Mantiquil
This is a borrowed article from my good friend and seasoned mountaineer, Alex D. Ybarley, Jr.
MY TREK TO NO MAN’S LAND
by: Alex D. Ybarley, Jr.
Prologue:
Before I could relate the full details of my latest and most thrilling adventure, allow me to share some personal misgivings I nurtured for awhile and the main reason why I dilly-dallied about making that momentous “first-visit” to a place called: MANTIQUIL. A remote barangay found in Siaton, Negros Oriental.
I got to know and hear about Mantiquil from a very good friend of long-standing; Rene or better known to most as “Eti” Vendiola. He owns a sizeable piece of land there that he cultivates with an assortment of agricultural products.
But, what is it about this place-Mantiquil, that the mere mention of it makes one shudder with so much dread and fear?
MANTIQUIL is the last barangay far-west of Siaton; bounded by Dob-dob, Valencia in the northeast; and Apoloy, Santa Catalina in the Southwest. It is a place so far away from the “hustle” and the “bustle” of the city. One could generally call life there as, so very, very simple.
It could have been an ideal “haven-of-refuge” for all those seeking to enjoy moments of peace and quiet. Wherein one can easily shift gears, from a harried, hectic and heavy work-schedules typical of a fast city life, we city dwellers are so used to; to that of a slow-paced and hum-drum existence of life in a poor, small barrio so far removed from the “hubbub” of today’s modern civilization. Here, one can actually afford to take “time-off”; to notice, to admire, and to appreciate the undefiled beauty of nature at it’s glorious best! It is also a good time to Praise GOD for all the bounties he lovingly and constantly gave to man.
It was almost a “perfect SHANGRILA” . . . . . , but, not quiet? For Brgy. Mantiquil of Siaton is a place that has lost it’s “innocence” and “simplicity” because of the unwelcomed and unwanted violence and atrocities that permeates in the area, spoiling the total image of what a perfect Shangrila should be?
Because of the many reported hit and run encounters committed between government forces and the rebels that happened in the past, and into our present times as well, the controversial place has consequently earned for itself a second name. Mantiquil has been aptly dubbed by those in the know as: “NO MAN’S LAND!”
Today, military presence is strongly felt as military outposts are installed in Mantiquil, purportedly to secure the area – to keep it “safe” from more rebel attacks, and supposedly to look after the needs of the people too?
Once before, a proud Mantiquillian could claim that his barrio is a place where “angels fear to tread”. But alas, . . . , those “silent days” of Mantiquil are gone. Could it be gone for good, perhaps? For the present as we very well know, tells of a different story now.
All throughout, I’d be referring to my good friend Rene, using his other name “Eti” – the name he prefers to be called by; and the name in which he is most known by his family, his intimate friends and town-mates.
Hearing what I’ve heard and reading what I’ve read about Mantiquil, all the unpleasant comments and sometimes the very sketchy reports about the skirmishes happening in Mantiquil, Siaton gave me a rather negative view about it. I then said to myself: “I’m not fool enough, to step one foot into that place!” – or so, I thought?
When my friend Eti, first asked me to come and visit his rather modest farmland in Mantiquil, my initial answer came rather swift. I gave him an out-right “no, thank you” response. Eti, did not push – but he never gave up either. He continued to extend the same invitation from time to time; banking perhaps on the thought, that in the long run, I’d change my mind.
It was more for self-preservation that I politely turned down my friend’s sincere invitation to come and visit Mantiquil. You see, I’ve harbored many doubts and negative thoughts about the place, especially about what I’ve known and heard of it from the grapevine. Even more so, when I learned that Mantiquil is believed to be an NPA-stronghold, based on unconfirmed reports. Visiting a rumored rebel-infested area, definitely is not my idea of fun. It wouldn’t be a good and very safe place to be, for someone like me who is a complete and total stranger to the simple folks of Mantiquil.
I may have been too quick in saying “No” to my friend’s invitation; yet, in fairness to Eti, I did allow myself the chance to weigh the pros and the cons.
I began by asking myself, “do I really want to go there?” “What would I gain if I go to Mantiquil?” “Could my friend, Eti guarantee my safety, if and when I do decide to take the risk?” For truly, it could be a very risky venture, should I make the attempt, eventually.
These and more are the very disturbing questions that bothered me. I couldn’t make up my mind just then . . . . , I needed more time. Eti, on the other hand was very sympathetic with my predicament as he fully understood all of my apprehensions. And so, he patiently waited, until I am good and ready to come up with my final decision.
Danny, a friend and a co-climber enthusiast like myself who accompanied me on this trip, shared the very same negative sentiments I felt earlier, about going to Mantiquil, as we were both first-timers to the place. And I’m pretty sure, so would you too? I guess we can only excuse ourselves for being such “doubting Thomas’s” by simply saying it’s “human nature” to be so cautious and to take extra necessary precautions. One must never be too “rash” in making vital decisions in life, so as to avoid regrets and feeling sorry later, should plans don’t go as we expect it to.
Having had the chance to think things thru’, I then realized that I have been quite unfair to Eti – my friend; to the Mantiquillians, and to myself too! I have been too quick to judge Mantiquil solely on hearsay informations, and did not give them the chance to prove me wrong of all my doubts and negative thoughts about the place that my good friend-Eti, is so very proud to show-off to me!
In the end, the “lure of the wild” coupled with my unbridled spirit of adventure – won! I then told Eti; “Yes!” – I’d love to come to Mantiquil.
I want to come, first and foremost because to be quiet honest, I’m dying with curiosity to find out what Mantiquil is all about? And secondly, because I want to personally see and check the place out for myself, with the hope that ultimately, I’d be able to come up with unbiased impressions and erase all my previous unfounded doubts and ugly thoughts about these place called as: “NO MAN’S LAND?”
I have been an out-of-doors enthusiast for 25 years now. As far as outdoor activities are concerned, you name it, I think I’ve done it all? I’ve hiked; climbed; explored; rappelled; and scaled the hills and mountains of Negros islands. If given the chance to do it in other places; if there’s an opportunity and if time and my work schedules permit it, I would certainly grab it.
Modesty aside, perhaps I can now qualify myself as a veteran or seasoned outdoor sportsman for the many years I’ve indulged in a very strenuous and challenging outdoor sports, such as trekking mountains and scaling heights. Those past exhilarating adventures of mine, I’m proud to say, are one for the books! Each “dangerous” experiences are so meaningful and very memorable as they were all impossible feats to begin with, yet I see them all as a real challenge to me. With much patience; endurance; perseverance; and a very strong faith in GOD, that with HIM, “nothing is impossible!” Amidst all the bodily aches and pains, the challenge has been met; all obstacles successfully thwarted and at the end of the day, as I take stock of all my achievements, it truly is such a wonderful feeling to come to claim with much pride and joy that I have indeed accomplished something great that day, and really, it was all worth my while too. To me and to all those who share my interest and my love for the outdoors, “feeling-good about yourself is Reward enough!
While I’m beginning to claim myself as a seasoned outdoors-man and adventurer; nothing or no one prepared me for my next big challenge. I’d say, that compared to all the previous one’s I did in the past – all else paled in comparison to my Mantiquil experience. My latest adventure so far, has got to be, my “toughest” and my “roughest” yet! How so?
