Catanduanes (Mis)Adventures IV: Bato Church Service

I love to see the locals start their week coming together here at Bato.

I’m fascinated with the beauty of old colonial churches scattered around the archipelago. The Bato Church in Catanduanes is different. I already saw this on my way to Puraran and I want to photograph this church with the locals. So I intentionally attended the service although I’m not Roman Catholic.

I’m amused by the message of the priest, delivered using their native tongue. I don’t understand it but I believe it’s a source of hope for the congregation. The music coming from the back was heavenly and all I did was to reflect and pray. What a perfect way to start the day.

Is this an adventure? We will see…

I sat down and tried to understand what the priest was saying

At the Belfry overlooking the river beside the church

When everybody left the church, I sneaked in and went upstairs to the belfry. It was freaky as the bats begin to make sound, but I’m decided to take pictures of the church bells. The squeaking bats are louder than ever, good thing its not dark.

I am amazed at this structure so I took some more time to inspect and touch it with my bare hands.

I noticed that the walls made up of coral & mortal stones are greened by moss. Its actually wet, questions is does this make the structure stronger? When I checked the outer walls, it’s like virgin forest teeming with plants, ferns and vines.

Notice the church interior walls, its all greened by moss

My Tweet: attended chuch service at Bato… amazed at the stone structure, reflects the resiliency of the people.

You can follow me on Twitter @journeyingjames

The church coral walls covered with moss and ferns

After several tries, thanks to the 10-sec timer!

Going back to Midtown Inn (where I checked-in) was about a 20minute tricycle ride. As usual, its raining and I was a bit wet when I arrived at the guesthouse. Seems like my plans to go to TwinRock Resort is down the drain…. What I did was just a stay in my room, sleep and watch TV. What a nice way to “explore” this island. hahaha

Abaca fibers on the road en route Virac

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How to get to Bato Church

Option 1: Take the tricycle going to Bato at the Tricycle terminal for Bato near Midtown Inn. Fare P17.00

Option 2: Take the bus going to Baras at the bus terminal near Sea Breeze, near the port. Fare Less than P20.00

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Catanduanes is here

***Catanduanes (Mis)Adventures is a 6-part series of blog posts of my jaunting in the easternmost part of the Bicol region, happened last January 7-10, 2011. Find out how this “series of misadventures” become a memorable one.

CATANDUANES (MIS)ADVENTURES: Battered But Blissful / A Frustrated Surfer Wannabe / A Cancelled Bike Ride / Bato Church Service / Tourism Gone Bad / Accommodations for Backpackers