Online Cantilangnon

Text and photos by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com · Wednesday, May 30, 2012 · 5:34 pm

Ayoke Island’s clear cost facing the Pacific Ocean. Photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com.

It’s hard not to be enticed by the stories from townfolk of an island blessed with nature’s bounty, superb beaches, and great surfing breaks only a few have visited and charted. With an extra day during my visit to the historic town of Cantilan in Surigao del Sur, I tried to find a way to set foot and discover one of the town’s four islands, namely Ayoke.

Fisherman in Ayoke Island checks his net for trapped fish. Photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com.

Ayoke Island is a small fishing community of more than 100 families. Almost half of the island is part a marine protected area or a sanctuary wherein fishing, catching giant clams, and collecting coral is prohibited, making it perfect for snorkeling.

With the crystal clear blue water surrounding the island, you can choose from the different types of terrain you want to plunge yourself into. From the fine white-sand beach facing Cantilan to the rocky coastline facing the Pacific Ocean, whatever side of the island you’re on, the view is just amazing.

The pristine beach facing the mainland of the town of Cantilan. Photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com.

The island has two areas for surfers who want to experience a different surfing experience. I enjoyed the scene when islanders between the ages of 9 to 13 years old started showing off their talents and surfing skills along the Tinago Reef crashing the waves like young professionals. A more challenging break for professional surfers is situated at the eastern end of the island where huge rock formations appear like sculptures on the coastline.

Young wave riders as young as 9 years old are already showing potential as future surfing champs. Photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com.

Thirteen-year-old Lawrence Maturan shows a trick against the waves off Tinago Reef. Photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com.

But what captivated me the most was the picturesque sunrise and sunset that engulf the sky above the island. Although sans the sun since the rainy weather gave way to the cloudy cover, nature took over and painted the sky with breathtaking colors. Discovering nature’s sky painting at it’s finest perfectly ended my day of discovering Ayoke Island.

Breathtaking view of sunset in Ayoke Island. Photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com.

Text and photos by Erwin Mascarinas · Tuesday, August 14, 2012 · 5:30 pm

Fishermen help pull their catch together in the midst of Union beach’s tranquil setting. Photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com.

Madrid is a small town in Surigao del Sur, known as one of the biggest producers of rice grains in the province and not really for its beaches. For several years now, little has been written about the town’s hidden paradise—a kilometer long coastline secluded by stories of death and catastrophic events—a beach known as Union.

The urban legends are based from several stories that suggest of a big catastrophic event that wiped out an entire community several decades back. Adding to the mystery are tales about people who drowned and the curse placed on anyone who would dare take the plunge into its waters.

These intrigued me to explore the beach and personally investigate if the stories are all true. A few kilometers from the town center, I reached the beach by habal-habal, the locally known mode of traveling through a motorcycle ride.

The tranquility of a cove in Union Beach is sure to calm any tired traveler. Photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com.

Instead of a creepy, desolate island, I saw a beautiful and serene coastline with nothing on it except for the sand and the splash of the ocean’s waves. The experience felt like being in a movie, where I’ve been marooned in an inhabited island with only myself embracing the amazing scenery.

It’s odd how a beach as beautiful as Union has been swept out of most of the people’s memory. Most of the people from the neighboring towns whom I’ve talked to don’t know where Madrid is. Those who did, however, refrained from recommending a visit to the beach.

Alone, I walked on Union beach’s soft powdery brown sand while I listened to the sound of water hitting the coastline. A moment of blissful trance. The barren beach stretched for several kilometers and bridged Madrid to the town of Cantilan.

A long stretch of open unspoiled coastline on Union Beach in Madrid, Surigao del Sur. Photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com.

After several minutes of walking, I came upon a group of people helping each other bring the huge fishnet slowly back to the coastline near the Cantilan-Madrid border. It was a very familiar scene of “bayanihan,” the community spirit in action as each person hoped to have his own share of the ocean’s bounty in a system known to locals as “pamaling.”

The fishermen expressed their opinions about the urban legend going around. It’s all false, they agree, as they further convinced me by pointing out that they’re the best folks who can personally attest to the safety of the coastline’s waters.

Nerita Urbiztondo Duero, a 69 year-old retired school teacher, shared her insights on the urban legend that brought the beach almost into oblivion. “I’ve lived my entire life on this beach and all the stories that you hear about it is totally not true at all. There have been drowning accidents in the past but the beach was not at fault for the incident since the person was drunk,” said Duero.

