Exploring Philippines 15 - Tibiao, Antique (Post 6 - Tibiao River)

I only stayed and enjoyed the kawa bath for a few minutes. Normally, tourists would indulge into this thing after a boat ride or kayaking downstream. The kawa bath is situated along the Tibiao river and there's a path that leads to the river right below where the kawas are located. 

Actually, the caretaker of the place tried to convince me to experience kayaking for 500 pesos. Wow! It's quite expensive. Though the fee for kayaking includes a guide and can be enjoyed all throughout the day, I did not give it a try. One reason would be, I was alone that time and it would be pretty lonely kayaking by my lonesome. Secondly, I am not that comfortable with water and I can't swim much. In addition, large to giant rocks are lining up the shore lines and since it would be my first, I would definitely have a tough time finding my course. And lastly, no one will take pics of my adventure. Hehe

But even though I passed on this chance, I still visited the river. It is good that the local government has this will to preserve its nature and one of them is this river. This is one river that showcases what a "real" river should be. It is pristine in all its glory and the people, both locals and visitors, find this river a good place for swimming and picnics.

Truly, it is a pride of a place to share its unspoiled nature and it is only possible if the government and its people will show and embody a total commitment towards guarding, preserving, and nurturing its natural resources.

I would like to thank Bong for being a good driver and guide.

more pics of Tibiao River

Poem 15 - Thankful

I am always thankful
About so many things
They bring so much delight
Both for memories and feelings.

At times, the ordinary ones
Are simply beyond compare
Only if we take time
To appreciate them and care.

Out of my hurried existence
I take some time to pause
To experience nature’s gift
Is such a wonderful dose.

And in moments like these
I can’t help but to mesmerize
What an awesome sight to behold
A splendor before my eyes.

Quote 30 - Freedom

Moment 15 - Layers of Life

One of my worst fear is heights. By just the mere thought of certain elevation and me sitting or standing at its edge, wild butterflies immediately fly inside my stomach. But I don't want my fear arrest my curiosity and fun. From time to time, I have to be bold enough to face my fear.

In one of my trips to SM Manila, I was enticed to view an open circular perspective from 5th floor all the way down to the basement. As I gazed down on this 6-storey perspective, immediately, a rush of cold wind and a shiver embraced me. And instinctively, I hold tightly to the panel railings right away in order to hold my ground. Whew.

Well, another experience to gain and another limit to conquer. The best thing about this experience was when I had to try for the second time, tiptoeing and trying not to fall down while carefully angling my camera for that good shot. My best buddy simply absorbed all my fears that time while I took my sweet time to take a good pic of the perspective.

Quote 29 - Eyes

Random Thought 15 - Superstitions

What is your lucky number? Do we really have this lucky and unlucky numbers? Why is it that number 13 has this stigma to be an unlucky number?

I grew up in a conservative community. Almost our everyday life is governed by those superstitions and beliefs. Actions and activities are being dictated by what should be proper and what should be avoided. And no one even bothered to explain about things they embraced and embodied in their day to day existence.

As I grow older, somehow, I was able to gain some insights about certain superstitions and beliefs. During my childhood days, elders would normally say that there's nothing wrong with it and it will do no harm so why not follow it? I knew for the fact that during their time, the words of their elders were like unwritten laws and whatever their elders told them, they simply follow without asking questions. Yup, they were not permitted to raise questions or reason that time.

We are lucky nowadays because vast amount of information are readily available and we can do some research about those centuries old superstitions and beliefs. With what we are going to uncover, we will be better informed about the true nature of things. If we are going to embrace and practice them, then it simply depends on us.

But once we earned and establish our faith in our Lord, no amount of superstitions and beliefs could ever gain control over our daily existence. Once we surrender ourselves and let God be the captain of our lives, we can rightfully claim that the good Lord will never allow any harm to fall on us. Amen.

