ZETS Eco Cultural Adventure Part2: Zenith of Camaraderie

Zzubu Eco Tourism Society (ZETS) once again gathered together to partake another challenge to strengthen the bond of friendship thru an experience we recently had at Mt. Apo National Park. The comely place of Davao allured us to explore the culture and to gratify the fairness Mother Nature’s gift.
Davao comes from the word “Daba-daba” which means fire. It harks back in the past and brings to mind tribal wars, drum beats and ritual fires along the river bank. The early inhabitants occupying the eastern shores of Davao are the Manobos, Tagacaolos, Guingans, B’laans and Itas; while on the western portion are the Mandayas and Bagobos. (Source: Davao Region Situationer 2006, Dept of Tourism, pg. 11)


Davao is sanctified by a diversity of people.

Mount Apo is a large solfataric potentially active stratovolcano on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, at altitude 2,954 metres (9,692 ft). It is the highest mountain in the country and overlooks Davao City-40 km northeast, Digos City-25 km southeast; and Kidapawan City-20 kilometres (12 mi) west. Its name means "grandchild". Apo is flat-topped, with three peaks, and is capped by a 500-metre-wide (1,600 ft) volcanic crater containing a small crater lake. It is a source of geothermal energy, but the date of its most recent eruption is unknown, and none are verified in historical times. (Source: Wikipedia.org)



From Sta. Cruz Ecoterminal we met up with our first guide Sir Michael who welcomed us. Then we proceeded to Digos via bus. Upon reaching Digos, Mr. Julius Paner (from the PAIC Office) then reviewed the guidelines of our trip. We huddled with our second guide, Sir Lito and went on to Tibolo. From the Cultural Village of Tibolo, the discernable view of the peak pumped up our juices.


The following morning, we geared up and fleeted to our jump off area. The team started at Baruring and advanced to the military camp to solicit consent to climb the mountain; since it was in the verge of the campaign period for local election. Nonetheless, we were permitted to climb under their protection.







As the moon shines vibrantly, we snuggled down as we shared our food together. Thankful enough that we were about to reach the summit campsite. Stars became more visible as the temperature gets lower. I couldn’t get my feet off outside too long fewer than 4°C. So I warmed myself inside the tent.

The grandeur of the peak served as our tool to know each other well. The pang of hunger, numbing pain and the excruciating weather will uncover the true attitude of a person. We climb to keep ties stronger. The pulchritude of a mountain comes in convergence with the joyous people ascending it.

Mount Apo National Park gave us a first-class experience.
We got back from our starting point the following day. Five habal2x are waiting for us at Baruring. The sun set and the twilight fell. The rock-strewn road was covered with mud as the rain poured. But the habal-habal (motor bike) drivers less cared about the rain. It was my first time to see a man carry 13 backpacks, a total of more or less 200 kilos on the motor bike. This happens only in the Philippines. It was indeed a “wild habal-habal ride”.

ZETS Eco-Cultural Adventure- Part I: ZETS Tibolo Tribe Encounter

ZETS Eco-Cultural Adventure: Indigenous Encounter with Tibolo Tribe

ECO-CULTURAL ADVENTURE - combination of Nature,Culture, Cultural and Adventure from one place to another place.

There are two types of ecotourist in terms of motivation, attitude and behavior. These are the HARD ECOTOURIST and the SOFT ECOTOURIST.

The Bagobo are proud people with proto Malayan features. A strong social structure has enabled the group to blend well with the main body politic while retaining their indigenous customs, beliefs and values. While many are in economically depressed circumstances, a great number have attained a considerable degree of self-sufficiency. Most of the Bagobo have suffered dislocation from the loss of their ancestral lands and the effects of modern day insurgency.

Bagobo have ornate traditions in weaponry and other metal arts. They are noted for their skill in producing brass articles through the ancient lost-wax process. They also weave abacca cloths of earth tones and make baskets that are trimmed with beads, fibers and horse's hair.

The Tagabawa of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato, the Guiangan/ Clata of Davao City and the Ubo of Davao del Sur and Davao City are the different Bagobo communities. Ubo is a Manobo sub-tribe found between the more isolated mountains of Southwest Cotabato in the area called Datal Tabayong and farther down Davao del Sur. They number approximately 16,975 (OSCC, 1987). They indulge in Sweden and or slash-and-burn farming planting with rice, root crops and vegetables for food purposes. Sometimes they are food gatherers in the forest and indulge in hunting games. Parents negotiate the marriage of their children and the family of the man must pay the dowry before the wedding is set. Polygamy is practiced provided the man is capable of paying the bride price for each wife. The Ubo believe in a number of spirits headed by Diwata (God). Being animist, they also believe in ancestral spirits and unseen beings inhabiting the animate and inanimate objects in the environment. Every time they ask favor, they have to offer sacrifices to gain their desire. The political leader and the Datu in the village attain his position by virtue of wealth, speaking ability and knowledge of customary law called fendan. His main responsibility includes settling disputes among members of the family, neighbours and community. Once a fine is set or imposed by the Datu, the accused has to pay it to the aggrieved party and if he cannot pay he will become servant to the one who pays for him. This practice is called dok.

