Let me write on the spot clairealgarme.multiply.com

I capped 2007 with a bang, figuratively, when it comes to travelling. I spent the last remaining days of the year in Negros. Before I went home to Bacolod, I was determined to rediscover my own land and was contemplating on a short side trip to nearby cities like Silay and Victorias, at the northern part of Negros Occidental.

But it seemed that there was an even grander plan for me that I didn’t anticipate, yet, enjoyed anyway. An aunt came to our house the day after I arrived and asked me if I would be interested to visit the eco-tourism spots in the central part of Negros near the foot of our provincial crater, Mt. Kanlaon, where my mother and her siblings grew up. I was immensely pleased and agreed right away.

A few days after, I set out for the journey. Joining my relatives and my mom on my way to Moises Padilla, their hometown, the trip was smooth and relaxing. The scent of sugarcane that filled the air reminded me that I am truly home. It’s the same sweet smell that I have grown up breathing during those times when I frequented the sugar factories where my father worked and passed along sugarcane fields everyday on the way to downtown.

The roads to remote towns in the province have been paved. Dust and rugged rides, which I have gotten used in my travels here during my childhood years, are already things of the past. The plains that are green of sugarcane plantations, rice paddies and other agricultural produce are indication that Negros Occidental is a rich and fertile land.

From Bacolod, we took the main highway passing through Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, San Enrique and Pontevedra. We went via the Antipolo route that took us to the town of La Castellana before reaching Moises Padilla. Towns have almost the same structures and features – a public plaza, the city or municipal hall, a public market (most towns have their market day within a week), and a church.

When we arrived at the Moises Padilla town, my mom and relatives stopped to join their school reunions, families and friends while I went with my uncle going to the barrio of Guinpanaan where he resides.

My cousins brought me first at Kaitulari which is a compression of “kay (To)to Larry” or Larry’s Place. (Toto is a local endearment for a male friend or relative). It’s a mountain resort that has a magnificent view of small cottages scattered in the banks of a flowing river. It was being developed to cater to tourists and visitors. Going to the resort was a long walk but it’s a way to lose some excess weight and commune with nature. There was also a small chapel with a wishing bell that provides the whole view of the resort.

The place had a number of venues for various functions, cottages for those who want to relax for a picnic, and some rooms for overnight stay. There was also a pool for visitors to cool off and have fun should they prefer a safer place to swim rather than the river. There was also a videoke bar where people could hang out, drink and sing their favorite songs.

When we got there, there were families who were grilling seafood and barbeque while others were playing at the pool and singing their hearts out at the videoke bar. Apart from being a great place to party and derive benefit from the pleasures that the mountain can offer, Kaitulari was also a haven for those who are soul searching and are looking for a serene place to relax and be with nature. For a mere P35 entrance fee, you can enjoy the amenities that the resort can offer.

After lunch we embarked on a joy ride to Kanlaon City, already a part of the province of Oriental Negros. It wasn’t that close to the crater of the volcano that bears the same name but it was the closest that I could get. Similarly, Taal City does not offer a view of the scenic Taal volcano which is better seen in Tagaytay City.

We braved the fog and winding roads before we reached Kanlaon City. It was a good 45-minute drive from Guinpanaan. Our first stop was the market where loads of fresh vegetables and livestock are sold. There, we were able to purchase carrots at P25 per kilo, lettuce at P10 per kilo, cucumber at P10 per kilo and so much more at a very low price. Because of its rich vegetable harvests, Kanlaon City filled its area with giant sculptures of various vegetables. We even saw a slide shaped like carrots.

Then we proceeded further up the mountain at the spot where we were able to view the eastern part of the island and get a glimpse of the sea and San Carlos City. But with the rain ruining our ride, we decided to go back to Kanlaon City to have a look around the small bustling mountain capital.

We stopped at their local plaza or park and had some steamed rice wrapped in coconut leaves along with barbequed pork and innards. It was my first time to try this duo and they could constitute for a meal. As dawn approached, we went back to Guinpanaan before darkness totally envelope us at the winding and sloping highway.

The next day, we spent the whole morning bathing at Caduhada Spring Resort at Mambangon, La Castellana, a few kilometers from Guinpanaan. Fresh water sprung forth at the base of the hill, between the roots of large trees. Locals have come to fetch water for drinking while some swim in the running pool of water.

It was time for me to go home, so I packed my things and hailed a bus at the highway as I went back to Bacolod by myself. As I watched the scenes on the way home, I was glad to have been born in this beautiful province that is rich with natural resources, warm smiles and colorful culture.

Back in Bacolod, I attended mass at the historic San Sebastian Cathedral in the heart of the city. I learned that the diocese will be celebrating its 75 years. The Catholic Church in Bacolod is instrumental in shaping local society. With the Cathedral as our school’s next door neighbor, the church is also part of my own history.

With almost a week in my native land, I have visited and revisited various places. Even when I was a tourist in my own land and have traveled and lived in other cities, I would always be a daughter of Bacolod and of Negros Occidental.