It was a lot of “first-times” for me. My first ever visit, to Mantiquil! The first time too, that I was overly so concerned about my “safety and security” inasmuch as I’m not familiar with the place. Besides, if talks are to be taken with much credence, this whole place “reeks of danger” to me. Not the kind wild animals are capable of giving, but the more potent and lethal kind, given to you by fellow humans like yourself. You could either get it from trigger-happy uniformed men believed to be there to maintain peace and order; or from the people they pursue? Shoe-less individuals who are quiet happy and content to wear nothing on their feet provided they have the latest firearms to slung on their shoulders. Either of these two groups would not hesitate to train their weapons on you – I’m sure? They don’t even have to have a valid reason. A mere suspicion or a case of mistaken identity perhaps, could very well do you in and no questions asked!
I took a very big gamble coming up with my decision to finally accept my friend’s invitation to visit his place in Mantiquil. GOD alone knows the many sleepless nights I spent tossing and turning in my bed, still very much bothered of whether or not I was right in making such a decision? Yes, it was tough! But, “the die is cast!” The Mantiquil visit, is now set to take place.
You might find yourself facing a similar dilemma someday. You could go through a similar experience as mine or maybe perhaps, much tougher and more interesting? If you do, you can either keep it to yourself or better yet; why don’t you share it? As for me, I opted to share my intriguing adventure with others. Who knows, there might be valuable lessons learned along the way?
Another “unforgettable first” for me in doing the Mantiquil trip was that “hair-raising” motorcycle ride we took, traversing rough and very, very narrow mountain roads with an equally dare-devil type of a driver, who just couldn’t care-less, whether or not his passengers are enjoying the ride or almost dying with fright?
I just wondered, if anyone of you city folks out there, ever tried going up the mountains, riding only a motorcycle? Apparently, it is the only means of transport used in the hinterlands, daring enough to take you anywhere, to every “nook and cranny” in the mountains, irregardless of risk or “present imminent danger;” for as long as the “price is right?” This motorcycle ride I’m referring to is one that is so familiar among the local folks of Siaton, and known to them as the “habal-habal” ride!
It became pretty obvious to us that our habal-habal driver then, was having such a grand time, as he expertly skirted his way in and out of the almost “impassable” mountainous terrain. In most times, there was hardly any clear trail at all for us to follow?
With the exception perhaps of Eti, who’s so used to this sort of thing; it was all so strange and very frightening to Danny and me. I tell you, both of us were “holding-on-to-our-dear-lives,” and unfortunately for us too, there was no available “security seat belts” for us to fasten on?
For Danny and I, it was truly the “ride” of our lives! Heartbeats thumping so loudly and going so fast – our adrenalins acting double-time, almost draining us of our strength and energy.
Fear; excitement; and anxiety all three mingled together, to play much havoc in our minds.
FEAR: because taking a habal-habal ride is a very rare experience for me. I may have taken it once or thrice before but under a much normal and tolerable setting. Not like the one I recently had – wherein the habal-habal took me up a very steep and highly elevated slope in the worst of road conditions too; that made me silently cry out and say: “May God Almighty, help us!”
EXCITEMENT: because if we do get to our targeted destination still in one-whole-piece, it would be a blessing and a big miracle! And as I’ve said earlier, it will be the first time for me and my friend Danny, to be there in that almost God-forgotten-land so far away from the “madding-crowds” and from the civilized world;
And,
ANXIETY: because even at that very moment, I cannot seem to shake-off my fear and apprehensions and all the feelings of uncertainty I harbored from the very start, with regards to our safety and security.
But, as an outdoorsman, who loves to take on unusual challenges and “spine-tingling” adventures . . . . . , there was no turning back! My trek to “no man’s land”, is on the go at last . . . , and, I’d like to take you along with me, into my journey to . . . . . . MANTIQUIL!
DAY ONE (Oct. 18, 2005)
To ensure us of a safe-passage into Mantiquil – that we don’t run into any trouble either from the military authorities or from the rebels; Eti, upon learning of my decision to visit Mantiquil, made the necessary arrangements in advance. My friend apparently, is a well-liked personality in Mantiquil and in Siaton proper too. Eti somehow managed to stay “friendly” on both sides. He used his persuasive charm to full advantage. So that when he approached the military stationed in Mantiquil and the police station in Siaton, informing them of our coming visit, everything went smoothly for him.
It was a cool morning, turning out to be a fine and sunny day eventually that Danny and I started off. We took a de-luxe aircon Ceres bus liner, southbound. The bus left the Dumaguete terminal a little past the hour of 7 that Tuesday morning of October 18th, 2005. The 2-weeks semestral break for students has been on. It became understandably clear to us why there were not too many student commuters going to the south, that day. And so, there was no mad-rush for the best seats, as lots of empty seats were available.
The original entourage of 5-people consisting of 3-males and 2-females to go to Mantiquil was reduced to only two. Others begged-off at the last minute for one reason or another.
So, it was just Danny Diputado, a staff of the Chemistry Dept. of Silliman University and myself, who braved it to Mantiquil .
It was pre-arranged that we would be meeting up with Eti at the bus station. All 3-of us boarded the bus and went off to Siaton, together.
My friend Eti had mapped-out sometime ago all his plans of activity for us to do, for the duration of our visit. We stayed at his place in Mantiquil for 3-unforgettable days and 2-blessed nights, from October 18th to the 20th, 2005.
As the bus was rolling towards Siaton, I was quietly yet eagerly anticipating our arrival into Mantiquil. The thought of climbing and scaling the surrounding mountains in Mantiquil; exploring the cascading waterfalls found in the area, an activity that I’ve always relished doing: and perhaps go on a little river-trekking too, has got me so excited and all “fired-up!”.
We were still some distance away from Siaton. To keep us awake and occupied, Eti entertained us with some interesting informations. I then found out that we were not Eti’s first “distinguished” guests. Several months back, according to Eti, Ms. Kara David; tv-host of the popular and highly rated documentary show over at GMA-7 entitled I-WITNESS together with her tv-crew, came to visit brgy. Mantiquil. She was escorted by our very own Vice-Gov., in the person of Mr. Petit Baldado. He came along with some company of his own. All of them became the house-guests of Eti for a couple of days.
Mantiquil, apparently has attracted not only the interest of Ms. David, but also a host of foreigners too. They came, they saw, and they stayed at Eti’s house.
Oh, forgive me! I’ve been blabbering on here, talking incessantly about my friend Eti.
But who is he really? What is he to me? For, I not only look-up to him as my personal friend, I also fully respect the man.
Thanks to Eti, because if not for my friend’s long-standing invitation to come and visit his place in Mantiquil , this trek of ours would not have been made possible at all.
Our friendship goes way, way back in the early 80’s. 1982, to be very precise. I’ve considered Eti as my mentor in mountaineering. He taught me everything I need to know and learn about mountain survival. He also taught me about the out-of-doors and all about living the outdoor life!
Because of Eti’s varied and very colorful experiences about the mountains and living a “nomadic” sort of life while out in the wilds; his expertise in such a field did not go unnoticed.
Not too long ago, Eti has been featured twice in the weekly program of GMA’s I-WITNESS. The issue of interest focused on endemic plants and on endemic bats that grows very prolific in our province. Eti, is some-kind of a genius on such matters. His stock-knowledge did not come from reading academic and scholarly books, but a hands-on kind that he got from actually living with, and getting exposed to the subject itself that has so-captured the interest of GMA-7 and Ms. Kara David herself.
Ms. David believed that Eti was the right and the best resource person she could get to talk and give light, about the subject or subjects that was being scrutinized so intensely on television.
My friend and I are, are two of a kind. Like two peas in a pod! We share the same “passion” for our mountains. He loves the out-of-door life and the mountains so much; just as I do too!
