BEAUTY and BEYOND
(Barili Cebu)
The Town's Name
There are various legends about how the town got its name. During Spanish times, the town was alternately called Barili and Barilis, a variety of fish common in nearby waters, from which the place probably derived its name. One of the legends, however, became the officially accepted story in the resolution passed in 1908 by the Barili Municipal Council..
Here's how the legend goes..
A long time ago, in a tiny bit resting on a small plateau, there lived a couple. Near their home was a tree entwined with a vine locally known as 'balili'. One summer day, as a couple was taking a break from work under the shade of the tree, a group of Spaniards on an exploration trip of the island came upon them. After greeting the couple in a sign language, one of the Spaniards toying with the leaves of the vine. He had never seen such a plant in his homeland. The Spaniards, however, more curious about the place they had wandered into, and so on one of them asked: 'Como se llama este lugar'? (What is the name of this place?). Not understanding the strange tongue in which they were being spoken to, and assuming that they were being asked for the name of the plant in the Spaniards hand, couple answered 'Balili".
The name stuck and, in time, became Barili, which was easier for the Spanish tongue to pronounce. (Ms. Azucena "Baby" L. Pace, 2009 Edition)
Now, let's explore some tourist destination here in Barili, Cebu
The Town's Name
There are various legends about how the town got its name. During Spanish times, the town was alternately called Barili and Barilis, a variety of fish common in nearby waters, from which the place probably derived its name. One of the legends, however, became the officially accepted story in the resolution passed in 1908 by the Barili Municipal Council..
Here's how the legend goes..
A long time ago, in a tiny bit resting on a small plateau, there lived a couple. Near their home was a tree entwined with a vine locally known as 'balili'. One summer day, as a couple was taking a break from work under the shade of the tree, a group of Spaniards on an exploration trip of the island came upon them. After greeting the couple in a sign language, one of the Spaniards toying with the leaves of the vine. He had never seen such a plant in his homeland. The Spaniards, however, more curious about the place they had wandered into, and so on one of them asked: 'Como se llama este lugar'? (What is the name of this place?). Not understanding the strange tongue in which they were being spoken to, and assuming that they were being asked for the name of the plant in the Spaniards hand, couple answered 'Balili".
The name stuck and, in time, became Barili, which was easier for the Spanish tongue to pronounce. (Ms. Azucena "Baby" L. Pace, 2009 Edition)
Now, let's explore some tourist destination here in Barili, Cebu
MANTAYUPAN FALLS
Long time ago, there was this so-called 'Giant Octopus' (mantalaga/mantaga) who lived in a spring. This giant creature is seated in a big rock and was the one who controlled the flow of the water. If he gets angry, there will be a big flood in the town. So what they did was, they made some offering (a traditional Filipino culture) for it will be calm.
This waterfall is a 98 meters high and was one of the most highest falls in the entire province of Cebu. In this place, you can enjoy rafting and taking pictures (of course) of the great view.
BOLOCBOLOC SPRING
This is a spring that contains three (3) elements, namely Carbon, Iron and Sulfur. Thus, it can help and can cure some skin disease/illness.
MOLAVE MILK STATION
If you are going bound to south e.g Moalboal or Badian, Cebu, you are going to see this station in Barili Cebu where you can experience or taste their fresh cow/goat milk. They also serve gelato ice cream, cheese and some other dairy products. This area is a great stop over for every traveler/tourist.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Since Philippines was colonized by Spaniards, Americans and others (as you've learned in the history), Barili before has so many ways of living that includes on how and what kind of life they had. Cultural heritage is also one of the main tourist destination. It is where you can see those legacy of physical artifacts, places and objects. These are inherited from past generations and maintained/preserved for the benefit of present future.
So, here are some examples of Cultural-heritage in Barili Cebu.
AMERICAN HOSPITAL
It became a Hospital during the American regime and in 1980's it was converted and became the farmer's training center.
HOSPICIO DE SAN JOSE
It is a philanthropic institution that is established by Don Pedro Cui in 1924 to serve as a home for the aged indigents. This was the first of its kind in the province. This is still functioning and if you want to have a tour in there, you have to book first before a month.
SALAY HERMITAGE
It is an hermitage church led by an "Hermitanyo" (an old man) Mon. Señor Eti. He can do healing process and others. This church is placed in a mountainous part of Salay. While exploring the area, there is this one place, a cave, where you can also go inside. As we interviewed one of the brothers in there, he said that during 12 midnight, the Mon. Señor went down to that cave and locked-down himself and prayed. The place is very satisfying and subtle to visit.
