A Good Friday “Pana-ad” to the Guadalupe Shrine in Balubal, Cagayan de Oro City

              

It was Good Friday, April 4, 2026, and thousands of Roman Catholic devotees gathered at the entrance of the route leading to the Guadalupe Shrine in Igbalayan Hills, Barangay Balubal, Cagayan de Oro. The entrance was manned by police, local government employees of the city and private volunteers who were ready to assist the devotees on their journey. For the devotees, their activity is termed “pana-ad” or doing act of penance on Good Friday.                                                                                                          

 

                

Right through the entrance is the Agusan River (not to be confused with the Agusan River of Butuan City and the Caraga Region). Over the water are two ropes, one for the shrine-bound devotees, and the other for those who returned from the shrine. Those ropes are intended for people who have difficulty crossing the river without something to hold old on as they wade through the river. There were devotees though who could easily cross the river alone without anything for support. Crossing the river carries some risks especially to some individuals such as the elderly because of the large stones in the water. A fall to the water with the head hitting a stone could be dangerous.

Going to their destination, the devotees walked along the course of Agusan River that winds into a long stretch of valley. Farther ahead, they passed by gorges with cliffs on either side of the valley. In most cases the floor of the valley is stony. Along the way are bamboo grooves and trees which provide shelter to them from the hot summer sun.     

 

                                               

The distance of the route from the entrance to the shrine is estimated to be 4 to 4.5 kilometers, so that a two-way trek to the shrine will be about 8 to 9 kilometers. Walking on the ground under the heat of the sun was not a difficult thing to do considering the vegetation there is in the valley, and that there is not much higher ground to negotiate because the slope of most of the ground in the valley’s floor is not steep. The difficulty lay in crossing a river with a winding route full of large stones in the water. Although the river is fordable, there are portions of it with a waist-high depth and currents that are strong. Elderly devotees were sometimes assisted by younger people to help them make it to the other banks of the river. Because of the winding course of the river, devotees must cross the river nine times to reach the shrine. In other words, they must make a total of 18 river crossings throughout their trek.

As they proceeded to their journey, devotees made stopovers at the Station of the Crosses which were positioned along the way to their destination, which is the shrine. There, they lit candles and prayed before proceeding to the next stations. Devotees could not be short of food and water because there were vendors who catered to their needs all along the way.

 

   

                                                                                                                                                               

The ninth crossing of the river was the pinnacle of the devotees’ trek. Beyond the river is the sight of the Chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The chapel is perched on a hill and is accessible from the ground through stairs. The top of the hill is also the location of the 14^th and last Station of the cross which is just outside the front of the chapel. Again, before the cross, the devotees lit candles and prayed. They completed their penance with an entry into the chapel to pay homage to the Virgin of Guadalupe and make their vow and supplication to God during one of the most religious days of the year.

Old Butuan: An Early Civilization in the Philippines

 

Gold Tara 

The polity of Old Butuan was one of the most advanced societies in the pre-colonial Philippines. Its influence extended beyond its present-day location, reaching areas to the east, west, and deep into the south. At the heart of this thriving settlement was the Agusan River—the third longest river in the archipelago—which served as a vital lifeline for trade, food, and transportation.

Butuan flourished between the 10th and 11th centuries CE and was ruled by a rajahnate influenced by Hindu-Buddhist culture. However, rather than fully adopting these religions, the people of Butuan incorporated selected traditions while maintaining their indigenous animist beliefs. This blending of cultures contributed to a unique and distinct identity among the many polities of the archipelago.

A Thriving Trade Hub

Butuan was an active participant in regional trade networks, engaging with China, Champa, Srivijaya, and other Southeast Asian and South Asian polities. It exported valuable resources such as gold, beeswax, timber, animal skins, horns, and tortoise shells. In return, it received ceramics, porcelain, silk, jewelry, iron tools, and weapons.

