Graduation Message

(This is a message delivered to 105 graduates of Paracelis NHS on April 1, 2009. Though there are several changes on the way it was delivered, i.e. medium of communication, and subtractions and additions on the content, the gist is here.)

April is the second month of spring, one of the four temperate seasons. The other seasons include winter, summer and fall / autumn. Of all these Spring is the most promising. It is seen as a time of growth, renewal, of new life for plants and animals being born. Spring ends winter, the severe cold and the days of bleakness and whiteness because of the snow. Moreover, the birthstone for April is diamond, the symbol for innocence. I do not know what tree you have here that follows the four seasons but in Sagada, a municipality on the Western portion of Mountain Province, we have the persimmon tree, the national fruit of South Korea. It has its four seasons. Picking of its fruits would be from August to September. By October, it’s leaves begin to fall leaving the branches bare. By December to February, the tree seems dead, with no leaves at all. However, starting on March, especially in April, the tree comes alive with fresh new leaves. And, for one who had seen how it looked when it had no leaves, looking at it would bring joy. Yes, it is a symbol of freshness and hope. Having your graduation in April, then, is a double treat. Again, April is a promising month, a month of diamonds and fresh leaves.

The first day of April is known as April Fool’s Day – a day when you are excused to make white lies and get out of it. Though this is supposed to be the best day of the month since it is the beginning, it is also branded as a day to make lies, which if based on the Bible, is not supposed to be such. So, right at the beginning of your graduation, you’re already faced with a challenge – and the challenge is to prove to the world, that you are worthy to graduate from high school. And that, April 1 is not an excuse to make lies, for your graduation is never a lie. Challenge daytoy kadakayo – han nga gapo ta agtaltalon ti ama ken ina tayo ket han tayo kabaelan nga agturpos ti eskwela tayo. Panunoten yo nga ti panagturpos ada metlaeng idiay tao. Pito kami nga agkakabsat nga pinanawan ni tatang mi idi siyam paylang ti tawen ko. Maymaysan ni nanang ko nga mangmangged ti panagdait ngem nakaturpos kami met. Haan nga gapo ta nasuportaran na kami no diket nagtitinulongan mi. Ti panangtarimaan yo ti panageskwela yo launay ket dakkelen nga tulong ken pammigsa ti paryentes yo. Han gamin nga ununaen ti meryenda – unaen ti usaren ti panag eskwela. No anya man ti kasasaad mo itata dayta ti April 1 mo. Sanguem ken itakder mo ket tarimaaanem.

The 2 in 2009 would stand for the need of others and God. In life, we need others to survive. We cannot be an island. If at times we don’t have any human warm bodies beside us, it’s the time to acknowledge the presence of God. Having nobody to turn to is the very reason that suicide incident is rising in developed countries. We all have times of depression and craziness. Psychiatrists say that everybody has a degree of craziness, we are then branded as crazy only if we cannot distinguish what is real and what is imagined. That happens if no one will be with us to help us stand when we are weak. Yes, we are no island. We need others beside us in our success or our failure. That is the very reason that we have friends and by nature relatives, and that we were born from parents. That is also the very reason why we seek for girl / boyfriends and then marry. It really takes two to tango. We cannot dance tango alone. Companionship, team work and socialization, my friends is the very design of God whom we can always turn to if human fails us.

The first 0 was invented by the Indians. Most ancient invention on counting number systems did not include 0. Yet 0 is very very important. Without it, there will be no 10, 20, 30, 40, 200, 700, 1000, 10,000, 100,000, to millions and zillions. Sometimes, we seem to be so insignificant. We seem to be doing nothing. We seem to be useless. But, we have to remember that like the zero, we may seem insignificant and unimportant but in truth, we are very much significant. Our small contributions and accomplishments add to a bigger accomplishment. Yes, one zero after a number makes a difference. If you add one 0 after 10, it will become 100. Add another 0 after it, then it will become 1000 and so on and so forth. That is how important we are though we seem to be so insignificant. We may be ignored or our actions may be forgotten but such actions will add to something greater. And, that my dear graduates, is the very characteristic of a zero which is shown in the theme of today’s graduation which goes, “My education: my contribution to the future.” Even our simple acts of giving our best in educating ourselves, is already an additional zero, to the future – your world tomorrow.” Again, “isang tuldok lang tayo, pero ang tuldok my salaysay,” sabi nga sa isang kanta.

