There are three goals I wanted to accomplish before I become wrinkled and bedridden.
First is to have a stable job with a more than average income. Second is to have a family of three kids, two boys and one girl. And third is to perhaps travel across the seven continents, and yes, that would include
Yet, my parents told me that there are still more sites to be seen without the expense of an international flight. They were right. There are hundreds of places just under our noses, within the
Last week, my family went on a two-day road trip to the province of Capiz. We wanted to visit my maternal grandfather whom I last met in nine years and along the way witness the less noticed but tourism-worthy attractions. Boarding our L300 van, I waved goodbye to the busy streets of Iloilo City and got my camera phone ready for some amazing shots along the way. Our first stop was an inland resort in Pototan called Mel Rose Resort, there I saw a pair of amazingly huge jackfruits that were good enough to eat. It’s quite unique since it’s far from the usual beach front resorts we have along Villa and Oton. They have a hiking trail, two small pools and nipa cottages. Most of the visitors are from rural towns who came in tricycles and even carabao-driven sleds. What struck me most was the sight of more than thirty people enjoying themselves in two small pools barely four feet deep. Though they can’t flutter freely, a simple rare dip in a swimming pool with their families can beat the experience inside the Olympic natatorium in Beijing.
The clouds were getting dimmer, my ten year-old cousin, Ken told me they were called Nimbostratus rain clouds. Yet, our hopes were still sunny side up. The light drizzle didn’t hinder us from visiting the Mariit Wildlife Reserve of West Visayas State University in Brgy. Jayubo, Lambunao. We had a little trouble finding the place; it so happen that a lady selling lumpia lived near the reserve, so she took a hitchhike with us. I could not imagine how far she travels everyday from home hoping to sell all her lumpia to feed her family. People in that area lived simpler but harder. There were children walking with their bare feet along the mud-stricken road. A man was carrying a sack of charcoal that was probably from uphill, and mind you, it was a long way down. Funny, how I clamor often about less maintained roads in the city. The wildlife reserve was worth the 14 kilometer bumpy and rocky ride from the highway. We were guided by Mr. John Rey Callado who told us about the amazing yet endangered species of fauna in the island of Panay. There were hornbills, owls, deer, and a pair of unfortunately sterile wild hog couple which according to John were the one of the most endangered species of swine in the world. And here we are, all afraid of getting swine flu. I guess it’s just simply nature’s way of reminding that she can get back at us for leaving her simply ignored and exploited.
It was either my sun dance wasn’t quite effective or simply bad luck that got us driving through a rough storm of fierce rain drops and heart-thumping thunder. But still, though a little nervous, our smiles were up. Kamelle, my five year old cousin, just kept on praying to Bro (Jesus according to Santino) for a great weather when we reach the sandy shores of Baybay Capiz. Jesus does listen to the cuter ones. It was an amazing sight, the entire atmosphere before Roxas City was hopelessly dim, but as we entered the city a bright blue sky welcomed us and our two sachets of sun block lotions. The sea was calm and though my brother Ramon splashed sand in my eyes which wrought havoc amongst us, we altogether had a relaxing salty dip at the beach. Roxas City has one of the best beaches in the island, with a great bay-walk to stroll around after munching on their seafood delicacies.
The next day was as adventuresome with lesser rain. We drove to my grandfather’s house at Bolo, Capiz and saw his amazing carvings of religious images. Too bad those creative genes weren’t passed unto me. Family togetherness is one spot that is omnipresent all over the island. But, since it was just a two day road trip, we ought to turn back and return to Iloilo. Yet along the way we stopped over three more spots. The Pan-ay Church in Pan-ay, Capiz which had the biggest bell in Asia, though we only got to take a photo with the replica since the original one was on the bell tower, and the man in charge was still out for lunch. Well, there’s simply more than Dinagyang or Boracay that Panay can offer. Here we have a seven-foot diameter and 10,400 kilogram working church bell. The Carmelite Missionaries Center of Life Retreat and Training Center at Brgy. Tinocuan, Dueñas, Iloilo which simply had a breath-taking view of mountains and cheerful sisters. It is a place for retreat and get together, a place for meditation and family bonding. With the busy world that each of us lives in, where each of us aspires to be financially stable, we tend to forget about emotional and spiritual stability. I guess the amazing sunrise at this retreat house can remind us that there is a God, there is Bro, who has given us the beautiful mountains and wide vast plains, who has given us the very life that we have. The Dingle Dam at Brgy. Moroboro, Dingle, Iloilo was our last spot. The keenness and practicality of man to make use of stored water for agricultural irrigation is simply admirable and the view is breath-taking.
We went home with stinky damp clothes, a few plastic bags of seashells and lots and lots of photos. It was nice getting to see my Lolo Pat again after nine years. I have only traveled barely half of the Panay island. Come to think of it there are 7,106 (low tide) islands more to go in our archipelago.
My life goal number three will always remain as is. I still want to climb huge blocks of ice in Antarctica. But for now, traveling around my province, my region, my country still bring the best out of life; an early morning jog in our beach shores, a hike in our amazing mountain trails, some photos from historical landmarks, and once in a while a ride in an L300 van with my family.
Disneyland can wait.
Explore what’s near.
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