On the second day, we trekked up to see the “King of the Rocks” at the zenith of Mount Patikking with a majestic viewpoint of Natonin including the magnificent rice terraces and most of the barangays.
Photo shows the “Elephant Head” that greets anyone in the uphill climb. Once on top of the head, one finds time that the most important thing is to be with God in heavenly prayer.
Mayor Anthony Wooden, who was with the group, took the opportunity to pray to God while positioned on top of the “elephant head”.
Koreans, Japanese, and local tourists were among the group that graced the launching activity for both the Sayococna Picnic Grove and Mount Patikking, headed by Takashi Fukuda, a frequent visitor to Kadaclan for more than 30 years.
“Invitations were floated for everyone to come for the occasion but few arrived.”
Going down Sayococna, on our return, took us another hour through another trail. It was really a relaxing experience.
Mount Pattiking, per the legend, was where the “tikke” or a large eagle-like bird watched over the municipality and scoured for prey.
Then the battle of the bird and the monkeys ensued with the trees uprooted from the large boulder to reveal the elephant head.
That is how it became a legendary “King of the Rocks” as it is called today.
On the first day we stayed in the premier lodging house in the place, the Sayococna Picnic Grove with a feeling of contentment.
“Looking where to relax alone or with a group? After a hectic-tiresome work, your mind needs peace and tranquility! SAYOCOCNA PICNIC GROVE is the answer Said Dionie Chungalan, a tourism advocate
That is a truism the rings true in the innermost being of a tired soul; tired from work, tired of the worries of the world. Come to this place of solitude and tranquility.
Coming to this place is like visiting a site in a distant place with lush greeneries all around.
Sayococna Picnic Grove is a 15-minutes hike from the national road in Barangay Banao, Natonin bounded on the south by Kadaclan.
The place is bounded by banana plantations, both the regular and the Abaca or the wild type, extending up to 50 hectares until the tip of the hill and forest.
There is also a mini-fish park that hosts “paltat” and tilapia. It is here where minds take a breather amidst hills and forests.
It hosts a five-hectare area planted mostly with bananas and coconuts. Animals such as sheep and native chickens loiter around the premises. The area could be more, as accordingly to Mr. Dionie Chungalan, the proprietor and manager, they have yet to measure it.
The sprawling area also hosts cottages and lodging facilities for visitors and tourists.
In Sayococna Picnic Grove, one finds a spot that is conducive to listening, singing, or meditating.**Roger Sacyaten