The next 0 is for us and our attitude towards life. Most if not all of the time we need to humble ourselves even to the extent that we seem to be in Level 0. This we have to do to learn. Some would learn a little and brag and think that they need not learn it again. However, we have to remember what Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher once said, “The more I learn, the more I discover that I know nothing at all.” In so many ways, life has taught me the truth in that. We learn from others, whether they are the lowest paid or the highest paid, whether they know how to read or not, whether they are younger or older. When we say that our cup is full and we have already mastered something, we might be surprised to discover that if you still listen, you will learn more for learning never ends. If you say that your cup is full, then you are ready to die. The last 0 then boils down to attitude. As they say, it is attitude, when put in a mathematical equation as a is 1 + t as 20 + another t as 20 + I as 9 + another t as 20 t u as 21 + d as 4 and e as 5 that sums up to 100% and with the love of God makes it 12 +15 +22+5+15+6+7+15+4 would be 101%.

Nine is the highest single digit number. I therefore challenge you graduates to aim high. Aim for the 9 but always remember that your feet are on the ground. Reach your stars, reap them, gather them and use them to brighten not only your own path but also the paths of others as well. Don’t limit yourselves. It is in this place that I heard from you during the Cluster leadership Training, the chant, “What the mind can conceive, the body can achieve.” Live that and be true to that. Aim high. Aim for the nine. Aim not only for yourselves but also for others.
In summary, April stands for Spring in your life; 1 is a challenge; 2 is finding the right friends and companions and acknowledging the presence of God in your life; 0 is for recognizing that everyone is significant though they seem to be insignificant; 0 is attitude towards life; and 9 is aiming high. That is April 1, 2009.

To the teachers, continue working for the betterment of everybody. Don’t take teaching as just a source of income for there is no money in teaching. Teaching is more of a mission. Teaching will only be your line if you stop counting your money at the end of the month and instead think of how you can improve the teaching-learning process. So, congratulations for staying in the teaching field – the noblest profession of all.

To the lower years, you have seen the weakness and strengths of the people who came before you. Take note, they say that the best teacher is experience but you need not experience everything for there is such thing as history and vicarious experiences. Learn from the history and experiences of others for your life is not enough for you to experience everything. Give your best in all endeavors.

To the parents, I know your kids have added gray hairs to you and many more before you will say your task is finished. I know there were so many times that you have asked yourself, “apay anak ko daytoy?” Apay ngata ngarod nga di nak denggen? Yet, I also know that despite all those questions, you still rocked your child in your arms and say, “I love you forever. I like you for always. As long as I live, my baby you’ll be.” Yes, there were times that you cannot understand them and they seem to be aliens to you not your own flesh and blood, makaited ti ado nga uban, yet, you still cradled them in your arms and said, “I love you forever. I like you for always. As long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.”

Now, dear graduates, it’s time to stand and go to your mother and father and hug them as tight as you can and say, “Thank you for loving me. Thank you for liking me. Thank you for making me your baby forever. And, thank you for because of you I am now graduating from high school.” Then give your diploma.

To all, God bless. Thank you for joining all of us here today.

In summary, may I call on the graduates to say April 1, 2009.

Thank you very much.

The number 13 and defining "mayat"

Many people generally fear Friday the 13^th. This fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia. In practice, even popular personalities and institutions avoided the number. As taken from Pinoyblog, posted on March 13, 2009, many hospitals have no room 13, some tall buildings skip the 13^th floor and some air terminals omit Gate 13. President Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel on the 13^th of any month and would never host 13 guest at a meal.

