YOUNG VOICE
My Capiz Adventure
First of two parts
There are three goals I want to accomplish before I grow old. First is to have a stable job with an income that's more than average. Second, to have a family of three kids --- two boys and one girl. Third, to travel across all the continents.
Traveling brings out some of the good things in life --- shopping in Paris, a cup of coffee along the sidewalks of Portugal, street dancing in Cuba, seeing the cherry blossoms of Japan, or a photograph with a kangaroo in Australia.
But, my parents told me that there are still more to be seen in our shores. They were right.
Last week, my family went on a two-day road trip to the province of Capiz in order to visit my maternal grandmother.
Our first stop was Mel Rose Resort, an inland resort in Pototan. It was there that I saw a pair of amazingly huge jackfruits that were good enough to eat.
The resort is far from the beach. There's a hiking trail, two pools and some nipa cottages.
Some visitors came through tricycles and carabao-driven sleds. What struck me most was the sight of probably three dozens of people at the pool whose fun-filled time with each other can probably beat the experience of being in the Olympic natatorium in Beijing.
Dark clouds hovered above us. My 10-year-old cousin, Ken, called them the Nimbostratus rain clouds. But our hopes are sunny.
Despite the little drizzle, we visited the Mariit Wildlife Reserve of West Visayas State University in Barangay Jayubo, Lambunao. A lumpia vendor helped us find our way to the place. Seeing her, I thought how far she has to travel every day in order to sell lumpia and that the people in the area are living very simple lives but are working really hard.
Along the way, I saw children walking barefoot along the muddy road. A man was carrying a sack of charcoal, maybe from uphill, which was a long way.
At the reserve,John Rey Callado served as our guide. He told us about the amazing and endangered species of fauna in the island of Panay. There were hornbills, owls, deer, and a pair of sterile wild hogs. The wild hogs, according to John were one of the most endangered specie of swine in the world. Reminds me that here we are, afraid of getting swine flu. I guess it’s nature’s way of reminding us that we have ignored or exploited her.
Then, a rough storm happened. But we were still smiling. Kamelle, my five-year-old cousin, kept on praying to Jesus for a fair weather. Which we had.
When we reached the sandy shores of Baybay Capiz. A bright blue sky welcomed us.
The sea was calm. We had a relaxing dip at the salty water.
I could say that Roxas City has one of the best beaches in the island, with a great baywalk to stroll around after munching on seafood delicacies.
To be continued tomorrow...