― Jennifer Skiff
I was exhausted for the entire week, bombarded with paperwork, and faced different controversies in life, and the most painful one we lost Kermit our dear kitty cat. It would not be easy to sweep away my feelings in this life full of challenges but these never let me down. Watching the fluffy and lovely clouds, I was tempted to immerse myself in nature on such a wonderful day despite all odds. So in a little while, I could have peace of mind.
The unexpected walk
Exploring outside’s beauty, listening to the chirping birds, and breathing fresh air will surely give me an awesome feeling after all. We were heading to our Little Batanes of Caduawan, Tabogon, Cebu to witness the beautiful sunset but as we trekked there, we switched to a different direction to explore the place we never stepped to for our entire year of existence. Spotted in the distance, the wide road was filled with limestone so it would be easier to traverse there.
Nothing else can be heard in this place only the noise made by the domestic animals and the tweeting birds which are comfortable to hear. The tree foliage surely put me in awe! However, this was my first time to be here, and I’m a little bit scared as there were no other folks around. The deafening silence can be frightening for me. It sounds funny but I felt eyes looking at me silently everywhere.
The view that looked like an ark welcomed me as if I was about to enter paradise. The cold wind rustled over the horizon, and the green scenery started to soothe my inner peace. This time, I was relaxed although the fear was still inside of me. I had forgotten that I have my ghost bumps when I saw this clear water flowing towards the other end. I was having fun taking some shots of this splendid beauty of nature.
The revelation
Moving forward, the bunkhouses were seen and we started to wonder who are there. These were constructed temporarily from indigenous materials which means they will not last here for good. Alas! We found out that there was an ongoing rehabilitation of the riverside and it was not an ordinary project.
We were very excited to explore this tranquil place. Still, there was no existence of anyone. I got a photo opportunity here. I have seen this huge root from a centennial tree cut down for a long time as seen on the traces of the root. It was the center of my attraction. Looking around was such a breathtaking one, the amazing nature at its best.
Now, as I moved closer, I have seen the long winding river. The rehabilitation is done because the land is gradually sliding which caused the river to widen. The riverbed as I looked down is too deep, very dangerous if somebody will accidentally fall. I got nervous when I looked at it, actually one of my greatest fears is height.
I went down due to my inquisitiveness. As I scrutinized, the riverbed obviously has no trace of garbage, it was clean and the river was calm this time. During the rainy season, for sure the water level here will rise.
I can hear the flowing water, the river was shallow and I got my amusement feeling. Everywhere was clean and the breeze of the air is free from pollutants. It was extraordinary to be there, I witnessed the sunset calmly and silently. Darkness was about to take over and I need to go home desperately. I regretted why never coming early thus, I wasn’t able to discover the whole area.
As I went home, on my way I have seen this coconut tree wrapped in Balete roots. What an astonishing scene I have come across. It was strange for me, another eyeshot for the first time. I was contemplating, how it was able to survive. It seemed that the coconut tree was choked to death. Despite this tight grasp, it is healthy and was able to bear fruit. So shocking!
The contemplation
—Aboriginal Proverb
As I satisfactorily looked at the vast field covered with green, questions suddenly popped up in my mind, "What will happen to this serene place in the next few decades?" Would it still be the same? Will it not be ruined? May the people will not be dazzled by money, and may we can still achieve a sustainable existence here in this one world we live in without ruining nature.
Well, "What will we do? Will these children experience inner peace with nature? May everybody will take his/her part to understand that balance with nature matters most. Nature must be taken care of as it is the main factor of our survival because if not, an intense silent revenge will surely happen.
My day was complete; my mind was relaxed, I have total enlightenment and I was distressed about this quick adventure.
Thank you so much for sparing enough time for my blog. Have a great experience reconnecting with nature!