As I never feared the number 13, not even Friday the 13^th, I never placed any meaning on whatever happens to me on that day. I treat the day the way I will treat any other day. Yet, last Friday, the second month of this year with a Friday on the 13^th, somebody pinpointed to me that the adventure we are having might be because of the date.

We were visiting private secondary schools in Mountain Province for their recertification. We started on Monday at Saint Mary’s School in Sagada, Tuesday at St. James High School of Besao. That day, we started traversing the road to Natonin with a plan to stay at an inn in Barlig, a municipality half way to Natonin. Everything was perfect until we reached Poblacion, Barlig. Since we try our best to make use of all daylight time, we considered staying at Barlig a waste of time for there is still light so we decided to reach Kadaclan, a barangay of Barlig and stay there for the night. I agreed though I know that we will reach the place by night time for it was already 6:00PM then.

I know that the Kadaclan Road is very steep and it is a road to avoid especially when it rains. Yet, on the other hand, it did not rain and so I agreed. Moreover, the only inn in Kadaclan is owned by a fatherly friend whom I have not talked to for some years, so reaching the place is a double treat for my companions and a triple treat for me. We will be able to cover more land, stay at Kadaclan dubbed as the Shangrila on the edge and I will be able to socialize with one of the wise men I have met in my life.

It did not take us too long to realize that we might have made the wrong decision. It did not rain before Poblacion, Barlig but it rained after it. And so our ride took its time to walk instead of run. I estimated we will reach Kadaclan by past 7:00 PM but we reached it by 8:30 with our hearts almost at our mouths. The steep and slippery road and the dark, hardly dispersed by our light, enveloping us made us reflect why we did not hire a jeep instead to take us to Natonin - a ride that is used to traversing such. We remembered asking anybody we encountered at any chance we have if the Adventure car we have can traverse to Natonin. I have been there and I was a little bit doubtful but many of those we asked from would say, “Yes, your only problem is if it will rain.” I myself had been to the place for about four times already and hearing the assurance that without the rain, things will be fine, I agreed. But now, we are already contemplating that the car will not be able to make it back to Bontoc on the steep and slippery road, yet, we smiled and kept mum about it.

We slept at Kadaclan and whatever tiredness we felt was washed away by the warm welcome of the people especially the owner of Homestay Inn. The fear was completely forgotten when we woke up in the morning and took a view of the Shangrila on the edge. The view was fantastic making my companions vow to return and take a hike on the virgin forests of Kadaclan.

The way to Immaculate Heart High School in Poblacion, Natonin from Kadaclan was smooth sailing. We reached Natonin by 10:00 AM. We were to sleep at San Roque Inn, a former hospital but now being operated as an inn by the Catholic Church. Though I have slept there already for about two times already, I have not met any experience with the “ghosts” stories that I have heard from many. That night has no difference with all nights I’ve been there for I still slept like a baby until I woke up and realized that my rubber slipper which I used when I went to the bathroom at around 7:00Pm was still wet by 4:00 AM and the night was warm.

We decided to go out of Natonin not via the Kadaclan road for accordingly, the road to Paracelis is “mayat” in our dialect, meaning good, fine, okay. And, one principal even jokingly told me that I should have come when the road was still not fixed so I would have tried the real road situation before. I laughed and I said, “God knows His time so He knew the right time to bring me here.”

What a time it was. We did not travel for 30 minutes when we met our first tragedy. Our car stuck and we cannot move it until another car not really bigger than ours had to pull it out. Thinking things will be fine, I started walking telling them to pick me up along the way. Admiring the beauty that surrounds me, I did not really notice the murky road and the time. It was after I walked for about an hour that I started wondering why they have not yet reached me. I was about to turn around but I decided against it when I saw that I have been going down and hiking up is so tiring even if I have not yet started it.

So, I continued hiking thinking to stop at the first sight of a house, but then, another hiker came. According to him, he hikes from Poblacion, Natonin to Tapao, a sitio of Saliok, Natonin for about three hours only. It was then a relief for me to have a company but after hiking for almost an hour again and the car is not yet in sight, I became too worried. So, I have to ask a driver of a jeepney on the way up to let my companions know where I am.