Chinese records from the Song Dynasty referred to Butuan as Pu’tuan, highlighting its importance in international trade. Notably, Butuan once sought equal diplomatic status with Champa. Although initially denied, this request was eventually granted during the Yuan Dynasty, demonstrating Butuan’s growing prestige in the region.

Geography and Natural Wealth

Butuan’s geography played a crucial role in its development. The Agusan River, with its many tributaries, provided abundant food sources such as fish and other aquatic life, while surrounding forests served as hunting grounds.

Further south, the mountainous regions—home to the river’s headwaters—were rich in gold deposits. Over time, gold sediments were naturally carried downstream, making them accessible along riverbanks. Early inhabitants used panning techniques to collect gold, eventually mastering the craft of transforming it into intricate ornaments and jewelry.

The Gold Tara and Artistic Excellence

One of the most remarkable pieces of evidence of Butuan’s advanced craftsmanship is the Gold Tara—a 12-centimeter, 21-karat gold figurine weighing about 2 kilograms. Dating back to the 9th–10th century, it was discovered in 1917 along the Wawa River in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur by a Manobo woman named Bilay Campos.

Today, the artifact is housed at the Field Museum in Chicago. Although some scholars once speculated that it was imported, studies by F.D.K. Bosch concluded that it was locally made, likely inspired by artistic styles from the Majapahit period. The piece reflects both local skill and regional cultural influences.

Masters of Boat-Building

Photo by Sargoth under Creative Commons

The interior forests of Butuan provided abundant timber, essential for building homes and boats. With the need to transport goods and people, the inhabitants developed advanced boat-building techniques.

They constructed balangays—plank-built wooden boats assembled without nails. In 1970, archaeologists discovered the remains of 11 balangays along the Masao River in Butuan City, dating from 689 to 988 CE. These are considered the oldest known wooden boats in Southeast Asia, highlighting the technological sophistication of early Butuanons.

A Center of Trade and Culture

Archaeological discoveries in Butuan—including artifacts from Southeast Asia, East Asia, and beyond—confirm its role as a major trading hub. These findings show that Butuan was not only an importer of goods but also a key exporter, actively participating in a vibrant maritime trade network.

Decline and Changing Power Dynamics

The arrival of Islam in the 14th century reshaped trade in the southern Philippines. Emerging powers such as the Sultanates of Sulu and Maguindanao established extensive trading networks, reducing the need for direct trade with smaller polities like Butuan.

Later, Spanish colonization shifted economic power to new centers such as Cebu and Manila. With Manila established as the colonial capital, centralized governance diminished Butuan’s autonomy. Over time, it lost its prominence as a major center of trade and culture.

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Conclusion

Old Butuan stands as a testament to the sophistication of pre-colonial Philippine societies. Through its strategic location, rich natural resources, skilled craftsmanship, and active participation in regional trade, it emerged as one of the earliest centers of civilization in the archipelago. Though its prominence declined over time, its legacy continues to shape our understanding of early Filipino history.

 

What Was the Philippines Called Before the Spanish Era?

 

For this blog, I will refer to the pre-Spanish Philippines simply as “the archipelago.” In the distant past, the archipelago in Southeast Asia that is now known as the Philippines was already active in trade with other ancient civilizations such as China, India, Vietnam, Japan, and the various kingdoms of the Malay Archipelago.

Trade was not a one-sided affair. Local polities such as Butuan also sailed to trade with other regions like Borneo, Malacca, Sumatra, and Java. Although many places in the archipelago were visited by Chinese and other Asian traders, several ports stood out as major trading destinations in the pre-colonial era.

Maynila and Tondo

Maynila, now known as Manila, was an important trading port. Foreign traders often referred to the surrounding region as Luzon, which appeared in foreign records as Lucon, or Lusong. The name is believed to come from the Tagalog word “lusong,” a wooden or stone mortar used for dehusking rice.

Maynila was a rajanate situated along the Pasig River and maintained close ties with the Sultanate of Brunei. Nearby was Tondo, another major trading center frequently visited by Chinese merchants.