The Bagobo Tagabawa, one of the three subgroups of the tribe, built their home in the fertile hills and valleys at the foot of Mount Apo.

The bale is a traditional house of the Bagobo Tagabawa from Tibolo Sta. Cruz. The materials used to construct the bale are made mostly of bamboo. The walls and the distinctively steep hipped gable roof of the bale are all made of sinasa na kawayan (flattened bamboo). The floor and eaves are made of linapakan or bamboo laths, while the posts and beams are made of round timber.

A typical bale has an andana(attic), functioning as a private quarter for the daughter(s) of the owner. The main floor of the house has no interior partitions; instead, serves multiple spatial functions. A hole is bore in one corner so that family members can easily escape in case of danger. Unlike most lumads, the abuhan (hearth of the Bagobo Tagabawa) is located outside the main living area.
The Bagobo Tagabawa believes that the best time to build a house is during full moon. However, using a bent or curved wood is considered a taboo, believe to bring bad luck or illness to the occupants of the bale.

Taking a trip from Davao City EcoTerminal, where we met our first guide Michael; to Sta. Cruz would take you more or less 2 hrs by means of bus. Upon arrival, Sta. Cruz PAIC Officers Mr. Julius Paner met up with ZETS family for orientation and briefing. Then we proceeded to Digos via jeepney. On our way to Digos, we got halted by a posting military nearby. All male subjects are requested to go down for inspection. Instead of being inspected, we got our chance to take pictures of the man with a rifle. It’s a rare opportunity. After 30-40 minutes we reached Digos and transferred to a waiting van bound for Kapatagan. Going to Kapatagan, we passed another check point near Camp Sabros. There was a little discussion but nonetheless we got back on track. We are heading to Tibolo.

We reached Tibolo Cultural Village at around 1100hrs of October 22, 2010. It was a stunning experience. We were welcomed by the “bale” (cultural village house) which shelters the Tibolo tribe kept us safe the whole night. We had a great time at the “bale”, eating camote and drinking kapeng barako.

At night, we had the honor to witness their cultural dance. Of course, who can ever forget that sumptuous meal? Chicken with coconut milk cooked inside the bamboo pole. Amazing, isn’t it? What’s more amazing is that there were no morsels left on the plates after dinner.

“Mt. Kanlaon National Park: the Oriental Assault”

In the ancient times, people had always offered gifts to their deity for good harvest season and for the wellness of their people.

One of the ancient Visayan deity is Kan-Laon - who is known as "One who is the Ruler of Time". “Kan” means a title given to rulers or other important people in Asian countries. It has been told that the mountain is said to be where Laon made his presence to the people. The supreme deity is the protector of nature and of the people.

Many have expressed their devotion and advocacy for Mt. Kanlaon. At present, the Sentinel Mountaineers spear-headed Sentinel President Mr. Jhiffy “Epoy” Cabatingan has been considered as the “Trent Protectors of Mt. Kanlaon” (derived from a computer game DOTA character TRENT PROTECTOR, a tree-like character that protects and controls nature).

Last August 20-22, Zzubu Ecotourism Society visited Mt. Kanlaon for a special cause. Headed by ZETS Lex Tyler Berame, together with ZETS sir Ayanz Gelves, ZETS sir Noel Ortega and ZETS Sterl Jason with ZETS Volunteers, Christian Rivera, Eduardo Nillas Jr., Kezia Cabrera, and Mountaineer Clemente Ryan Alcos joined forces with Sentinel Mountaineers Lead pack Kim Joseph Llena, Rambo Vergara, Rjed Eleco, Bagz Escares, and King with the cause of preserving and restoring mother nature at the same time taking the pleasure of experiencing the beauty of the volcano.

Mt. Kanlaon National Park takes pride with an elevation of 2,435 meters above sea level. Its broad elongated northern caldera with a crater lake gives the audience an astounding view from the peak. The Sudlon Waterfalls offers a refreshing feeling and is considered a spot for relaxation, while giving irrigation to crops and animals downhill. Camp Mapot and Mountain Park an abundant plateau was first developed as a health camp. Makawiliwili Ridge known as the “Saddle in the Sky”, the ridge is located between two mountain peaks. The Margaha Valley the volcano’s former crater which is located just below the base of the present-day active crater is considered as the best highlight. The Margaha Valley forms a lake when the rainy season comes. During summer, the Margaha Valley becomes a good camping site for outdoor enthusiast. The Margaha Valley has a wide range of flora and fauna for scientific study or just simply to enjoy the view. The endangered Visayan Spotted Deer that can be found at Mt. Kanlaon Negros is the official logo of Zzubu Ecotourism Society. In addition, the Rough Backed Forest Frog, Visayan Warty Pig, Round Leaf Bat, Rafflesia Speciosa and many more species can be found in Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

The Sentinel Rock can be found along the way of Mananawin Trail. This rock forms the face of the Protector of the Forest, which has been adapted by the Sentinel Mountaineers as part of their logo.