When we reached Saliok, I had to separate with my companion since he was going another way and I am supposed to wait for the car and I also wanted to visit a public secondary school there. Yet, while I was talking to somebody, I heard and saw the car coming. I had to give up going to the school, relieved that the car was able to traverse accordingly, “the worst part of the road.” They stopped at the bridge to pick me up and when they came out, I feel guilty for not helping them. I already figured that they had a hard time along the way since the two guys are very muddy. To assure them, I had to echo what the residents said, that the worst is over.

However, driving for less than 10 minutes, we came to a very slippery road again. The car cannot go up. The two guys with us, went down to help by pushing the car but since it’s so slippery and they themselves slipped, it had been more dangerous than helpful. They did all things they know, but even with all of them – the driver, the two guys and even the car – pushing themselves to their physical limits, the car did not move. And so, thinking that “bayanihan” is not yet dead anywhere in the Philippines, I went back to the community to ask for volunteers to help us and to get a spade.

Yet, when we were coming back, wonder of wonders, the car accordingly moved and is running. So, I thanked the volunteers with me and proceeded. However, when I reached the car, it was stuck again, in a bend about a hundred meters away from where it was stuck when I left it. This time, it cannot really move. As we were contemplating our next move, people began pouring in. Men in motor, men walking and a yellow car that seemed to have been sent by God on the right time. They said that the best way to remedy the situation is for the yellow car to pull our car. The problem? There was no big and sturdy rope that they have. And so, I had to go down to the community again to ask if not to buy. And then we met male teachers from the public high school who heard that somebody from DepEd was stuck at the road. I asked if they have a rope, big, sturdy and long enough for the purpose. They said that they have a rope made from abaca made by the students. They said that it could do the work and so we had to wait. Our car was pulled from that portion till Tapao, about four kilometers away. We were only able to move out because of the concerted effort and helpfullness of the people, including the students who made the project.

We sighed when we reached Paracelis. After eating, we started again to Alfonso Lista, Ifugao. We were very much assured by the people (again?) that we will be safe till we reach Ifugao. All the roads are fine. We were laughing at our last adventure, assured that such kind is finished. Our laughter faded when we realized that our car cannot go up a slippery road again. It was a little bit hard, for my conscience was bothered, to ask the tired men from the field and those on their way home to help but then there came willing hands again. This time, they will not push the car for it is too dangerous and slippery. What they did was to pull the car, for it was a lot safer. They tied a rope and with all the men’s strength, pulled the car up to a safe ground.

We were relieved for at last, we are on the road again but the Regional Director for FAPE who was with us was so worried with the car that we decided not to go directly to Mayoyao, Ifugao but to Santiago, Isabela to have the car checked. We were only able to sleep by about 10:30 that night – a normal five hour ride took us about 11-12 hours.

The next morning, Friday the 13^th, we were assured that the priest in-charge of the school will pick us up on his way from Lagawe, Ifugao. However, we decided to just go in convoy instead. The two men with us rode with the priest while we stayed in the car. After riding for about an hour, the priest called us to come back and pick up our two companions for his car has a problem. Jokingly, our driver insinuated that they were the bad luck of yesterday and that day since the car they are in gets stuck. We took things as just plainly jokes. However after another 30 minutes, our car cannot climb the slippery mountain again. The car was not really built for such. The two were the butt of jokes again. We had to turn the car and stay at a safe place while thinking of our next move.

When a truck came, we asked if we, the three certifiers, can ride with them so, we will be able to fulfill the reason that we were there. They agreed. However, when we were on the same spot that our car cannot traverse, the truck got stuck also. I looked at the two and tried to make a remark meant as a joke but also to emphasize that they really seem to be the bad luck but I saw their faces and I can’t continue. I saw how downfallen they are. I just smiled and tried to help them.

