I was born in an upland municipality blessed with natural resources and biodiversity away from the city. It is a mountainous town with natural scenery, lush forest, and wildlife. It is considered a peaceful sanctuary where a cool mountain breeze and a morning dew uplift the senses and the soul.
I have lived in this peaceful town since the mid-'80s. During my younger years, I learned to appreciate the natural environment and loved our culture and traditions.
When I was about 6 years old, my parents brought me and my siblings to barangay Pasol-o in the town of Jamindan in Capiz (my mother's birthplace). We hiked for less than 2 hours to reach the place. That was a tiring journey but an excellent adventure for all of us. That was my first hiking experience, so I have always loved nature trekking and hiking.
Then, almost every year after that, on a hot summer day, we used to return when there was a Fiesta or a celebration in our relative's place. When we were approaching our destination, we knew we saw a vast mountain rock about less than or closer to 50 meters high. Hence, the area got its name, Bato-Arobo, a giant rock formation.
During those years, a hike to Bato-Arobo was challenging since some areas had rough roads and were muddy, and some were full of amorseko weeds that stuck to the clothes. The good thing about hiking was the stories or urban legends about the origin of that giant rock, which I was incredibly fascinated with as a kid. We were told that the vast stone houses a big golden horse that might have been kept during the Japanese occupation. However, until now, that story remains an urban legend since nobody can see it.
The last time I visited Bato-Arobo was in high school with my family. We were served a natural and healthy drink, coconut juice with coconut meat, while we had beautiful stories and laughter. My last visit wasn't hiking since the road was passable to a jeepney where we were transported. It was like a roller coaster ride on a rocky road, and we really enjoyed the experience.
Now, 3 decades later, it was great news when I heard from my father that the road to Bato-Arobo is currently undergoing concrete road construction to the neighboring barangays of San Juan and Ganzon, both places I am eagerly looking forward to visiting.
Road construction is part of the Local Government's priority development that will benefit many families living in Barangay Pasol-o, especially those living in an upland Sitio of Bato-Arobo. This project is a testament to our community's unity and shared vision.
I am eager to witness the development of the place I have loved since childhood. Bato-Arobo has been a source of adventure and a teacher of perseverance and endurance in life. It has taught me that no matter the difficult road, we must continue forward, viewing obstacles as challenges. When we reach the peak or the summit, we can look back at our journey with pride and joy, appreciating all our sacrifices.
Bato-Arobo may not be known to many yet, but it will always be in my heart because it brings beautiful memories worth reminiscing. With the completion of the road development project, residents of Bato-Arobo will be able to enjoy better transportation and celebrate Sunday Thanksgiving: Graceful Service to The People as they express their faith and service to God. This spiritual sanctuary in sitio Lomboy of Barangay Linambasan is like the entry point or gateway to Bato-Arobo, a place steeped in history and cultural significance.
Reflecting on this Lenten season, a time of spiritual reflection and renewal, I am reminded of the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving. Through these virtues, we recognize and honor all the blessings we received from the Divine. Our spiritual nature would bring us peace of mind and a grateful heart so that we can leave a good legacy for the next generations to come so they can also live and experience the natural wonders and sustainable development that our generations have enjoyed. May this reign in our hearts today and forever.
© 2019 Del Cusay
I have lived in this peaceful town since the mid-'80s. During my younger years, I learned to appreciate the natural environment and loved our culture and traditions.
When I was about 6 years old, my parents brought me and my siblings to barangay Pasol-o in the town of Jamindan in Capiz (my mother's birthplace). We hiked for less than 2 hours to reach the place. That was a tiring journey but an excellent adventure for all of us. That was my first hiking experience, so I have always loved nature trekking and hiking.
Then, almost every year after that, on a hot summer day, we used to return when there was a Fiesta or a celebration in our relative's place. When we were approaching our destination, we knew we saw a vast mountain rock about less than or closer to 50 meters high. Hence, the area got its name, Bato-Arobo, a giant rock formation.
During those years, a hike to Bato-Arobo was challenging since some areas had rough roads and were muddy, and some were full of amorseko weeds that stuck to the clothes. The good thing about hiking was the stories or urban legends about the origin of that giant rock, which I was incredibly fascinated with as a kid. We were told that the vast stone houses a big golden horse that might have been kept during the Japanese occupation. However, until now, that story remains an urban legend since nobody can see it.
The last time I visited Bato-Arobo was in high school with my family. We were served a natural and healthy drink, coconut juice with coconut meat, while we had beautiful stories and laughter. My last visit wasn't hiking since the road was passable to a jeepney where we were transported. It was like a roller coaster ride on a rocky road, and we really enjoyed the experience.
Now, 3 decades later, it was great news when I heard from my father that the road to Bato-Arobo is currently undergoing concrete road construction to the neighboring barangays of San Juan and Ganzon, both places I am eagerly looking forward to visiting.
Road construction is part of the Local Government's priority development that will benefit many families living in Barangay Pasol-o, especially those living in an upland Sitio of Bato-Arobo. This project is a testament to our community's unity and shared vision.
I am eager to witness the development of the place I have loved since childhood. Bato-Arobo has been a source of adventure and a teacher of perseverance and endurance in life. It has taught me that no matter the difficult road, we must continue forward, viewing obstacles as challenges. When we reach the peak or the summit, we can look back at our journey with pride and joy, appreciating all our sacrifices.
Bato-Arobo may not be known to many yet, but it will always be in my heart because it brings beautiful memories worth reminiscing. With the completion of the road development project, residents of Bato-Arobo will be able to enjoy better transportation and celebrate Sunday Thanksgiving: Graceful Service to The People as they express their faith and service to God. This spiritual sanctuary in sitio Lomboy of Barangay Linambasan is like the entry point or gateway to Bato-Arobo, a place steeped in history and cultural significance.
Reflecting on this Lenten season, a time of spiritual reflection and renewal, I am reminded of the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving. Through these virtues, we recognize and honor all the blessings we received from the Divine. Our spiritual nature would bring us peace of mind and a grateful heart so that we can leave a good legacy for the next generations to come so they can also live and experience the natural wonders and sustainable development that our generations have enjoyed. May this reign in our hearts today and forever.
© 2019 Del Cusay