Favorite OPM song (Kasama kang tumanda by: Ogie Alcasid)

 

What I like in this OPM song which was composed by Mr. Ogie Alcasid is that it's very overwhelming. It expresses the feeling on how you love and to be loved by your special someone. I really love listening to it and I can't get over on especially on the phrase " Kasama kang tumanda" which implies on how he love Ms. Regine. Everybody has their own way on how to express feelings on their special love one's. Though, I have many favorite OPM song but this is my very favorite among the other song. It may be short but the content is touching. Thank you. :D

Myths, Legends, and Folk tales in Negros Island Region

KAN-LAON
SUPREME DEITY 

Kan-Laon was considered the Supreme god who started the chain of events that started the making of the world by Ancient Visayans who live in Negros Island. They also believed that he resides in the upper heavens, and the entrance to his domain can be found in the peak or heart of the Kan-Laon volcano, and in oral tradition was a sacred mountain that he turned into a volcano. In some stories, he is usually portrayed as a dignified, peace-loving elder gentleman who lived in a magical hut on the peak of the volcano itself, living away from society, although sometimes people find themselves on his land. Eventually he disappeared in the heart of the volcano to his own domain, never to be bothered with the mortal world, after experiencing disappointment with the early people disobeying his orders. Others even believed Kan-Laon was a goddess due to the volatile, unpredictable nature of the volcano which reflects the mysteries of a woman. Kan-laon is also regarded as the god of time and cosmic movements, and though there are other gods who share his title, the Negrense people in the olden days believed he is the supreme deity that dictates the course of time, and can change any event that he wishes, although there are not enough stories that tells us that he ever interfered with the lives of the people after disappearing inside the Kanlaon volcano which forever bears his name. 

The volcano itself is a pilgrimage site for the Negrense babaylans, hermits, mangkukulams, sorcerers etc. where they come often to meditate, reflect and connect with Kan-Laon himself. The volcano itself is surrounded by various fauna, and it is not unusual to see a babaylan or two in the old days finding herbs and ingredients for their works that are considered magical, including ingredients for Kamangyan (incense) which they burn for their rituals and worshipping their deities, especially during sacrifices and special occasions. The top of the volcano, where people believed were his house stood before , is said to be a nexus of spiritual energy, specifically positive energy, which was vital for babaylans who were seen as leaders of faith in their communities and by the local healers to be able to do their spiritual works. They trek upwards the sacred areas of the volcano, offer their prayers, gifts and sacrifices as thanksgiving and meditate there to soak up on this good energy from time to time. Kan-laon's worship was so strong and widespread in Negros Island, that even when the Spanish conquistadores came, and introduced Christianity, they found it very hard to totally convert his loyal followers, it even led to babaylans and magic-practitioners to abandon their villages to live on the mountain as hermits, just like the Ati tribesmen of the island who live near the volcano and paid homage to Kan-Laon since time immemorial. Kan-laon is one of the few gods of the Visayan pantheon who's fame still survives and the volcano which forever bears his name still bears witness to the few hermits and atis that make the pilgrimage till this modern age and has also attracted the curiosity and fascination of tourists, both foreign and local through the years. There is even a popular belief around Negros Occidental and Oriental that when the volcano trembles and erupts, it means Kan-Laon's peace was disturbed or there was great sacrilege committed on the volcano itself.

When Kan-Laon left the mortal realm when he entered the volcano, a strange creation came into being and was made to guard the enchanted forests on top of the volcano, so that greedy people will not be able to use Kan-Laon's territory for their wicked plans.

In the peak and impenetrable forest of Mt. Kanlaon there lived the magkupo, the huge serpent with the rooster’s crown and a rooster’s powerful crow, who stayed under the kamandag tree near the crater of the volcano. The magkupo had fins on its sides. It did not crawl on the ground as other snakes did but would move from tree to tree by winding its long body on a tree trunk, ease its head forward to reach another tree where it will coil itself. Thus, it was called magkupo (pronounced with a stress on the last syllable), which means to “stick on” or “embrace.” It hides deep n the forest canopy, waiting to strike or scare away evil people who dare disturb Kan-Laon's peace.

