I am not a misanthrope.
Nevertheless, I find bliss in extraordinary moments when I am alone... detached... but in positive solitude... This state becomes my refuge as it reduces stress and later on allows me to recharge. Doing my chosen activity, I find peace and contentment within myself.
On April 19 I was able to again luxuriate on this solitariness when I explored Malaybalay City, Bukidnon’s must-sees based on the note I prepared after researching in January. That Saturday, it would be all leg work which was my early pre-marathon warm-up. Besides the places which I'd be visiting were all near my accommodation. There's no need for a transpo service.
San Isidro Cathedral was the first in my list. Not serving as a photo background only, this church in the city proper provided me the time to commune with the Lord.
A short distance from Dr. Jose Rizal's statue is Erecion de Pueblo or the Creation of the Village monument. This features figures who are "characters in the June 1, 1877 pact between the representatives of the Spanish colonial government and the leaders of the villages in and around Malaybalay."
It was at the parkside where I saw stands selling muron kakanin and other native delicacies. Having eaten my breakfast past 9:00am, my tummy had no more room for this flavorful suman.
I resumed walking and retraced the steps on the road which the motorbike passed by the night before. Seeing this welcome signage, I knew what awaited me.
The first stall which I approached was selling what I really planned to buy. Sound the gong please! Two wooden spoons...! My youngest son was also in my mind when I bought them since he preferred using this native utensil than the plastic rice serving spoon. To add, the ones I purchased in 2019 were already worn-out and unsafe.
I first left them in the care of the seller and told him that I'd just get them on my way back. My feet were already itching to visit the different booths which were already there March 21, the start of Kaamulan Festival. The celebration was until April 23 but according to the vendors, they’d be selling until the end of April. Great news for me who's a festival enthusiast!
After a quick scan of the place, I decided to approach the golden sculptures of natives. Methinks, what carat could they be? Could they be pawned? Could I sneak out of Bukidnon with one of them?
There goes my employing stream-of-consciousness to free my thoughts while on my own. Ha!Ha!Ha!
I continued walking to locate the Capitol Grounds, an urban park which Malaybalay City boasts of because it represents the region's true beauty. It’s here where the race kit claiming was.
While en route I passed by this mini art gallery. *gasps* The masterpieces for sale deserved to be in a larger exhibition venue!
Inside all I could do was admire, admire and admire the artworks. *sniffles*
After a few minutes of ambling, I found the grandstand.
The kit with me, I now prepared myself for my thorough inspection of the different merchandise for sale. This is where my eyes became permanently dilated and my mouth excessively drooling. Hyperbolically speaking, readers!
Well, those who knew my penchant (or severe addiction?) for ethnic accessories could clearly read my body language…an eager and relentless searching for more rare indigenous designs as I fleeted from one shop to another!
As for the others (except for two where I got the souvenir shirts), I would halt abruptly in front, assess the products and then leave because they did not pique my interests.
Nonetheless, it was this food stand which triggered my hunger at past 12:00pm. Curious about the taste, I ordered one.
Then seeing my fave street food, I indulged myself in this weird meal combo.
I was only able to consume a piece of the puto bumbong de Cebu. Despite my telling the vendor to lessen the cheese and the condense milk, I still found its creaminess overwhelming. I’m not really a cheese person even though I am a Mau(s). Corny? Waaahahaha… Seriously, I would still choose the classic puto bumbong over this. On the other hand, nothing was left of the tokneneng. *burps*
Leaving this stall, I aimed to reach Kaamulan Open Theatre and see it in broad daylight. It’s here where Bukidnon International Marathon 2025 would start and end. So, I found myself walking on the downward slope.
I didn’t immediately notice the Kaamulan Open Theatre, thus I progressed with my stroll until I saw the Kaamulan Park ground sign.
I was contemplating on exploring the park further, but it looked a little crowded already because of the number of visitors. I about-faced and later on saw what I came there for.
Finding it was the cue for me to exit the park. Once outside, I waited for a motorela or rela. It's time to have a joy ride! Stopping and riding one was perfectly timed for it suddenly rained.
Alone on the rela I told the driver that I just wanted to experience this form of transportation and asked him to drop me off where he picked me up. He agreed. And of course, I paid for that very satisfying single loop!
From the point where I alighted, my feet brought me to the Philippine Red Cross first aid station where I met two of my human angels - Bench and Gen. They were my day's "fashion police" when they expressed their approval about the beaded necklace and earrings which I was wearing. It made me smile. They would never know that the ecstasy I felt after finding these indigenous accessories was the by-product of a choice - to be in solitude.
These newly acquired stunners now join my collection of Mindanao jewelry which I wear to complete my outfit of the day (OOTD).
However, what I cherish most are these Bukidnon female headdress ornaments whose "color hue and style vary for each of the seven tribes." (Daghang Salamat for this info, Marlene Ensong!) They are my older sister's pasalubongs when she had a work-related trip to Northern Mindanao years ago. Thanks to her fully knowing my propensity for cultural accessories, I saved a lot from not buying these.
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