We could simply stay on a stand-still for long periods of time and forget about everything else as we train all our attention to admire and marvel at the colors and the mesmerizing beauty of nature, up in the wilds of any mountain for that matter.
We gave great importance and value to our mountains; and we care so much too, to everything that is in it. Eti and I, are both of the same mind, that our mountains deserved our respect. It is our duty therefore to preserve and protect it from man’s destructive instincts.
For sometime in the past years Eti and I used to go on our mountaineering haunts together. We climbed; scaled; and conquered mountains here in Negros island especially the very proud Mt. Talinis.
But after we’ve successfully tamed that proud mountain, we sort of drifted apart for a while. Eti, did other things. He has to focus on his personal and family life; while I on my part, have to do the same.
It’s been ages since we’ve done an eventful outdoor activity together. And now, we are going to do it again. This time however, we have company who would love to share with us, our thrilling and unforgettable experiences.
My friend Danny!
Our main interest this time will be concentrated in conquering the mountains of Mantiquil, Siaton. This is going to be a new venue for Eti and I. Not just to renew, but also to strengthen our old and tested-by-time brand of friendship; while at the same time welcoming with open arms, new ones.
Since the day I’ve gotten to know Eti, I’ve look upon him as a rare gem of a friend that I don’t want to lose. As a matter-of-fact, Eti means more than that . . . . , for he’s like a real brother to me.
While Eti could rightfully claim that he is a Mantiquillian too – yet, I know that his heart and his loyalty will always remain with Liptong, Bacong where he is a permanent resident and has lived there for many years with his family.
The town of Siaton is about 50-kilometers more or less, away from Dumaguete. The minimum bus fare at that time was pegged at an affordable rate of P50.00 for a one way trip, irregardless of whether you take the aircon bus or the non-aircon one. Passenger jeepneys who ply the same route, charge lesser at P35.00 for one way.
It was almost like we were taking an express trip to Siaton that day, with our bus making less and less stops along the way, for there were no passengers to pick-up. Thus, it hastened our arrival into Siaton much earlier than it’s usual schedule, at 7:45 in the morning.
Having arrived rather early, it gave us lots of time to “kill” in Siaton before we could proceed to Mantiquil.
Danny and I waited for Eti who did his last minute shopping at Siaton’s public market buying food supplies, sufficient provisions to last us for our 3-days stay, at least.
We were informed as we got to talk with some people in Siaton, that there were actually two routes for us to choose from, that will take us to Mantiquil.
The much longer route is said to be about 11-kilometers away from Siaton proper. Travel time in a habal-habal takes approximately one and a-haft hours (1½ hrs.). This route seems to be the most popular among the locals, as it is far more challenging to them and the ride, much more exciting too! And this includes not only the “pleasurable ride”, but also, nursing back-aches upon one’s arrival in Mantiquil. A pay-off for choosing to take a long journey under extremely terrible road conditions.
But what do you expect? A “joy-ride” into the mountains, riding only the “convenient” habal-habal? Not likely so, I’m afraid.
True, the habal-habal is guaranteed to run well. But, as a passenger you cannot expect any comfort, as you are continuously exposed to the elements unprotected as it is, for it is an open vehicle. But, you can somehow hold-on to each other tightly if need be, once the habal-habal starts moving and speeding upwards, towards your desired destination.
Prayers at this point could certainly do great wonders for you. It could help calm your “frayed” and “frazzled” nerves. Perhaps it would also boost your “deflated spirits” somewhat to know firsthand, that your habal-habal driver is so smart and skillful too with his driving, and knows the area he is going like the “palm of his hand”?
This is one trip wherein you are really left with no choice but to trust your driver. Stay confident enough, that he’d be able to carry you through without encountering any untoward mishaps on the way, as he expertly and knowingly maneuver his motorcycle through small and very narrow mountain passes; negotiating with ease every sharp bend and curves with much success!
The long and winding road leading to Mantiquil proves to be a big challenge to every habal-habal driver there is, in Siaton. Thankfully, most if not all of them have driven that way lots of times both past and present – and knowing that for a fact, both Danny and I heaved a big sigh of relief and felt quite safe with our driver. We now believed we could trust him with our lives, and knew he’d bring us safe and sound to Mantiquil!
The other alternative route to take is roughly about 3-4 kilometers away from Siaton. True, it was a shorter journey, but road conditions here are no better, either. One has to endure a very, very uncomfortable ride because the roads are so uneven and heavily strewn with rocks. Most of the locals don’t like this route much because according to them it is less challenging and so therefore, not so much fun?
After about 45-minutes of waiting in an eatery store in Siaton near the market place; we were now ready to proceed to our final destination.
We left Siaton proper ‘round about 8:30. We hired two habal-habals. Danny and I rode in one, Eti with our provisions took the other, being it’s lone passenger as there was no one else other than us, who was Mantiquil bound that day.
A habal-habal, or what is commonly called in the city as the ever dependable motorcycle, would carry say about 5 to 7 adult passengers per trip. On market days, the so called “tabo” among the locals, that’s exactly the maximum allowable number of passengers a habal-habal takes, to bring to market with their goods to sell, and back to their respective places of abode, situated mostly in very isolated and unpopulated areas in the hinterlands. Those drivers who take more than what is allowed and likewise, passengers who insist to be taken in, do so at their own risk.
Luck was really with us that day. Like in the Ceres bus we took earlier in coming to Siaton, that was practically almost empty of commuters; the same holds true in the last league of our journey – this time bound for Mantiquil. We couldn’t get anybody else to join us in our habal-habal who’d go to Mantiquil. I think it was really great! For it was almost like we were traveling in “style” and in such “comfort” too, for we will then have all of the habal-habal space, to ourselves.
I know, both Danny and I were keeping our unspoken fears and anxieties to ourselves, as the habal-habal made it’s way into the traitorous: perilous: and mountainous terrain. We also passed by numerous steep ravines and deep canyons too!
The first league of our habal-habal journey, Danny and I were both so tense as we realized but much too late unfortunately, that we took such a big risk in riding that habal-habal, that could very well bring us on our way to “kingdom come?”
Resigned to our fate, for we knew we cannot do much to change anything anymore; after-all we’ve been told beforehand, that there were no other available choices to take, but the habal-habal? Strangely enough, in the long run, as we schooled ourselves to adapt to the inevitable, both Danny and I, eventually got the hang-of-it!
It was truly a very long ride to Mantiquil. Yet, in spite of our knowledge that we were actually traveling in a not-so-safe-to-take-road-wise-vehicle: added to the fact too, that we were having a rather unusual journey of taking roads; “less traveled by” – it came to us unexpectedly, that it surprised both Danny and myself when we both realized that we were beginning to enjoy our thrilling and so full of suspense habal-habal ride! Tremendously, as a matter-of-fact.
Before our journey came to an end; believed it or not, Danny and I, got to share the same pleasure and enjoyment that our daring habal-habal driver felt at the very start of that long and unforgettable ride to Mantiquil.
We fully understood now, why in spite of it being so “uncertain” and a highly dangerous journey to take, not to mention that it is also taxing physically, because it’s too long a ride; yet, most of the locals still preferred to take it.
Experiencing it ourselves, we agree with the locals that it is both very exciting and truly so challenging. Irregardless of the dangers and all the discomfort; the habal-habal ride was indeed one Fun Ride to take! And you know what? I really wouldn’t mind having to do it again.
