I had a chance to go to Romblon, Romblon and be a part of the Pastoral Visit where his excellency Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc visited the Parish of St. Joseph Cathedral last thursday, July 12, 2008. I went along with my mom and aunt Gennie from Looc to San Agustin then to Romblon, Romblon on a pumpboat. Along the 45 minute journey, we saw a lot of dolphins playing in the area. Too bad it was far away for my camera to zoom in. Anyways, I enjoyed watching those dolphins jumping out of the water.

Thursday, June 12, 2008 was the official date or start of the visit where Bishop Tala-oc arrived in front of the Freedom Park. Earlier that time, my uncle priest texted me. My presence is needed there because I am the “photographer” of the said event. Undressed and busy from the days loading, I hurriedly went to the freedom park along with my camera. I quickly took shots of the bishop as he went through the park and into the street leading towards St. Joseph Cathedral. There’s a small parade for this event and I took shots of it as I walk. The mayor of Romblon, Romblon is also present in the parade along with Bishop Tala-oc and my uncle priest Fr. Jevic Pendon. I never been into taking shots of pictures as part of documenting the pastoral visit. So, I tried my best in capturing clear shots of the event.

I already did my part by designing the welcome banner printed on a tarpaulin last week. And I’m proud when I saw it last Wednesday hanging in front of the balcony, into the gate and one located in the freedom park.

Inside the cathedral, my shyness struck me. I can’t move freely from one location to another unlike outside when I’m taking shots of the parade. I’m still wearing shorts! Not that it is bad but you are a photographer taking pictures and yet I’m wearing shorts. I’m supposed to dress at little bit formal just for the occasion. But then, I was there standing inside the church nothing else to do but to accomplish my “job” documenting the event by means of photographs. So far so good. Relief.

Later that morning, I was asked by my uncle priest to come along with them along with the bishop to visit some neighboring chapels. Since I have the camera and I already documented the visit in the first place, why not the other visit in the neighboring islands? And so I agreed and that afternoon at 1 pm, we rode a pump boat going to Cobrador Island. I took shots before we left and while on travel. Romblon hosts a number of beautiful and exotic islands which I love to capture using my digital camera.

Reaching Cobrador Island, I was amazed by how clear the surrounding waters were. You can actually see the corals underneath. Arriving there, we were welcomed by the school children along with the Christian community there. Waving flags of white and yellow, it signals the warmth of acceptance. We walked to the chapel and started the discussions with the sole purpose of the pastoral visit.

Next, we rode a medium size fishing boat where a maximum of 10 persons can be accommodated. It took us 15 minutes to reach the next island of Alad. The place was spectacular. Same clear waters and breathtaking view of the beach. The townsfolk also welcomed us when we arrived there. They sing and cheer us as we made through the road leading to their chapel. After the visit, we went back to the main island of Romblon.

I’m glad I had experienced going from one island to another on the same day. Having to witness splendid view of the islands of Romblon and breathtaking white sand beaches. I hope to visit other islands of Romblon in the near future.