Mountainous Impressions
Impressions last. In the mountains it is ever changing
Passing time-passing on traditions.
Our experience in going to one of the mountain barangays in Tapaz, Capiz was remarkably amazing. Mountainous impressions welcomed us as we wandered through its muddy paths, mocha-flooded river and cool refreshing creeks.
Garden Laden
After climbing and sliding slimy slopes with trembling knees, we were surprised by the natural garden that received us at another height. How we wished all the paths that lead to the Panay-Bukidnon tribe in Barangay Tacayan are laden with yellow wild flowers and wild ferns; it's like an oasis in the dessert.
Chocolate Terraces
Every afternoon, the heaven never fails to shower the mountains in drizzles or in torrents. This leaves the thin path chocolatey mucky. The mountains are carved into terraces of rice patties. On this month, farmers had just transplanted rice seedlings due for harvest this coming September.
Shadows in the patties.
River of Life
The Pan-ay River that divides the mountains from which all the little and big creeks meet are blessed with big eels, carps, catfish, little "kagang-kagang" (crabs), "banag" (shells) and "urang" (shrimp). Men set off their nets in the morning; women do laundry in the afternoon sun while children play in its mild current all day.
Two Stories
A kitchen on the first level and a place to siesta on the seconds, indeed a two-story two tell. Food cooked in natural fire using dried wood tastes better and there is no better way to relax than in an open air under the shade of a palm tree. In the mountains, everyday is a picnic.
Embroidering Nature
When no words are written and no canvass to paint, there are always old blankets to tear for a thread and a "katsa" to embroider. "Panubok" is the traditional way of adorning upper clothes; patterns are inspired by all the beautiful things in the surroundings like, "alibangbang" (butterfly), "pako-pako" (wild fersn) and "sikag-sikag" (fish bones).
Bottled memories.
Memories in a Bottle
After a hard day's work at the farm, a bottle of whisky is a treat for the men. The empty bottle goes to the kitchen to be filled with vinegar, oil, gas or "sinamak" (spiced vinegar). But in one household, it was a place to keep one's memories and still moments. Such a brilliant idea to preserve memories and recycle bottles! On the other side, it makes you think how much alcohol is consumed and can liver be recycled?
Impressions last. In the mountains it is ever changing. Life can be monotonous but experiences are heightened by the tricks of nature and play of wanting a life in the lowland and the pull of belongingness in the familiar mountain curves, the river flow, the sounds of birds and crickets, the comfort of a soft earth upon your sole and whisky are stored in men's stomachs and memories are stored in an emptied bottle.