San Jose, is the capital of the Province of Dinagat Islands. Hometown of the famous Ecleo family. Why the name so familiar? It is because their father Ruben Ecleo Sr. have founded an association called Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA).
...Since being chartered in 1965, the PBMA has virtually turned the entire island into a fiefdom of the Ecleos. Upon the senior Ecleo's death in 1987 he was succeeded by his son Ruben Ecleo, Jr. Considered by followers to be a reincarnation of Jesus Christ, Ecleo has an estimated one million members in the central and southern Philippines. The PBMA has been referred to as a real benevolent by the BBC and the Manila Times. The Manila Times estimates the group has raised at least P35 million in entrance fees from its members since its founding.In this municipality also rise the beautiful Islanders Castle (mansion of the Ecleo) at the top of the hill that is km. ride from the port area.
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| View from Islanders Castle |
Adjacent to it, is their Holy Land (where the Mausoleum of Ruben Ecleo Sr. be seen). They say, a visit to the Holy land could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience unless if you become a member :) and they are correct. The place is well guarded by the security team and you cannot just ask to like visit or even see what's in there. I'm just so lucky to have joined with DA-Regional Executive Director and ATI-Director who have engineer-friend happens to design the castle. :) It's just a plain no-plan-trip for me.
