CreativesLiterature, History, and Culture

Boljoon, CEBU: Where time stops and asks you stay a little bit longer

Boljoon, Cebu. (Photo taken by Mary Anne Velas-Suarin)

It was my friend, Chin, who mentioned Boljoon to me. Her mother hails from this quiet coastal town in Southern Cebu and the minute I laid my eyes on it, I had thought that her mother was one lucky woman, indeed. Boljoon is a sight to behold. It is that enigmatic smile that you just cannot forget, or that painting that won’t leave you, however hard you try.

Just the name itself intrigued me; it was a name that evokes of history and mystery. And so, when I had the chance, I dragged along my husband (who luckily hails from Cebu) and his wonderful Papa and Mama, and ‘Kuya’ Dale, who have all been so warm and sweet, enveloping me with the love of family, ensuring that this ‘adopted’ daughter of Cebu can laugh with the winds and play with the waves. Ahhh, this is truly a wonderful world. And there is a God.

These photos are shared with you with my deepest hopes that you, too, can visit Boljoon someday.

The blue skies and the wispy clouds, beckoning you to reach up and touch them. (Photo taken by Mary Anne Velas-Suarin)

Boljoon Church: One of the oldest (original) structures in the Philippines. (Photo taken by Mary Anne Velas-Suarin) The old church as night time approaches. (Photo taken by Mary Anne Velas-Suarin) Oh, the joys of youth! This moment told me one thing: there is authentic beauty in the simplest moments. (Photo taken by Mary Anne Velas-Suarin)

Boljoon asks you to think of the past, too, and know that there are treasures and memories left behind so that our present will hold more meaning. (Photo taken by Mary Anne Velas-Suarin)

I pray, I love, I laugh. Thank you, our Supreme Being. You are here on the tiles, on the ceiling, on art itself, and in the hearts of people, Catholics or not, just because you are LOVE itself. (Photo taken by Mary Anne Velas-Suarin)