Nestled on top of a knoll in the center of the town poblacion of Basey is the beautiful old church of St. Michael Archangel. Old as in centuries old as it was built in 1591 by Jesuit missionaries who were parish priests in Basey until 1768 when the Augustinians took over till 1795 which saw the Fransiscans come in. First saw this magnificent church almost a year ago when I was doing a recon of the route for the TC2BS ultra marathon. My impression was that this was a citadel that provided security, not only in spiritual terms, but also in physical terms to the townsfolk of Basey.
Knowing our history during the Spanish times, this fortress-like church would have provided much-needed sanctuary for the people from the marauding Moro pirates. In the more recent times of climate change, this robust church provided a safe haven against the ravages of natural calamities. I digged up a well-written article by former Jesuit turned social activist Denis Murphy that talked about how the Basey Church provided refuge for the town residents during Supertyphoon Yolanda.
Knowing our history during the Spanish times, this fortress-like church would have provided much-needed sanctuary for the people from the marauding Moro pirates. In the more recent times of climate change, this robust church provided a safe haven against the ravages of natural calamities. I digged up a well-written article by former Jesuit turned social activist Denis Murphy that talked about how the Basey Church provided refuge for the town residents during Supertyphoon Yolanda.
 |
| The location map of the St. Michael Archangel Parish Church. It occupies the center point of the town. |
 |
| Angel statues surround the church. |
One of the "kuyas" of TOES-Basey is fellow CC2AC finisher Gray Bateo. The Bicolano Penguin had a chance to interview him about the Basey Fiesta Run. Here is our Q&A:
------------------------------------------------------------
BP: What is the purpose of the Basey Fiesta Run?
Gray: The primary purpose of the event is to raise funds for the improvement of church facilities. Identified project is the renovation/repair on the platform of the retablo (altar) which is already old, and dilapidated and about to collapse. Secondly, to promote healthy lifestyle among Basaynons by encouraging them to venture into running, jogging or walking. And lastly to invite runners from different places. Promoting our tourism, showcasing the beauty of the famous Sohoton National Cave.
 |
| The altar of St. Michael Archangel Church. |
 |
| The mural on the ceiling of the church. |
BP: What are the distances in this fun run?
Gray: 21K, 5K, 3K and 1K kiddie run/fun walk for senior citizens. 3K and 1K are limited to Basaynons to give them opportunity to get the top 3 prizes.
BP: Do you have fun runs in Basey often or is this the first time there is a fun run in Basey?
Gray: Yes. One Step One Heart One Run, a 30K event was held last 2014 after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda to raise funds for a certain high school campus. Sometimes, Basey Runners Club and Basey Joggers Club hold fun runs before fiesta exclusively for Basaynons.
BP: Who are the organizers of this fun run?
Gray: This is organized by TOES-Basey and Basey Joggers Club. TOES Basey is a group of marathoners and ultramarathoners from Basey affiliated with TOES-Tacloban, where the main members of the organization belong.
BP: Who is your contact person with the church?
Gray: Rev. Fr, Rolando "Bloi" Guiuan and Rev. Fr. Andres Espiritu.
BP: Are they joining the fun run?
Gray: Yes. They are already registered.
BP: Is the Basey LGU supporting the fun run?
Gray: Yes it is.
BP: Is the race registration still open? Will there be an onsite registration during race day itself?
Gray: Registration is already closed though a lot still want to register. We are considering selling race bibs only to accommodate them. As of this date (Sep 18), we have 143 21K registered runners while almost 300 runners are entered in the 5K, 3K and 1K categories. No more on site registration.
-------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| Representatives from the various organizing entities... |
 |
| ...meeting on the Basey Fiesta Run. Photo courtesy of Gray Bateo (TOES-Basey). |
Good luck to all the runners of Basey Fiesta Run. Congratulations to all the volunteers from the various organizing entities - Basey Joggers Club, TOES-Basey, Basey LGU and the parish community.
Maupay nga Patron!
 |
| The Bicolano Penguin in front of the altar during his visit to St. Michael Church last Nov 2016. |
No comments:
Post a Comment