Food Trip 14 - Adobong Pusit

Squid, locally known as pusit, is one of my all time favorite food. Way back in the province, usually during the cold months, squid is very much abundant. When I was a kid, I used to make squid rings and insert them in my fingers and ate one of them at time during a meal. Haha. Even if I will be given a medium sized squid for a meal as long as its broth is plenty, I can finish a plate full of rice. And every time I go home to the province, a fresh squid viand would definitely be on top of the table.

But there was an incident that happened to me, probably 6 years ago, about eating squid. I suddenly had allergies all over my body and I can only recall eating squid that evening. Maybe the eatery that served the squid that time prepared a catch that was no longer fresh. That incident prevented me from eating squid for a month.

Exploring Philippines 14 - Tibiao, Antique (Post 5 - Kawa Bath)

After an awesome, fun, relaxing, and memorable visit to Bugtong Bato falls, we had to return because I wanted to try another adventure. I saw this one on tv and since it is along the way, I had to experience it. The Kawa  bath looks exciting and fun.

Kawa (a large vat) is used in preparing muscovado. Muscovado is a raw sugar obtained from the juice of sugar cane by evaporating the molasses. Maintaining a sugar cane plantation is quite expensive and it takes several months before it can be harvested. Farmers are shifting from planting sugar cane to rice. In this manner, the kawas are left alone with little use.

In this part of the province, kawas are converted to a bath tub with a twist. For a fee of 100 pesos, you can enjoy a lukewarm to a hot bath all day long. The caretaker of the place will heat the kawa for you and you may request for some leaves to add aroma for your bath. And you can enjoy this one under the shades of the trees.

I really enjoyed this experience and I dozed off for a while. Such a relaxing moment made me embrace the serenity of the place and simply feel the nature around me. It was indeed an awesome moment.

When people learn that I am from Antique, the name of my province would normally scare them. The Panay island is composed of four provinces: Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, and Capiz. Antique, Capiz, and a portion of Iloilo are normally associated with aswangs (witches that prey on people). Though there are no solid proofs about the existence of aswangs nor their victims, the stigma is still there. At times, it works to my advantage. Hehe

Anyway, just to make fun of this aswang thing, I brought along some tomatoes and onions.  Together with some leaves that were provided by the caretaker, I placed them in my kawa bath. I want to tell other tourists that the aswangs in our province are now civilized and this is the way how they prepare a "human meal." Hehe

Scary? I guess if the folklore is true, then, we would be hearing about their activities and the news about them will spread like wildfire. Even this whole thing is not true, I still exercise some caution. Since I am not familiar about the place nor the people in a particular place, I have to bring my own food and water. I guess it is much safer this way.

Well, enough of the scary thing. It is just a folklore. What is real was this bath and I still live to tell this experience. I hope you'll be able to experience this one once you set foot in my province.

more Kawa bath pics

Poem 14 - Bearer of Light

Be a bearer of light
And spread the light to the world
Because for each ray of light
Hope is not that far to hold.

Be a bearer of light
And light the path in darkness
Because for each ray of light
Shadow retreats along with hopelessness.

Be a bearer of light
And cast life out of emptiness
Because for each ray of light
A new beginning brings profound happiness.

Be a bearer of light
And strengthen the weakened spirit
Because for each ray of light
Being alive is a gift to appreciate.

Quote 28 - Love

Moment 14 - White Heron

I oftentimes see these birds in the rice fields whenever I go home for a vacation. There were even some moments when they were so plenty which turned the fields into a spectacle of green and white. At times, during the course of my trip, I have this lingering temptation to suddenly get out of the jeepney and take a photograph of these birds.

I found out later on that it was hard to come close to these birds. They are very cautious. They always stick their heads up and they make sure they maintain a good distance between themselves and the people.  No amount of comfort can even convince them that some men are harmless. When one of them takes off, the rest will follow. I guess trust is such an elusive word for these fowls.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed an afternoon chasing them in the fields. If the field could had been dry that time, I don’t mind at all staying a bit longer and run after them. But I don’t want to slip and plunge into the mud and harm myself and my camera. Anyway, it was still a good experience.

