The Beauty Within… and I’m Proud to be-

Brewed coffee in the early morning, sweet lanzones and rambutan during month of September, citrus fruits on October and other tropical fruits during summer,fresh air and cold climate throughout the year,hospitable and God-fearing people- Where would you go and find them all?

The travel time from Manila going to such wonderful place is only 2 1/2 hours.You will pass by 5 other towns to reach the place. The zigzag roads which are not as long and winding as that of Baguio would be the distinctive landmark of  my hometown, CUENCA.

Most people here before were engaged in rice planting. But now, many of them converted their fields into orchard farm. Others migrated into the city and they became successful bakery owners. Comparing them to the Jews, anywhere in the country, you’ll find out that almost bakery establishments are owned by Batangueños, mostly the Cuencaeños.

Orchard farm? Although most of the rice fields were converted into such, people gained better earnings.At the same time, they could apply the multiple cropping which is so favorable because it maximizes the space and an additional earnings for them.

It’s a change , a change for the better.The people landscaped their fields by planting more trees which give them bountiful harvests.Since most of the trees underwent asexual reproductions ( grafting, budding, marcotting, etc) , it only took months or less than 4 years on the time of reaping.  How nice to look at those fruits bumping as the gentle wind touches it! The fruits are almost at your pick and need not to use “tikin”.The coffee fruits  are like small red buttons and the peppermints  are dangling earrings hanging all over the kakawati tree! Added to these, are the preservation of most herbal plants that could be found in the fields or forests. (e.g.- pandong ahas, bignay, acalpulco, balay uhor, kulutan, mutha, sulyak daga, kitis-kitis, tagpo, pandakaking puti, talampunay,ikmo, gugo, gatas-gatasan, suag-kabayo, lagundi,luyang dilaw, luyang itim  and many more).

The place is not only endowed with tropical climate, plants and fruits but also nice and hospitable people. Visiting one’s house, you will be offered with hot, brewed coffee or “tinolang manok”, bulanglang na gulay, gulay na kadyos na may kibal, sinaing na tawilis, sinaing na tulingan, hinalyasang tambakol, kinamatisang muang, kinamatisang pauto, ensaladang mustasa or pipino and before leaving the place , you have something to bring with you.

With the bountiful place, the people feel how good and great GOD is by continuing to preserve the gift HE has given. They show that  they’re lovers of all His creations, be it man or nature.

Kudos not only to my “kababayans” but to all those who are great and faithful stewards of God’s creations!