Stories of town explorations.
"You might at first think it is just an array of grasses. If you are curious and meticulous, you will find out that it is actually a rice field at the middle of the river."
If there's a will, there's a way. This is an important concept I have learned from the remote village I explored. Because the village residents mainly rely on farming for a living, they really need to work hard to generate an income. But how about if it is summer? Of course almost everything at the field dries up prompting them to wait until the next rainy season so that they can again till the rice fields. Because of this, they have discovered a smart way of farming -- so the concept of river farming is born!
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| A farmer rides on a "rakit" to reach the so-called rice field at the middle of a river. |
Since it is summer, expect that the volume of freshwater that flows to their beautiful valley is limited. Sometimes some parts of the river with higher elevation from the river bed are exposed turning them into little islands at the middle of the river.
The width of the river is narrowed because the volume of flowing water is no longer capable of flooding the river ways. So as the width of the flowing river gets narrower, the exposed river beds expand and as I said, there are little islands that appear at the middle of the river.
The villagers take this opportunity to plant rice. So they have found a solution to their problem during summer being an "off-season" for farming [of rice]. The concept of farming at the middle of a river turns into reality.
Rice needs a lot of water and the banks of the thirsty river turn to a rice field. The technique is that farmers plant their crops at the edge of the exposed river soil so that it could continually receive water from the river. The nearer the crops to the river, the healthier it looks.
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| Rakit, a useful buddy for the river farmers |
The river farmers use rakit, an improvised tool in crossing the river made up of dried bamboos which is capable of floating to the river.
Solution found! But of course, doing this method is risky since the behavior of the weather is unpredictable at times. It could rain somehow, adding more volume of water to the river thus submerging their crops.
But on a different point of view, the villagers really looked confident and seemed liked they have mastered the art of river farming and have learned the things they should do and should not do.
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| Planting rice at the edge of the exposed river bed [still at the middle of the river] |
At first glance, you might wonder what is that green aggregate at the middle of the river especially at the edge of the banks and exposed river beds.
You might at first think it is just an array of grasses. If you are curious and meticulous, you will find out that it is actually a rice field at the middle of the river.
And yeah, the center of the seasonal island is left untouched while the edges are teaming with healthy green rice!
Aside from this amazing way of farming noticed by my curious soul, I was also refreshed to see the breathe-taking view of the site. The place is truly blessed with wonderful gifts of nature and wonderful people that can withstand the tests and challenges of seasons.
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NAGUSTUAM DIAY NABASAM/NAKITAM? MABALIN MO MET I-LIKE.
Stories of town explorations.
"This place has been left empty and quiet the time the traffic route has been redirected and what a nice way to spend your time here wisely having picnics, photography sessions, play board games or just have a group chat with friends."
The mountains meet the mouth of the Abra River while the river separates two land masses which encompass the first and the second district of the province of Ilocos Sur being connected by two bridges of Quirino - we have the old bridge (no longer in use) and the new bridge.
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| Maps by Wikipedia |
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| Location Highlighted in Red |
Yep. It was a zigzag highway carved at the side of the mountains and a quick look at your bus window is a cliff with the river below.
This is still a portion of the Maharlika Highway or the Manila North Road situated in Brgy. Banaoang in the municipality of Santa in Ilocos Sur.
It is not advisable to speed up in this part of Maharlika Highway since the view seen from this zigzag road is eye-catchy to the extent that the driver may be pleased and overwhelmed making him out of focus on the road, lol!
Seriously, it is always safe to be safe!
At least now, this zone is pedestrian friendly and in fact, this zone has been a favorite hang-out of many people nearby, passers-by and even tourists that find time to stop over here to enjoy the amazing view you can see from the zigzag road.
Seriously, it is always safe to be safe!
At least now, this zone is pedestrian friendly and in fact, this zone has been a favorite hang-out of many people nearby, passers-by and even tourists that find time to stop over here to enjoy the amazing view you can see from the zigzag road.
This place has been left empty and quiet the time the traffic route has been redirected and what a nice way to spend your time here wisely having picnics, photography sessions, play board games or just have a group chat with friends.
The place is relaxing all day long and there is no noise since the new bridge is not too close here. You can have a leisure walk with the fresh air in this spot or take many pictures from different angles and I swear you won't be disappointed.