Quote 27 - Inner Self

Random Thought 14 - Cross

I carry my own cross just like the rest of you. The weight of my cross is in accordance with the way I carry it and my faith. Be it heavy or light, I cannot let others carry my own cross because they have their own to carry likewise.

At times, my cross becomes too heavy to carry that I have to crawl to the ground. On other instances, it is as light as a feather. I viewed it not as a curse but as a gift towards my salvation. Whenever it becomes heavy, I am being reminded that I am going astray and needs to get back to the right path. And when it looks like it is not there, it gives me so many reasons to appreciate and value life. 

Food Trip 13 - Tuna Pie

In time for the Holy Week, this tuna treat is surely a delight to my taste. The crunchy crust, the smooth and soft tuna meat, and a bit spicy make me love it at first bite.

To be honest, I always have cans of tuna in my food cabinet. I always favor this one over red meat.

And with this tuna pie, its invite I cannot resist. Hmmm. Yummy.

Exploring Philippines 13 - Tibiao, Antique (Post 4 - Bugtong Bato Falls)

The guys whom we'd came upon readily gave a pose for me. Since they were cooperative, I was able to guide them to cover the space evenly and it turned out good. 

After some shots, we headed to the next two layers of the falls. From the top of the first layer, the next two layers are just a couple of minutes away. And for a newbie like me, the excitement grew as we headed towards that direction.

From a distance, another awesome work of nature can be seen. With just a glimpse of it is already a sight to behold. It has a magic of its own which will entice you to come closer and enjoy its beauty. Truly, it is a real beauty.

At first, I thought that I was seeing just a layer but they were actually two. The second layer though shorter than the third layer, if I am not mistaken, could be more than 20 feet and according to the boys its bottom is deeper than you think. Its still dark blue-green water could be deceiving and it is no walk in the park trying to cross it. That's why the locals here would advice visitors to have a companion in going here especially when one plans to go for a swim. But visitors need not worry about snakes living in the water because of the daily influx of visitors, no snake dwells in this area. 

Anyway, if you plan to come closer to the third layer, a more exciting and challenging path can be experienced. You have to step on the very stone staircase with only a rope helping you climb your way up. Of course it is no joke and you'll have to be very, very careful because when you fall head first, you'll bounce first on the rocks before landing on the water.

On my part, I did not gave it a try because I was not comfortable about the climb. Though it could be another merit for me conquering some heights, I am still exercising some caution and at this particular time, I am not yet ready. The view could be great up there, the third layer above you and the second layer below you. Well, there could always be next time. I hope I'll be ready and have enough courage to make the climb next time around.

After more than an hour of stay and it was already past one in the afternoon, I decided to leave the place. Though I wanted to stay a bit longer and simply enjoy this particular experience, I had another thing to do. And that will be for my next post. Enjoy the pics guys.

more pics of Bugtong Bato Falls

Poem 13 - Leaving

Leave if you must but please don’t go
Fly high, soar up in the sky but never low
Because by just the thought of you leaving
Breaks my heart that will forever be grieving.

Leave now but never take your shadow
Hide in the darkness but don’t glow
Because I can’t stand seeing you perish
This broken heart, no one can ever cherish.

Leave and live but breath a life on me
Whisper through the air and lessen my agony
Because a life once treasured is now forsaken
And it is hard to find comfort even in heaven.

Quote 26 - Masterpiece

Moment 13 - Kulitan Blues

Last November 2010, we had our quadricentennial retreat at SMX. It was break time when we wander off to the adjacent building of MOA. We really don’t have a particular thing in mind what to do with our spare time. We simply explore the grounds of MOA.

In one particular turn, there was this life size statue of Santa. Since we were in the mood of doing some crazy stuff, my colleagues immediately hurried for a pose with it. Though before we did it, I asked first for the permission from the lady who was seated nearby if it is okay to take a picture.

I can still vividly recall asking her “Miss, can we have a picture?” Though the exact meaning of asking permission was to have a picture with Santa which she also assumed, after a shot with Santa, my colleagues also flocked behind her. She hesitated at first and planned for a getaway. But since she was flocked at the rear and there was no way she can escape, she simply gave her best smile. Well, at least she was a good sport.

