Marinduque: Chasing the setting sun and crossing bridges at Gasan
Gasan Crossing but not meeting
Our jeep raced through the major highway of Marinduque coming from Sta Cruz. It was already late and we were hoping to get back at the resort by sun down. We sped through the Island capital of Boac and soon crossed the borders to Gasan. Our driver may have miscalculated the time or it took use quite some time taking pictures of each area as it was already past 5pm. The sun was going down fast and I knew we won’t make it in time.
Gasan Reyes Park Sunset Splendor
We reached the town center of Barangay Dos in Gasan where our jeep stopped by a gas station to refill its tank. I suggested to Oggie and Allan that we just take pictures here since we won’t make it back to the resort in time and make do of what we can have here. We got down and walked the town boardwalk which is Reyes Park. Gasan which is right smack in the middle west of the island shares a bit of history. It was in Gasan when the Japanese forces first landed in the island in 1942. it was also here where the combined forces of the US and Philippines army landed and conquered the Japanese on what would be known as the Battle of Marinduque in 1945.
Gasan Bridge A Careful Crossing
Right at the end of Reyes Park is an old hanging footbridge where a river flows freely to the sea underneath. This old footbridge which serves also as a landmark connects to the Barangay Dili on the other side of the river. We were in a hurry to find a nice spot to shoot the setting sun that I wanted to cross the bridge fast. It was scary, as the bridge was worn out. The wooden foot panels already have uneven spaces and part of one side of the bridge already has loose rope connections which keeps the bridge in balance. I scuttled carefully to the other side.
Gasan Twilight Waiting by the sea
Seeing the bridge against the deepening twilight blue sky evokes a strong symbolic impression to me. The foot panels, the web of strings strung together to keep the bridge hanging. Maintaining the connections between two separate worlds. One side projects development and the other side decay. Would a decaying bridge be a symbol of hope or a crumbling foundation? Will this bridge be build with greater stability or will the people be contented to walk in fear and worry that each step, they might fall. The answer lies in waiting.
Gasan Up up and down down, curious eyes watching
The sun dips in faster than we expected. The community on the other side of the bridge are mostly a cluster of shanties facing the sea. The karaoke music was blaring in the air. Children were soon crowding to were we are, making the scene more of a mess really than scenic. Each curious as to what we were doing there.
Gasan Bridge Quiet Crossing
As I leave and got myself ready to cross the bridge again, I hear some kids asks me why don’t we take a picture of them this time. It shows again the penchant of Filipino’s love for cameras. As much as I liked to do portraits, it was near dark already and should be going our way. I threaded the bridge carefully again, not helped by the strong rocking motion of the people coming from the other side. The sun has finally settled and crossed the bridge to find our jeep nearby.
Tags: Bridges, Gasan, Marinduque, Parks, Sunset
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Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 at 1:13 am 
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November 26th, 2008 at 3:58 am
And I thought I had seen the best photos you had taken. These are breathtaking snaps. The composition is fantastic on every photo. I could just imagine how much more you could have taken if you stayed another 24 hours in the island. This is a fab short trip.
November 26th, 2008 at 6:33 am
oh yeah, how much our driver miscalculated the trip going back to gasan.
but i think you did justice to the opportunity presented to us.
the reflection shots are killer snaps. and i love the way you interpreted
the symbolism of that rickety bridge.
November 26th, 2008 at 10:14 am
best part of the day, i think kahit we were not in the planned place
November 26th, 2008 at 10:32 am
I like the photos. Very dramatic.
But my favorite is the first photo 
November 26th, 2008 at 10:53 am
very very nice, napaka dramatic and artistic ang dating
November 26th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
ang galing ng last pic bro. panalo.
November 26th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
killer shots. tama si photo cache, these are breathtaking Ferdz! ang lupet nung first shot, parang 2 in 1. Minsan, naikuwento kita sa boss ko, my enthusiam got the better of me that i recommended that we take you as one of our lecturers in a photography session that we’ll conduct next year. shempre mag-seat in ako para madami akong matutunan sa’yo, hehe. i hope the activity pushed through. will email you the details once it’s settled. sana.
November 26th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
ganda ferdz! galing talaga ng eyes mo sa mga ganitong kuha. love the 1st and last pic.
November 26th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Breathtaking photos Ferdz – the place is really beautiful and no words can actually describe it …
November 26th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
great shots,no matter what angle!..i just admire photographers capture pictures and turn them into works of art..excellent!!!
sir ferdz, can i add you in my bloglist?thanks..
November 26th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Many thanks Photo Cache! We still have the next day to explore so there’s more to come on this series
Thanks Oggie! I just thought how unfortunate those people on the other side of the bridge who have to contend with this everyday. Hope the local government can fix it.
Haha. Onga Allan. At least this time sumikat yung araw kahit papano.
Thanks Karla! I like the first photo as well.
Salamat Travis! Asan na Thailand photos mo!
Thanks Oman.
Haha. Naku Rayts! Maraming salamat. I’d be honored to share what I know, if ever. Sana di lang kalokohan maturo ko. Hehe.
Salamat Eric. As much as possible I try to incorporate stories in each angle. Importante ang drama sa akin sa photos hehe.
Many thanks Kyels. The place may not be a top attraction but it has it beautiful moments.
Hi Aquamarine! Many thanks for dropping by. I’d be grateful for the link
November 27th, 2008 at 3:34 am
the pictures of the bridge is really cool
November 27th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Nice images as usual… my favorite is also the first one!
November 27th, 2008 at 11:39 am
beautifully captured during sunset ferdz.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:43 am
great photos, ferdz! (but what else is new? hehehe!) seeing these reminds me why i am into these (expensive) hobbies
December 7th, 2008 at 7:48 am
ang galing ng silhouettes!
December 8th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
you’re such a PRO!!!!! i loved it….galing!
December 16th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
ang gaganda ng silhouettes ah. =) though it looks like the bridge is about to give up. =)