Having a walk to this empty yet lovely zigzag highway can be a good aerobic exercise since you are inhaling the fresh river and mountain breeze just enough to burn fats on a leisurely way.
If you want to get closer to the river, there is a stair here that will lead you down and from that point, you can see the satisfying view of the mountain with the sky so blue and if sunset, orange, hehe.
You can also see how the zigzag road of Banaoang, Santa, Ilocos Sur has been carved amazingly at the side of these rocky mountain ranges.
How to commute/go to Banaoang?
Visiting Banaoang can be a nice side trip for people who are going to visit Vigan so I will guide you on how to get here by commuting from Vigan. Better yet, include Banaoang in your itinerary.
1. From Vigan you could choose where to ride.
- Partas Bus Terminal (Alcantara St., south of the Vigan Public Market)
- Dominion Bus Terminal (Liberation Blvd, near Caltex Vigan)
- Viron Bus Terminal (Ayusan Norte, near ISECO)
- Vigan Public Bus and Jeepney Terminal
If you are after convenience, choose the first three on the list. The minimum fare is 55pesos. If you are into budget travel, choose the Vigan Public Bus and Jeepney Terminal, fare is variable but for sure, it is not more than 35pesos.
2. From Vigan, tell the bus conductor to drop you to Quirino Bridge. That's it!
Important things to know in going to Banaoang
1. Light vehicles are allowed to enter to the zigzag roads and to the Old Quirino Bridge as well.
2. From the New Quirino Bridge (where you were dropped by the bus), walk eastward and That would be the start of this leisure walk.
3. Distance from the New Bridge to the Old Bridge is about a 200-meter leisure walk.
4. Bus ride from Vigan to Banaoang can be 20-30 minutes depending in the bus speed.
5. Please observe cleanliness and do not throw your wastes on the river or somewhere else. Don't expect to see garbage can, this is a discipline zone so be sure to bring your wastes where you came from.
6. Banaoang is the site of the soon to open Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone where you can have zipline, kayaking, rappelling at the old bridge, zorb ball and rock climbing.
7. You can go down the river. There is a stair at the south and north side.
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NAGUSTUAM DIAY NABASAM/NAKITAM? MABALIN MO MET I-LIKE.
Stories of town explorations.
"...and together, the people has set the candles to the river, let the same to float. It was very dark. The only light of that night is the candle-lit river symbolizing hope and a bright future for the town!"
437 years of existence... 437 years of hard work... 437 years of unity and harmony...437 years of dreams... It was their 437th foundation year as an independent municipality of the Philippines. They opened the celebration by letting the 437 candles to float at the Abra River in Brgy Banaoang just below the New Quirino Bridge.
[SANTA] This is the town of Santa in Ilocos Sur.
It was a very spectacular event. I was able to witness how huge the love of the people to their town is. Presently (as of this post) a third class municipality of the Philippines with a population of not more than 20,000, the town of Santa was able to survive all the challenges. I believe, these tests and struggles have made the town of Santa stronger and better. One good proof of this is their 437th foundation year!
Santa is situated at the mouth of Abra River and this river has been a part of the lives of the people of Santa. On the contrary, this Abra River is always a potential threat to the town.
[SANTA] United people
[SANTA] Circle of Friends
[SANTA] Aggregated
The previous poblacion of the town, where an old and massively built church and town hall are located, was washed out by the wrath of the Abra River during a strong typhoon and flood that hit the town several decades ago.
The Abra River might look so nice and beautiful, so serene and peaceful, so calm and relaxing but this river is a mighty threat to the people of Santa. Until now, this river is slowly eroding the town making it literally shrinking. The town has asked the help of the national government for the construction of seawalls and river control facilities to give solution to this problem.
However, in spite of all the struggles the town has experienced through the years, it is still surviving. From a 5th class town, it is now 3rd class.
[SANTA] Crowd (People)
[SANTA] Crowd (of candles)
[SANTA] No crowding
[SANTA] Kids in town
[SANTA] The river on fire
Although the Abra River might be too harsh, we can not deny the fact that the river is an asset of the town. The beauty of the river and its surrounding mountains, hills and communities is truly magnificent; it has made Santa be known in the world through this. Aside from that, it is also a fishing ground for the people.
In fact, this day, I intentionally set my day off from work to cover this spectacular event. I can say I had no regrets at all. In this blog coverage I made, I learned the value of unity to achieve a goal! The 437 candles symbolize the 437 years of the existence of the town. At this point, let me congratulate the people of Santa!