Quote 25 - New Beginning

Random Thought 13 - Taboo

I remember when my mother was hospitalized several years back. It was one tough time for all of us. It was a time when we hold unto each other’s spirit, praying and hoping that everything will turn out right. And the Lord is simply gracious.

During her stay at the hospital, I brought her a bouquet of flowers which I bought from Dangwa. Her side of bed looked lively that time and it brought some kind of life in the room. Little did we knew, it was taboo for her.

She wanted to get rid of the flowers and even told me to offer that one to the church. I have to admit that it was not our habit to offer flowers way back in the province and this was the very first time that I offered her some flowers.  It was spooky on her part. Her understanding of the flowers in a bouquet are only meant for dead ones.

I simply told her that it was meant as a “get well soon” gesture on my end. And besides, I prefer to give her flowers while she is still alive. And the bouquet stayed in the hospital until we brought her home.

Food Trip 12 - Pansit

Even during ordinary times, we can always afford to have pansit. Ranging from the cheapest, plain, and simple instant pansit, into an affordable carinderia style, or to an expensive restaurant  offering, our liking for this food never fails. And it adds a certain character to a feast once it is part of the food on the table.

I must confess that at times, my rice finds pansit as a good partner especially if it is fully loaded with toppings. It is already considered a lavish preparation once we include heavy amount of cabbage, baguio beans, carrots, together with sliced boiled eggs, chicharon or litson kawali, shrimp, and squid. And topped with celery to enhance its aroma, my o my. Indeed, it is one food that will surely disappear fast in the table.

With this food, it always make me feel good and young at heart.

Exploring Philippines 12 - Tibiao, Antique (Post 3 - Bugtong Bato Falls)

After 20 minutes of hiking, we finally reached our destination. And what a majestic view it was. Catching my breath, there I was, standing right in front of Bugtong Bato falls. The feeling of being rewarded after a long walk was so overwhelming. It was hard to express all those wows and awes I felt that very moment. All I did was simply to sat down, close my eyes, and feel the embrace of the nature around me. And the experience was simply amazing.

I came over to the very first big stone right in front of the falls, sat there for some time, closed my eyes, listened to the music of falling waters, felt every droplets of water on my face, and enjoy the serenity of the place. My total impression of this place is a piece of heaven.

 It was midday but in here, the breeze and the wind alternately cool the place. The place has its own cooling system which could delight everyone anytime of the day. And if you really can't stand the heat the day, the tempting water of the falls is freezing cold. It could definitely chill you right away.

I was almost tempted to plunge into its waters but I remembered I can't swim. Hehe. Shame on me. I only content  my feet splashing freely on its cold water while enjoying the view.

After some time, my guide invited me to explore more of the falls. There was a metal staircase on the left side of the falls and it was connected to a concrete steps all the way to the top of the falls. It was a challenge on my part because it was like a 70 degrees climb and I have my fear of heights. I hesitated at first but I told myself that since I was already here, I had to make the most of it. And so I bravely followed him.

It was good that there is a bamboo railing to the right side of the steps and a rope to the left. The rope offered me  a better comfort but from time to time, I had to hold unto the bamboo. In order for my fear to be distracted, I had to take pictures of the falls as we ascend. And just like before, my delight over this wonderful place kept my fear in my pockets. 

Due to my excitement, I forgot to count the steps but it could be 30 or more. If you have a fear like mine, you might end up taking your sweet time on every step and you might crawl on some steps as you progress. But the fear of heights should not be a deterrent for you to enjoy this amazing place. Because the falls has more to offer.

When we reached the top of the falls, we were not alone. We met five guys who happened to came from a nearby province and they came all the way here with their motorbikes. They were also exploring the place and they were here since morning. Since we speak the same dialect, it was not hard to interact with them and they were excited likewise to have their pictures taken.

more pics of Bugtong Bato Falls