Weekend mode is best when spent extraordinarily. Weekdays passed quickly and every Friday night before retiring to bed, my travel buddy Rixie Mae used to ask me where will be our next destination for us to discover 😊.
We have risen early and the morning appearance of the rainbow showed the perfectly fine weather. It is summertime here in our country thus, the extreme heat of the sun is unstoppable, however, this cannot hinder or cease us from having an adventurous journey. We left home earlier so we cannot feel the tormenting sun along our way.
Our travel was getting farther and farther. The only obstacle that always terrifies me is the risk of driving. Even if how cautious I am, it is undeniable that danger keeps on dogging us.
We passed on a busy street where winged vans were parked on both sides of the road. We have a very short way to go and it was threatening to doom us. Then, suddenly a 10-wheeler truck was coming on the other side of the road, and we were in between these huge trucks. Imagine, it seemed that we were in a sandwich situation.
I was instantly nervous, my hands and feet were shaking as I drove our motorcycle. Little mistake oh my God, I don't know what will happen. I drove straightforwardly, not minding my nervousness. I diverted my attention and took courage from my back rider, my 8-year-old daughter. And indeed it was a great success for me as we surpassed it safely. And yes, I did it!
This short road story was something to reflect on. Despite this situation, I'm very eager to keep on traveling as this will give me pleasure and delight. Maybe somehow or in one or another this will hone my driving skills. I'll just have to continue driving to a 30kph speed 😆.
Now, I'm going to share our joyful adventure. It was composed of different segments hopping from one place to another to discover what iconic views they offer and to share traditions that Filipinos are practicing even now. These are the packages of this weekend's special journey.
First Destination
On our way to our first goal, we took our water break and breathed some fresh air after all the unexpected things that we'd experienced through. We chose here as we were amazed by the green vegetation that surrounds the mountains. They are so cool to our eyes, ideal for the riders to gaze at and be relaxed momentarily after a long way.
Finally, we reached the tourist spot situated at the peak of the mountain. I don't have any ideas what magical things can be seen and to be explored there. It was one of my students who have given me a brief and concise background about this place and it is a must-visit.
Exhilarated to go up, we paid for the entrance right away and off we went to start exploring and discovering this paradise-like Willian's Nature Park and Farm.
This incredible nature park and farm started gradually before the pandemic struck. It took 3 years for it to be opened to the public. With the 65 pesos entrance for adults and 50 pesos for 12 years old or below, unlimited trekking and scrutinizing its beauty can be done until getting bored.
Since it is atop the mountain, the narrow trackway was designed profoundly with strong railings for the tourists to hold on to. We were excited to move forward and be fascinated by the magnificent view that this park has.
We were exhausted as we trekked toward to peak of the mountain however, we never minded it as we were very eager to unlock another adventure that we'd been planning for.
The breathtaking green scene welcomed us. Those tiring moments of going up were gone in just a split second. These are the amazing views that can be seen with the perfect landscape that is suitable for the eyes of local tourists like us.
Another spectacular view that delighted us was the vast field where their dragon fruit plantation was properly monitored. This was our first time seeing this impressive plantation.
Being on top brought us an indescribable feeling. We were able to feel the deafening silence of nature, there was no noise from the different types of vehicles and the fresh feeling was all we got.
Second Destination
Traveling from the main highway, we went to a place located at the corner of the barangay. We traveled miles away before reaching there. We were invited for an early dinner as they were celebrating the fiesta.
We passed bumpy roads and without any hesitation, I told my child to take a walk to avoid an accident. Watching her walking alone, I decided to park our motorcycle at the corner and opted to trek with her so it would happier.
Traditional games were part of the fiesta celebration in the said barangay. One of these was the carabao racing. On our way, I spotted carabaos conditioning their bodies by soaking them in the river. My attention was engrossed as they did it.
I happily watched these children playing at this improvised bridge made from native materials. It brought back my childhood memories.
At the reception area where the games will be administered, another reminiscing scene amused us. The teenagers were playing basketball. The area reminded me of the 1980s scenario. The benches were made from bamboo, and it was open to all, no barriers or fences were seen.
The Filipino Games
Different Filipino games were played, the statue dance, the spinning game, the palusibo, and the carabao race.
The carabao race was done very late in the afternoon as this is not advisable to be played earlier. The carabaos will easily get exhausted due to the extreme heat of the sun.
Their defending champion was one of our students. This time, there were only 3 players who registered. They were instructed to wear their helmets to be protected if ever they will fall.
People from different places flocked here to witness this one-of-a-kind race. I was excited looking at them sitting comfortably over the hill and this served as their improvised stadium. They have an overlooking view of the racing carabaos.
The race started at the count of three. This was my first to witness this unbelievable race of our national animal. I was thinking they are good at plowing the fields only but they were good runners too.
I was a lil bit disappointed with how they let the carabaos run faster. They were beaten hard, and their owners became numb as they wanted to win. It was pitiful to watch them forcefully running as they have heavy bodies. However, it only lasted 4 minutes.
We have our early dinner at my colleague's house. This intensive journey made us hungry.
It was such a remarkable weekend. In the end, I congratulate myself for another marvelous adventure where lessons were learned and more experiences and compilations of photos to be shared.
And I called it, a great and special weekend. Full of fun and memorable memories that will be kept forever.
Thank you so much for reading my blog. Until our next weekend journey.