The retired teacher also said the legend behind the rumored tsunami that wiped out an entire village is false and that what really happened was a succession of huge waves caused by the phenomenon called “habagat.”

Sotero Plaza, 50 years old council member of Barangay Union, said that several years back a lot of people started to hang out on the beach. As the years went by, the number has gradually declined.

I often hear elders talk of superstitious beliefs; believing would not really create harm. But in this case, it created more harm than good; it almost sealed the beauty of the wonderful beach into oblivion.

But I guess it is not too late to rediscover a place once feared and turn it once again into an adored destination.

A fisherman tries to hold on to his “bangka” as waves hits the coastline of Union Beach in Madrid, Surigao del Sur. Photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com.

by: Bebong Arreza

If there’s one food that’s close to being endemic to Cantilan, then it would probably be the kinilaw. All those sarsiado putajes – those swimming in sauce that they make a glooping sound when you ladle them on to your plate – are either imports from China, or imitations of Spanish cooking .

Kinilaw , on the other hand, is true-blue Cantilangnon cuisine , something which has been handed down through generations, that a kinilaw loving- gene has probably morphed in our DNA. It is a food that intertwines with our cultures, and captures who we are . If you want a gastronomic definition of what a Cantilangnon is , the kinilaw may come close it.

For example, if many are wondering why Cantilangnons are so passionate in their defense of the environment, they may find the answer in that dish.

You don’t burn fossil fuel or wood to prepare a fish kinilaw . Because it must be prepared fresh, then you need not refrigerate it . Hence, spared of the trip to the icebox, it will not consume a single watt of electricity . No other dish can boast of such green credential.

And because of this premium for freshness, then the fish to be “kilaw-ed” must be locally-sourced. Unlike Wagyu beef which must be flown halfway across the world, the kinilaw must jump from the fishpond to the plate, in minutes, not in weeks, in meters, not in miles.

It’s preparation likewise leaves a small carbon footprint . You don’t have to burn a forest of wood to cook it, the way lechons are roasted to cardiac perfection . Even the ingredients to accompany the raw fish are locally available . Basic kinilaw can be made out of two ‘S’ – suka and salt. Make it four ‘S’ – by adding ‘sibuyas and sili’ , then its perfect . Add balibajon and luj-a, then welcome to kinilaw Nirvana.

You also need no fancy gadgets to prepare it. You just need two. Slice the fish with sundangay, mix the four ‘S’ in a plate, then it’s done. Leave the Oysterizers to the Bobby Flays of this world. In kinilaw, the recipe can be summed up in six words : Have knife and plate , will kilaw .

Kinilaw also captures the Cantilangnon traits of dili kun buraho and mahinatagon . In kinilaw , you only prepare what you can eat at the moment . It is not humba that can be hoarded . It is not adobo that can be reheated. It is not a glutton’s food because if you overeat kinilaw your stomach will punish you for your greed.

Kinilaw is meant to shared and not be savored in solitude. The man who eats kinilaw alone is probably the loneliest in the world. Kinilaw is Cantilan’s original boodle fight food. It is a communal dish that you share with kith and kin. In fact, the joy in eating kinilaw is not in the tasting but in the sharing.

Kinilaw is Cantilan’s party food. You serve it and the feast will automatically follow. It loosens wine bottles ,and tongues too , for serving it heralds drinking and bakak-bakak. It is bonding food that is the predicate for drinking , the premise for singing, and the preamble for drinking.

Because kinilaw must be sourced nearby, then it necessitates the imperative to protect its source . The right to enjoy kinilaw carries it with the duty to protect and preserve the seas which yield this bounty. Kinilaw and bad ecological practices don’t mix. You don’t poison the fishpond nor pollute the seas. What motivates the intrepid fishermen of Ayoke to protect their seas ? Kinilaw . Haven’t you noticed that they and the rest of Cantilangnons measure environmental degradation in kinilaw terms : “Waya nay bolinao na makilaw., Nihit na an angsuhan na puyde kilawon”

The kinilaw allowed our ancestors to sail far and wide , nourishing them in their long journeys, as they traded with villages and , yes, occasionally raiding them too . It was the convenient food-on-the-go , needing no firewood to prepare and with the teeming source just under their boat’s hull. It was also probably the combat rations of the Bajujo-Calagdaan-Palasao bravehearts when they drove the Moros out of Tandag fort in the 1750s. It could be the reason that until today, “kinilaw “ is the ultimate trash talk to one’s opponent for no threat drips with much insult and sarcasm than “kilawon ko kaw !”