At this point, I think it is high time to commend the habal-habal drivers of Siaton for their extra-ordinary driving skills.
It was no mean feat, doing what they do for a living. Fully aware of the risk and dangers their chosen profession entails – they continue to ferry local commuters daily and even occasional visitors too, like us. Back and forth, back and forth in their habal-habals in spite of the difficult road conditions they have to painstakingly negotiate, as there are no clear roads to take. Such bad road conditions are encountered in the mountains – and not just in Siaton. I suppose it is true, with the rest of the mountains in this country of ours?
Every commuter and would-be passengers of the habal-habal, knows that it takes only one small-driving-error on the part of the driver; carelessness perhaps; wanting to show-off; or simply feeling overly confident with oneself; could easily mean one’s “end?” But no such terrible incident has been reported to have taken place so far, in Siaton.
What a very comforting assurance! And for that, I’d like to take my hats-off in salute to you Guys! I want to give you my sincere recognition of your incomparable courage; your dedication to do a difficult job well; and most of all for your expertise and skillful driving. Maneuvering your way through those narrow, rough, rocky and often times very slippery mountain roads. Given the kind of conditions you have to deal with and drive through – YOU are to me, real Winners. I say in all sincerity: “YOU are certainly the BEST there is!” So, keep up the good work, Guys.
As for Danny and me, we soon noticed that we were much too focused on our fears, that we failed to look at the bright side. We told ourselves, it wasn’t right. We then tried our very best to overcome our fright. We were already there. We knew from the very start that there’s nothing much we can do about the unfortunate circumstance – the least that we can do however, to make life much easier for us, is to simply go ahead and “dance with the music”.
Besides, what good is our faith, if we don’t give HIM our full and complete trust? In good times and in bad? At that instant, we were experiencing some bad ones.
We ought to know better that HE always will take care and look after us. And with this inspiring words to egg-us-on, we surrendered fully our fate to our Savior and Lord, who I am pretty sure kept His ever-watchful eyes on us. How can I ever forget, that God is always with us every moment of every day? Anywhere we go, whatever we do, God is watching.
It was a good thing that we arrived at that resolved of unquestionably accepting what we cannot change. As we opened our hearts; our minds; and our eyes, we started to see things differently.
As our habal-habal continued to increase it’s speed going up and up, deeper into the mountains – Danny and I, far more determined now to get the most of this unusual experience, finally began to noticed the spectacular natural beauty of Siaton’s countryside.
We tried to settle ourselves more comfortably in the habal-habal, feeling relieved and much relaxed. We confronted one natural wonder after another with appreciative eyes. The words “Ohhs!” and “Ahhs!” from Danny and myself were the only words we could afford to say at that moment to express our sincere admiration and deep appreciation of all of God’s handiwork. I silently muttered to myself, that Siaton’s countryside has so much to offer to it’s visitors local or otherwise. It could most likely be a possible site for our Phil. tourism to tap.
Our driver informed us presently, that we were just a few kilometers away from barangay Mantiquil now. As we drew closer, the motorcycle continued it’s upward climb. We have now reached an elevation of about 735 meters or roughly about 2,410.8 ft. above sea level.
We requested our driver to stop for a little while so Danny and I could admire fully and enjoy the magnificent view. We felt that we’re on top of the world, looking at the panoramic vista right before us. From where we stood, one could say in jest: “you need only a few centavos more to take one last ride, and you’re in heaven!” That’s how close we were, to heaven.
I felt a certain sense of pride and elation, not so much because I’m standing on a mountaintop? Because compared to some mountain I’ve successfully climbed in the past, the one I’m on, isn’t really that high? At least based on my previous experiences, it wasn’t high enough for me to brag about and fan my ego. But just the same, the fact that I’ve finally found the courage to get up there was to me, a most thrilling and worthwhile experience. A real “treasure of fond memories” that is all mine to keep and to cherish, and no one can steal that away from me.
As we resumed the ride, we were still moving upwards some more. Speeding higher up into the mountains, we could feel now the cool blast of mountain air hitting us. But we welcomed it with gladness and joy. For every tender caress of the cooling breeze, soothe and fanned our hot, warm bodies.
It was a relief and so timely too. The cold mountain air felt so very refreshing and gave us much comfort. Traveling in a habal-habal in a hot, sunny day could be very unpleasant and so uncomfortable. We felt the searing heat start to “perk-up” as we were leaving Siaton proper. Almost an hour has gone; the sun is now blazing intensely hot, as we continued on with our journey.
The higher we went, the more refreshing, delightful and so breathtaking the trek has become to us. Up there, we witnessed the unbelievable awesome scenic view far down below us. We were bedazzled with everything that we saw. It was such a beautiful sight and simply so wonderful as we feasted our eyes on it. I can think of only one, to give the full credit to, for such grandiose beauty. The One who made all things possible. The GOD of Heaven and Earth! I bowed my head in all humility in grateful thanks and say: “For everything good and beautiful and pleasant to the eyes Lord – to GOD BE THE GLORY!”
As Danny and I longingly continued to gaze mesmerized; silently we acknowledged how glad we both were that we came. The view up there was truly magnificent. With an enchanting sight such as the one we were looking at, believe me, it was worth all the trouble. What Danny and I both felt then was beyond words; it was indescribable. For a moment there, it seemed to us like the whole world was within our grasp – and yet; at the wink of an eye, the thought was gone. Slowly we were leaving the peak; inching our way downwards, as we began our descent towards brgy. Mantiquil.
The Lord delivered us safe and sound right at the very doorstep of Eti’s humble dwelling. Yes, that’s what Eti calls it, his humble “little payag!”
This little payag of Eti however, is actually made of hard-wood with galvanized roofing too. Perhaps, nowadays one could easily call it as, the modern day version of the “nipa hut?”
Eti’s house in Mantiquil was just about the only sign that the civilized world penetrated and influenced but minimally, the simple life-style so very typical among the Mantiquillians.
We were in Mantiquil at last, at Eti’s “home-away-from-home!” I’m glad to say, that we encountered no trouble of any kind on our way to Mantiquil, contrary to what Danny and I subconsciously anticipated as a possible worst scenario! But none of that happened. It was smooth sailing for us, all the way to Eti’s house.
Upon our arrival, immediately I was awe-struck by Eti’s house. It was hardly what a city-dweller would call us their dream-house. For some, if not most would say it isn’t exactly their idea of what their dream houses should look like? But, what caught my attention right away was that the house was strategically cradled on a hilly plateau! It was so nicely located that it gives a complete good view of the mountains not so far away from the house of Eti; from all angles. It was not only very impressive to look at , but beautifully a perfect setting too, as far as I’m concerned.
From where I stood, silently assessing that serene-looking mountain up ahead, I just knew in my heart that I would find the mountains of Mantiquil a blissful place for a good retreat, where one could throw away all worries and problems to the wind.
What a perfect moment to cling on to? To be alone in the wilderness with only the rest of God’s creations to keep me company – and what a perfect time too, to Praise and Thank Him and be at peace! I am part of God’s creations – it felt so good, knowing that I belong.
Eti did not forget his manners as our host. He gave us a thorough guided tour in and out of his little payag. Just because he calls his house as a little payag, you may think he means it, literally? Let me enlighten you that Eti’s little payag defies your conventional idea of the traditional very, very small nipa hut used by farmers to take a rest in. Your vision must have been inspired by that familiar song we all learned in our primary years that says: “My nipa hut is very small . . . ?”
