In The Land Of Lanao (Part I)
2 months have passed since I got here in Oz. And things are kind of getting usual being in a small, quiet city. Now, I get
the chance to get out of here and change scene. I am exploring Lanao del Norte, a chunk of land southeast of Ozamiz. I always
see this mysterious land from the lodge i am in, and now it's time to check out what this land has to offer.
Across Panguil Bay. Along with a friend, I got into
this barge for 25 Pesos. The barge was once bombed years ago... From the top of this barge, I can see another perspective
of Ozamiz, and a closer look of Bukagan Hill. Soon, The barge started to cruise thru Panguil Bay. The land of Lanao is getting
bigger in sight. The view was really amazing. It was a realization that I am really in new land.
Arriving At Mukas. The barge docked at Mukas Port
after a 20 minute ride. Vehicles, jeepneys await here. I got ino this jeepney and took me south, passing Tubod the capital
of Lanao del Norte. The sights were also a treat going there as the sun was going to set across the Panguil Bay.
Lala Land. And soon, I finally reached a place called
Lala where I stayed at my friend's house for two nights. I usually wake up with the sounds of rural life -- chickens feeding,
roosters crowing, huge trucks passing towards cities as far as Cagayan De Oro, Iligan or Pagadian.
A Spring. Saturday morning, I set to travel inland, towards this hidden spring
where the locals usually go. It's in Salvador, a 15 minute 'habal-habal' ride (a motorcycle ride) from
Maranding-- the nearest commercial town in Lala, it was busy as I passed at noon. This hidden
spring is packed with people as I entered. A sign says "Generalao Mountain Resort".. It's actually a man-made pool from a
fresh source. It reminds me of Tubod, a spring back in my home province. It was just like this only this one was much larger.
Cottages, video karaoke, a small pool for kids were also here. I took a swim and absorbed the surroundings. It is a good time
to unwind, see Nature at her best. Trees surround the area, fresh water, and cool breeze. All was good. The site also hosts
a captive monkey and a small python.
With A Paddle. Later in the afternoon, I get to
borrow this fishing canoe for 30 Pesos an hour and get to row it around this small stretch of river just beside the spring
pool. With my friend, i had a hard time maneuvering this wooden canoe until i got the hang of it. The sight was pretty amazing
and just relaxing.
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August 31, 2007
In The Land Of Lanao (Part 2)
Salvador On A Motorcycle. Leaving the spring I discovered in Salvador, I took another motor ride back to the town. I can't help
but observe the things that I see along the way. I pass along fields of corn stalks and in one corner, people harvesting these corn. I also saw truck loads of bananas
in Salvador which i think is one of the major flourishing industries in the area. And after about 15 minutes, we reached back
to Maranding town.
Highway Evenings. The nights here are quiet. People sleep early. And it gets really dark in this part of Lala.
A great thing to do here is hang out by the side of the highway, talk to the locals, and enjoy trucks passing by. Or even
stargaze, but there ain't no stars at this time.
.
Morning In Lala. I woke up to a beautiful sunday
morning. I enjoyed my morning observing the early sceneries. It's typical rural life. I can even see the hill which my friend
said was the place where the spring that we visited yesterday was.
Story Of A Duck.The folks that took me in their home, were preparing to kill
a duck. It was my friend's birthday and he was given a cross sign in his forehead with the duck's blood -- A tradition for
some people during birthdays but it could also be chicken's blood. By the way it tastes just like chicken. Poor duck.
.
Leaving Lanao. In the afternoon, I was preparing
to leave. The folks that took me in were really accomodating
and I am very thankful for their hospitality... I headed back to Mukas as the sky started to get dim. I cross these coastal
towns that line Lanao Del Norte. It was sparkling in the midst of night and it made me feel good. I had a very brief but very
wonderful adventure and for sure, this would not be the last of Lanao. There is more to
discover here. Despite of the many dark rumors about Lanao -- of thieves, of Muslim extremists (the ones that promote
violence, no offense to my muslim friends, you know what I mean), I had not seen any of that. Instead, I see good-natured locals. And it's one
realization that we are all just the same. But I know I still had to be careful. It's just one lesson to be learned -- to
broaden your minds, and explore... From the barge, in the middle of Panguil Bay, I can see the twinkling lights of Oz, inviting
me to come home. My home away from home.
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September 08, 2007
In The Land Of Lanao (Part 3)
.
A month later. Just this weekend, I journeyed back to the land of Lanao. I was invited for a feast. The exams were finished and I took the opportunity. It seems that Lanao is a rich land full of adventure and treks to be discovered but few people, even the locals, do not know. Little by little I uncover this land in my little trips here. This time, i visit a town called Tubod.
Way To Tubod. From Mukas, we headed to a 15 minute jeep ride to Tubod. Along
the way, I could see good spots worthy for a stop but I guess it is for another time. One place I wanted to venture is the
Dapit Alim Viewpoint, where you could see the whole Panguil Bay from a bird's eye view. There's so much things to
see here... Soon, I reached the municipality of Tubod, the capital of Lanao Del Norte, which I heard that my pops visited
in his early years.
Tequila Bisdak. I visited a mentor's place here in Tubod where a feast is brewing.
Eventually, I got a little drunk because I could not reject an offer of brandy. I was also offered a different kind of drink--
It was the first time that I got introduced to a home-made tequila. It was the mentor's invention. Funny story was, he got
the ingredients from a dream... Eventually, i tried and I really liked it. It's got a sweet and salty aftertaste. It is mixed
with Tanduay Rum, lots of lemoncito and Sprite Soda. The preparation is very tricky as well, only the mentor knows how to
concoct such drink. Finally, salt surrounds the glass' rim. He calls it by many names, Jamaica, Tequila Bisdak, etc. Hey,
only in Lanao! :)
The Land Of Marangs & Durians. In this trip,
I also tasted a unique fruit found south. It is the Marang, a close relative of the Jackfruit and the Durian (i think).
The seed's whitish coat is the one that is being eaten. It has a similar taste from the jackfruit but the jackfruit is much
sweeter. I also tasted the Durian, which I think is not your typical fruit. I haven't smelled its infamous odor but the taste
is bland.
Barangay Karaoke & Drag. At night, I watched
a Karaoke Contest and a Ms. Macho Gay competition. All was in good fun. The barangay people flock to the venue and
watched the event. I realized how important is singing in our culture. Almost all of us Filipinos could sing karaoke, and
it is very prevalent in town fiestas such as these. The next portion was the very funny Ms. Macho Gay, where real men do a
fake gay pageant. It is always funny to see men in drag and it is always a way for people to have an easy good laugh especially
in fiestas.
Abandoned. In the morning, I tried to make the best
out of my short stay here. I roamed around to check the locale. Just
beside the place i slept in is an abandoned house, somewhat of a church before. There's nothing interesting to talk about here but I just liked the setting for
photoshooting purposes. It's got vandals all over inside. I guess it is a good place for ghost hunting at night.
Teacher's Pets. Beside the house was a pig pen and some chirping Lovebirds from Basilan that my mentor owns.
.
.
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Sleeping Giant Across The Bay. Soon, i went back to Mukas, still lacking of more things. I guess it's for
later times. Going back, i can greatly appreciate Mount Malindang from Panguil Bay, wrapped in cummulus clouds.