Karansa: Danao Festival 2009

I have mentioned before in my previous post entitled Danao Mountains that one of my closest friends lives in Danao and every so often during our college days we always hang out in their place and have “sleep-overs” and stuff. When I reminisce over the funny (and of course, happy) memories during our reunion last December 2008, I just can’t believe that it was already almost a year since we’ve last seen each other.

This year, we went back to Danao, not just for another reunion but also to be a part of Danao’s 2009 Festival. And of course, one of the highlights of any festival here in the Philippines is the street dancing In Danao, they name it “Karansa”, which means to dance, be merry, and celebrate! It’s lucky for us that our friend’s place is just by the main road so it was just easy for us to see the Karansa ;)

Nevertheless, I wasn’t able to take many good pictures as I found it very difficult, what with all the “extra” people loitering around, LOL. I managed to take a few good ones though; fortunately it wasn’t too crowded, unlike that of Sinulog ;)

Here's one contingent with a very colorful costume.


And another one with a some kind of a "seashell" theme :)



I like the costume of this group. It's like in "Ati-atihan".


Here's another colorful theme. And if you notice, they are carrying coconuts on their backs. So cute! :)


Yup, another colorful theme, lol! Wait till you see their "Festival Queen"! ;)


And right here you can see another contingent with, um yeah, a colorful costume :P


Here's a contingent with an ancient Filipino costume, adapted during the Spanish colonization.


Here's one thirsty dancer ;)


Okay! So, why don't we take a look at their "Festival Queens".
This one walked so fast! I wasn't able to take a pic of her colorful front.


This is one of my favorites. I like the peacock concept of her head dress :)

A closer look. Never mind the water tank guys, lol!


I didn't take a closer pic of this one. I wanted to emphasize her beautiful background.


Here's a unique one. A silver queen ;)



This one's so cute as well, with some hanging rice (puso) in her wagon (or as what we cebuanos call "karomata").


And here's my most favorite. I think she's the prettiest of them all :) That's why I placed her close-up pic at the beginning of the post ;)


And here are photos of one of my favorites in any street dancing - the props!






Okay, here are some blooper pics, LOL! Told ya it was difficult to take a good shot :D

This would have been picture-perfect, if it weren't for that towel-covered head! LOL!


This guy's forehead almost took up the entire photo! ROFL!


Oh well, this wouldn't be a good picture anyway coz it's kind of like off-balanced but still, the nature-spring-and-tampico-juice-bottles-with-peanuts tray ruined the whole artistry of the picture... :) Hehehe, well, can't blame it though, nor the guy bringing it :)


That's it guys! Till next Karansa!

Can-Asujan Hardfill Dam, Carcar Cebu

We Cebuanos all know that Carcar (another one of the oldest towns in the south of Cebu), is famous for its sumptuous chicharon, tasty lechon, crispy ampaw, delectable bukayo, and high-quality affordable shoes. This time, Carcar is giving us another reason to visit her not only for food and shoes but for nature as well -- the Can-Asujan Hardfill Dam. It is said to be the "Second Highest in the World and The First of Southeast Asia".

Last August 6 was the Charter Day of whole Cebu province, a special non-working holiday for all Cebuanos, and what is best to spend a holiday? An out-of-town escapade! Decided at the last minute, my friends and I immediately packed our bags and headed for an exhilarating adventure! Well, kinda ;)

We took a bus at the South Bus Terminal and traveled for about an hour and a half. One of my accompanying friends just live in Carcar so it was no hassle for us to take our lunch first (ehem, the tasty lechon) and relax a little before going to the dam.

The dam is nestled between two mountains. And I would like mention it again that it is said to be the "Second Highest in the World and the First of Southeast Asia". *wink*

This dam is not just a place to hold the water. It also has some cottages where you could get to relax under a cozy shade while sinking in the beauty of nature around you. The only problem is, you need to cross the bridge first in order to get there!


As most of you might already know, I am acrophobic. Thus, the whole trip on the bridge was like suicide for me! I can still feel it -- the tension and anxiety that felt like my whole guts would go up to my heart and out of my mouth! The whole time, I grabbed on to the railing and NEVER, ever looked down…Don’t be deceived by that smile! My heart was racing the whole time I crossed the bridge…back and forth!!!

Here's a view of the dam below as seen from the bridge. No, I'm not the one who took that picture! I asked my boyfriend to do it for me. LOL!

Here, you can see some locals fishing below the dam. This dam is actually rich in fresh water fishes such as Tilapia.


It was indeed relaxing when we reached the cottages. It was very peaceful. The only sounds we hear were the chirping of the birds and occasional mooing of the cow =) and of course, our loud noisy voices :D

View from the cottages:


Yup! Never EVER dare go swim in the dam! The depth of the water is like 5 or 6 stories high! As the sign says, DELIKADO (dangerous).

Till next post you guys! Take care now!