November 8, 2011

• Trekking the Philippine countryside

  Travel

  I recently went to the boondocks in our wonderful island with a bunch of friends to talk to farmers who have been forced to plant jatropha instead of the usual food crop.

  Well, they chose not to be dictated by people in power who used intimidation and force (even killing one of their friends) to have their way with the community. The community decided to band together and fight, and fight they did. Now that another story and I promise to post it here once it gets published in Bulatlat. It will be a story of triumph. A totally feel good story, this I promise you.

  From the highway, we took a 30-40 minute bumpy motorcycle (we call habal-habal) ride, followed by a 2 to 3 kilometer walk that took me almost 2 hours! I was sweating all the way. The road was good, except for some slopes that's just a pain on the quads, and some muddy area that would literally bury your shoes.

  The scenery on the way was wonderful - passing in the middle of sugarcane plantations or corn fields, overlooking the wonderful seascape below, or marveling at the wonderful mountainscape. The rice terraces were a sight to look at. Its just a shame that there were no forests in the mountains.

  The people, well, they are the most welcoming bunch, in fact, every house we pass, there is not one that would not greet us or ask us to stop by and have some snacks or water, or whatever that they can offer. Coming home, we were loaded with cassava, bananas, peanuts, and a large wonderfully ripe guyabano. 

  I know that it can be very tiring going to these isolated communities (which, by the way, does not have any electricity or a restroom, for that matter), but if you want the rustic side of life and to be close to nature, this is just the place to visit.

  Here are some pictures of our wonderful trek to the boondocks of Negros Oriental.

  
  Food was simple. The rice, they grew and ground themselves. There were no tables. Where we ate is where we slept and basically did everything. And to think we didn't have to pay for anything!

  
  Carabaos (or water buffaloes) are still used for farming. Nowhere did I see any tractor or other mechanized farming implement.

  
  All the way, the road was bordered by these wonderful flowers.

  Although considered as weeds (they are very intrusive), they are nonetheless beautiful and a wonder to look at.

  
  A wonderful journey, indeed.

  
  Trying to cross a river that's flooded. It was just impossible, so, we decided to return to the village and I had to climb the slippery slope again. Gosh!

  
  Centuries ago, this was how our farmers farmed. Today, this is still how they farm, which is good when it comes to carbon footprint.

  
  As much as I did not want to accept the gifts, its just not right not to accept them. It would be rude and is considered an insult. I was more than grateful to accept the gifts. Such wonderful people. Filipino hospitality is indeed still alive in the countrysides.

  
  The families in these communities may not be enjoying the comforts of technology, but you can surely see the sense of satisfaction in their faces.

  
  One of the farmers tending to the trees given to them by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. They were given the task to reforest the mountains surrounding their community.

  
  Some of the kids who seemed to be enjoying our company. Most of these kids have to walk 2-3 kilometers to go to school.

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