As it is a wow!

by John Vincent Toribio

FOR 20 years now, only twice I dipped my feet in the Cordilleras- once when I was a third grader (only for a day) and now that I'm an intern on my bachelor's degree course (for around two months). With these, only fool I am if I say a single second was me on boredom.

Really, I always wow myself with new surprises each day that pass by me in these high lands in the north of the archipelago... new things discovered and newer experiences unveiled.

Indeed, short as others may say, with these two months and a day, the Cordilleras extended the chill of natural beauty and splendor to me, as it does to many tourists through its picture of no compare.

Though, if I would have a diary and revisit a day, I would love to re-read and review for times this 9-hour escapade in the midland of the Cordilleras- ITOGON, Benguet... an escapade which gave me the 'shortest' yet one of the most satisfied and smiled trips.

Why? Because, unlike any other travelogues, this day opened me not just to how great and wow the design of nature is, but also to the old yet loved scenes of cultural heritage therein- on how people make the world in each corner of the paradise.

This road trip just wowed this system!

This is a treat-trip. Our way to Itogon was anticipated as a commencement of all the 'awards' of the 'bustles and hustles' of our days downtown.

On our way, I had an opening of the virgin forests glowing in its greens down on the cliff and up-side our van. Located therein are houses which seem guards of the place. I saw children running on fun and grandparents chitchatting the same way teens do. Smiles on their lips grace their welcome upon the arc of Itogon.

The following are the choices to pick where and how to enjoy the place... better to choose them all!

Balatoc mines tour

Gem and job.

This is the only mining site in the Philippines touring visitors on the how's and what's of mining. As we tour inside, we get to know on how it works as a miner.

From facilities down to how to use them, understanding clear-cuts of the mining procedures is up for people who wants to discover new things and who are in of the nerves shocked and systems' "Ah's".

On boot shoes and hardhats, visitors go inside where dynamites are up to blasting and facilities work normally. Encountering real workers on actual job is a testament of experiencing their lives, too.

Beneath the darkness of the uncertain nowhere inside, people try to experience the roaring sounds and try to ride on an actual mine car, above the experience of having an opportunity of handling facilities at work.

Moreover, industry between the corporation and the communities pertain to a sense of cooperation for continuing development.

Aside from the satisfaction and a wow experience, anyone can bring home a gold bar worth millions for free! The only dare you get to handle is to lift it up using only three fingers. (I tried, but li’l fingers not that strong.)

Itogon pools

Blued and glued.

A series of pools which cater to 'dying' nerves and wrecked veins of the body's system is ready to relieve it all! May it be a cold pool or hot spring, this surely serves as a healer of burdens and lessener of struggles from the obstacles downtown.

By the freshness and naturality of the water rushing over the pools, whoever dips in it absolutely extends the blessedness of nature.

With this, a family's craving for a new avenue of fun and bonding is answered. Together with the numerous sets of pool, the place accommodates number of visitors who are up to swimming and refreshing.

In its natural setup with mountains on both sides, dipping on the waters of the pools drives up tourists to an ecstatic and extraordinary experience.

Binga dam

Reserved and exposed.

Where brilliance, technology and nature meet, wowing anyone's system is at any stake possible.

Truly, the dam of safety and preservation features how nature can be managed for the security of lives. Along with the relaxing ambiance of the place is the ‘naked’ beauty of the mountains as the trees dance freely in its greens.

Sight-seeing biodiversity in this spot is expectedly of high senses triggering.

Actual Cañao experience

Old and preserved.

Remembering my experience in an actual Cañao has always been different. It touches my cultural part and tickles my curiosity. Though, of all the why's in me, I invoked a high respect and appreciation of this old yet fresh tradition... and I'd liked it.

Witnessing a Cañao in a typical Cordilleran house is a magnificent opportunity. It does not just shows their cultures but also boosts their pride of heritage.

Watching how natives do Cañao originally ultimately creates an impression of being true to the blood. From butchering of the 'alays' down to preparing the foods and, finally, to taking them in is simply a perfect experience!

Learning their way of life and understanding their laughs and moves open it all to the world the genuine life of true societies.

While sitting in front of the foods prepared for us, along with natives, eating on hands is great. It is not just about revitalizing the system with nutrition but also creating a bond with our fellow Filipinos.

This is a choice everyone should grab which intimately creates an appreciation and pride with cultural heritage.

As we went on with our road trip, every mountain we see, people we pass by and every corner of Itogon have cued us in a paradise free of worries and burdens. Itogon had just given us an incomparable experience. With the short 9-hour, never had we in dull and null moments. All is upper and ecstatic!

Our way home, as we travel the curves of the mountains, I realized the sense of blessedness, preservation and appreciation of this place. Itogon is just simply different from any other localities up. It strikes of a uniquely different offer of enjoyment and satisfaction. From the greens and blues of its natural splendor up to how people make the place a home to many, Itogon is an epitome of a continuing dream to produce more and more eco-friendly homes at reach and an open paradise to unwind.

This is a new place to discover and a newer experience to unveil for people out there who are up for adventures, learning and relaxation.

As it is a wow, I say- "Kaledjo! Mas kakanas ngi Itogon!" (Come! It's more fun in Itogon!)