Ma-Yi and Mindoro

The island of Mindoro may have been referred to by Chinese traders as Ma-Yi (also spelled Ma-I, Mai, or Mayi). This place was recorded in documents from the Song Dynasty (960–1279) and later in the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368).

Ma-Yi was also mentioned in records connected with the Sultanate of Brunei. However, some historians propose that Ma-Yi might instead have been located in Bay, Laguna. Local traditions in Mindoro also say that the island’s old name was Mait, a name used by the indigenous Mangyan people.

Sugbo (Cebu)

Sugbo, now Cebu City, was another important trading rajanate and a central hub in the Visayas. It traded with neighboring polities such as Butuan and with merchants from China.

Historical records also suggest dynastic connections between Cebu and Butuan. For example, Rajah Humabon of Cebu was related to Rajah Siagu of Butuan. A Chinese work written in 1225 called Zhu Fan Zhi mentioned a place called “Suwo,” which historians believe referred to Cebu.

9th Century Gold Tara found near Agusan River

Butuan

The polity of Butuan in northern Mindanao was a prosperous and gold-rich trading center with strong Hindu-Buddhist cultural influences. Chinese records from the Song Dynasty referred to it as P’u-tuan, showing that it was already an international trading port by the 10th and 11th centuries.

Butuan possessed one of the most advanced societies in the archipelago before Spanish arrival. Its people were highly skilled in gold craftsmanship and boat building, producing large wooden vessels known as balangay. These boats traveled throughout Southeast Asia and even reached Champa, located in present-day central Vietnam.

Sulu and Maguindanao

In the southwestern part of the archipelago were powerful Islamic states such as the Sultanate of Sulu and the Sultanate of Maguindanao. These sultanates actively traded with merchants from China and other parts of the Malay world.

One notable historical figure was Paduka Pahala, a ruler of Sulu who traveled to China and died there on October 23, 1417 while visiting the Ming emperor. He was buried in China, where his tomb still exists today.

Trade in the Archipelago

Chinese merchants were among the most active traders in the archipelago. They brought goods such as porcelain, ceramics, silk, jewelry, iron tools, and weapons.

In return, local communities traded gold, pearls, beeswax, rattan, timber, animal skins and horns, tortoise shells, and other natural products. At the time, paper money was not widely used, so most trade was conducted through barter.

Independent Port States

The major trading ports mentioned above were regarded by foreign traders as separate political entities, each independent from the others. They were not part of a unified state covering the entire archipelago.

Each polity had its own ruler—often called a datu, rajah, or sultan—and their own customs and traditions. Communities were organized into barangays, which served as the basic social and political units. These polities sometimes formed alliances but could also become rivals depending on political or economic interests.

The Arrival of the Spanish

In 1521, the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, sailing under the Spanish crown, reached the islands of Leyte and Samar. He called them “Las Islas de San Lázaro” (the Islands of Saint Lazarus).

Later, in 1542, the Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos named these islands “Filipinas” in honor of Philip II of Spain, who was then the Prince of Asturias. At first the name referred only to Leyte and Samar, but later Spanish authorities applied “Las Islas Filipinas” to the entire archipelago.

Later Names of the Country

During the revolution against Spain in 1898, the Malolos Congress proclaimed the country the Republica Filipina (Philippine Republic).

After the Philippine–American War, the United States referred to the territory as the Philippine Islands. In 1935, it became the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

Finally, after independence from the United States on Philippine Independence Day (1946), the country officially adopted the name Republic of the Philippines, which remains its official name today.

The “Maharlika” Misconception

Some people claim that the Philippines was once called Maharlika, but there are no reliable historical records supporting this claim.

In pre-colonial Tagalog society, maharlika referred to a social class of freemen or warrior-nobles, not the name of a country. The idea of renaming the Philippines to Maharlika appeared much later during the 20th century, but it never gained widespread support.