Eti has anticipated, that eventually he’d be receiving lots of visitors who’d come to Mantiquil. And so, he got himself ready.
He built himself a house and furnished it somewhat, not necessarily with city-standard facilities, for Eti did not deviate that far. As barrio housing is concerned, Eti’s house still falls very much up to their standards; so that the barrio folks don’t feel that he is different and not one of them. On the contrary, Eti is so very much welcomed in their community and they even adopted him as a son of Mantiquil.
What Eti did to his house however, to make it acceptable to his occasional house-guest, is to add a few fixtures here and there, which one cannot find in the other homes in Mantiquil.
One very important facility Eti made sure is included, was to provide a sanitary water-sealed out-house restroom.
And, would you believe too, that he also has his own electric power there? Only Eti’s house in the whole Mantiquil neighborhood gets to enjoy full-electric lighting at night-time. He has installed a 12-volt electric power that is generated by a truck battery of about 12-plates! Electricity is the one commodity that Eti indulged himself. The only influence of city-life that apparently, he can’t seem to do without.
Inside the house you can find just one bedroom; there’s also a kitchen, and a very spacious sala. The sala of Eti served as sleeping quarters at night time especially if there’s a big group of people visiting at one time. Since there’s only one bedroom, the rest of them can lay their sleeping bags on the sala and be floor-leaders for a night or two.
Eti’s house in Mantiquil is hardly a palace or a mansion? It is but a very humble home of a very down-to-earth person – that my friend Eti, tried his best to make as welcoming and as comfortable for him and his varied guests as well, in the best way he knew how.
Danny and I find the accommodations really quiet agreeable to us. It could have been perfect, except for one thing – WATER! A steady flow of running water has been Eti’s biggest problem. Everyday it was such a big hassle for them to have to fetch drams of drinking, cooking and washing water from a nearby well-spring down a ridge, a few meters away from Eti’s house. But for Eti and the rest of his household however, they don’t seem to mind it anymore. Fetching water to them has already become part of their routines – it is a way of life.
Eti has a young married couple who look after his house when he is not in Mantiquil . We met them personally when we arrived. Eti introduced us to Boyet; to his wife Mary; and to their 2-year old daughter they call, Ai-Ai. We also met with Boyet’s father who lives with the couple.
They were all so overjoyed to see us and gave us a very heart-warming welcome. The couple took very, very good care of Danny and me.
Mary, Boyet’s wife took charge of all our meals. It was she who prepared our food during our 3-days stay there, out of the provisions, Eti, Danny and I brought with us. In a remote barrio like Mantiquil; so far away from the nearest sari-sari store, you cannot afford to be so picky and expect to find variety in your meals? You simply take what’s placed on the table in front of you. So that, for our breakfast, lunch and dinner, we had the same menu all throughout. All of us ate the same kind of food day in and day out including boyet’s family. Except for the rice and coffee which came compliments of the house; our food provisions put together, consist of some bread; instant noodles; sardines and the very popular among the barrio folks, the never say die dried fish or the “bulad!”
Our food provisions may not meet our dietary needs and requirements? A licensed dietician would be so shocked and disapprove, and may even scold us too, for not eating healthy. Some may call it as a poor-man’s menu; - but to us, it was enough that we have something to feed ourselves with. We’ve learned that out there in the households of Mantiquil, families gather on the table to eat – and they’re lucky to have salt or sugar perhaps, to eat with their rice. To have an occasional “bulad” on the table is a real manna to them. An unexpected but very much welcomed gift from heaven! So much so, that we are so very grateful of our poor-man’s menu. It has blessedly become a good reason for us to have a real feast, every time we face each other on the table to eat.
Our first day in Mantiquil ended with Danny and me given the V.I.P. treatment. The biggest place in the house the sala- was assigned to us including Eti, to retire in. Such a gesture no longer surprised Danny and me. If you are to get a taste of genuine and true Filipino hospitality, still being practiced religiously? You only have to go to the rural areas! That’s where you’ll still find Filipino hospitality at it’s best. That kind of warm hospitality was extended to us by these wonderful couple, in the whole 3-days of our visit.
DAY TWO (Oct.19, 2005)
We rose bright and early on our 2nd day in Mantiquil; eager and so excited to have a good start. We have scheduled our climb to nearby mountain that surrounds Eti’s house, that day. If time would allow us, we also planned of doing a little exploring along the waterfalls too; and culminate the day’s activity by including river-trekking as well.
The anticipated thrilling adventure soon to take place got us so really excited. At exactly 8 o’clock, we were on our way to begin our trek, hoping that we could get good-mileage if we start-off quite early, when the sun isn’t too hot yet.
In very high spirits, we were happily trudging on as we begun our walk towards the mountains with brisk, strong strides, hardly able to contain our joy that on that very day we’d be scaling heights again. To conquer another mountain and to take our first glimpse too, of what secrets the mountains of Mantiquil has to hide? What a real triumph it would be for us, if we’d be able to successfully uncover the mystery of the Mantiquil mountains?
Hardly, have we began our climb however, when the unexpected happened. The eager expectations we unknowingly radiated yet strongly felt in our beings; and the high spirits we started the day with, was cruelly quashed to the ground of nothingness! A heavy downpour spoiled every sporting activity we planned to do that day. The sudden heavy deluge of water from the sky, stopped us abruptly in our tracks. We had no choice but to abort our trek. We, humans were still very eager to go ahead – but nature tells us otherwise. Best to heed nature’s well-meaning warnings! For how could we defy it? The trails leading to the mountains with it’s clayish type of soil, has turned thick as mud and so very slippery. It would be too risky and highly impossible for us to get anywhere near the mountains we wished to climb! It wouldn’t do us any good if we persist, knowing that if we get in the way of nature’s wrath, you’ll never win. Very reluctantly and with very heavy hearts, we were forced to call-off our trek to the mountains that day.
With very low spirits, it was back to home-base for us; at Eti’s house, where we left the rest of our things.
The rains steadily went on ‘till about early afternoon, when all that was left of the cascading water hours earlier, was but gentle-water-droplets. But, still it was already much too late for us to resume the aborted climb.
Eti, saw to it that the rest of the day won’t go to utter waste, with us left with nothing much to do? He then took us around his farmstead and showed us some of the crops he was planting. We even had the chance to savor a very tasty young coconut or “butong”; one among the various crops that Eti is cultivating.
After proudly showing-off his farm, he then guided us to a small sitio in Mantiquil, they call as sitio Naguro. Here we met the local people; most of them were good friends and neighbors of Eti.
The school for children is in Naguro. Eti brought us there too! What we discovered about that grade school surprised us. For the grade 1 level alone, there’s roughly about 98 pupils to teach! A clear manifestation perhaps, that truly there is population-explosion in the hinterlands? Over-all, from level 2 all the way to level 6, Mantiquil has a total number of 150 more or less, pupils to educate and with only 4 or 5 teachers to handle such a heavy and tough job!
With our guided tour finished, back at Eti’s house once again – the heavy rain of hours ago have now turned to a slight drizzle. We felt, it was no longer a hindrance.
To appease the frustrations we felt earlier, of the climb that never was; since there was still enough daylight left, we thought, why not use the remaining time to scale a much smaller mountain instead? The idle idea bore fruit – as everyone else was agreeable.
And so, at one in the afternoon, in spite of the still wet, muddy and very slippery grounds we all agreed to take a gamble and climb a small mountain. Somehow, we succeeded on this one – our thirst for adventure has been quenched somewhat, as we took our time taking photos of some endemic plants and wild, beautiful flowers we found growing abundantly in the area.