Minutes flew and the car that was supposed to go and help the priest was coming up again with our other companions. Since the road was wide enough, the car was able to pass the struggling truck. They stopped to wait for us to change ride. The faces of our two companions can’t be spelled. They seemed to refuse to transfer but at the same time welcome it. They seemed not to have taken a breath until we reached the cemented roads of Aguinaldo. The two refused to take their lunch and one of them kept on puffing cigarettes. It was only when we were on our way to Mayoyao that they voiced out how they feel, that if the last car that took us got stuck, they will really believe that they are the “bad luck”. And so, thankfully, we were so happy to note that we reached our destination without further mishap only with me in rubber slippers ( I forgot to get my shoes which I removed when we first got stuck) and my companions are in muddy shoes and sandal.

We rode the bus back to where we left our car. Everything was running fine except when we again reached another slippery road. We have to wait for a truck to pass through before we can pass. The truck got stuck there for almost 15 minutes but we were able to pass.

We realized we had been on the road for more than 24 hours already with almost the same predicament in two provinces. Yet, I believe, things will be better in two or three years time since improvements on the road started already.

Relieved on our way home, somebody commented, “Have you realized it is Friday the 13^th?” I have not thought of it, but now, . . Of course, I still believe the date had nothing to do with our experience. I still consider that experience as one of the most fruitful ones. It had proven once more that Filipinos are more than what they are made for. And, after all, who would recent a 13^th month pay?

Sagada: A Perfect Example of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is probably one of the most abused words in the tourism industry. It is the cry of almost all promoters of tourism in any place with natural environmental beauty.
However, ecotourism is not merely marketing the natural environmental beauty of a place. The United Nations described the general characteristics of ecotourism as (1) nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the appreciation of nature as well as traditional cultures in natural areas; (2) contains educational and interpretation features; (3) generally, but not exclusively organized for small groups by specialized and small, locally owned businesses; (4)minimizes negative impacts upon the natural and socio-cultural environment; and (5)supports the protection of natural areas.
Ecotourism then goes beyond what the eyes can see. It’s not merely earning money through the environment but making the least damage to it. While tourism is the most expensive industry, it is also the most destructive. Sometimes, even those claiming for ecotourism are the very ones violating the very same concept.
In ecotourism, it matters much who controls the resources because control of the resources ends up to those who controls the profit. In Sagada, all tourism amenities like hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops are owned by the Isagada. No non-Isagada, even by disguise, owns any business establishment in the town.
Even the Sagada Environmental Guides Association, which is the front liner of the tourism industry is one hundred percent composed of Isagada. The environmental fee of ten pesos which is now being collected by the Municipal Government was once under the care of the SEGA. And, from it, they had thought and implemented projects that improved the tourist spots but did not really removed the thrill or the natural beauty of the place. Yet, even when the collection was transferred to the Municipal Government, still the control is in the hands of the locals.
The projects that might have improved the tourist spots are conceptualized not only to serve the tourists but also the locals. And, it is only implemented if it incurs the least damage to nature. In ecotourism, it is very important that the voice of the locals should be heard and it is only with them that it is implemented. This is based on the contention that the locals know what is best for them and the community.
Almost 15 years ago, there was a proposal to build a five-star hotel in Sagada through the Philippine Tourism Authority. This was disapproved by the locals and the reigning Municipal Local Government Unit officials at that time. At first thought, questions such as why would they do such a thing when tourism is starting to be the lifeblood of some Isagada. It seems it was not right to do so. However, on second thought, it was after all for the good of the Isagada. It was ecotourism all along. If they would have allowed a five-star hotel, will the Isagada be in control? They say it generates more income and jobs. True, but what kind of jobs? The locals are not the owner of the hotel. They will for sure be there to work only to serve, and who will benefit from the income? In a way, they will but not directly.
Another point raised was, the Isagada sometimes lack water. If there will be a five-star hotel, of course, the concentration of the water will be on the hotel itself. One flush for the toilet bowl is almost enough for one to use to take a bath. And, will the five star hotel serve the locals? For sure it will not as a hotel but it would be for their eyes only.
Such contentions may seem to be arrogant to some but it is ecotourism in the whole sense of the word. Whatever amenities put up should not only be serving the tourists but also the locals.
Culture is not to be marketed. The culture of the Igorots had always amused tourists and even locals themselves. But, cultural practices were done only when they are supposed to be done. Traditional practices are not done for tourists’ amusement only. Old folks follow their calendar so if the tourists want to witness such practices, they have to adjust to the schedules of the locals and not vice versa. And, the practices are not done on artificial settings but on where such practices are really to be done like the “dap-ay.”
If there had been rumors on some locals being paid to perform some rituals, social ostracism, even oral ones, had righted the acts. In other words, the control of the locals and their way of disciplining the errant, even the older folks, had always been effective.
Though commercialization of culture is very rampant nowadays, Sagada is still not going with the flow. Again, this makes it an ecotourist destination in the real sense of the word – avoiding destruction of nature as well as culture.
Another feature of ecotourism is the motto of some guides, “if you are in Rome, do what the Romans do.” Putting it in context, if you are in Sagada, do what the the Isagada do. In other words, while the Isagada would adjust to the tourists in one way, the tourists should also adjust. It is a two way traffic and both parties should meet at the center. The Isagada should not adjust all through out to cater to the whims of every visitor as well as the tourists should not adjust all throughout to cater to the whims of every locals. Each party should share a part of him/her and each should understand each other. Both parties, in a way is partly educating the other. So, tourism is also a powerful way of sharing who you are.

