I took this photo through the lense of my binocular.

Yesterday, we went to the village of Ladi-an somewhere in Marilog District just a couple of hours away from home, and there I witnessed a total show off of nature.

Me, my father, and my mayordoma sister.

My father would always schedule his weekend visiting Ladi-an, Mariglo District. He closed a joint venture agreement with his new-found-Manuvu-friends in Falcata Farming. My sister, Apol, who’s the “mayordoma” of the house told me to go along with them because I too, will benefit from that business in the future. And when the mayordama spoke, thy will be done! 

As we were on the road, my eyes were amazed by the beauty of mountains and hills and plains we passed by because I’m a legit nature lover 100%! By the time we get out of the car, I never realized how cold the place is, much colder than the aircon. The vegetation is very alive with all the flourishing trees, so vibrant. The air is so cold and yet so refreshing as if I submerged myself in iced water. 

While my father was busy talking business, I went to wander around the place trying to kill the boredom. There’s this military outpost along the highway and by the time I walked by, one military officer asked me in his suspicious voice “asa ka mo adto bay?” (where are you going?) Can’t blame him though, the place is teeming with NPA rebels but I’m confident with our military force, I’m sure they’ll keep them at bay. But I’m from Mindanao, fully aware and fully accustomed to things like this. The officer was just doing his job, I’ll give him 9/10.

See the fog in the sky meets the hills? It calls me.

Finally, I found the perfect spot! It’s going sunset and as the surrounding was getting darker, the sightings were getting brighter. The fog have started to envelope the trees on the hills. It’s been years since the last time I saw fog that close, it makes me feel like we’re at Skypiea. That panoramic view of the mountains, so wide my eyes couldn’t get the whole picture. And the sunset, it’s like saying goodbye with a promise of something more awesome days will come.

That's me, for photo-op. LOL!

It’s past 7:00pm and it’s not getting dark anymore, it’s DARK! I was freezing like it’s gonna give me hyperthermia. But thanks to the good wife of Datu Demoy Lambac who offered us the fourth set of native coffee from the moment we arrived. And for letting me stayed in their cooking area to get myself a little warmed.

It’s not gonna be my last visit to Ladi-an, but next time, I’ll make sure I’ll bring 2 pairs of jacket with me.

See that house on the left surrounded by greenery? That's not ours.