Cebu - The first Capital of the Philippines and last port visit of our Deployment!
31 October 2007
Crewmembers from HMAS Parramatta with some of the students from Looc Highschool, Lapu-Lapu City, after painting the school.
Cebu Island is one of 7107 islands that make up the Republic of the Philippines, with the capital, Cebu City being the oldest city in the country. Although Cebu province is relatively small in size, only some 225 kilometres from North to South, Cebu is the educational hub for two thirds of the Philippines.
Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines; it is the main centre for commerce, trade, education and industry, for the central and southern parts of the archipelago. It contains five-star hotels, casinos, white sandy beaches, world-class golf courses, convention centres, and shopping malls.
Although thriving on its own today, Cebu once served as a vital Japanese base during World War II. It was here the Empire of Japan was able to deliver crucial oil and supplies to the Japanese occupied colonies to the south.
In October 1944 the Allies realised the importance of Cebu and the surrounding islands to the Empire of Japan and commenced an operation in the Leyte Gulf, not far from Cebu. What occurred was the largest Naval battle in modern history and a significant victory for the Allied forces.
Upon entering the Philippines, Parramatta was met by Philippine Navy Vessel, Abraham Campo, embarking not only our pilot, but also the Defence Attaché to Philippines, CAPT Vic Jones.
Half way down the channel our destination became obvious with a large contingent of military personnel standing by and the military band deftly playing the Australian National Anthem.
Just as Parramatta was ready to pass her first line, the heavens erupted rather spontaneously. Unfortunately this ended the outdoor welcome ceremony before it had even started as the only undercover area barely sheltered the military contingent and band! With the torrential rain continuing, the Philippine welcoming party was invited into the dry confines of Parramatta's Wardroom to continue the formalities and a media interview.
The purpose of the visit to Cebu was to conduct Maritime Training Activity, LUMBAS. LUMBAS addresses maritime security concerns of both countries, as they face similar issues, including lengthy coastlines, and the challenges of inter-agency coordination of maritime security.
Parramatta hosted a reception for Philippine Military personnel and local dignitaries during the visit. In attendance was the Governor of Cebu, Ms. Gwen Garcia, the first female Governor of the province.
The Supply Department once again excelled, providing the guests with a fine sample of Australian and local foods, skillfully prepared by Parramatta's chefs. The delicacies offered such as kangaroo and crocodile struggled to keep up with the demand as the locals relished the simple and tasty treats.
A Ceremonial Sunset capped off a fantastic evening, with the guests delighted by the proceedings. The RAN band contingent reciprocated the anthem played during the welcoming ceremony by playing the Philippine National anthem with perfection.
ABCIS Ross paints one of the school buildings at Looc High School, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Some of Parramatta's crew had the opportunity to visit a local primary school and take part in a goodwill sports day against the Philippine military. A team of 35 personnel spent the day painting an entire primary school with the local kids, with some of Parramatta's more technically able individuals conducting some much needed repairs. The group delighted in their contribution to the local community.
JWAC Ph. 4, SBLT van Neutegem with students from Looc High School, Lapu-Lapu City after painting the school.
Defence Attache to Manila, CAPT Vic Jones, talks with students from Looc High School in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines.
During the visit basketball and volleyball were played against the combined military team. Unfortunately, the Parramatta's team was winless going down 102-86 in basketball and losing 2 games to 1 in volleyball.
Although defeated in the sporting competition the team was treated to a traditional Boodlefight feast provided by the Philippine Naval Forces Central. Local foods from throughout the Philippines were put on show, much to the delight of Parramatta's weary sports men and women.
The Philippine official reception was held at the Philippine Headquarters Naval Forces, not far from the primary school visited by the crew earlier. Equal to the task, our Philippine hosts provided a beautiful banquet with some of their own local delicacies. The suckling pig and customary dishes provided much delight to the group.
Once the official part of the evening was over our group was soon witness to some of the best Karaoke singing we'd seen during the whole deployment. Not to be outdone, the Commanding Officer of our Escort ship also happened to be an excellent solo guitarist and singer as well; it was a fantastic night of entertainment.
Encouraged by our hosts, some of our seasoned deployment karaoke singers gave it their all in a valiant attempt to equal the superb vocals of our hosts. Although not in the same league, their efforts were well received!
The departure ceremony was simple and warm; our hosts were sorry to see us depart and although Cebu was our shortest port visit it was a very enjoyable way to end our deployment.
Although it was our last international port of call, Cebu will not mark the formal end of our North East Asia Deployment. The final port for our deployment will be HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, in late October. For many onboard however, transiting the Lombok Strait, between the island of Bali and Lombok, will signify the end of our deployment. The Lombok Straits will be where we leave the sheltered and smooth seas of South East Asia and head out into the open seas of the Indian Ocean.