Taken from: A History of Negros Occidental, by Modesto P. Sa-Onoy

The Sentinel Rock: This rock forms the face of the Protector of the Forest,
which has been adapted by the Sentinel Mountaineers as part of their logo.
photo credits: http://talesofthelonelysperm.blogspot.com

Related Kanlaon story: Variant Legend of Mt. Kanlaon

Kan-Laon and the farmers

Once upon a time, in the Island of Negros on the top of Mt. Kanlaon, lived a deity called Kan-laon. He was the supreme being of the Negrenses and they believed it was him who caused the creation of the world and that the mountain (it wasn't a volcano yet.) served as his home. One day, a group of eager tobacco farmers, was able to reach the top of the volcano and was greeted by him. One woman said " Oh great Kan-Laon, we are humbled by your presence, would you allow us tobacco farmers to use some of your land to plant our crop? " It just so happens Kan-Laon was in a good mood and gave his consent to the farmers. " I will allow you to use my land, just as long as you do not plant near my house on the crater." Kan-Laon said. He then drew a line around the top of the mountain and showed it to the farmers and told them they should never exceed this limit. The farmers complied, and they made sure they never went past the line when they planted their crops, and everything went well. One day however, Kan-Laon told them " I must leave you and meditate. So please remember, never stray beyond the line." and with that warning, he disappeared, without giving them a hint of when he will be coming back. For several years, the farmers kept their promise and never strayed, and their tobacco continued to multiply, but soon, almost the entire mountain was covered by their crop and they have nowhere else to plant. One brave farmer dared to plant his tobacco beyond the line, which earned the dismay of his colleagues, causing them to get angry at him. However, days went by and nothing bad happened to him or his crops. "Maybe Kan-laon went to other places and is never coming back!" he said, which prompted his colleagues to join him in planting the tobacco beyond the line. A few more years went by, and suddenly Kan-Laon returned and he was dismayed to see that his home was now a tobacco plantation. He silently waved a finger, and all the tobacco plants dried up, sorted themselves into bundles beside him. The farmers knelt down and begged his forgiveness, and forgive them he did. They also asked him if they can plant their crops again on the mountain, to which Kan-Laon replied " You can only plant here again once I have finished smoking all these tobacco bundles!". With a blink of an eye, a crater appeared from the line he drew around the area, and Kan-Laon proceeded to go down with the bundles of tobacco following him, never to be seen again, turning the mountain into a volcano. When locals see the volcano smoke rising upwards, they tell their children that the smoke coming out of it is coming from Kan-Laon himself, enjoying the tobacco of their ancestors!

Siquijor – Magic and Mystery

Probably one of the best known among these places in the Philippines is the island of Siquijor. Many people have tried to document and explore what the mystery really is. Other people have even produced films that center on this mystery island. These evidences support the fact that people’s knowledge about this place is really limited.
The province of Siquijor is known throughout history for its mystery, along with the magic claimed by some of its local residents. These people use magic in doing their jobs serving as shamans, sorcerers and witches for those who are seeking their services. These are the reasons why Siquijor has been dubbed as the magic island.
According to people living around Siquijor, two kinds of witches exist in the province. These are the shamans and the sorcerers. These two groups usually fight against each other. The sorcerers seek to destroy or inflict harm while the shamans are there to heal and to save lives.

