Recently I was in back in Quezon Province through the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines' Community- Based Tourism, a Marketing Enhancement Program. It was several hours van ride through winding roads, but this trip was nothing short of inspiring. I had an opportunity to witness and participate in activities that celebrate our traditions and eco-tourism. More than a journey to the stunning landscape that this province offer, it was a great experience to have immersed ourselves into the lives, skills and stories of the local communities.
WALIS TAMBO MAKING WITH MARAGONDON DRAGONGRASS SLP ASSOCIATION
Maragondon Dragon Grass SLP Association
We started our journey by visiting the diligent craftspeople of the Maragondon Dragongrass SLP Association in Real, Quezon. Here, we discovered the intricate method for creating walis tambo, a common staple in Filipino homes. It was amazing to observe the attention to detail and talent that went into this craft, from choosing and drying the best grass to expertly bundling it into sturdy brooms. We were reminded by this experience of the value of backing neighborhood projects that maintain traditional craftsmanship.
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Walis Tambo making demo |
SALT-MAKING DEMO WITH SAMAHAN NG MGA MANGINGISDA SA DINAHICAN
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Salt making at Binonoan |
We next traveled to Infanta, where we were able to observe the salt-making process up close thanks to the Samahan ng mga Mangingisda sa Dinahican. It was educational and humbling to learn the delicate balance involved in gathering seawater, filtering it then cooking it under the fire, and then turning it into fine, pure salt. In addition to supporting livelihoods, this long-standing custom demonstrates the community's resourcefulness.
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A member of the group showcasing 'Infantasin' |
BOAT RIDING, BAT WATCHING, AND MANGROVE TOUR WITH BINONOAN PRODUCERS COOPERATIVE (BIPCO)
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Thousands of bats here at BIPCO mangrove forest |
The Binonoan Producers Cooperative (BIPCO) was the next stop on our ecotourism journey. We had a boat ride through verdant mangrove forests where we discovered how important these ecosystems are to preserving coastal communities. We were overjoyed to see bats in their native environment along the trip, which is an uncommon and breathtaking sight. Flying foxes are already endangered and are now threatened with extinction in the Philippines and so efforts must be done to save them from disappearing forever. Huge thanks to the leadership of Sir Marcial Coronacion for advocating to promote the protection of the remaining mangrove forest in Binonoan. Indeed, the natural beauty of Infanta and the community's efforts to preserve it were emphasized during the trip.
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Our group heading to a boat ride for mangrove forest visit and bat watching |
FAN WEAVING WITH THE SAMAHAN NG MAUWIDONG MAGLALALA NG BINONOAN
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Fam weaving at Binonoan |
Seeing the talented artisans of the Samahan ng Mauwidong Maglalala ng Binonoan was another pleasure of Infanta. We tried our hands with fan weaving, a meticulous art that calls for perseverance and imagination. I could not get the pattern even on several attempts. I definitely should go back and observe for a longer period to be able to get it right. I truly appreciate the amount of labor, skills and uniqueness poured in every product that they do. That is why just because it's handmade doesn't mean it's cheap. A tale of custom, sustainability, and community pride was conveyed by each weaved fan.
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Cutesy handwoven fan from Binonoan |
NIPA SAP HARVESTING AND WINE MAKING WITH AFFA
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Local tour guide shares nipa sap harvesting and wine making |
The Alitas Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (AFFA) Farm and Mangrove Ecopark was our last destination. Here, we observed the locals extracting nipa sap, an activity that illustrates their harmonious coexistence with the nature. Additionally, we saw how nipa sap is turned into delectable, regional wine. We were also treated to a local snack called Hinulog-hulog (just like the guinataang bilo-bilo but theirs was made from a banana variant) and tablea tsokolate. Before leaving, we also walked through their mangrove forest. It was the ideal way to round off our trip, honoring the community's ingenuity and hard work.
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Mangrove Ecopark |
WHY THESE EXPERIENCES MATTER
There was more to this tour than merely learning about Quezon Province's unique crafts and traditions. Filipino ingenuity, sustainability, and the unwavering spirit of community were all celebrated. By funding initiatives like this, we ensure that traditional customs are maintained for upcoming generations by empowering regional craftspeople and ecotourism projects.
I highly recommend traveling to Real and Infanta, Quezon, if you're searching for a trip that is equally important and enlightening. There is something genuinely unique about getting to know the people and places that form the core of these communities, whether it is through fan weaving, exploring the mangroves, or watching the craftsmanship of walis tambo making.
One engaging experience at a time, let's keep celebrating and helping our local communities.
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