⌛ Royal Sibulan

Sibulan Ahoy.
Ma-ayong adlaw. This is James Calbog calling from London. Belated congratulations to Mayor Tony Renacia for winning the last election, though unopposed. That was great. And to his Vice-Mayor Maning Diputado, and who would think he would win against the incumbent. Well, Maning.... I'm warning you. Heh! Heh! Heh! I think I know some of the councillors. One of them is my pag-umankon. The great Councillor Banquerigo. Yeah!! That's my boy. Temmie I heard you were selected to represent Sibulan and Negros Oriental for some contest in the Mindanao region. I did not know you have some talent. Keep it up mate. I don't think I will play mahjong anymore. It's dragging the town and making its locals lazy.
Well, until then folks. See you around.

 

Hello James and welcome. I am so pleased someone here in the UK that is from Sibulan. Well, I'm not really from Duma but got a slice of land owned by Mrs. Jo Ng adjacent to her property where the 35ft Virgin Mary grotto is. I miss the PONG, BUNOT, PANINGIT, ESKALERA, TODAS....ALAI..... HEHEHEHE

 

Hello Chrissar,
The grotto you are refering to must be the one in Ma-init, belonging to former Mayor Jariol and there is magnificent house on top of the mountain. Beautifully built. Where about are you in the UK? Aha! But that must be my land you bought.......I think.

 

No, No, No. She has a "Lady's Garden" , a well manicured garden in front of the newly built Chicken Inato by the Sea. Here's a picture of her garden.

 

And just across the road is her Chicken Inato by the Sea. Have you been away for awhile? It's all changed since we bought a parcel of land from her.

 

Hi James!!

I don't know if you still remember me. I was still small when you left Sibulan. I am Boyette (dips?). my ancestral home was just a stone's throw from your house (in front of the bansalan's). Your baby brother Nick2, the late Joel, Boybans, the late Rockie, Tyrone (Tito), JobVills were my barkada then.
Am presently based in South New Jersey. Prior to this, i was in NY for several years. I haven't seen you for ages!! The few times you went home, I was in manila with my family. If you get the chance to visit the US, especially the East Coast, do tell me. I'll be your self-appointed guide. Just in case, here is my email address: boyetted@gmail.com.

 

Chrissar,

Yes I'd been away for 30 years. But I just been home, well last year. I saw that Grotto. That must be in Mai-nit. Not Ajong. A nice area though. Quiet and civilized. But you are here.
Thanks for those pictures. They are just beautiful and clear.
Do tell me where you are residing now.

 

Boyette,

I've just sent you an Email. Some details there.
Have you been home yet? Well it's true. Ive spent over half of my life in London. I tell you what, I am really enjoying it.
Next time I fly to the USA, I'll give you a tinkle.
I visited Jocelyn Sabolboro in New York. The first time we
met for over 20 years. And she was tiny as well when I left in 1972.

If you just been home, don't you find Dumaguete's transport a disgrace. When I went shopping, I couldn't cross to the other side of the road.
A nightmare.

 

I'm currently in Newcastle, North East of England. The Lady's Garden is in Ajong and across the National Road is the newly built Jo's Chicken Inato by the Sea just near to the Dream Park and a minute or two walk away to the Seaforest Beach Resort. Got a place uphill. The other grotto you mentioned is a little bit farther away. You must know Josephen Ng.... who owns the Chicken inato restro in the city.

 

Hey James,
Thanks for your email. Will be responding to it when i get home from work today. Am going to attach a few photos and they are in my laptop.

The last time i came home was about 3 years ago. Yes, i feel the same way as you do, a nightmare indeed, it is. Dumaguete has really prospered, but unfortunately, the infrastructure like roads and the transport system have not adapted to the changes. I would say the good old means of transportation which we had way back in the 70's (tricycles) is already outmoded. I think it is the main cause of the chaos in the streets (not to mention the motorbikes zipping and zigzagging anywhere and everywhere). The urban/city planners of Dumaguete have to address this problem before it becomes worse - for surely it will worsen especially since one mall is reportedly under construction (and maybe more in the years to come).
Enough said. I just feel sorry for the city's residents and from the neighboring towns and cities who have to contend with this chaotic situation every day of their lives.