Though there are still so many things that need to be improved in Sagada’s tourism industry, as of now, it is still what we call an ecotourist spot in the real sense of the term.

Paracelis will be green again

Paracelis will be green again.

This is the cry of the 130 Supreme Student Government Paracelis-Saliok, Natonin Cluster participants to the SSG Leadership, Peer Counseling and Child Participation Training held at Paracelis National High School on October 11-13, 2008.

The SSG students and advisers committed to join hands to set a day for the whole student body in Paracelis and EBNAVHS-Saliok Annex for tree planting with the aim of restoring the watershed and the forests of the municipality. Thus, they are calling on all possible support to concerned individuals and offices to be one with them in one way or another in this endeavor.

The cry was a result of the SSG officers’ realization and assertion of their rights to child participation and leadership. Eastern Barlig National Agricultural and Vocational High School – Saliok Annex who joined the cluster due to proximity also vowed to join Paracelis in the realization of their cry.

Asked for their reasons for supporting the regreening program of Paracelis, the SSG officers of EBNAVHS – Saliok Annex say, “ Paracelis is our neighbor, so we want to help them. Besides, we might be residing here someday. Moreover, it is our responsibility to take care of mother earth for we are all affected because, after all, we are in the same planet.”

The Municipal Mayor of Paracelis, Almeida, already committed the full support of the Local Government Unit to such an endeavor.
With the theme, “Empowering SSG Officers and Advisers As Effective Leaders and Counselors,” the training is a joint effort of the Department of Education – Division of Mountain Province in partnership with the host schools, Youth Alliance Philippines – Northern Luzon, Outstanding Students of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Local Government Units and the UNICEF.

MPSPC, under the leadership of Julie Tuguinay, the guidance counselor and the Liwid Organization of Student Peer Counselors works on Peer Counseling for Students and Guidance Counseling for Advisers. DepEd, through the SSG Coordinator, Irene Bakisan; OSCAR through Ronald Lopez, also an OSCAR; and YAPNL, through the leadership of Dazzelyn Zapata, a UP-Baguio instructor, work on Leadership Development Training. Other topics are as Parliamentary Procedure and Child’s rights and participation are tackled by the DepEd / UNICEF and LGU.

This training is a result of the Orientation and Consultation of SSG advisers and officers held at the Government Multi-Purpose Hall, Bontoc, Mountain Province on June 30, where participants voiced out the need of a Leadership training.

