They say Mindanao is the “Food Basket” of the Philippines, but for me, it’s more than just a source of bounty—it’s the source of my soul. Returning to my birthplace and traveling through the lush highlands of Bukidnon wasn’t just a vacation; it was a homecoming in the truest sense of the word. Every bite, every mountain silhouette, and every familiar street corner whispered a story of where I came from.
Panabo: A Tropical Heaven
Before we headed into the highlands, we stopped in Panabo City to visit relatives, and my goodness—the food! If you want to know what a “blessed life” tastes like, it tastes like Panabo’s harvest. Fruits here are incredibly cheap and so fresh it ruins you for anything else.
I’m still dreaming about those heavenly green mangoes and the fabulous ripe ones that melt in your mouth. Of course, the local delicacy, Durian, was everywhere! But the highlight? The homemade cooking. From my Pastor’s soul-warming soup to that incredible, distinct local vinegar they made—every meal was a “nom-nom” moment that reminded me how much I have to be grateful for.
Malaybalay: Cozy Chats and Cold Breezes
Heading up to Malaybalay to stay with my professor uncle and auntie was like a breath of fresh, cool air. Their place is the definition of cozy and peaceful. We spent hours just chatting—exchanging stories, catching up on life, and soaking in that quiet mountain atmosphere. There is something glorious about the slow pace of life in Bukidnon; it gives you the space to actually hear each other.
Musuan & Don Carlos: A Legacy of Love and Leadership
Continuing to Musuan was an emotional highlight. We had an awesome lunch and a long, heart-filling chat with my relatives there. It’s funny how time disappears when you’re with family you’ve missed. My cousins and I spent the afternoon reminiscing, and they told me how much they treasure every old photo we have of our fun childhood days. It reminded me that even as I work in digital art and animation, these frozen moments in time—these photos—are the most valuable things we own.
Musuan is the backdrop of my family’s history. My paternal grandparents lived here, and my childhood was filled with the simple, pure joys of province life:
- The CMU Connection: Central Mindanao University (CMU) was our playground. With my uncle teaching there and many relatives studying agriculture, it was our constant tambayan.
- The Dairy Days: I still remember the taste of fresh milk and the slow pace of life that only Bukidnon can offer.
- A Legacy of Love: Perhaps most special of all, CMU is where my parents’ love story first began.
Traveling further to Don Carlos to visit my maternal relatives brought another layer of nostalgia. Standing in the place where my grandfather once led, I felt a deep sense of pride. I remember him and my uncles working in their barber shop—a hub of community and conversation. He was a pillar of leadership in the area, a man of service and grit.
Coming Full Circle
This trip wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about “soul-searching” through my own genealogy. From the youth ministry in my home church in Davao to the green fields of Malaybalay and the fruit stands of Panabo, I realized that my drive as an educator and an artist comes from these roots.
Mindanao isn’t just a map; it’s a memory, a flavor, and a family tree that stands as tall as Musuan Peak. I am coming back to my work as a Creative CEO with a full stomach and an even fuller heart.