Cantilan, Surigao - Reconnecting my Native Roots

We arrived 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled arrival in the airport and the temperature then is at 31 degrees Celsius. So hot! Hence, we rode an air-conditioned van on our way to my mom’s hometown, Cantilan.

We thought we would be waiting for more than an hour in the van since our estimated time travel is five hours. Good thing we did not have to wait that long. The van was almost filled up with passengers. Off we go and the van went by smoothly. However, I was feeling afraid for the van driver since he was sharing his seat with the owner of the van. There were also instances that the van was moving sideways. My goodness!

Van Trip to Surigao del Sur Countryside

I learned beforehand that mining in Surigao is rampant. I was even shocked upon hearing a news that the river we swam before is no longer as clean as before. Just thinking about it saddens me. It’s as if the beauty of nature was somehow taken for granted all because of the mining activities.

Mining may have helped the townspeople since it provided them opportunities to have jobs. However, the downside of this is the environment especially the rivers and seas are badly affected knowing that fishing is also one of the people’s source of living.

The mountains seem to look balder since they looked as if a razor like device has passed them. On the other hand, the rivers and the sea coastlines looked as if they were painted in reddish brown color. Even the surrounding areas near the mining activities appear smoky. Thank goodness we’re inside an air-conditioned vehicle.

Surprisingly, we arrived in Cantilan in just three hours. I even found it strange since before it took us several hours to travel and I would even sleep to kill time.

And finally, I was now able to witness how people would celebrate their fiesta in a province like ours. They say most people in remote provinces are more "festive" unlike those living in subdivisions in Cavite.

Arrival in Cantilan

A Happy Fiesta streamer and banderitas greeted us upon our arrival. It was still the eve of the town’s fiesta when we safely arrived in Cantilan. I became so observant then how people were preparing for the fiesta. The first thing I noticed was the lechon! I also learned that some were already serving food in their tables like my aunt.

Fiesta is indeed a major event here. By evening, they held a program in a park where most people would gather to socialize and meet relatives and friends. There were also people selling their items for the passersby. I bought myself a ponytail (since it was hot though it's already evening) and I spoke Bisaya at the same time. Mind you my mom coached me!

The town seemed small to me since my mom was spotted and recognized by her old acquaintances. They found themselves surprised realizing they were still able to see each other after so many years. So nostalgic!

Looking back, I realized it’s been more than a decade since me, my mom, and my brothers had a vacation. It also felt different that my siblings were not with us. I missed them badly when we were in Surigao. They’re the only people I could communicate confidently. 

Observations during Fiesta

• Lechon, Salad, Buffalo - What is Fiesta if there is no Lechon, Salad and guess what a Buffalo dish! I also noticed these foods were also served in my aunt’s and in one of our relative’s as well. 
• Expectation of visits from Relatives - It seems that Fiesta is a reunion which somehow served as a time for old acquaintances and close relatives to reconnect with each other.
• Lots of people are outside their houses roaming around - I know it’s all because everyone is celebrating fiesta!
• I thought people in Cantilan are still conservative - I was so wrong! Teenagers are updated with regard to the latest fashion. Some dressed up like an EMO while a couple of girls who seemed like “dayo” wore mini skirts! Forgive me for appearing shocked. I just can’t believe that I misjudge them.
• Lots of Smokers (men generally) - I seem to notice them from the visiting relatives and friends and to the people we encountered there.
• Motorcycle Mania - It seems like everyone, men and women alike, owns such vehicle although the town have public tricycles for transport. Maybe for convenience sake?
• New businesses that sprouted in town - I was amazed to see new businesses such as a bar and restaurant, a pension house, a couple of internet shops, and a pizza parlor!
• The road seemed narrow to me - I noticed this when we head back home from one of our relative's house. I felt that I’ve grown big. I kept asking my mom if the road became narrow but she confirmed it was not. Also realized I won’t get lost and I think I know how to return to my mom’s house. I guess I’ve already familiarized myself with directions!
  

Things I would Always Remember

Whenever Cantilan is mentioned, the following things would always pop into my mind:

• Gymnasium (see right photo) - If my memory served it right, the gymnasium was still under construction then when we last had our vacation.
• Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut) - I noticed that Cantilan is becoming modernized especially the houses which were newly reconstructed. I doubt if we’d still see bahay kubo or houses made of wood in the future.
• Tricycles - I still find it amazing that tricycles in Cantilan could accommodate up to six persons. I saw and rode one during our vacation. However, I wondered if there were eco friendly sidecars before. We rode one when we could not find available tricycles.
• Staircase - This is very common in most houses since the Spanish era and the receiving area are usually upstairs.