MONEY FROM GRASS

THIS IS NOT A TREKKING TALE. 
This is a story of the people I usually meet on the trails...

 Here's a published article: SAYAWAN WOMEN REAPS MONEY FROM GRASS  in http://otopphilippines.com. 

"Tikog", a weed of the sedge family naturally thrives in swampy areas. A lot of these weeds can be found in many towns of Bukidnon--- Pangantucan, Talakag and Impasugong to name a few.

Tikog ready for weaving.

 These plants in the mountains may be pest to some but a blessing to our native brethren. With God-given weaving instinct, they utilize tikog to make native mats, bags, place mats and other decoratives for their own use and for commercial purposes. Yes, they reap money from this grass.

GIVE LAKE SEBU: A Trip Beyond the Usual

Two weeks after the hearty GIVE Bukidnon, the main GIVEr, Heiz of the Journeying Pinay, seemed to have more to give. A well coordinated giving was set in Lake Sebu, the summer capital of Southern Mindanao. This place offers a complete treat to tourists who want to relax and unload the stress away. A highland municipality of South Cotabato, Lake Sebu can brag for its cool weather, lifegiving lakes, 7 series water falls, interesting rivers and springs, scenic landscapes, outdoor adventures and interesting T'boli culture.

Honestly, I’ve been to Lake Sebu so many times. At first I did it solo, and later convinced other visitors, friends and big groups that could even make a community. I did camping alone outside a full-packed lodge, screaming at the country’s most awesome zipline, joining a strange group in a boat tour, trekking to 7series waterfalls, visiting a T’boli cultural house, witnessing cultural presentations, get dressed in full T’boli costume and eating different menus of tilapia.

So what makes this trip unusual?

UNUSUAL and memorable due to the fact that I (Trekero) and my buddies Heiz (Journeying Pinay) and Glen (Escape Manila) did not just visit the place to satisfy ourselves with its offerings. We did it to engrave genuine smiles to the faces of the welcoming T’boli community with our simple gifts. And this is what I want to brag this time.

It was 3:30 am when Glen and I departed Davao. At 9:00 am, we finally arrived at the Lake Sebu’s School of Living Tradition. A very long trip, indeed. 

ARRIVAL

The weather was so fair when we arrived at Lake Sebu. Heiz and Maria Todi, the manager of School of Living Tradition awaited for us. It was so overwhelming being welcomed by the smiling kids.

The school of Living Tradition situated right beside the highway.

GIVE BUKIDNON: Traveling and Giving

The GIVE Project is an initiative by Heiz Ramos, the Journeying Pinay. GIVE stands for Give Intensely, Victoriously, Enthusiastically. Because of her love for the tribe, she wants to impart something to them especially the kids. This lady believes that there's more to travel than by simply seeing places and bragging about them afterwards. She wants to do something that would somehow leave a simple happiness to the community she visited. That's the most meaningful travel, indeed.   

After the successful GIVE Ifugao, she happened to visit the green province of Bukidnon. She then decided to make the province the next venue for the project. After almost a year of conceptualization, GIVE Bukidnon was finally realized. The event would have been conducted earlier, but it was me who couldn't identify the venue. I wonder what took me so long. After all, we ended at my very hometown. Heiz (Journeying Pinay), Lai (Pinay Travelista), Bon (Contour Blog) and I (Trekero) visited the scenic barangay Pigtauranan--- the home of Lake Napalit.

Her initiative leaves me speechless, so I'm just gonna tell you the whole story through pictures...

Upon entering the barangay, the GIVErs Lai, Heiz and Bon excitedly posed before the lake.

THE MOUNTAINEER'S PRAYER: A Poem by Anita Atina

The Mountaineer’s Prayer
by Anita Atina

O honourable mountain
Allow me to walk to your peak
There are you, timeless, elegant
Framing the sun, the moon and the stars 

A HEART FOR THE MOUNTAINS: A TALE OF A FIRST TIME CLIMBER

“His heart is weak to conquer the heights, but strong enough to care for the mountains”.

A very lazy Saturday. Gloomy. The sun selfishly hid itself. The heavy clouds dropped a gentle drizzle. And I was so disappointed. I should be somewhere soaked in a 13-tiered waterfalls. I was so regretful of the weather that never cooperated with my getaway plan.

Then here’s my brother, wondering why I didn’t resort to sleeping the whole day and get rested from a weeklong stressful job. I told him I only get rested when I’m moving from place to place. Anticipating a flashflood, he suggested me to rather climb Mt. Musuan and he would go with me. I was really puzzled, never expecting him to think of climbing because he has a weak heart, physically… Weaker than my weak, enlarged heart. His diminished vision also impairs his balance.

LAGUINDINGAN AIRPORT: A SIMPLE GUIDE

If you’re flying via Laguindingan Airport, it will take you 45 minutes getting there from CDO. 

Laguindingan Airport caters domestic flights, yet it is truly world class far too different from Lumbia Airport. It has modernized structures, wide runways, organized parking lots, nice hallways and corridors.

However, if you’re a first flight taker who is used to rest your sleepy head in the city a night before, meanwhile, lessen your confidence to catch your flight because of the distance and the mode of transportation… Unless you are willing to spend P450.00 for a metered taxi or P600.00 for a non-metered one.  

MY MOST LIKED TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHS

Photography should always go with travels. If you couldn't keep pictures of your travels, it seems like you haven't traveled at all. The way pictures are shot matters a lot. Great shot are the ones worth keeping.

As a traveler, I sometimes get an opportunity to go with travel buddies whom I consider great photographers. There are elements that make good pictures like composition and exposure. And the subject (hehehe).

I proudly give credits to my friends who shot most of my favorite pictures. Here are my top most liked travel photos (in no particular order):