It may not be that tall a mountain that we’ve successfully scaled and climb that day; yet the pride and the sense of satisfaction we always feel, every after a successful climb that we’ve done in the past – that feeling now is so real to us and we sense no difference at all?
At the top-most part where we stood , we could see clearly Siaton proper that’s looming so far-off at a distance. From where we were, we had a very good view, that left us breathless and in awe!
Thankfully we had the mountain all to ourselves. No one came to bother us. There was no strange encounter either of the “bewildering” kind, much to our great relief and peace of mind. All those ugly rumors we’ve heard about Mantiquil earlier are now beginning to clear up. What remained in my mind is nothing more but an insignificant blur. For I finally found my answers.
Having been to the place and seen with my own eyes the true and actual conditions, I can now safely say that Mantiquil is no bastion of the rebels! Mantiquil is peopled by very simple farmers, whose only concern in life is to be able to carry-on with their farming, with no unwanted distractions and in absolute peace.
It was such a pity, that because of the distance and location of Eti’s place, celphones are useless out there. Eti’s house is sitting on top of a hilly-plateau, but it is also heavily surrounded by high mountains on all sides, making it impossible for celphones to pick up any signal. I had my celphone with me then, but I don’t have a chance to use it. It was futile, to even try.
The rampant practice of “kaingin” and the unauthorized cutting-down of the trees by some uncaring and heartless individuals who thinks only of the present but not the future, has resulted in the total denudation of several of Siaton’s forested-mountains.
Once long-ago, the mountains of Siaton were thickly and vibrantly forested. But sad to say, not anymore today!
The verdant green-forest, so stunningly beautiful to look at, and once Siaton’s great pride and joy! But man’s selfishness, has turned most of Siaton’s mountains into nothing, more but plain-looking grass covered giant mounds, today! Gone are it’s thick-lush-green-foliage that once-upon-a-time proudly adorned Siaton’s many mountainous terrains.
Thank God, the mountains in Mantiquil survived man’s destructive nature! And today, it is only in Mantiquil that we can find mountains that are still rich and so thick with forest.
My friend Eti, has come up with a very good name to describe it. He calls the forested mountains of Mantiquil as “tagong-gubat” or the hidden-forest!
So very appropriate a name because if you view it from Siaton proper, you don’t get to see the forest at all? What the curious on-lookers and the devious characters with greedy minds could see from a far, are but grass covered mountains only! A sight that’s hardly very interesting for them to bother about, or attractive enough to invite them to take a closer look?
This last surviving forest has remained untouched and undefiled, to this very day. It has unknowingly become Siaton’s secret-weapon – and the one and only pride and joy left of Siaton that has withstood the ravages of time and the destructive designs of man.
It is a secret-weapon, because it’s rich natural resources has remained untapped and continue to generate more.
And it has become their one and only pride and joy, because this forested mountains, exclusively found in Mantiquil , are filled with so much life and color! There is an abundance of a variety of wildlife existing. Some familiar, but a great many are still unknown.
You will also find there, lots of endemic and exotic plants and wild flowers that gives the interiors an “ethereal” ambience. Making one feel – like you’re entering a place of enchantment!
Man’s inherent fear of the unknown, and forever wanting to avoid getting entangled unnecessarily in the conflict that goes on between government forces and the rebels; plus the discouraging distance of the place itself – has rendered Mantiquil quiet safe and so far away from the clutches of selfish and profit-motivated men! Truly a blessing-in-disguise, for all the living creatures therein, who chose to make the place an ideal habitat for them. For out there, in the mountains of Mantiquil, they found themselves a good nesting and breeding place, unmolested and untouched by man’s greed.
Praise and Glory be to God – for HIS creations, other than man, has found a perfect place and a very good sanctuary in the forested mountains in Mantiquil, where they can continue to flourish; to multiply in numbers, and exist!
The residents of Mantiquil that numbered to just a handful, are all into farming. They have no other means of livelihood, and knows no other way of keeping themselves alive, but to work the fertile soil. And they have no problems with it.
Simple folks that they are, they are actually quiet happy and content with what they do for a living. Mantiquillians, are peace-loving people too! They don’t want trouble of any kind. But, it’s just so very unfortunate however, that their place has been picked by fate as the occasional battleground between two opposing forces. The government authorities and the people they call as the: Nice People to have Around!
The Mantiquillians are simple and very friendly people. Yet, these very trusting and very accommodating nature of theirs, towards friends or foe alike; most often than not, get them into big trouble! It is because of their simplicity and their friendliness, that they become easy prey and the prime suspects – as they are the very first ones, who gets rounded-up by the military for questioning; when on very rare instances, the pursuer indulges in a surprised encounter with the pursued, who are constantly on the run.
Yet, in spite of their once-in-awhile harrowing exposures to human violence – they’ve-tried their very best to bring normalcy back into their peaceful and quiet existence. In the ensuing chaos, a number of things that mattered to them are lost. But they have however, successfully retained their simple lifestyle.
On the one hand too, their innocent minds are now fully opened to what cruel things men can do to each other. They no longer remain in the dark and stay ignorant, for they’ve been made aware of what’s happening “in” and “outside” the sphere of their enclosed and isolated world.
To this very day, the Mantiquillians continue to keep on with their struggle, to maintain their own peace-of-mind, and for their love-of-life by staying alert; wary and cautious; and always ready for any eventuality.
While it is so true that Mantiquillians are open and are very welcoming to all visitors who’d come to their place for a visit – I also cannot blame them if through the years of their constantly being a prime suspect; and their innocence always under-a-cloud-of-doubt; that they’d hold back a little now and tend to become suspicious too, of every visitors, real motives for coming to Mantiquil?
One character trait I find so very admirable among the Mantiquillians is that, despite all the trauma they’ve suffered, as a by-product of the never-ending conflict and the unbridgeable gap between the military and the rebels, life goes on in Mantiquil!
The Mantiquillians know better than to let all those temporary setbacks to their own progress, get the better of them! They knew in their hearts, they’ve nothing to do with it. And so, they refused to allow anything or anyone, to affect their livelihood or their way of living?
Life, in the hinterlands, especially in a very remote barrio like Mantiquil, is truly very, very hard. Perhaps, to those not used to it, they may even find life in a barrio so boring? But for the Mantiquillians – they wouldn’t have it any other way. For it is the only kind of life they’ve ever known; and the only kind too perhaps, that they ever wanted? They are happy and it shows! As a matter of fact, they looked to me far more healthier and much stronger physically, than most people in the urban areas, could ever claim to be!
They may lack a lot of necessities in life – but that too, was never a problem to them. Because they always have the strong urge and the motivation to acquire anything and everything they needed, by working hard for it.
I am truly so amazed and I marveled at how they managed to keep up with life? Notwithstanding all the hardships they go through in these difficult times – these people for sure, will go on living no matter what? For through the years from early childhood ‘til maturity, they’ve been honed by unfavorable and unfair circumstances to live life to the fullest – be it the easy or the hard way? As for these people, they have been living it tough and rough, and yet . . . . . SURVIVED!
We have entered the “brr . . . rr” months now! The cold Christmas season is fast approaching. Out there in Mantiquil – the refreshing, coolness of the cold months expectedly cannot be missed, but rather, it is most strongly felt!
Due perhaps to it’s very high elevation, temperatures in the hinterlands, especially at Mantiquil, could change so drastically without warning. From tolerable heat; to scorching hot; to refreshingly cool, and from then on, constantly dropping chilling us to the bones!
