Towns and cities in the Philippines typically have plazas that are, more or less, surrounded by interesting and significant edifices. And among these cities, The Heritage City of Carcar in Cebu island is no exception.
The town plaza of Carcar is enclosed mainly of historical, governmental and educational establishments; most famous of which is the church of St. Catherine of Alexandria.
Nonetheless, this post is meant to put the spotlight over those nearby places that are not quite well-noticed. Moreover, this will put emphasis on the fascinating and not so fascinating (it all depends on you) stuff that you may see once you get to pay a visit there.
It begins here. :))
Click the images to enlarge
Date Taken: October 23, 2011
Location: Carcar City town plaza, Carcar City, Philippines
The Plaza Portal
The way to Carcar’s town plaza is a bit pitched, but all types of vehicles, as well as your feet, can manage passing through it effortlessly. :)
Carcar Plaza
The middle portion of the plaza contains a garden well-shaded by some types of trees. Benches are available for the convenience of those who are tired of walking, and those who just love the idea of sitting. LOL.
Virgin Mary on Top of the World
...and in the middle of that garden stands this image of Mama Mary carrying Jesus on top of a spherical object (which, if I may presume, is the world). The statue’s label is damaged though, but I think it states “Birhen sa Barangay” (“Virgin of the Barangay” in English). “Barangay” refers to the smallest political unit in the Philippines.
City Hall of Carcar (Suroy Suroy Sugbo Version)
Located at the left side of the plaza (if you are standing at the façade of St. Catherine Church) is the City Hall of Carcar. In this pic, the front of the building is festively decorated so as to set the mood for the “Suroy Suroy Sugbo” tourism program of the provincial government of Cebu. Translated in English as “Visiting Sugbo (other name of Cebu)”, the program has attracted a lot of foreigners and Filipinos to come to numerous tourist destinations scattered throughout the province.
Upland Elementary School
Locally known as Paaralang Elementarya ng Upland, this educational institution was established in 1905…that’s during the occupation of the Philippines by the United States of America. The school per se is an antique.
“Dagkot”
“Dagkot” is the Visayan term for the act of lighting candles for the purpose of communicating with God and other entities in the Roman Catholic realm. When one ignites a candle, he/she would then say a prayer. The prayer usually includes words of thanks to God and most especially, wishes. Some Catholics also place their hands towards the smoke emitted by the candles, as it is believed to provide protection and good luck.
Dagkot Candles
And these are the candles that you may use as you do dagkot. They are commonly available in front of the church, either from independent candle vendors or the church’s store. These candles are priced from 2 to 10 pesos, depending on size. Dagkot candles may then come in various colors; each color signifying a meaning. Some of them candle vendors know it so, try to make inquiries as you buy. :)
Candle Purveyor
This woman here is one of the hardworking entrepreneurs that you may find walking around the plaza selling candles. I encourage you to buy one or two candles from her. :)
Sending Prayers by Lighting Candles
For convenience, dagkot candles are placed on this mesh when they are lit. Now you can say your prayers without getting burns and blisters. Ha!
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