Mambabarang – The Local Sorcerers

Sorcerers are locally called the mambabarang. They use their powers to inflict pain, disease or even death to their clients’ enemies. According to sources, the services offered by the mambabarang usually cost between 6,000 to 30,000 pesos. Even people from neighboring provinces such as Dumaguete and Bohol are reported to seek the services of these so-called witches. People sought the black magic of the mambabarang for several reasons like retaliation to theft, land disputes and adultery.
On the other hand, shamans are referred to locally as the mananambal. They are local healers who use their magic to heal diseases and illnesses that are caused by supernatural causes. All the mananambals claim that their powers also come from supernatural sources like saints or the spirits of dead people.
These are the various aspects of magic in Siquijor. The magic and beauty of the place are some of the reasons why people are very much interested to the province. This captivating element of magic is so closely intertwined with the culture of its people that is why it magic is inseparable from the province. Another major reason why the element of magic is so important to the place is the employment that it has given to the many people living in the island.
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Of course this situation is limited to some places only. Some other parts of Siquijor are already progressive and have already adapted to a life that is much very similar to those in other provinces. Nowadays, the element of magic is starting to become part of the very colorful culture and history of Siquijor.

CATALINA OF DUMAGUETE

This is a legend of Dumaguete, the capital of the province of Negros Occidental. From this town can be seen five islands, viz., Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Mindanao, and Siquijor.
There is no one on the great island of Negros who does not love the name of Catalina. Even the wild mountain men speak it with respect, and down in the coast towns at night, when the typhoon is lashing the waters of Tanon Strait, and the rain and wind make the nipa leaves on the roofs dance and rattle, the older people gather their little black-eyed grandchildren around the shell of burning cocoanut oil and tell them her story.
Many years ago there lived in Dumaguete a poor tuba seller named Banog, who made his daily rounds to the houses just as the milkman does in far-off America. But instead of a rattling wagon he had only a long bamboo from which he poured the drink, and in place of sweet milk he left the sap of the cocoanut tree.
The bad custom of mixing tungud, a kind of red bark, with the sap, and thus making of it a strong liquor, had not yet been known, so Banog, though poor, was respected, and the people tried in every way to help him and his daughter Catalina.
Catalina was a beautiful girl of sixteen and very good and industrious, but with many strange ways. She scarcely ever spoke a word and spent most of her time in looking out over the sea. Sometimes she would suddenly stand erect and, clasping her hands, would remain for a long time looking up at the sky as if she saw something that no one else could see. On account of these strange manners the people thought her a wonderful girl and she was supposed to have mysterious powers.
One day many ships came up from the island of Mindanao and hundreds of fierce Moros landed. Shouting and waving their terrible knives, they fell upon the peaceful people and killed many, among them poor Banog. Then they robbed and burned the houses and, seizing all the women they could find, set sail for their great southern island. Among the prisoners was Catalina. With her eyes fixed on the sky she sat very quiet and still in the bow of one of the boats, and though her companions spoke often to her she made no reply.
Suddenly she sprang into the water and a wonderful thing occurred, for, instead of sinking, she walked lightly over the waves toward the distant shore. The Moros were so astonished that they did not try to stop her and she reached the land safely.
Many people who had hidden in the forests ran out to meet her but she spoke to no one. With her eyes still fixed above she walked through the burning town and along the road to Dalugdug, the Thunder mountain, that lies behind Dumaguete.
On Dalugdug there lived a terrible Sigbin. Its body was like that of a monstrous crow, but just under its neck were two long legs like those of a grasshopper, which enabled it to leap great distances without using its wings. It ate any one who came near its home, so when the people saw Catalina start to climb the mountain they begged her to come back. She paid no heed to their cries, however, but went up higher and higher, till her white dress seemed merely a speck on the mountain side.
All at once she seemed to stop and raise her hands. Then a fearful shriek was heard, and the fierce Sigbin came rushing down the mountain. It appeared to be greatly frightened, for it took tremendous leaps and screamed as if in terror. Over the heads of the people it jumped, and, reaching the shore, cleared the narrow channel and disappeared among the mountains of the island of Cebu.
When the people saw that the Sigbin had gone they ran up the mountain and searched everywhere for Catalina, but they could find no trace of her. Sorrowfully they returned to their homes and busied themselves in building new houses and in making their town beautiful once more.
Several years passed in peace and then again the Moro boats came up from Mindanao. The men hurriedly gathered on the beach to meet them, and the women and children hid in the cocoanut groves.
This time the Moros had no quick and easy victory, for the Visayans, armed with bolos and remembering their lost wives and sisters, fought furiously, and for a time drove the enemy before them. But more Moro boats arrived and numbers told against the defenders. Slowly but surely they fell fighting until but a few remained.
Suddenly a bridge of clouds unfolded from Dalugdug to the town, and across it came the lost Catalina holding a beehive in her hands. Then she spoke and thousands of bees flew from the hive to the ground. Again she spoke and waved her hand, and the bees changed into little black men with long sharp spears, who charged the Moros and killed every one of them.
Then Catalina, the hive still in her hand, went back over the bridge and disappeared once more in the mountain.
The people came out of their hiding places, crowding around the little black men and questioning them, but they received no answer. Instead the little warriors gathered together and ran into the forest and up the mountain side, where they were soon lost to view.
Such is the story of Catalina, Since that time Dumaguete has been safe from the Moros. The Sigbin has never returned to Negros. It still lives in the mountains of Cebu and the people are so afraid of it that they lock themselves in their houses after dark and can hardly be induced to come out. Up in the mountains of Negros live the little black men. They are called Negritos and are very savage and wild.
The savior of Dumaguete still lives in Dalugdug and is worshiped by the people. And in the town, now grown into a big busy city, the old people for years to come will tell their grandchildren the story of Catalina.