That’s exactly what Danny and I experienced in Mantiquil . At around 4 o’clock in the afternoon, that’s when you start to feel the biting coldness of the afternoon mountain breeze.
The moment the cold air starts to make us tingle with delight and caress our cold-sensitive-skin, we knew it’s time for us to put on something warm to ward-off the cool blast of mountain air that Danny and I, initially find quiet nice and very refreshing!
However, as the temperature continue to keep on dropping by the hour, ‘til it comes up to almost freezing point at midnight, and all the way towards dawn the following day! The freezing mountain air of Mantiquil then becomes rather intolerable for us, in spite of the jackets or sweaters that we have on. The sleeping bags we used helped put us to sleep that nite. Danny and I, have fallen into a fitful slumber at last as we bid our second day in Mantiquil, good-night!
DAY THREE (Oct. 20, 2005)
This was our last day in Mantiquil. Simultaneously, Eti, Danny and I rose early that cold, cold morning to get ready. This time we prepared ourselves not to climb any more mountains that day; our feverish preparation was geared towards our journey back home. This time we were looking forward to our trek towards civilization again!
We were packed – and took a delightful breakfast. We were all set to go. But we couldn’t live just then, because we have to wait for our hired habal-habal to come and pick us up. It hasn’t arrived yet, and so we had plenty of time to say our goodbyes.
For anyone who is interested and curious to know about habal-habal fares, for the one and a-half hour very thrilling ride from Siaton proper to Mantiquil , a mere P100.00 for one way is the fare asked for from you. Naturally, it follows that for a two way trip, you’d spend P200.00 for your very exciting habal-habal ride into the glorious Mantiquil mountains and back!
To come on a trek to “no man’s land” a budget of say P500.00; based on our own experience and personal financial assessment - would be quiet sufficient for a stay of one or two days the most. This budget would be inclusive of both fare and food provisions or (baon). If you can save up these minimal amount, then your on to an adventure of a lifetime!
It was already past 10 in the morning that Eti, Danny and I were once more traversing the rough and rocky roads of Mantiquil’s mountainous terrain. We were now on our way back to Siaton and there, we will take our connecting ride to bring us all the way back to Dumaguete.
Danny and I found it so difficult to say our goodbyes to our kind, so energetic, and very hospitable hosts. But we all knew that our departure was inevitable. Besides, the habal-habal has finally come for us at last!
And so, with promises and lots of assurances given that we will certainly be back- we then took our leave, thanking profusely the couple who gave us such a great time and taking very good care of us and our needs during our 3-days visit, as Eti’s house-guests.
We used only one habal-habal on our journey back. The 3-of us, including the driver, made up 4-people all in all riding that “monster” of a motorcycle, taking the same tortuous route, and that “nightmarish” ride all the way to Siaton proper! It was a beautiful sunny day when we started out of Mantiquil; promising to get very, very hot later in the day.
By this time, Danny and I have completely abandoned all our inhibitions about being on the habal-habal again. We, like Eti, seemed so very experienced now and felt like we were real “pros” – as if we take habal-habal mountain rides everyday of our lives?
Needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We’ve finally gotten rid of all our fears and anxieties, thank God!
As our habal-habal continued to move on its way, Danny and I made sure we did not miss-out on anything this time.
We were endlessly thrilled to the bones as we admired the enthralling beauty and grandeur of Mantiquil’s countryside. And even if we’ve seen it once before en-route to Mantiquil, we just couldn’t get enough of it! It was simply so adorable to behold.
We allowed our eyes to roam freely and took mental pictures of everything that we passed by. We said our silent good-byes, but told ourselves, it was only temporary. For deep in our hearts and in our minds – we felt that certain urgency to come back again very, very soon!
Still completely mesmerized and bewitched by such an enticing beauty, I was unable to resist anymore the open invitation and continue to just simply look! We needed something more concrete to help us remember such memorable moments. For once we return to Dumaguete and resume our busy, “no-time-to-stop-to-smell-the-flowers” kind of schedule, there might be no more time too for us, to look back and reminisce the wonderful 3-days break we had, all spent in a very fascinating place called – MANTIQUIL.
So, I requested our habal-habal driver to stop for a moment so that we could take souvenir shots to bring back home. The photos taken will then serves as living-proof, that this account of mine about a beautiful and so fantastic a place like Mantiquil – do exist, and is not just a product of a “hallucinating and wandering mind” – or a mere “figment of my imagination?” For as they say: “Pictures, don’t tell any lies!”
We had our photos taken – and took turns posing for the cameras to record nature’s beauty at it’s grandest best! Eti, Danny and I felt like little boys again that day, as we thoroughly enjoyed the activity of taking photos of ourselves, with the towering mountains of Mantiquil as our background. We invited Junior our habal-habal driver to join us in our photo sessions.
It was now getting so hot, but none of us was heard to complain. No one seemed to mind the heat so much, being so preoccupied in concentrating that we make good “poses” for the cameras. The weather too, was with us that day as it cooperated fully with our best intentions, of capturing the mountains of Mantiquil in all its majestic glory!
We took the passenger jeepneys in going back to Dumaguete. The ride from Siaton proper, all the way to Dumaguete was uneventful.
And;
We’re home, at last! Time to face reality once more. Tomorrow, we resume our regular daily work-schedules. It’s back to the normal grind of things for us. A typical life in a growing and bustling city like – DUMAGUETE!
But, today – I have a few hours left to re-live those precious moments that Danny and I spent with Eti and the rest of his “gang” in an unbelievably magnificent place! At Eti’s “hidden little paradise” called: Mantiquil .
I tried to convince myself again, that the biggest come-on for me why I finally agreed to come to Mantiquil, in spite of all my earlier misgivings, was the challenge to do the very thing I loved doing the most in life? And that is: to scale; to explore; and to conquer a few mountains in Mantiquil. But, the heavy rains dampened and shattered my eagerness and put a stop to my high expectations of another very successful climb.
Perhaps, it was never meant to be? At least not at that time! But for sure, and I promise myself this: that it will happen. We will yet climb, explore and conquer mountains in Mantiquil, and this will take place in our future visit.
On the whole, I’m not sorry at all, nor do I nurse a deep-seated disappointment that Danny, Eti and I failed to do that climb. Because of that failure, I learned a lot more about Mantiquil – the Place. And of the Mantiquillians – the People.
I am proud to admit how glad and grateful I am that I found the courage that helped me set-aside my negative views, and decided instead to go and discover the truth about “no man’s land?
The visit to Mantiquil became a double-whammy for me. First and foremost, I did not expect that in going there, the whole place would create such a great and lasting impression. I only wanted at first to please my friend for his kind invitation. And secondly: to satisfy my own curiosity, and find out for myself whether or not there’s any truth, to anything that I’ve read and heard from the grapevine? The climb, had it pushed through, was more of an added bonus to the whole package.
It was a very good thing that Danny and I agreed to give Mantiquil a chance. Having been to the place in person, and seen it with our own eyes; the surprises that greeted us, seemed endless and all very pleasant ones, too! Mantiquil, turned out to be a real revelation to both Danny and me.
My first impressions about seeing the place – made me silently say to myself: “Mantiquil, is like a place lost somewhere in time? Presently, it has come back to life – revived from the devastations of the past. Past disasters, that are all caused by man! But, fully rejuvenated now, to once again, claim it’s lost grandeur and past glory”.
