MT. APO, PUSAN POINT MILLENNIUM SUNRISE QUEST RAINDRENCHED
Davao City, Jan. 2, 2000 - Thousands
awaiting a spectacular first sunrise of the new millennium, viewed from
the top of majestic Mt. Apo and along the rocky shores of Pusan Point in
Caraga, Davao Oriental were instead greeted by rain and cloudy skies. For
once, many were sorry that the weather bureau predicted the weather correctly.
As forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical Services administration (PAGASA), an inter-tropical
convergence zone in the area concealed the much-awaited sunrise.
"There was nothing we could do about it. The
situation was beyond us already. It was practically raining the whole night
and add it to the fact that there were also lightning and thunderstorms,"
said Dr. Bernardo Soriano, local chief of the PAGASA, who was at Pusan
Point since Friday afternoon.
Sunrise was expected to appear on Mt. Apo at
5:43, and in Pusan Point at 5:45.
Those who climbed Mt. Apo in a bid to get a
glimpse of the first sunrise of the millennium were also frustrated by
the heavy downpour and the thick clouds.
The trek was organized by North Cotabato Gov.
Manuel Piñol.
Soriano said the rains also dampened the cultural
show organized by the local community to greet the new millennium.
"There was only a very brief interruption from
the rains that allowed us to see the fireworks," he said.
The rains also marred a dawn Mass and the blessing
of a 12-ft. Jubilee Cross in Pusan Point to mark the occasion.
Looking at the bright side, Soriano said the
occasion at least drew public attention to Pusan Point, a remote area in
the coastal town of Caraga.