 

Filipino Family Traditions

Family Traditions

ALL

Filipino Customs and Traditions

Mano Po

Our culture is a big reflection of our great and complex history. It is influenced by most of the people we have interacted with. A blend of the Malayo-Polynesian and Hispanic culture with the influence from Chinese, Indians Arabs, and other Asian cultures really contribute to the customs and traditions of the Filipinos.

Filipino culture is unique compared to other Asian countries, and beliefs apply every day in the life of the Filipinos and reveal how rich and blessed the culture the people have.

Let’s review some of the popular Filipino traditions and find the similarities that bind Filipinos to each other.

First on the list is Mano Po. When children or young people greet or say goodbye to their elders they typically do so by taking the right hand of the elder with their right hand and touch the back the elder's hand lightly on their forehead. It is a way of giving respect to the elders and I believe that is also a way of receiving blessing to the elders.

Mano is a Spanish word for “hand” while Po is used in the end of the sentence when addressing elders or superiors.

Next is that Filipinos are one of the most hospitable people you may find anywhere. Foreign visitors in the country are treated with the utmost respect. This trait is usually seen during fiestas and holidays where many  Filipinos are giving their best to entertain their visitors well.

It is amazing to see that even the simplest home along the road opens their home to a stranger. For Filipinos, to be able to serve others gives them honor of showing true friendship. Filipino Hospitality is a trait you can't take away from them.

Having Close Family Ties is also one of their unique traits. It is one of the outstanding cultural values that Filipinos have. The family takes care of each other and are taught to be loyal to family and elders by simply obeying their authorities. This is one of the unique characteristics of Filipinos. Having fondness for family reunions during secular and religious holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s eve, All Saints’ Day, Holy Week, Fiestas, homecomings, birthdays, weddings, graduations, baptisms, funerals etc. is evidence that Filipino people valued not only our cultural tradition but the spirit of our family. As Filipinos, we are blessed to have been brought up with strong family ties.

Bayanihan

Photo by B l a c k S w a n of flickr.com

Have you ever experienced the bayanihan in our country?  It is the spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective. A famous example of this is the neighbors carrying a hut or house to a new location. People nowadays use it to describe an outpouring of community spirit-as people give their all to the common good, without expecting recognition or personal gain.