Conclusion

Before the arrival of the Spanish, the islands that now form the Philippines did not have a single unified name. Instead, foreign traders referred to the specific places they visited—such as Ma-Yi, Lusong, Butuan, Cebu, and Sulu—rather than to the entire archipelago.

The modern territorial concept of the Philippines emerged later during the colonial period, when European powers such as Spain, Portugal, Britain, and the Netherlands established political boundaries throughout Southeast Asia.

In this sense, Spanish rule helped shape the geographic and political framework that eventually became the modern Philippine nation.

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Valleys in the Philippines

 

Cagayan de Oro River Valley

One of prominent landforms is valleys which are low ground between mountains or hills or a low passage between higher lands and slope in one direction along their entire length and tend to be longer than wide. They are created by water from rain or runoffs. Because water seeks its own level, it always flows downward towards the lowest ground. As it moves downstream, the water also takes with it soil, rocks and sediments. Over time, these processes create river valleys. In the Philippines valleys are usually “V” shaped.

Upper Cagayan de Oro River Vallley

In the upper river valley, fast-flowing water cuts through a channel, and in the middle part of the river the water meanders across a broad valley creating a curved path and in the lower river valley the water flows across a flat plain to empty into the sea or fan out into a delta. Since time immemorial river valleys are important to man because the river provides him water to drink, and the plants, fish and animals that thrive in the river are his sources for food. Soil and rock sediments that are washed downstream and along the river provide him with precious minerals like gold and others and the soil that is washed along the banks makes fertile ground that stimulates agriculture. It is for these reasons that early civilizations such as Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Chinese and others developed along great river valleys.

A valley in the middle of this picture

A valley can have a small or narrow space between two high grounds although its stretch may be long. It can also be in low elevated area between two high grounds or high up in the mountain or hills in the middle of a slope. A valley can also be a tract of land with large area though its high grounds between it are far apart. Examples are Cagayan Valley and Compostela Valley.

The scenic Mangima Canyon

Aside from the river valley, there are also other kinds of valley. One is the canyon which is a deep narrow valley. The difference between a canyon and an ordinary valley is that the higher sides between the low areas of a canyon are very stiff, such as a cliff. Another is a gorge, a kind of valley which has a narrower width and deeper than a canyon. The latter is also larger than a gorge. And there is a ravine which is a type of valley that is shorter in stretch, narrower in width and shallower in depth than either the gorge or the canyon. A ravine is found in the forest, hillside, or sloping land. It can have a small stream or rainwater.

The floor of the gorge covered with vegetations

One of the sides or walls of the gorge

Waters falling down into a river valley

Some valleys are scenic or a spot for those who love nature adventures. Examples are the Mangima Canyon in Bukidnon and the Macahambus Gorge in Cagayan de Oro. In addition, some beautiful watercourses such as waterfalls are also within the valleys. Some maps, especially topographic maps that are used by the military or campers, show valleys and other terrains. Prominent valleys are also used as point of reference in navigation.

Landmark Legislations Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Senate of the Philippines

 

At present both houses of Congress have deliberated on several proposed measures that could significantly impact the social, political, and economic landscape of the Philippines. Among the most notable are the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, the Party-List Reform Bill, and the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act. If enacted into law, these measures could become landmark legislations under the administration of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and form part of his enduring legacy. They may even represent a “wave of the future” in Philippine governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and political reform. Importantly, these bills are not intended to target or malign specific politicians. Rather, they are designed to promote the common good of the Filipino people by strengthening democratic institutions and minimizing corruption.

1. Anti-Political Dynasty Bill (House Bill No. 1297)  

The proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Bill seeks to prevent a small number of families from monopolizing political power through their name recognition, political networks, and financial resources. Its primary objective is to provide equal opportunities for qualified and deserving candidates to run for public office, particularly in positions traditionally dominated by political families.               

