Diwin & Stuff [Bila-Otucan-Bauko Rd]

"Cam ready. There are lots of pots ahead," I heard the Farmboy say as we ascended a curvy-steep road. There was no chance to react as just a second later, a cute structure appeared with some boys glued to their phones while seated by the frontage. And yep, a huge pot and its babies😅

No time to waste so click... click... click... The road is getting steeper and it's challenging to slow down but alas, I got them!

We read "Diwin Festival" on the board and wondered what it was. A quick search online made us learn that Diwin is the place's term for pottery making, a generation-passed craft that served as a communal entrepreneurship among the people. It was also the major economic industry in the olden days and has since become a part of their cultural heritage and identity.

So the pots were installed in that viewpoint to showcase them. The place holds a festival every 27th of December where they celebrate and appreciate the contributions of traditional potters in preserving the craft.

Accordingly, the eight small pots represent the 8 villages (sitios) in Bila.

Beautiful stuff! Before that visit, we never knew Bila did pottery. Thanks to taking a detour, we enjoyed interesting sights and also learned something new.

This is a screenshot of the same place via the map. ^{(No copyright infringement intended).}

Meanwhile, this was seen on the same road, 2-3 minutes earlier that day. I adore the bottle-inspired design they have created for the driveway entrance. I now wonder if they would be painted or be left as is. Perhaps one day, we'll pass by that road again and see.😊

Anyway, we exited Bila and traversed the main highway where we sighted something interesting in the distance. Some painted nails, mushroom-like huts, and what else. "We gotta check that out," I exclaimed unable to contain my excitement.

The hubby agreed and drove faster. We crossed a short bridge and sighted a panda not so far ahead which means we were so close to the painted fingernails, lol!

And aha! There it is!

While Panda Cafe was inviting, we drove past it and turned right soon after because the allure of its neighbor was stronger. As to what comes next will be a story for another day😅

Until then, let's enjoy this fabulous Wednesday! Hope you had a little fun through this wee trip. Thank you :)