Courtship

We Filipinos are very romantic when it comes to heart affairs. Serenading or Harana in Tagalog is one of the most popular forms of courtship to show that a man is very serious with his intentions to a woman. A serenade would require the young man to sing a love song in front of the young lady's house. Normally, he is accompanied by his male friends who act as back-up singers. The man himself or his friend played the instrument, usually a guitar, which provides the background music to his song.

They would have to wait until the young lady opened a window to listen. It would be up to her if she wanted to invite them in for some refreshment and to chat after the song. Even if they had been asked to come in, the suitor would not expect that he could have the chance of a private moment with his object of affection. It was highly likely that the parents would also be there to entertain the man and his friends.

Religion

The Philippines is one of two predominantly Roman Catholic nations in Asia-Pacific. Their habit of going to church and often praying reflects that Filipinos have a deep faith and belief when it comes to religion. They are very devoted to religions that sometimes many take the risk of their lives just to touch the Black Nazarine (in Quiapo Manila). For many, it is just a choice between their faith and fears.

Filipinos believe that having a strong devotion may lead to a better life and their guidance to face everyday life.

Superstition

In the Philippines, superstitious beliefs have grown throughout the country. These beliefs have come from the different sayings and beliefs of our ancestors that aim to prevent danger from happening or to make a person refrain from doing something in particular.

These beliefs are part of our culture, for one derives their beliefs from the influences of what their customs, traditions and culture have dictated to explain certain phenomena or to scare people. Some are practiced primarily because Filipinos believe that there is nothing to lose if they will comply with these beliefs.
  
Cuisine

The Philippines is considered the melting pot of Asia. The rich medley of Chinese, Malay, Spanish, Mexican, American, and Indian cooking are noticed in Philippine cuisine.  Eating out is one of the favorite Filipino pasttimes. A typical Pinoy diet consists at most of six meals a day; breakfast, snacks, lunch, snacks, dinner, and again a midnight snack before going to sleep. Rice is a staple in the Filipino diet, and is usually eaten together with other dishes. Filipinos regularly use spoons together with forks and knives. Some also eat with their hands, especially in informal settings, and when eating seafood.
Other popular dishes brought from Spanish and Southeast Asian influences include afritada, asado, chorizo, empanadas, mani (roasted peanuts), paksiw (fishor pork, cooked in vinegar and water with some spices like garlic and pepper), pan de sal (bread rolls), pescado frito (fried or grilled fish), sisig, torta(omelette), kare-kare (ox-tail stew), kilawen, pinakbet (vegetable stew), pinapaitan, and sinigang (tamarind soup with a variety of pork, fish, or prawns). Some delicacies eaten by some Filipinos may seem unappetizing to the Western palate include balut (boiled egg with a fertilized duckling inside), longanisa (sweet sausage), and dinuguan (soup made from pork blood).

Popular snacks and desserts such as chicharon (deep fried pork or chicken skin), halo-halo (crushed ice with evaporated milk, flan, and sliced tropical fruit),puto (white rice cakes), bibingka (rice cake with butter or margarine and salted eggs), ensaymada (sweet roll with grated cheese on top), polvoron (powder candy), and tsokolate (chocolate) are usually eaten outside the three main meals. Popular Philippine beverages include San Miguel Beer, Tanduay Rhum,coconut arrack, and tuba.

Every province has its own specialty and tastes vary in each region. In Bicol, for example, foods are generally spicier than elsewhere in the Philippines. Patis, suka, toyo, bagoong, and banana catsup are the most common condiments found in Filipino homes and restaurants. Western fast food chains such asMcDonald's, Wendy's, KFC, and Pizza Hut are a common sight in the country.

A roasted pig known as the Lechón, is one of the Philippines most popular dishes.

Marriage and Wedding Customs

Photo by mkryanortega of flickr.com

A sacred marriage

In the country, marriage is a sacred union of man and women after a period of courtship and engagement. It is a sacrament between two people who love each others. For many Filipinos, the eternal quality of dedication to God pervades a truly sacred marriage.

