Satellite Images of Baao

Here are various satellite images of Baao taken from Google Earth. Click on the links below: Riconada District * Baao Poblacion * Baao Catholic Cemetery * Baao Central Public School * Baao Lake * Baao Parish Church * Baao Public Market * Baao Train Station * Diversion Road * Ramirez Residence * Agdangan * Buluang * Del Rosario * La Medalla * Salvacion * San Francisco * San Isidro (Oras) * San Jose * San Juan * San Nicolas * San Ramon * San Vicente * Santa Cruz.

A poem for the Centennial Birth anniversary of Luis G. Dato

A Poem for My Home

I’m home in my own little patch of heaven,

a simple clump of cool peaceful green

encircled by blue horizons and air

interrupted by cream-colored concrete

toasted warm by the vibrant sun

and chilled in the pale orange evenings.

From its skies shower fragrant drizzle

that stir like the poems of Luis Dato,

or buffet like storm and lightning

worthy of the compatriots of intrepid Barlin.

Thus here, scattered among its days

are brave heroes and wise men born

By its lakeshores today as long ago

a determined people carves out a living

as they would a kingdom,

themselves prince and princesses

and lords and ladies with castles on the hill.

They would sit barefoot in the dewy summer grass

and watch at the end of day, their children, the slow,

steady flowering of their dreams.

Then shades of evening roll over

the oranges yellows and purples of a fading sunset

darker now under the waxing moon,

at the moment in shadows never alone,

in this little heaven we have known.

The Uglification of the Town Plaza

The rapid development of Baao has brought about contrasting results (see Images of Baao). On the one hand, some historical sites have been renovated (e.g., the Barlin Monument). On the other hand, some areas have deteriorated (e.g., the Town Plaza).

The town plaza used to be a spacious green park in the middle of the town. But now the area has been considerably reduced by new structures built there by the municipal authorities. The result is congestion. Moreover, some parts of the park have become a junkyard for cars and machines, etc. Food stalls have been allowed to squat on the public domain.

Before, at any vantage point in town one can see the beautiful mountain ranges of Caranday and the lofty peak of Ki-Agang, But now, the view is partially blocked by the high roof constructed over the social hall and the basketball court. Even the municipal building can no longer be seen from afar.

Baao sorely needs of a town planner who will take into consideration the environmental needs of the community… someone who can keep the town GREEN and CLEAN.