I was born in Argao. The far-flung town has yet to be swayed by civilization and advancement, or exploitation perhaps.
Bugasok Falls, Argao Cebu, PhilippinesIn this southern part of Cebu, Philippines, houses are situated beneath green slopes, mostly concealed under a lush shade which seems to have existed long before my great-grandfathers. My own home lies up the field, a kilometer or so away from the town proper and across meadows.
So what’s worthy of reminiscence in hometown with no street shops filled with popular goods, or karaoke bars or KTV’s to spend the night away in? Sizzling disco houses are still big dreams for the place even.
Bats circle the trees at night. Unpaved roads are traversed on barefoot. Pedicabs and trisikads [3-wheeled vehicles] roam the place. Horses gallop in unison. And where can you find five persons clinging to just one motorcycle, holding their breath as it dashes along a rocky trail? Dozens of these motorcycles convey commuters from the lowlands to our version of the Himalayas.
Riverstone Castle, Lowac, Argao Cebu PhilippinesThe people beat the sunrise, feed their hogs and chickens, tend the farms, and wash clothes in the nearby riverside spring. They don’t worry about the water supply being cut off due to an unpaid bill.
They cross roads, minus the fear of parting with a hard-earned P20 bill for jaywalking. Anyone is free to paint the town red, without fear of catching respiratory diseases from smoke-belching vehicles. And if one happens to be along the shore on early mornings, he may give fishermen a hand and go home with kilos of fish, free of charge.
Many years ago, I left for the city to earn a degree and to unload a 16-year-old boredom with my hometown. I wanted to make a difference in my life, to pursue my dreams. It’s a different thing seeing Terminator or Rambo kicking big on the big screen, or maybe going shopping till you drop, or at least checking out the latest craze in town. I longed for the pleasure the city had to offer.
Hall of Justice and Argao PlazaBut one day, I went hiking with a couple of friends in one of the exploited mountains in the metropolis. Terrible it was. The royal blue sky hovering over the city was partly covered with dark fumes. The city below and its wonders – towers and skylines, crowded streets, entertainment centers – seemed to be compressed into a small space.
In the vicinity were trees that offered no shade. Birds could not sing. Butterflies hungered for flowers. Lizards panted for rain. It was very hot.
At that very instant, I was reminded of home.
I recalled my first trek to Cansuje, one of the mountainous barangays in Argao. I passed through a lot of quilt scenery: Mount Lantoy, famous for its "Maria de Cacao" myth, the rivers and the currents, and the thick woods all profoundly green. The cold morning breeze benumbed me. Like what you see in jungle movies, monkeys used vines everywhere like a trapeze. Along the way, I saw people fetch drinking water from a nearby spring.
I used to climb our chico tree with my brother Noel when we were still in grade school. Who could ever forget "Tiririt"? She was the cute, little bird we restored to her nest.
The chico tree is still there, with the birds that fly in summer skies, mountains that never fail to give a hush-hush morning greeting, and water in abundance.
I emptied myself into the city, then came to love a place I should have always loved. Home.
Visit Argao Tourism.
Labels: Essay, Philippine Articles
6 Comments:
this is a stunner. i have seen this falls many times bein feature in local travel shows.
August 10, 2007 12:58 AM
Thanks for the visit travelphilippines. Bugasok Falls is a hidden beauty, located a little far from the town center. It is a great hiding place for those wanting peace and serenity amidst the running waters and the greens.
August 10, 2007 1:47 AM
I have never made it to Argao, but it's only a pumpboat ride away from Panglao Bohol. I wish I went since it's so pretty!
August 12, 2007 1:49 AM
midas, yes it is. You should visit the town when you can :-)
August 12, 2007 11:43 AM
awwss... nice description of my hometown :) hehehe.. i miss that place.. lucky you.. u only have to take a bus to go back home.. but for me.. i need to cross the pacific ocean just to enjoy the company of argao philippines :D.. last summer vacation i actually went back home.. and i went to BALAY SA AGTA cave.. and it was awesome..!! although i was practically crawling on the ground bcoz it was very slippery [rainy season] and ripped my pants! it was worth it! :)
February 01, 2008 1:18 PM
Interesting observations presented in easy to read format.
Keep us updated in your travels and with your views.
My memories of Argao started from the day I was born in Media at my grandfather's house. To the idyllic childhood by Argao River with my grandfather, Ananias "Ti Aning" Kintanar telling us during typhoons when Argao River was flooding to move to his house in San Miguel St. away from the rampaging river.
My Primary School years was at Canbanua Primary School under my mother (Antipas Kintanar) in Grade One.
I was there when the Reservoir was built and the ancient burial site was dug on the side of the hill near Canbanua Primary School. I saw the ring of pure gold (it was soft and flexible).
I used to gather guavas for snacks in that hill then.
October 23, 2008 8:12 PM
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