Joaquin, Iloilo tour itinerary. You can't miss it as it is perched on an elevated portion along the highway before you reach the town proper. The Camposanto's position commands an exhilarating view of the shoreline across the road. It is located about a kilometer from San Joaquin Church. I've included it in many of my tour commentaries but I consider my visit to the place last November 1 as the most memorable because I went to the grave of someone special to a special someone at that time (read then).
This space will not be enough if I dealt on the details of the Camposanto. Maybe in future issues after the blessing I can add a little more about this interesting place.
The Municipality of San Joaquin will celebrate its annual municipal fiesta on January 15 to 20, 2007. Theme of the celebration is "Rediscovering San Joaquin, Paving the way to the new Centenary". Mayor Ninfa S. Garin in her invitation letter said activities lined up for the celebration will showcase the talents, abilities and intrinsic aspect of true San Joaquin spirit. The Bayluhay Festival tribe competition will be on January 19, 2007 at 10'o'clock in the morning where eight competing tribes will feature the different rituals as living traditions of the town. The Pasungay (bullfight) will be on January 20, 2007 at 9:30 in the morning.
Let's go to San Joaquin and celebrate culture, meet old and new friends, take tsokolate nga cacao or simply just have fun.
See you there!