Some natural beauty is just a step away. Step out, explore, and discover the wonders that lie within your surroundings!
Who would have thought that my humble Barangay (village) had its hidden cave waiting to be unveiled? And little did I imagine that this discovery would mark my very first hike alongside my mother, a journey that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of my countryside - a daughter and mother bond in the heart of nature.
Nestling in the upper part of my barangay is the hilly terrain called Little Hills, hiding a secret treasure I recently had the privilege of discovering. This cave is considered by the locals as their hidden gem and is shrouded in history. Thanks to the random conversation I had with my mother during a rainy day which was also the main reason why the cave piqued my curiosity.
So in this blog, I'll be sharing our wonderful hike to the beautiful wonder of our countryside.
So let's go! Taraaa!
When my mother mentioned this hidden cave of Little Hills, she shared fascinating info that people from the uphill areas sought refuge in this very cave during typhoon season. So the cave is equipped with beds and some basic necessities, providing safety and shelter during the fiercest storms. I found this very interesting in these modern times where people are already building concrete houses but still, the locals choose to seek refuge in the cave. I wasted no time in proposing to my mother that if she ever made her way back to Little Hills for her barangay rounds, I would join her for a hike to this mysterious cave.
After a month of anticipation, the day finally arrived. I found myself accompanying my mother, along with my niece and cousin, on this adventure. The hike began swiftly, as my mother was on a tight schedule, with our departure scheduled for 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Despite the brisk pace, I couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking views of the countryside once more.
Countryside views
As soon as we entered the street corner going to Little Hills, a plantation of corn was what welcomed us. The last time I passed this street this was empty and lifeless but now it is filled with corn ready for harvest.
We were quiet during our walk as we made our slow ascend. Only the sound of the fresh air caressing the leaves and the green scenery entertained our eyes. We passed by lush coconut trees, peanut plantations, and the verdant vegetation. It's amazing to see the abundance of farms in this part of our barangay despite the escalating expenses of farming resources.
We also passed some delicious fruits and beautiful wildflowers along the way.
Little Hills truly lived up to its name, with the terrain getting progressively steeper as we ascended, good thing there is narrow pavement to walk on making our walk easier. When we reached on top, we encountered a close-knit community that thrived amidst the rolling hills. We then inquired with the locals about the direction to the cave, and to our surprise, the local decided to accompany us.
Going to the cave.
Our journey continued, this time leading us downhill. As we continued our walk, we came upon a bare farmland that had recently been harvested. The rocky terrain, with yellow stalks of corn scattered on the ground, created a truly picturesque scene until we finally reached our destination - the cave of Little Hills.
The cave entrance was concealed by lush bananas and other wide green plants as if nature itself were protecting the cave.
The cave.
The moment we laid eyes on the cave, we were awestruck. The rock formations hanging on the cave etched with the passage of time, were nothing short of incredible. The rocks on the ceiling, in various sizes and designs, appeared as if they were melting, creating an incredible and captivating sight to behold.
The mouth of the cave was adorned with a thriving ecosystem of plants, further emphasizing the enduring beauty of this natural wonder. I couldn't resist lingering for a while, lost in the enchantment of the cave's ancient charm, and I was thrilled to discover that I wasn't the only one captivated by its allure but my mother was equally amazed.
There were multiple entrances to the cave. The local who had accompanied us shared their stories of seeking refuge during typhoons. According to them, each chamber of the cave, which also had its own entrances, was occupied by different families. During every typhoon, these families would head directly to their respective areas within the cave for shelter."
Each of them brings their own bed and other necessities they need until the typhoon is gone. Some of the families have their preserved beds and clothes ready to use during evacuation.
I so wanted to go inside and explore the cave and check the things the locals had kept in the cave, however, I was reluctant as the light outside would start to wane anytime soon. It's almost sunset.
So instead, we spend our time admiring the beauty of nature. We spent some of our precious moments there, grateful to finally get sight of this cave and hear its story. I am also grateful for the local who accompanied us.
The old well.
As we made our way back home, we made a pit stop at an old well, a relic of days gone by when it was the primary source of water for washing clothes and dishes in the community. Though now it's rarely used, it stood as a silent testament to the changing times and the development of our barangay. I tried using its bucket to check the clarity of the water. And it is crystal clear! I wonder how many of the locals still use this water in the well at these times.
Reflecting on the day, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and more connection to my countryside. Bonding with my mother during this adventure was a special treat, and it served as a reminder of the simple yet profound beauty that can be found within our barangay.
That's it for our wander among the amazing nature of my barangay. Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed it too! I wish you all safe and well always.
Don't forget to smile often! 🤗😍😊