A Farm, 2 Rivers & Pink Blossoms in Talakag

The last day of April was a busy one and full of adventures in Talakag.  It started with an early drive to Lingi-on where my cousin Portia has a farm.  Today was scheduled for planting corn and cassava.  It's division of labour all the way.  It was very interesting to see so much activity on a three-hectare piece of land against the backdrop of Mt Kitanglad.  What a pretty sight!

Corn Planters

Cassava stalks are chopped into 20cms cuttings.

Cows plough to create the furrows.

The cuttings are dropped flat into the furrows.

The soil is scraped back by foot to cover the cuttings.

We wandered to the next property owned by another cousin whose wife runs a landscaping business.  Here’s a few samples of some plants on display.

While in the area, we took the opportunity to visit Minontay River.  It’s been ages since we were here.  This is where we used to go for picnics during our high school days.  I'm pleased that the roads are much better now and construction work is in progress to connect the roads between Sagaran, Baungon and Libona.

Minontay Bridge

Malinao area where we used to swim.

Crystal clear water that you could see right to the bottom.

The lower part of the river is shallow and full of stones.

Catching up with cousins Portia and Alex.

After a quick lunch, we drove towards Sto Nino and from there we headed to Tirocan.  Just a couple of kilometres from the main highway, we were welcomed by an avenue of Pink Blossoms and Pine trees.  No sign of El Nino here; the grass is greener against the contrast of the pink blossoms and the blue sky.  If not for the bahay kubo and the banana plantation in the background, it’s like being amongst the Cherry Blossoms in Japan in the spring.

With more time on our hands, we decided to drive back past Poblacion and down to Uguiaban River to check out the newest start off point for water rafting.  The river was crystal clear and an ideal place to cool off this summer.  Will certainly be back for a picnic very soon.

There’s lots to see in Talakag, if only you’re prepared to venture out and explore.

Talakag’s 5th Farmers Day Celebration

It’s the day when Talakag farmers come together in the Plaza, learn from seminars and exchange farming technologies/ideas with their fellow farmers.  Today, the topic was about organic farming.

Anything interesting for the public?  Oh yes, that is if you’re interested in buying fresh fruits, vegetables, garden plants and herbs at very reasonable prices.  Displays in various booths are a delightful sight, especially that there is competition for the “Best Booth”.

Unusual finds include:

Here’s what I bought:

Passion Fruit on the left will be made into juice.

A Purse made from recycled material bought from the Bighoop stall.

Notably absent from this year's show are the booths by Del Monte and Dole.  I'm very disappointed to miss their fresh vegetables (especially the red cabbages, beef tomatoes and bell peppers) and their canned pineapples, pears, peaches and fruit cocktails.  Mr Tupas and his rabbits have been missed too.  Hope to see them back at the Farmers Day next year.