sea and few bathers. However these too have plenty of detritus and flotsam – for the most part seaweed and vegetation from the coconut palms which line the shore. The beaches are almost completely undeveloped, so no facilities, and there are several large private properties which are built close to the shore line. Attractions Private facilities which are open to the public include: Casa de Antiguedades – This is a private house whose owner is happy to show visitors some of the artefacts and objects he has collected over the years. No entrance fee, but a contribution to upkeep is appreciated. Oboob Mangrove Garden – established by the residents of brgy Oboob, the garden offers visitors a tour into the mangal forest along an elevated bamboo trail. St Helena Botanical Garden shows off a selection of exotic flowers and fruits. Bantayan Nature Park – (2012) place does not (yet) live up to its name. Cockfighting As is common throughout the Philippines, 'sport' is synonymous with cock-fighting. There is a large sports centre (cockpit) on the road to Santa Fe, which attracts a large clientele in Sundays. In addition, puroks can have their own arena, usually just a piece of land set aside for the purpose. Festivals and processions The Holy Week observance attracts large numbers of local and foreign tourists to the foot processions on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, when life-sized images and icons are mounted on carrozas (floats) decorated in a carnival style that depict various tableaux of Christ's Passion and the Stations of the Cross. Palawod is another festival held 29 June in honour of Sts. Peter & Paul . The street dancing and ritual showdown competitions which depict the fishing traditions of Bantayan have contributed to Palawod's being the 3-times Grand Champion of the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals. Sinulog takes place at the end of January, when there are ten or more days of noisy celebration. Notable personalities Archbishop John F. Du – current archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palo in Leyte Trizer D. Mansueto – historian Gallery See also List of political families in the Philippines Political dynasties in the Philippines References Sources Further reading External links [ Philippine Standard Geographic Code] Municipalities of Cebu