I was here as early as 5pm but it was already dark when it started (7 PM). Since I was waiting here for about 2 hours, I was able to view and capture the sunset at the horizon over the New Quirino Bridge. It was spectacular as well!
[SANTA] Beautiful Background
[SANTA] Floaters
[SANTA] Float-for-a-Cause
Finally, after a long wait wherein I was so hungry because there's nowhere I can find a place to eat food, the candle lighting ceremony started!
All the candles were designed uniformly but one resident customized his own design. He made a small bangka where the candle was placed. I was able to handle it and have a picture with this unique craft.
The ceremony started with messages from all the religious sects in the town and this has shown how all religions in Santa are joining hands to celebrate this memorable event all for the love of their town!
After those speeches, all the people who are handling the candles simultaneously ignited the flame and there I saw the glory and beauty, not of the place, but the people in unity! It was so heart warming!
...and together, the people has set the candles to the river, let the same to float. It was very dark. The only light of that night is the candle-lit river symbolizing hope and a bright future for the town!
Young or old, everyone has shown their love to the town. Age is not the hindrance.
All together, joining hands in one accord, one goal and one purpose, the Abra river is shining brightly amidst the darkness showing that through the darkness, there's always a light to defeat the former and that light is the unity and the love of the people for their town.
I was so touched on how the townsmen celebrated their foundation day. I can see their unity, the passion and the perseverance to change their town for the better.
Finally, the ceremony was done and the view of the river is spectacular! I enjoyed it and I was amazed on how unity can bring light, peace and harmony.
By the way, I also have my video blog version for this event and if you want to view more details and watch this video, you may click here!
God Bless you and Congratulations Santa! Truly, unity can shape our future! /end
Santa #TownExploration Series
Map showing the Location of #Santa
Click map to view latest articles covering Ilocos Sur
NAGUSTUAM DIAY NABASAM/NAKITAM? MABALIN MO MET I-LIKE.
Stories of town explorations.
"...those 437 candles were floated and lighted the darkness of the night with their glorious flame!"
Hello guys! I am excited to share with you this video blog during the Candle lighting ceremony at the Abra River. This is EDMARATION etc's special coverage to this event and I was touched by the unity of the people of Santa in celebrating this event.
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| The people of Santa town joined hands in celebrating their 437th year as an independent town and 437 candles were floated at the said river. |
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| Maps by Wikipedia |
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| Location Highlighted in Red |
To note, it was the 437th year of the foundation of Santa, Ilocos Sur as a town and to begin the celebration, a candlelighting ceremony was done at the Abra River below the New Quirino Bridge in Brgy Banaoang.
In fact, this is just the the first post I will share to you about this event and later, I will be posting the full written and photo blog that I think will be more exciting because I got the complete details taken in photo.
In fact, this is just the the first post I will share to you about this event and later, I will be posting the full written and photo blog that I think will be more exciting because I got the complete details taken in photo.
Anyway, here is my video blog. Please enjoy!
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| This is the new Quirino Bridge and below this bridge, those 437 candles were floated and lighted the darkness of the night with their glorious flame! |
There you have it and I hope you enjoyed it! Later it will be the full article and photo-blog. Greater and more breathtaking photos are coming with my next article still related to this event! So please do check this blog regularly.
NAGUSTUAM DIAY NABASAM/NAKITAM? MABALIN MO MET I-LIKE.
Stories of town explorations.
"This place is I think the most popular site along any highway traversing Ilocos Sur. It is about a 20-30-minute drive from my city Vigan."
[SANTA, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES] ▬ This day, I decided just to take photos of this part of Ilocos. This place is in Brgy Banaoang, located in the towns of Santa and Bantay (Banaoang is the same name of two different barangays located in two different towns).
[SANTA] ▬ THE LUSH MOUNTAIN SLOPES REFLECT TO THE RIVER.
The river you can see here is the Abra River which separates these two towns and the two congressional districts of Ilocos Sur. What is so amazing here is that the water turns into emerald green, orange, blue and brown. Ok, let's start with green.
[SANTA] ▬ Photo Slider: Green Abra River at Banaoang (hover to see captions)
The place is inexplicably enchanting with the fresh air. However, the water is not emerald green all year round. It turns into brown when it is raining so hard.
