"The tranquility and beauty of nature sets me free and is refreshing for my soul."
Taking its pride of the Panagsogod Festival, we took our time to visit Sogod Cebu to witness the celebration. From Cebu North Bus Terminal to Sogod covers a distance of 75 kilometers; it took us 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Sogod Municipal Hall.
The word “Sogod” got its name from local visayan term “Sinugdanan”; it was inspired by Sogod’s little known history of being the borderline of black and White sand beaches in Northern Cebu. Sogod once merged with Catmon in the early 1900’s but gained their independence and was declared a municipality in 1921 with 18 barangays. (References: A Brief History of Sogod by Benjamin M. Montejo, SB Secretary, l980-1986)
First stop: Astronomical Platform 1929 Solar Eclipse Rock.
The concrete platform marks the place where the International Astronomical Observatory Post of the 1929 Total Solar Eclipse mounted the astronomical telescope as Sogod was the center of the eclipse. This is located at the back of Sogod Central School in Barangay Bagatayam. Nonetheless, it was an event that has been carved in the history of Sogod.
The Bagatayam Falls, located nearby Sogod Central School is one of the natural attractions that must be experienced when you visit Sogod. The water overflowing from the Binaliw Spring (also known as “Tubod ni Maria” – rumored as the enchanted water which heals the sick) is the source of the terrific view of the Bagatayam falls.
Towers to watch: RUINS OF TWIN WATCH TOWERS OR BALUARTE
Located in the front of the parish church, the two watch towers were constructed during the Spanish time to keep watch of the raiding pirates. What remains now are the ruins of one tower that of the other was demolished.
Expect the unexpected. I have never been so careless of my things until I almost lost my bag. I, so worried where I left my bag, got a chance to experience another adventure. Riding in a fast-breaking 2-wheeled vehicle almost left me daunted. I was very thankful when we retrieved the bag and even gave my precious lighter to the driver and some dough.
On the other hand, we never realized that the festivity will be held next week. We are definitely a week early upon going there. But we didn’t feel dismay. The sense of being there is already a festival for us.
It is time for us to unwind and chill at North Sky Beach Resort. Though the reception was unruly, but we had time chatting and chilling. ZETS kids had a wonderful time swimming in the pool while most of us were relaxing. ZETS family does have an enormous appetite for cultural/historical tidbits of knowledge and eco-adventure.