A sacred marriage is a covenant between two who love each other in God and with God, whose joining becomes an expression of the desire of each to love and serve God together.

Death

Death in the Philippines is one of the most important occasions in family life. For many Filipinos, a death of relatives is an opportunity to strengthen ties in the Family. To pay respect and honor the relationship to the deceased, long lost relatives, friends, and even relatives working abroad are reunited.

The Philippines is the home of some unique death rituals that are partly religious and mostly superstitious. The mourning and the weeping are still present, but a happy and welcoming atmosphere would usually envelop the place to help the deceased on his journey to the afterlife.

After the death of a person, a nine-day period of having a novena of prayers and Masses offered up to the deceased is held, although the beginning of the "Siyam na araw" varies, but usually ends the week after the death. Another period follows after death, the 40-day mourning period. Family members indicate their state of bereavement by wearing a small, black rectangular plastic pin on their left breast or breast pocket area. A ceremonial mass is held at the end of this 40-day period. Common belief states that the soul goes to Heaven after these 40 days, following the belief that Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven after the said period of days.


Society

The primary ancestors of Filipinos are Malays who came from the southeastern Asian country which is now called Indonesia. The Philippines is a combined society, both singular and plural in form. It is singular as one nation, but plural in that it is fragmented geographically and culturally. The nation is divided between Christians, Muslims, and other religious-ethno-linguistic groups; between urban and rural people; between upland and lowland people; and between the rich and the poor. Although different in numerous ways, the Filipinos are very hospitable and give appropriate respect to everybody regardless of race, culture and belief.

Christmas in the Philippines

Christmas in the Philippines is considered as one of the biggest holidays in the archipelago. We earned the distinction of celebrating the world’s longest Christmas season with Christmas carols heard as early as September and lasting until Epiphany, the feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9 or the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú on the third Sunday of January.

In one’s article, Archbishop Cruz told in his Christmas message that "the essence of Christmas is God made flesh, God who has come among us" in an act of love "that joins humankind to the Living God through our Lord Jesus Christ".
For many Filipinos, the true essence of Christmas for is not gift giving but sharing this special holy day with family.

Fiestas

Every town and city in the Philippines has a fiesta of its own; whatever time of the year it is, there's sure to be a fiesta going on somewhere.

Fiestas in the Philippines are held to celebrate a patron saint. It is part and parcel of Filipino culture through good times and bad times, it must go on. The biggest and most elaborate festival of all is Christmas, a season celebrated with all the pomp and pageantry where the whole country breaks out in celebrations that can begin long before December.

For individual Filipinos, fiestas can be a way of supplicating the heavens or to make amends for past wrongs. It is a way to celebrate their blessings, commemorate their past and observe solemn religious rituals. Celebrations may take the form of music, dancing, feasting, beauty contests, balls, processions, sports challenges or a host of other events.

Spanish influence is evident in the elaborate masks, makeup, headdresses and costumes worn by the revelers; outfits which often take months of preparation.

Living with Parents

Filipinos highly value the presence of family more than anything. Adult children living with their parents are another Filipino traditional that make them exceptional. Unlike in the United States where children leave the home after finishing high school or college, many Filipinos continue living with parents until they get married.

Eating with Hands (Kamayan)

In addition to the use of the fork and spoon, eating with your hands or kamayan is another common Filipino tradition. For many Filipinos, kamayan gives full taste to the food instead of using utensils. Gather a small portion of meat or fish and a bite-sized portion of rice on your plate. Then use all your fingers to gather the food into a small mountain or mound. Pick up the little mound and put it in your mouth using your thumb to gently push the food in.

Filipinos usually eat rice that has a slightly sticky consistency so making the little mounds is easier than if you were to use a jasmine or basmati rice. Of course, this method of eating doesn't work with soup/stew or noodles and other kinds of food but for your basic plate of rice, meat/fish and vegetables it works quite well! Next time you make dinner try eating kamayan.

