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.

Inside Ki Bathala Gardens in Talakag

If you have been travelling the Cagayan de Oro-Talakag route, you probably noticed the statue of a Carabao with a Lizard by the roadside of Barangay Balaon, not that far from Uguiaban Bridge.  Follow the narrow trail beside the statue leading to Ki Bathala Gardens for a jungle-like experience in a cool temperature with amazing views of the forest and Kalawaig river.

Today, we dropped by Ki Bathala Gardens to check out the preparations for Luna Musikalawaig Festival 5.  It's a three-nights concert they organise every April which also coincides with the Full Moon.  They're on their 5th year of running this event.  Revelers will have the opportunity to see Waway Saway of Lantapan, our very own Bukidnon Pride perform this weekend. This year's Festival will be April 21-24.

For more details contact:

Phone   0920 911 9282

Email   ahab_33@yahoo.com

Book early to take a pick of sleeping quarters of either the bamboo huts or bring your own tents.  They charge 1,500 pesos for 3 nights or 700 pesos for 1 night.

There is also an Art Gallery in the compound displaying artwork by various artists.  Even the toilet facility is a work of art itself.

Rene's son shows us how to unhusk a coconut and there's a lot of them around.

By the way, no bringing of food and drinks from outside is allowed.  However, drinks and food home-cooked by Tess (Rene's wife) will be sold on the premises, using fresh and organic ingredients.  Please note that our dog Molly is not on the menu!

The clearing behind me is the concert area and here's some of the volunteers taking a break from setting up the stage.

Laga Ta Talakag 2016 Winners

There were 10 Candidates vying for the Laga Ta Talakag 2016 title.

Candidates in their Swimwear

Candidates in their Gown

Then at tonight's final selection, the number was narrowed down to the magic 5.

Congratulations and well done to all the winners:

Laga Ta Talakag 2016
Candidate #2 - Elvan Raymundo from Barangay 2

First Runner-Up
Candidate #1 - Donna Rose Sayson from Barangay San Isidro

Second Runner-Up
Candidate #8 - Sheila Mae Lee from Barangay 5

Third Runner-Up
Candidate #10 - Shanelle Suezzane Villalobos Odevilas from Barangay Tagbak

Fourth Runner-Up
Candidate # 4 - Raha Alexa Bustalino from Barangay 4

Special Awards went to:
Candidate #1 - Miss Photogenic
Candidate #2 - Best in Swimwear, in Ethnic Attire and in Gown
Candidate #4 - Best in Talent

Partial Solar Eclipse Viewed from Talakag

Did you see the partial solar eclipse this morning? It was amazing!  It came into view through the trees in our garden in Talakag.  I didn’t have a smoked glass or a piece of film to see the eclipse with so I improvised and used a black bin liner to cover the lens of my digital camera.  These pictures were taken at 8:45am from our back garden.

Candidates for Laga Ta Talakag 2016

The candidates vying for the Laga Ta Talakag 2016 title and crown have been selected.  Follow this LINK to check them out.

Note the Pageant Schedule below:

PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
March 14, Monday

TALENT COMPETITION
March 17, Thursday

CORONATION NIGHT
March 20, Sunday

Anlaw Ta Talakag 2016 Schedule of Activities

Once again, here comes the annual celebration of the Anlaw Ta Talakag.  This is a week-long celebration which will run from March 14–20.  If you’re planning to visit Talakag, make it this time.  Join in the fun as there’s plenty to see and do.  Check out the tentative schedule of activities below:

March 14 – Monday
Pamuhat Ritual
Thanksgiving Mass
Grand Parade
Ribbon Cutting and Opening Programme
Drum & Lyre Presentation
Higaonon Jam
Horse Racing
Presentation of Laga Ta Talakag 2016 Candidates
Fireworks Display
Wet and Wild Party

March 15 – Tuesday
Fun Run
Boxing
Elite Models Fashion Show by Gaisano

March 16 – Wednesday
Women’s Parade
Tree Planting
Basketball Championship

March 17 – Thursday
Larong Pinoy
Basketball Parokya
Pareng Bukid Concert
Talent Night Laga Ta Talakag 2016

March 18 – Friday
Basketball Championship
Night Café

March 19 – Saturday
Motocross
Dos Pakatok

March 20 – Sunday
Derby
Table Tennis Competition
Coronation Night Laga Ta Talakag 2016
Fireworks

PLEASE NOTE as this year is the 99^th Anlaw Ta Talakag, you have to mark your calendars in advance for next year when we celebrate the 100^th Anlaw Ta Talakag.  It’s a must HOMECOMING for any Talakagnon.  Big plans and more activities are being drawn up so check back here for any updates.

Inauguration of Talakag Multi Purpose Building

A few weeks ago, I featured the construction of the new Multi Purpose Building that’s replacing the old Legislative Building of Talakag.

 This is a follow-up post showing the completed building.  The blessing and official inauguration was held today, attended by the LGU Officials, Vice Mayor’s Office, Sangguniang Bayan Office, Secretariat and Staff.  Congresswoman Malou Acosta was the Guest Speaker.

 Let me take you on a tour of the new building.

Reception Area

SB Office & Secretariat

Vice Mayor's Office

Stairs to the 2nd Floor

Session Hall

Conference Hall

Balcony

The Plaza view from the right side of the Balcony

The Plaza view from the left side of the Balcony

Roof Top looking at the mountain view

Roof Top looking at the tree line and the church tower

View of the Plaza from the Roof Top

View of the LGU Building from the Roof Top