Healing Season for Lake Holon

Nature is Beautiful.

Humanity can be destructive.

The need for Nature to heal is a must.

One endeavor of the Municipality of T'boli is to protect the beauty of Lake Holon through temporary closure. See below details from the Unit Head of Community-base Eco-tourism of Lake Holon about the temporary closure. Please be guided and let your friends know. :)

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Into the Heart of the Guardians: Lake Holon

#HugotHolon

January 2, 2015, marked the day of what I thought was just a usual lake trip with friends but turned out as my first ever trek and camping experience. It was my first trip to Lake Holon. I really thought that it's just like a walk in the park, get there and go home, but Lake Holon is filled with so much surprises.

The trip started at the tourism office of the Municipal Hall of T’boli, where we were welcomed by the accommodating Municipal Tourism Officer, Rodel Hilado. We registered our names and contact information after which the tourism staff endorsed us to the habal-habal drivers who took us to Sitio Kule. The endorsement is one way of safe guarding the tourists during the trips to the drop off zone.  It took us an hour to Sitio Kule, the hunting ground, one of the drop off zone/starting point of the trek to Lake Holon. From Sitio Kule, my first trek, the trek of my life began.

With Pastor...our Guide for the Kule Trail.

Our Team at Sitio Kule:drop off and starting point for the Kule Trail.

During the ascend to the Kule Trail.

Our trek to Lake Holon through the Kule trail took us three and a half hours. This is how long it usually is for beginners. We started off with a tree planting then proceed to the trail. Being a newbie in trekking, it was difficult. I needed to catch my breath when we ascend the trail. I was carrying a bag filled with canned goods which added to the weight. I should have known that it is best to travel light especially on mountain trails. Sweat and rain mixed when the rain started to fall. It couldn’t get any harder. When we started the descend mud started to stick to my sandals. It lost its grip and I slipped four times, breaking my walking stick on the process. Without a walking stick, there are times when I made my way downwards with my butt on the ground. Amidst all those difficulties, one might think of going back but…there’s a big “BUT”… every time I see the beauty of the place, the wonders that God created, I can really say that it was all worth it. Especially when we got to the view deck. The view was breathtaking though at that moment, the lake was covered in fog. The view could have been more amazing. Right then, I knew the noob in me breathed and lived adventure.

At the view deck of Kule Trail. Lake Holon is covered in fog when we got to the view deck.

When the Kule trail ended, we got on a dugout boat that took us to the camp site. I was fortunate enough to ride on the boat alone with JR,one of the locals, who navigated the boat. I was lost in full enchantment as I watch in wonder the beauty of the lake. The grandeur of the 15 guardians encircling and looking over Lake Holon.

That night, I found solace in the midst of the guardians. Their silhouette in the dark of the night reminded me on how Lake Holon is something that needs to be protected. Pitching our tent just a few meters from the edge of the lake gave us full view of its wonders. The night sky was covered with dark clouds and the stars were not out that night but still the lake gave off that enchanting glow. Yes, we did camp out for the night, had fun with friends and heard camp stories. We swam by the lake just before the sun set and gathered around the camp fire by evening, ate grilled tilapia caught by the locals and enjoyed each other's company. Those can be done on other spots but i was glad i did it with Lake Holon.

By morning of the next day, we took a kayak around the lake and i fell even more in love with the lake but then, its time to go home. We brought only pictures, memories and aching muscles with us leaving the Lake to itself and under the watch of the 15 guardians.

Definitely, I am going back to learn about the guardians and experience the midnight blue and look at the stars at night and…and…and…there’s just more stories to make.

Definitely, I will be coming back. 

Lake Holon will be closing on January 11, 2016 for the Breathing Period will open again on March 5, 2016. Holon will heal itself for the coming Pilgrimage this March, :) Am soooo excited!

Our Team on our departure picture. See You Again Holon!

The Bucket List I Never Had: Lake Sebu Escapade

There are stuff you do which made you realize it wasn't on your bucket list but it's worth adding on. More like a reverse bucket list. :)

Here are 5 things i did that i decided to put on  my bucket list...

1.) Pose like a Travel Blogger under the scenic Lake Sebu Waterfall.

2.) Do another Travel Blogger Pose. :)

    

3. Take all of the waterfall in. :)

    

4. Learn to paddle a dugout boat.

  

5. Meet my long lost brother. :)

    

These were just the fun things i experienced on the side when we went to Lake Sebu for some escapade.

Child of the Waterfall

The Child of the Waterfall

“Will it rain today?” She asked herself. Her gaze was up into the sky, beyond the canopy of trees that covered the cliff. Her mouth creased into a smile.

She grabbed a fine meshed scoop net and a white plastic container and headed her way out of the humble hut where she lives. She can hear the nearby waterfall calling for her. Its sound was loud but was never in anger.

Tourists have already arrived in the area. They took their time visiting every spot and taking pictures. Her cold feet found its way on the concrete stepping stones towards the waterfall. She quickly ran past the tourists who were on their way to the waterfall.

She finally reached the spot. The majestic waterfall loomed above her as she basked on the misty air. The waterfall pours itself right into the rocky bottom. The water does not stay for long to form a pool of water but instead it flows down through into a small river. The current was not strong. Slowly she lowered her foot into the cold flowing water. Carefully, she looked for her footing on the rocky bottom. She eased both off her feet and crossed the small river and went straight into a rocky shallow part. She put the white container and the net aside and scooped for a handful of fine pebbles. She sorted them and stashed the good ones into the white container. Who knows what sort of treasure she finds in a place as such. She got so absorbed on what she did that she didn’t even notice that tourist had gathered at the base of the waterfalls admiring it in its beauty.

There in the middle, she went about on her business. The waterfall singing for her, the cold water to keep her cool and the misty air showering above her.

**Stories presented herein is just a work of fiction. Any similarity with the real life is just a coincidence.Kindly, treat as such**