Balikbayan Boxes

Some Filipinos leave the Philippines to live and work abroad. A balikbayan box is a box of items sent by the balikbayan to their family in the Philippines. The box can be sent or it can be brought by the sender when they themselves return to the Philippines.  Balikbayan boxes come in all different sizes and dimensions from bulilit (small) to extra large. It can be filled with almost anything but it is usually filled with items that cannot be found in the Philippines or items that may be too expensive for the average person to buy in the Philippines. Common items found in balikbayan boxes include: clothes, shoes, chocolate, nuts, vitamins, basketballs, coffee and tea, magazines, shampoo/conditioner, soap, body lotion, etc.

Things to do and see in my Hometown

Top Things to do and see in Mabinay

(Cave Capital of the Philippines)

Spelunking in Mabinay: A Thrilling Adventure Inside 400 Caves

Why is this town in Negros Oriental was called the "Cave Town?" Find out here!

Mabinay is known as the “Cave Town” of Negros Oriental because more than 400 caves exist in this town. Here are some of the caves in Mabinay that you can visit and tour around:

Bulwang Cave

Bulwang Cave; photo from Negros Tourism FB page

The cave is about 155-159 meters long. A walkway was installed in the cave for easy access.

Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave; photo from Negros Tourism FB page

The cave is found in Bulwang, Mabinay. It is 157 meters long and 12 meters deep. It has an abundant karsts formation and beautifully shaped stalactites and stalagmites.

Odloman Cave

Odloman Cave; photo from Negros Tourism FB page

Odloman cave is considered as the longest cave in the Philippines that measures 8,870 meters long and has a vertical range of 82 meters. The cave can be accessed by rappelling down through a big hole or swimming about 20 meters across its underground river.

Mambajo Cave

Mambajo Cave; photo from Negros Tourism FB page

The cave is 326 meters long and 35 meters deep. It is located 2.5 kilometers Northeast of Brgy. Panjabonan. To get inside the cave, you can rappel from the ceiling which is about 18.5 meters deep at the mid portion of the cave. There’s also a receiving area where you can go down the ladder. The first dwellers of the caves are bats thus the cave has unpleasant smell. The locals call it “Mambajo” from the word “baho” that means “bad smell.”

Panligawan Cave

Panligawan Cave; photo from Negros Tourism FB page

It’s just a short cave, only 143 meters long and 22 meters deep, but has a beautiful skylight in the middle. It is located in Brgy. Bulwang, Mabinay and is only about 100 meters away from another cave called Pandanihan which is 282 meters long. The dome-shaped Panlawigan cave is ideal for in-cave camping because of its wide flat ground.
Cave Tour Packages are available. Fees (subject to change without prior notice) are as follows:

• Beginners: Php50 per head per cave
• Hard: Php150 per head per cave
• Guide’s Fee: Php400 for every 5-7 visitors except for educational tours.

For more information, contact Negros Oriental Tourism Office at (+63) (35) 225-1825 or 422-0675.

How to Get There

From Manila, you can fly to Dumaguete (estimated cost of Php4,000++, round trip, one hour and 15 minutes). You can ride a tricycle (around the city, minimum of Php9 per passenger per destination) and ask to be dropped off at the bus terminal.

From Dumaguete, you can ride a bus going to Mabinay. It is about 87 kilometers away from Dumaguete City.

The World's Best Spring Fed by Tears: Mythical Mabinay

Negros Oriental

Belle Piccio | Jul 15, 2014

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And if you're the easily-overjoyed type, you'd be crying upon seeing this wonder of nature!

Come rain or shine, the cool and clean waters of Mabinay Spring are simply enticing. Take a look at these photos and you'll know why.

