By Jan Vicente B. Pekas
As holy week approaches, so too will the footsteps of tourists from all over. While others continue to wait for a divine action, a miracle, that will allow them to actually be tourists.
While Baguio itself is a prime tourist spot, to our north where the mountains continue, lay gems worth of attractions. Where the highest point of the Philippine Highway System is located, the freshness of the air itself can make us city dwellers high.
As you enter the presence of the ancient mountains, then so too will history greet you. At any point, you can bear witness to natural majesty, overwhelming presence and grandeur.
At that time, the sun lightly touches a field of green crops, gently as a mother would her child, then looking over is the grand mountain, exuding reliability in defending the family, as a father would.
Sagada, where the people’s hearts are bigger than their mountains, exemplifies the beauty of their home.
Mountain Province, blunt and direct like its people would greet you and all others with kindness and hospitality. The mountain does not discriminate against any of those who come to see her, but defends fiercely against all who invade.
The people may speak a different language, and an even more variety of words will pop up down the road. But it is the same as any other, it is a language filled with its own unique culture and history behind it.
When we travel, there is always joy in meeting the locals. The people who reside or those who call such magnificent places as home. Even then, the beauty of an environment can be reflected through her people.
The population may look different to some, but we are all Filipinos here, we all drink gin from time to time. We eat rice 24/7 and coffee is drunk like it is water.
The beauty of a mountain can be appreciated more when it is under your feet. When you are out of breath and the mountain air flows through your lungs and the cold air becomes that of a warm and fresh feeling inside.
Just the sight of the province’s natural surroundings can soothe a troubled mind. And the presence of a giant mountain crushes the inflated sizes of our worries.
In a world where everything moves fast, and complexities lie in every corner, it is more important than ever to appreciate the simple blessings of nature.
Giant mountains remind us of our presence on God’s green earth.
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