I hope that like our forefathers, kinilaw remains our comfort food in the years ahead .

Kilaw ta !

Powerless islanders in Ayoke, Cantilan enjoy the glimmer of solar lights at night

AYOKE, GENERAL ISLANDS, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur (MindaNews/2 September) – Residents here are finally enjoying the perks of electrical power by enjoying the comforts of a lighted kitchen, soothing music over the radio and watching “sine-sine” every weekends.

Thanks to the technology of solar power, residents in Ayoke, in the northernmost tip of Isla Heneral in this rustic and simple Cantilan town in Surigao del Sur are now updated of the “outside world”.

Through the support of a foreign financial aid coursed through the Department of Agrarian Reform, 78 households in Ayoke Island are now using fluorescent lights instead of the “lampara” or kerosene lamps.

Ayoke island is one of the three big islands in the municipality of Cantilan. The place is idyllic and people live simple lives. It is scarcely populated with only 800 people or 98 households.

Ayoke is about 30 to 40 minutes away by a motorized banca from the town proper.

Majority of the island dwellers enjoy playing Bingo, a favorite recreational game, that lasts up to the wee hours of dawn.

Children can now read books and work their assignments at night and even work on their household chores at night.

Because of the use of electricity, fisherfolks narrated how their financial woes changed.

According to Carlos E. Consigna, they actually saved money from using electricity instead of the “lamparahan” since each household had to spend P10 a day for the kerosene.

With the use of the solar energy, each household only pays a monthly fee of P120, a huge difference from their monthly consumption of P300 from using the “lampara”.

When the technology started in 2007, the recipients were paying P220 per month or about P7 per night. But their organization decided to cut this down to P120 last year.

Consigna said the monthly amortization is used in maintaining the solar panels which he said could last up to 25 years.

“Changing the fluorescent, battery or the power storage, or any other technical problems that require financial matter, will be charged from the organization’s bank account,” Consigna said in Surigaonon.

He said their group, the Nagkahugpong Managatay Para sa Kalabuan Nan Ayoke (NAGMAKA-AYO), now has a total savings of over P200,000.

Their growing savings were due to the organization’s wise spending and regular monthly consultations with members.

Some residents who were disdainful of the project are now blaming themselves for not believing in its success, according to fisherman Tortillano S. Guarte, who is also a recipient of the project.

On Saturdays and Sundays, local folks gather at the school to watch movies.

“Sine-sine”

The organization also conducts income generating activities for the benefit of the school children. Adults in the community, especially the parents of school children, are required to shell out P1 or P2.50 for the “sine-sine” at the school campus.

Ofelia G. Pacana, one of the teachers, said this greatly improved the learning process of the pupils because of the images and voices that the students can now associate directly from the screen instead of imagining objects, movements and other events.

Further, their classrooms are now well lighted, which further enhances the pupils’ interest in coming to school.

Eight-year-old Charlo Consigna, Carlos’s son, is a Grade 3 pupil of the Ayoke Elementary School. Since their household is now using solar power, he told MindaNews that he now loves to work on his assignment and read books before he goes to sleep.

His father said Charlo’s reading ability has greatly improved as well.

The child is a consistent honor pupil in his class and lands in the top 5 in overall rankings.

“Thanks for the solar energy, we can live life happily,” Charlo said.

Today, only two dozen fisherfolks of the island are using kerosene lamps. But they are dreaming of having the same at their respective homes soon.

Gliceto “Butch” Dagondon, director of Green Mindanao, Inc., said if the 7,000 islands in the country will use solar power, it will greatly help in saving the environment and the planet from harmful energy sources such as coal-fired power plants.

“If we care enough, the Filipino people should patronize solar energy as power source because in the long run we actually spend less and the environment gets better,” Dagondon said.

“Otherwise, we will all face the wrath of nature because of the ill-effects of climate change,” he said.

But for the Ayoke residents, the bright light that they now enjoy is a step to a much better and fresher environment for them.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Filipinos can readily learn from their experience. (Roel N. Catoto / MindaNews)

Reposted from Mindanao News

Article by: Roel Catoto

Constant dialogue makes environment drive in Surigao Sur town successful

Ayoke Cantilan Elementary School

GENERAL ISLANDS, CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur (MindaNews/1 September) – Fisherfolks in a small island off the municipality of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur prove that constant dialogue can give results to an environment-conscious populace.