Mabinay Spring; photo by Romivil Cayabyab Jr. Mabinay Spring is a perfect recreational venue for family and friends. It offers kayaking, swimming, and other fun activities.
Resembling a giant swimming pool, this natural habitat has remained untouched for centuries. Its spring water is crystal-clear and is as cold as ice.
Locals are proud of this treasure, and who can blame them, especially since it provides them an unlimited water supply? The Mabinay Spring also serves as the town's main water resource.

Enjoy kayaking and swimming at the cold spring; photo from Mabinay Spring FB Page. Nature-lovers will surely be amazed driving under shades of towering centuries-old native trees along the spring's perimeters.
And to top it all of, Mabinay Spring has a pretty story behind it. Almighty Wikipedia says:
"Folklore has it that the beautiful Binay fell in love with the son of her father’s rival chieftain. Her father ended the affair by having her lover killed. Binay grieved. Mother Nature took the weeping maiden into her bosom. Where Binay was laid to rest, a spring broke forth. She weeps to this day, feeding Mabinay Spring."

Photo from Mabinay Spring FB Page. We're sure that there are other similar myths around the world, but we're sure Mabinay is the most marvelous of them all. (Of course, we're biased.)
For overnight stays, you can rent cottages (good for 5 pax max) for only Php 700. Kayaking is only Php 50 per hour. (*Note: Rates may be subject to change without prior notice.)
For inquiries about Mabinay Spring, contact (+63) 917-576-6702 and for more information check out the Mabinay Spring FB page.

Photo from Mabinay Spring FB Page. Mabinay is the second largest town in the province of Negros Oriental. Aside from its natural spring, the municipality is also known for its caves. The Odloman Cave is one of the largest in the Philippines, measuring 8,870 meters long, while the Cayaso Cave is the ninth longest, measuring 2,222 meters long.

How to Get There

From Manila, you can fly to Dumaguete (estimated cost of Php 4,000++, round trip, one hour and 15 minutes). You can ride a tricycle (around the city, it's a minimum of Php 8 per passenger per destination) and ask to be dropped off at the bus terminal.
Mabinay is about 87 kilometers away from Dumaguete City, which has been named as one of the world's best places to retire.

Mabinay Spring; photo by Romivil Cayabyab Jr. Tags: Visayas, Philippines, Negros, Negros Oriental, cave, springs, Mabinay, Mabinay Springs

Legend of My Hometown

The Legend of Mabinay

Part of what makes Mabinay so special is the rich traditions and local folklore that has been passed down through the generations.  This is a tale that tells the story of the creation of Mabinay Springs and the rivers that cut through the hillsides of this mountain town.  The story revolves around a love story between the son and daughter of rival chieftains. Binay, the daughter of Datu Ilog, serves as the Juliet in this story.  Binto, the son of Datu Namangyan, is our brave Romeo.
Binto came across Binay bathing in the river while he was out hunting a wild deer.  From the moment they met the two young rivals fell in love.  Because they knew their fathers would disapprove they had to keep their love secret.
Their secret was exposed when Binay's father began noticing changes in behavior with his love-struck daughter.  Datu Ilog decided to follow his daughter and caught her and Binay red-handed.
Regardless of Binay's pleas to spare Binto's life, her enraged father struck Binto with a spear to his chest.  Instantly upon his death in this blood-soaked ground the springs of Banintohan began to flow.
Filled with the grief of her lost love Binay runs away from home.  Overcome with emotion Binay runs wildly through the hillsides unsure of where she was going. Mother Earth sees Binay and takes pity on her broken heart and swallows up Binay.  It's said that the tears of Binay to this day are what fill the spot of Binay's last moments.  This spot they can Mabinay Spings.
Binay's father went looking for his daughter and came across Binto's father, his rival.  Binay's father admitted to killing Binto.  Instead of retaliating the two grief-stricken fathers joined forces.  Mother Earth was still not happy with what this feud had caused so she swallowed up Datu Ilog and Datu Namangyan in the place they met.  This is now the location of where the Ilog River and Namangyan River join.