BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

JOHN THE BAPTIST was born of Elizabeth and Zechariah, who were both advanced in years. He was given the name John which means "God is gracious", for God has given a miracle baby to aged parents. He grew up strong in spirit and lived in the desert like a hermit in preparation for his mission to prepare the coming of the Messiah, his cousin Jesus Christ. John was baptizing people in the Jordan River as a sign of their repentance.  He even baptized Christ.  Then he introduced Christ to the people: "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."  Later on, he was imprisoned for having criticized the king who was living an adulterous life. Then on the birthday of the king, Salome, daughter of Herodias, asked for the head of John the Baptist. So the king ordered John to be beheaded. John gave his life in defense of God's command: "You shall not commit adultery."



(Painting: John the Baptist by Murillo)

KAWASAN FALLS IN BADIAN, CEBU

Last June 20, Sunday, my friends and I went to Kawasan Falls situated in the town of Badian, about 100 kilometers from Lapu-Lapu City.  It took us about 2 hours and a half to reach the place.  From the highway where we got off we had to walk for about ten minutes to reach the waterfalls.  Along the way we saw women washing clothes in the river and people who came from the Falls.  We also passed by a hydraulic electric plant that provides electricity to the vicinity. There were already some people swimming, eating, riding on the bamboo raft when we arrived.  After a little rest after a good lunch of lechon, posó, fried chicken etc. we rented a bamboo raft and went under the waterfalls... Amidst shouts of joy and camera clicks we underwent a hard "water massage".  Later on, some of my friends went up to the second-floor where there are three waterfalls and they swam and took pictures.  The whole afternoon spent in that place far compensated the long trip... Here are some photos of that beautiful place called Kawasan Falls....