The Nagkahiusang Mananagat Para sa Kalambuan Nan Ayoke (NAGMAKA-AYO) in Ayoke Island in Isla General in Cantilan have bonded themselves in the fight against illegal fishing and in the protection of a marine sanctuary.

For one, the fisherfolks constructed a guardhouse on the topmost part of the island for them to get the most strategic view of the coming and going of boats, illegal trespassers and unwelcome visitors to their island.

The guardhouse, according to NAGMAKA-AYO chairperson Crisologo E. Anino, is manned by group members on rotation basis and open 24/7.

Anino said they regularly conduct meetings and consultations with their members, and even non-members, on the effects of illegal fishing.

Anino said NAGMAKA-AYO started in 1998 with 65 members but this has been reduced to 33 because so many of its members violated their by-laws.

But despite the decline in membership, the group still managed to apprehend 14 illegal poachers since 2006, especially with the passage of Municipal Ordinance No. 16 (Declaring Marine Protected Areas and Fish Sanctuaries), which helped further in raising environmental consciousness among residents.

“We always tell them not to do dynamite fishing because of the risk it will do to their lives and the future generation,” said Carlos E. Consigna, of NAGMAKA-AYO, of their meetings with members and non-members alike.

Often his friends snub him because of his doggedness while others consider him an irritant to small group gatherings.

“This is also true to some of our members but eventually those who were hardheaded realized the goodness of our cause,” Consigna said.

Illegal fishing activities in Ayoke include dynamite fishing, liba-liba, cyanide, tubli (or root poison) and other common illegal fishing activities.

Anino said because of the heightened environmental awareness of residents and fisherfolks, their underwater corals have grown. But he admitted that at present, their fish catch is low because of the presence of mining companies in neighboring municipalities.

They believe that the siltation brought about by mining has caused turbidity in the water which causes fish, especially bangsi, to shy away. Bangsi, or flying fish, is the most common catch among local fisherfolks.

Meanwhile, Anino narrated a most unforgettable incident by fellow members in arresting an illegal poacher some years back. He said because of their unsophisticated small bancas, they ended up hostages to the illegal poachers instead.

Anino said that they were only using ropes to tie the outrigger of the poacher’s boat to their bancas. “Since the poachers usually have more powerful engines compared to our 16-horsepower bancas, they dragged us in the middle of the Pacific seas,” Anino said.

“In the end, it was us who begged for their mercy to release us. We were already scared because our motorized bancas could not stand the high seas. But God is so good because those illegal fishers eventually freed us,” he said, now in jest.

Anino said despite the harrowing experience, they will still continue their campaign against illegal fishing and apprehend illegal poachers who come near their sanctuary.

NAGMAKA-AYO and another local fisherfolk organization in their area called Slamdunk are among the top 10 organizations in the country awarded as the best sustained practice of marine protected sanctuary areas by the Marine Protected Area Support Network based at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

Cherry A. Ravelo, municipal coastal resource management coordinator, said that representatives of NAGMAKA-AYO and Slamdunk (which is based in Barangay Proper, General Islands) will be going to Manila for the reporting activity. On October 1, both organizations will receive the award for the Top 10 best MPAs in the country.

The network recognizes the best practices based on four level of MPAs, namely, Level 1 for Established MPAs; Level 2 for Strengthened MPAs; Level 3 for Sustained MPA; and Level 4 for Institutionalized MPA.

The network has management effectiveness assessment tools which aim to assess governance in terms of enforcement, implementation and maintenance for the MPAs around the country.
(Roel N. Catoto / MindaNews)

Reposted from Mindanao News

Article byRoel Catoto

tambis river cantilan

Fresh eastern winds blowing early in the morning and the splendor morning sunrise as well as the magnificent sunset slowly hiding in the mountains are breath taking experiences one can caught in this small but blessed community.

Sitio Tambis in Barangay Consuelo is located about 4km northeast of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. This place has 25 families only and they depend mostly on fishing and farming as their source of livelihood. Tambis also boast an abundant supply of copra, crabs, prawns, native chickens, vegetables, talaba and medicinal herbs.

rainbow at tambis cantilan

Fun activities includes boating and fishing. The place has a navigable river suitable for small boats. Fishing is an added leisure activity, if your good you could actually catch plenty of fish in Tambis river. Common fish that can be caught here are Milk Fish, Dulit, Kikilo, Buras, Byanak, and many more (My apology, i only know the local names of this fishes, i will provide some pictures though in my next post).

bianak in tambis cantilan

Life here is very simple. It is all about peace and contentment.