The trail to Mt. Kanlaon offers a lot of stupefying views, which consolidates to the blissful chrome of Mother Nature. For ZETS, this has been a wonderful bonding experience which money can’t buy. From Cebu, we took one night at Toledo City port area; we literally slept out at the port. Good thing Port Security personnel didn’t drive us out of the place. Taking the first sail thru Fast craft bound for San Carlos City, we gathered all our excitement for a great experience ahead. Although some of us are still groggy after that night’s affair, we reached Kanlaon City safe and sound. Mr. Jhiffy “Epoy” Cabatingan greeted us at the terminal and gave us a briefing about the activity ahead. We met Kim “The Lead Packer”, Rambo “the Nutz-craker” (with his record breaking 34 slideshows), Coolman Rjed, King the Midman and Bagz “the Sweeper”. They were very accommodating and made us very comfortable throughout the trip. They complemented us for reaching the Kutitap Emergency Camp site earlier than expected. But it was not an easy assault. The thought of eating “Adobo” for lunch was a great motivator for us to reach the summit of Makawiwili Peak. Due to time constraint, we weren’t able to lay our steps at PMS and PMS lagoon. We summit Makawiwili peak at 1200hrs and took lunch. Waiting for the clearing of the clouds to take a view of the crater took us more than an hour. But she was very kind to give us the chance to clear out for less than 5 minutes and gave us time to take pictures. The clearing of clouds rarely happens during rainy seasons, sometimes it never shows. After the quick pictorial, we grabbed our packs and headed to the Oriental Shoulder Makawiwili Ridge for the campsite. More or less 2 hours of walking we reached the campsite. Everyone got a spot for their tents. Late evening, none of us got a good sleep due to a drop of temperature. Legs were tingling and back were aching. Early morning we grabbed our chance to summit the crater. While taking every step, I always remember my friend who is now based in London who introduced me into this kind of hobby. I wish we could have experienced it too. No words can explain the feeling being at the top of the highest peak in the Visayan Region. It was superfragilisticexpialidocious! She gave us the most wonderful feeling, at 2,435m above sea level was no joke! Though there were some remnants of uneducated mountaineers leaving marks of vandalism on the rocks, at least it wasn’t very extensive. Sentinel Mountaineers always takes their part of preserving the site. While on the other hand, Zzubu Ecotourism Society is be very proud to promote Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park as the number one destination for EcoAdventure Experience for outdoor enthusiast. Mother Nature was as good to us on our way back to Cebu as we sailed from San Carlos because we have the chance to have encounter dolphins at the Tañon Strait while on the ferry.

In a nutshell, Mt. Kanlaon is now considered as 27th highest peak in the Philippines. Nonetheless it is still abundant with breath taking beauty of its flora and fauna, and still considered as the highest peak in the Visayan region.

Fly High in the Northern Sky of Sogod

"The tranquility and beauty of nature sets me free and is refreshing for my soul."

Taking its pride of the Panagsogod Festival, we took our time to visit Sogod Cebu to witness the celebration. From Cebu North Bus Terminal to Sogod covers a distance of 75 kilometers; it took us 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Sogod Municipal Hall.
The word “Sogod” got its name from local visayan term “Sinugdanan”; it was inspired by Sogod’s little known history of being the borderline of black and White sand beaches in Northern Cebu. Sogod once merged with Catmon in the early 1900’s but gained their independence and was declared a municipality in 1921 with 18 barangays. (References: A Brief History of Sogod by Benjamin M. Montejo, SB Secretary, l980-1986)

First stop: Astronomical Platform 1929 Solar Eclipse Rock.
The concrete platform marks the place where the International Astronomical Observatory Post of the 1929 Total Solar Eclipse mounted the astronomical telescope as Sogod was the center of the eclipse. This is located at the back of Sogod Central School in Barangay Bagatayam. Nonetheless, it was an event that has been carved in the history of Sogod.

The Bagatayam Falls, located nearby Sogod Central School is one of the natural attractions that must be experienced when you visit Sogod. The water overflowing from the Binaliw Spring (also known as “Tubod ni Maria” – rumored as the enchanted water which heals the sick) is the source of the terrific view of the Bagatayam falls.

Towers to watch: RUINS OF TWIN WATCH TOWERS OR BALUARTE
Located in the front of the parish church, the two watch towers were constructed during the Spanish time to keep watch of the raiding pirates. What remains now are the ruins of one tower that of the other was demolished.

Expect the unexpected. I have never been so careless of my things until I almost lost my bag. I, so worried where I left my bag, got a chance to experience another adventure. Riding in a fast-breaking 2-wheeled vehicle almost left me daunted. I was very thankful when we retrieved the bag and even gave my precious lighter to the driver and some dough.

On the other hand, we never realized that the festivity will be held next week. We are definitely a week early upon going there. But we didn’t feel dismay. The sense of being there is already a festival for us.

It is time for us to unwind and chill at North Sky Beach Resort. Though the reception was unruly, but we had time chatting and chilling. ZETS kids had a wonderful time swimming in the pool while most of us were relaxing. ZETS family does have an enormous appetite for cultural/historical tidbits of knowledge and eco-adventure.