I am just lucky I was able to see it in green. The photos were taken in the month of June.
I am just lucky I was able to see it in green. The photos were taken in the month of June.
[SANTA] ▬ Photo Slider: Blue Abra River at Banaoang (hover to see captions)
The blue waters never stop to amaze me as it blends with the beautiful scenery ideal for a lot of photo shoots. Plus, the cool, fresh, summer air that blends with the lush green mountains. And a bonus prize, the Blue sky!
Yes! Speaking of blue, Abra River also turns into blue. Now, let's feature the New Quirino Bridge in Blue!
Now featuring the New Quirino Bridge in blue water (Check slider above). This is also in June, but in a certain angle, the color of the water turns blue as it reflects the sky. Amazing huh?
Now let's go to orange. Wait until sunset to witness the orange water!
Unbelievable? Try it your self. The place is called Banaoang @ Quirino Bridge or more popularly known as Banaoang Bridge.
[SANTA] ▬ Photo Slider: Orange Abra River at Banaoang (hover to see captions)
Unbelievable? Try it your self. The place is called Banaoang @ Quirino Bridge or more popularly known as Banaoang Bridge.
[SANTA] ▬ Photo Gallery: More photos from Banaoang
Do try to go during heavy rain and be wet! Haha. Anyway, you can capture the water turning into brown. I never tried it though.
This is a landslide prone area. It's mischievous, that's why I have no brown water photos! ▬ end
This is a landslide prone area. It's mischievous, that's why I have no brown water photos! ▬ end
[END] ▬ THANKS TO YOU, GOD OF THE BEAUTIFUL UNIVERSE!
► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC
[1] This post is filed under the category "Unusual", a compilation of stories about my travel encounters that I think are unique or less common, hence, unusual. To see more posts under this category, check out the "More Posts Under the Category..." Section below.
[2] This experience happened on 10 June 2010 during a motorbike summer road trip with my younger brother Edison.
[3] The maps I used below are works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2
[2] This experience happened on 10 June 2010 during a motorbike summer road trip with my younger brother Edison.
[3] The maps I used below are works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2
More Stories from #Santa
Map Showing the Location of #Santa
YOU MIGHT LIKE: MORE TOWN EXPLORATIONS COVERING ILOCOS SUR
MORE POSTS FROM THIS CATEGORY: *UNUSUAL*
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[NARVACAN] ▬ My C2 Experience in Sulvec Bay
_________________TEASER ► I didn’t ask about the price at first because I was expecting it to have the usual price. However, we have opened the drinks and there’s no way of turning back.
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[MANABO] ▬ Sto Tomas Bridge: Bridge of Stupidity in Abra
_________________TEASER ► The question is when are they going to wait? It will be finished soon. But how soon is soon?
[LICUAN-BAAY] ▬ Unscripted Off-Road Back-Riding to the Chocolate Mountains
_________________TEASER ► This is no longer a part of the script but it is essential to make the story worthy. This is purely an escape and a beautiful way of getting lost!
[SAN QUINTIN] ▬ The Most Beautiful Town Hall Location I've Ever Seen
_________________TEASER ► As I leave this town, I know by myself that I will always cherish all the memories it gave me. I don't know when should I be back but I am sure, San Quintin has been written in my heart.
[IRIGA] ▬ Cool Tricycles from Nora Aunor's Hometown
_________________TEASER ► I call them militarized not that they are under a military command but because their designs were just so cool which looked like a military vehicle before my sight!
[URDANETA] ▬ Jeepneys, Tricycles, Fully-Bookedn
_________________TEASER ► ...next time you want to commute in this part of the city, never attempt to get one. Although they are empty, they are already fully-booked.
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[CERVANTES] ▬ Rice Terraces: Turning to Vegetable Terraces Too
_________________TEASER ► ...no time is wasted, their limited farming fields at the slope of the mountain become productive all year round.
[VIGAN] ▬ Palm Sunday Trade: Buying 'Palaspas' on a Holy Week
_________________TEASER ► Around 50 weavers were situated along Liberation Boulevard waiting for cars and motorcycles to drop by along the street and purchase directly from the vendors without going out their vehicles.
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EDMAR GUQUIB, Travel BloggerEDMARATION #TownExplorer
NAGUSTUAM DIAY NABASAM/NAKITAM? MABALIN MO MET I-LIKE.