At present, different versions of the bill remain pending in both chambers of Congress. One major point of debate concerns the allowable degree of consanguinity and affinity—essentially, how closely related individuals may be before they are prohibited from simultaneously or successively holding elective office.                                                                                                                                            

Opponents argue that some political dynasties have contributed significantly to the growth and prosperity of their communities. They contend that it is unfair to bar individuals from seeking office solely because they belong to political families. Ultimately, they argue, it should be the voters who decide. While these arguments carry weight, it is also true that not all dynasties are alike. In some cases, entrenched political families maintain their dominance due to electoral conditions that favor them, including allegations of vote-buying, political patronage, and even digital manipulation of election results. Such irregularities, which may involve millions of pesos, undermine the integrity of democratic processes.                                                                                                                                      

Corruption remains a complex issue rooted in human greed and systemic weaknesses. While legislation cannot eliminate corruption entirely, reforms such as the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill may help reduce its prevalence by promoting political competition and accountability.

2. Party-List Reform Bill (House Bill No. 1559)

The 1987 Constitution introduced the party-list system as a mechanism to ensure representation of marginalized and underprivileged sectors in Congress. Under this system, party-list representatives comprise 20% of the total membership in the House of Representatives.                                        

Initially, the system functioned as intended, with representation from labor groups, farmers, and other marginalized sectors. Over time, however, critics argue that political dynasties and wealthy elites have managed to circumvent the spirit of the law. As a result, individuals who do not genuinely represent marginalized sectors have gained party-list seats through financial resources and political connections.                                                                                                                                                                     This development has led to public disillusionment with the party-list system. Some have even suggested abolishing it. However, because the system is enshrined in the Constitution, its removal would require constitutional amendment.                                                                                                

The Party-List Reform Bill aims to correct these systemic flaws and restore the system’s original purpose. By tightening qualification standards and improving regulatory mechanisms, the reform seeks to make the party-list system more credible, transparent, and faithful to its constitutional mandate.

3. CADENA Act (Senate Bill No. 1506)                                                                                                

The Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act was proposed by Bam Aquino in response to public outrage over alleged misuse of public funds, including controversies involving flood control projects.                                                                                       

The core objective of the CADENA Act is to require all government agencies to upload their budget allocations and expenditures to a centralized digital government portal. This would allow stakeholders—including ordinary taxpayers—to monitor in real time how public funds are being spent.                 

The proposed system would utilize blockchain technology. In blockchain systems, data entries are grouped into “blocks” that are distributed across multiple nodes (computers) within a network. Once verified and approved by the network, a block is permanently added to the chain, making the data secure, transparent, and resistant to tampering.                                                                                         

By implementing blockchain for public expenditure tracking, the CADENA Act aims to enhance transparency, reduce opportunities for corruption, and strengthen public trust in government institutions.

Conclusion                                                                                                                                               

The Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, the Party-List Reform Bill, and the CADENA Act represent significant reform-oriented initiatives under the current administration. While each proposal faces legal, political, and practical challenges, their overarching goal is clear: to improve governance, promote accountability, and ensure that democratic institutions serve the broader interests of the Filipino people.                        

If enacted and effectively implemented, these measures could indeed become landmark legislations and help shape a more transparent and equitable political future for the Philippines.

Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act

The flood control project scandal in 2025 exposed the alleged massive corruption committed by high government elected officials, heads of government agencies such as the DPWH as well as private contractors in government funded projects. The alleged corruption was done through money received as commissions from project funds that resulted in sub-standard, unfinished, and ghost projects with estimated losses to the government amounting to hundreds of billions of pesos. People marched in the street to protest. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the issue by ordering an investigation to make those responsible persons answer for their acts.

Massive outpouring of protests from the people also led to demands for reform measures to curb corruption. In relation to it, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV filed Senate Bill 1506 called Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act.

Under that act, budget allocations by different government agencies are uploaded in a digital portal through a blockchain which is a technology wherein data such as a transaction is added to a computer network, and a block representing that data is created. Then the block is broadcast to all the nodes or computers in the network. Each node participant chooses to approve or deny the new block. If approved, the new block is added to the chain permanently. Blockchain technology is thus a system for recording information in a way that is secure, fast, transparent, and exceedingly difficult to change or hack. It prevents fraud and unauthorized activities.