Eti, has every good reason to feel so very proud and show-it-off, to people he trusts completely and cared about. For I agree with my friend. Mantiquil, is truly some kind of a “hidden-paradise” designed; molded; and created no less by the divine hands of our mighty Creator! In our religion classes we’ve been told to believe that God “created all things bright and beautiful! “Mantiquil – typifies one such great creation! You just have to go and see it for yourself . . . . , and believe.
As a concerned citizen, I want to make a plea. I hope that the municipality of Siaton fully realizes their very rich potentials? Their mountains, what’s left of it, are so richly endowed with much abundance. I challenge their government officials to do something more tangible, by way of protecting the great natural beauty of their mountains. They have to preserved by all means their rich natural resources! It is their God-given heritage; thus, they should count themselves very lucky and truly so blessed.
My final words about the Mantiquil visit are that, it was a great experience! Danny and I considered ourselves very fortunate indeed, to be among the few eyes to have had the chance to gaze at all those rare and extra-ordinary beauty that only Mantiquil can offer. We were told by Eti, that few people have seen it so far.
Truly, it was a good and very fruitful visit – to which Danny and I had very high hopes that we could do it again, sometime. We’re wishing, hoping and praying, that our time and work schedules, permit?
Like in everything else I do, at the end of every successful undertaking I have participated in, both past and present – I never forget to acknowledge God’s greatest contributions, to make the whole experience a great success!
I want to thank HIM for the opportunity to do a different and unique type of adventure.
I’m so thankful to HIM too, for giving me a friend like Eti; who in spite of the many times I turned down his invitation to visit Mantiquil with him, he never gave up on me. Instead, he patiently bided his time, and waited ‘til I was good and ready, and willing to venture out, and take him up on his offer of doing a very unusual challenge with a difference!
My sincere Gratitude to my Savior and Lord for hearing and answering my prayers! It was you Lord, who gave Danny and I, a safe and sound journey and a most enjoyable trek along the mountains – going into and in Mantiquil itself!
Above all, I to want take this opportunity to Thank and give Praise to HIM for along with my friend Danny, HE made it all possible for us to see and view with awe and wonder HIS greatness! God’s wonderful creation was fully displayed in all it’s mystical splendor, out there in the wilderness of Mantiquil’s mountains.
It felt good and so heart-warming, that YOU allowed us to experience your Glory, manifested to us by YOUR many beautiful creations deeply hidden in the wilds of Mantiquil , still unseen by so many? Danny and I count ourselves lucky and so blessed, for having been given the chance to witness one more time, God’s highly artistic and miraculous hands at work.
I can only speak from my experience, and boldly say that, God’s natural creation can only be seen, and admired, and fully appreciated, if you are brave enough to take a little gamble and dare yourself to venture into the wilds of any mountain, for that matter. I’d guarantee, it will be some experience you won’t want to forget? It is one very fulfilling experience too, that no amount of money could buy. The exciting memories are all yours to keep and treasure – for life!
ANYBODY is free to go and visit Mantiquil anytime! Mantiquillians, are open to visitors and welcome you heartily if you come simply to see; to feel; and to admire the natural beauty of their place.
So, . . . , what are you waiting for?
To MANTIQUIL, . . . , anyone?
Take it from me; the EXPERIENCE is worth, every penny!
Epilogue:
As I was drifting-off to dreamland . . . . Heavy-lidded eyes slowly closing . . . . , my last thoughts, before sleep finally claimed my consciousness, were that of MANTIQUIL?
Soon, I’d be in Mantiquil again! How strange, I told myself. Yesterday, not too long ago, I was so adamant about making that first visit?
And yet, . . . Today, . . . , I can hardly wait , . . , to be BACK!
ACKNOLEDGEMENTS
This account would not have been made possible if not for a number of good people in Mantiquil most particularly; who helped in one way or another to make our first visit not only so comfortable, but most enjoyable too, and so memorable for us, as well.
It was one very short visit – and yet, we seem to have accomplished so much in so little time, and it’s all because of all of them.
My heartfelt Thanks and Sincere Appreciation goes to the family of Boyet for giving us a hearty-welcome fit for “kings!” We have never enjoyed such warm reception anywhere else, but there, at their humble home.
A very special mention too, to Mary – Boyet’s wife who patiently and like a true mother to all of us, silently and uncomplainingly, set out to prepare all our meals. Danny and I, are so charmed by her gentle and quiet ways. We appreciate very much your show of kindness to us! To you Mary and Boyet, Thank You for accepting us into your home and taking us in, as your friends without question or any doubts.
To Ai-Ai, Boyet and Mary’s 2-year-old-little girl; I want to say “Thank You” for keeping Danny and I always occupied, answering your interested queries about anything and everything under the sun! She is so eager and in such a hurry to learn much, at such a very young age. Danny and I both find your innocent company very refreshing. You remind us how it feels to be young and so candidly honest.
Our sincere gratitude likewise to Boyet’s father who entertained us with his weird nightly stories. It will be very difficult for Danny and I to erase, out of our memories the nightly verandah sessions with you, when you’d honor us with your strange bedtime stories, before we bid each other goodnight.
We’d like to thank Nong Tating and Bobby too, for the very precious time you shared with us. We realized you are very busy people, yet, forgetting your own time tables, you willingly agreed to accompany the three of us, and made that trek to the mountains with Danny, Eti and me. A trek, unfortunately, that did not materialize because of the heavy rains. Nonetheless, successful or not, Danny, Eti and I cannot seem to “thank you” enough for making that supreme sacrifice of leaving everything behind, just to escort us to the mountains – and for that, “Thank You Once again!”
I must not forget to thanked, Junior too! Our game, very energetic and so skillful habal-habal driver! Danny and I entrusted you with our lives – and you proved yourself worthy of that trust. In your skillful hands you delivered us safe and sound into Mantiquil and out of it. “Kudos” to you my friend, and many, many Thanks to You!
Last, but not the least, my deep gratitude and heartfelt THANKS goes to my good friend Eti. Needless to say, it was you and your persistence that finally got me to Mantiquil ! Thanks for not giving up easily on me. Mantiquil, is definitely showered with a lot of wonderful blessings from above; and you good-naturedly shared the many blessings of Mantiquil to outsiders, like Danny and me. Thank you, my friend, we are truly most honored.
And to the rest, whose names I can no longer print out one by one – I want you to know that Danny and I are so impress with your show of gracious hospitality and sincere welcome, to total strangers who came to visit?
It was a very humbling experience for us, when you made us feel so Welcome to Mantiquil ! We Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for you’ve accepted us, took us in; and offered us your genuine friendship. To One and All, “Thank You So Much for your TRUST in us!”
Such show of goodness and warmth gave Danny and I a very good excuse of wanting to come again. And I promise you ALL, WE WILL BE BACK – hopefully, SOON?
GOD SPEED, EVERYONE!
This trip's travel info:
- Getting there (from Dumaguete City):
- Highway travel time - at least 1hr (50km)
- Rural road travel time (there are two (2) possible routes)
- 1st route - 1.5 hours on habal-habal ride (11km)
- 2nd route - 1 hour on habal-habal ride (4km)
- Entrance fee - none
- Highlights of the place
- waterfalls
- marble river
- wide variety of birds
- rivers
- just read the article
- Things you should bring
- something to shoot images with
- bottled water (for the sensitive stomach)
- sleeping bag
- food
- cooking utensils
- clothing to keep you warm during the night
- Things you may want to bring
- tent
- binoculars
- portable radio/player
posted by johnV @ 6:46 PM
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