To cater to more participants and to lessen the hindrances leading to non-attendance of the said training, it was decided that the training shall be done by clusters on different dates. SABATA cluster (Sabangan, Bauko and Tadian) finished their training with DepEd, MPSPC and the OSCAR on September 27-29; Paracelis-Saliok Cluster with DepEd, MPSPC and YAPNL on October 11-13; Sagada-Besao Cluster with DepEd, YAPNL, and MPSPC on October 17-19. Barlig-Natonin Cluster will have to reset their training due to health reasons in some parts of Barlig. They will be having their training with DepEd, YAPNL and MPSPC. Bontoc-Sadanga cluster will have their training with DepEd, MPSPC and OSCAR.

After the training, SABATA students were heard with words as, “We will do our responsibility as empowered students/officers in our own school by applying what we have learned.” Meanwhile, a Paracelis-Saliok participant mentioned, “I will share and apply what I learned so that others will see that this training is really helping. I will do my part as a leader to serve JOY – Jesus, Others, You.”

Adventure in Sagada, Mountain Province

I have explored the world before I explored my own town. What a shame!!! Though exploring the world was not so literally applied here, I realized that I visited places outside my hometown eventhough I have not visited all the barangays of our place. I may hiked to the north or to the south or to the east of my town but it was usually from Poblacion and back again. Now, when I was given this chance to visit the schools in the peripherals of Sagada, I took it with glee as a chance to hike around my town.

On the first day, I rode from Poblacion to Bangaan that's towards north. I first visited Fidelisan Primary School, then continued to Tanulong not via Bangaan and Madongo but via Guesang. I have never been to this part of Sagada before so the fear of getting lost was overpowered by the excitement I felt.

My brother once told me that you can always find your way if you have Magtanong. So, I would jokingly say that I have Magtanong with me so I will not get lost. Even if Magtanong is a Tagalog, he knows the ins and outs of our town and Mountain Province as a whole. Others would raise their eyebrow and still others would try to find Magtanong for they know full well that I came alone. Yet, still others would understand and laugh and say, "wen met-a."

The hidden beauty of the man-made terraces of the Northern and Eastern part of Sagada really amazed me even if rice terraces had all been a part of my life.

Walking had been my daily habit for three days. Even if I had wanted to ride from Poblacion to Balugan, it would have taken me more than one hour than what it took me to walk. Why? The people of Balugan and even Southern Sagada have this habit of stopping at all stores they pass by and let the PUJ wait for them as if the ride is their own. But, that is one thing good in Sagada coz you don't do that in the city. So, I walked from Poblacion to Balugan then Peg-an which is an annex of Ankileng NHS. Well, I rode to Antadao ES and NHS after I hiked back from Peg-an.

Antadao ES is something to worry about. The ground cracked for a portion of it sank. A building is no longer in use with all its cracks on the walls and the floor. One room which is being used by the Grade IV and V has cracked cement floors which looks like it was an effect of faulting. Aaaaah, another problem for DepEd and a potent danger to all teachers and pupils.

Then on the last day, I hiked all the way to Suyo, then Nacagang, Taccong and lastly to Payag-eo. Aha the beauty is nothing compared with anything since all the places in Sagada have their own. But, I have this funny experience of having no other better choice but to remove my pants in crossing the Taccong river. If not, then I have to present myself at Payag-eo PS all wet and I have to choose to be dry since I still need to hike for another hour before I reach Malitep, Bontoc. I love the feel of the water and trying to be invisible knowing that other people might be watching since there are people harvesting in the fields above.

Below is a photostory of my hike around my town.

Sabangan, Mountain Province

One of the things I really enjoyed in my new assignment is going around and exploring my own Igorot land - Mountain Province - Sagada, Sabangan, Besao, Bauko, Tadian, Sadanga, Barlig, Natonin, Bontoc and Paracelis. I love the feel of conquering its numerous mountains. And, I really thank God for giving me my sakamobile which I can use with or without gasoline and all its price increase. And the more I explore my place, the more I come to love it and the more I thank God for making me an Igorot born in the Igorot land.
I have lots of interesting experiences but best are when I am with nature. Below is a video of my latest adventure in Sabangan, Mountain Province.