CADENA Act mandates the full disclosure of government transactions through the establishment of digital budget portal to enhance transparency, accountability, and public participation in the Philippine budget process which make the use of fund verifiable even by ordinary citizens. The verifiable data includes the amount of allocation, the contractors, the cost of materials, time stamp, procurement records, project details and other pertinent information or records regarding the use or history of the budget flow.    

The bill which is certified as priority legislation by Pres. Marcos already passed the third readings in the senate on December 16, 2025, with 17 yes votes and no negative or abstention. However, the lower house has yet to pass their own version of the bill.      

In a related development, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through Secretary Henry Aguda committed to implement the bill within just one budget cycle once it is passed into law.     

In overview, CADENA Act orders all government agencies to upload all their budget allocations with their related documents on a verifiable digital platform that is secured through blockchain technology to make it accessible to the public. Government officials who fail to comply may face administrative and criminal penalties. The passage of this law by both houses of congress and its final signing by the president will significantly minimize corruption in government offices.  

                           

Valentine’s Day Celebration in the Philippines

 

Saint Valentine’s Day is observed on February 14 all over the world. It is also called the Feast of Saint Valentine. One legend says that Saint Valentine defied an emperor’s order and secretly married couples to prevent husbands from being sent to war. For this reason, his feast day became associated with love. It is also believed that he was either a priest from Rome or a bishop of Terni in Umbria, Italy.

In the Bible, there is no clear basis for celebrating Valentine’s Day, and its historical origin remains uncertain. There are many legends and different versions regarding Saint Valentine’s life. Although the Catholic Church recognizes him as a martyr, his commemoration is low-key, and churches are not required to celebrate a special Mass on his day. Valentine’s Day is neither a church-declared nor a government-declared holiday. In the Philippines, it is largely a secular celebration.

Valentine’s Day is a time when lovers and loved ones express their affection through greetings and gifts. Saint Valentine is sometimes symbolically associated with Cupid, the Roman god of love. The heart symbol, traditionally believed to represent the seat of emotions, is also strongly connected with love. Both Cupid and heart symbols are commonly linked to Valentine’s Day.

Many people—especially unmarried young people and single adults—hope to have a Valentine partner. Lovers, married couples, family members, and even friends exchange gifts such as greeting cards, chocolates, and flowers. Red roses, which symbolize love and beauty, are especially popular. White roses symbolize purity or affection, while yellow roses represent friendship. During this season, the prices of flowers—particularly roses—usually increase. Chocolate remains one of the top gifts given on this day. In modern times, many people send greetings through the internet, such as via Facebook Messenger and other social media platforms.

In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is also a popular time for married couples to renew their wedding vows. Many barangays and city halls organize free mass weddings for hundreds of couples, complete with music and small giveaways.

Shopping malls are favorite destinations for couples celebrating Valentine’s Day. Popular activities include dinner dates, buying chocolates and flowers, and watching live Valentine’s performances or special premieres. Restaurants often offer Valentine meal promotions or candlelit dinners for couples.

Parks and public plazas are also popular, especially among lower-income couples who want a pleasant and peaceful place for personal conversations without spending much money.

Hotels, lodgings, and inns are among the most popular places during Valentine’s Day. Many are fully booked even before February 14. On the day itself, it can be very difficult to find available rooms. Some upscale hotels offer romantic Valentine packages that include an overnight stay and dinner. These places are frequented by married couples, long-term partners, and young sweethearts. While there may be instances of illicit relationships, such behavior is generally not socially or religiously accepted among Filipinos.

Valentine’s Day is not only about romantic love. It is also a time to express love for family and friends. In schools, children exchange greetings and small tokens. At home, families prepare special meals and share them together. Parents may give gifts or treats to their children, and siblings exchange simple expressions of affection.