I hope we also find peace and contentment in our lives.

People of Cantilan Then

PRE-HISPANIC

Before the Spaniards came, there were already settlers in the old Caraga, of which the old Cantilan was a part of. The time Magellan came to Limasawa, he befriended Rajah Kulambo, the ruler of Butuan. When Magellan asked Rajah Kulambo the extent of the latter’s territory, he pointed several areas including Calagan (now Calagdaan) which was a pre-Cantilan settlement.

SPANISH ERA

The people of the old Calagan were originally from Ilihan (now Panikian), Parasao (now Palasao) and Bayuyo (now Union, Manga and San Antonio). In 1767, Padre Fray Valero de San Agustin, who was visiting Calagdaan as a northern outstation of the Tandag religious residence he was in charge of that time, started a new community about six kilometers southeast of Calagdaan across the river. Around 1782, Calagdaanons were moved to this new town. This marked the beginnings of the old Cantilan.

During the 1790′s, Recoleto Padre Fray Francisco Andres de Basilio, the one overseeing Cantilan that period, recorded the town population at around 2,000. In 1834, forty-four years later, Recoleto Padre Fray Francisco Villas de San Lorenzo’s listed Cantilan’s population as 3,278. Sixteen years later, this number rose to 5,516 in 1850, as noted by Fr. Manuel Buzeta.

In 1856, the Daang Lungsod situated on the popularly known “Purok 7” of Magosilom was washed away by tidal waves. About 30 people were killed. This disaster prompted the early Cantilangnons to move their settlement back across the river — to the current Cantilan poblacion, giving birth to theBag-ong Lungsod.

20th CENTURY

The Cantilangnons are originally of the Malay race. Its natives are the Manobos. Then people from the Visayas migrated down south and mixed with the natives. When the Spaniards came, Spanish blood mixed with the locals which gave that distinct mestiza and mestizo looks of the Cantilan townsfolk. Subsequently, during the early 1900′s, some Americans came to teach as Thomasites such as William K. Hotchkiss I and a number of Chinese arrived to do business. These people are survived by their descendants to this day.

Interestingly, Cantilan used to be one of the 10 most populous towns in the whole Philippines. Back then, the municipality used to encompass the then barangays of Carrascal, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza. In the early 1900′s, Cantilangnons numbered to around 7,500, even larger than Surigao which had only about 6,000 people.

In the mid 20th century, Carrascal and Lanuza became independent municipalities and this created the CarCanLan economic zone. This reduced Cantilan’s population to a certain degree. Afterwards, Carmen and Madrid gained independence as well, which gave birth to CarCanMadCarLan. Consequently, Cantilan was tagged as “The Cradle of Towns” as coined by the historian Eulogio Eleazar.

21st CENTURY

The present Cantilan is made up of about 30,000 Cantilangnons, spread throughout the 17 barangays. The populace is of Spanish, American, Chinese, Manobo and Muslim ancestry. The common Cantilangnons are farmers, fishermen, government employees, office workers, carpenters, businessmen, drivers, fish and fruit vendors, skilled workers etc.

Through time, this town has produced political leaders as barangay captains, councilors, mayors, governors, congressmen and cabinet members. It is also the hometown of distinguished people who have carved their own names nationally and internationally. The brothers former Lt. Gen. William Hotchkiss III (Ret.) and Brig. Gen. Charles Hotchkiss (Ret.), Fr. Pacifico Ortiz, S.J. and his brother former Assemblyman Montano Ortiz, Sr., the inventor Leo Yau, the historians Eulogio Eleazar, Fredesuendo Ong and Fernando Almeda Jr., former Gov. Don Pedro Coleto, the pensionado Lino Arreza, singer-composer Zandro Urbiztondo, former DepEd Undersecretary Franklin Sunga, DND Spokesperson Hernando Irriberi are some of these.

CANTILANGNON TRAITS

The Cantilangnons give a very high value on education. It is a source of pride for every Cantilangnon and the family each belongs to. There is a high percentage of college graduates of the people of this town, which translates to the common trait of being civic-minded. It is very usual to see a handsome number of townfolks participating, volunteering and leading community-based activities. The proliferation of civic organizations like Bardugs, Inc., Cantilan Sporting Club, Cantilan Women’s Club, Cantilan Jaycees and newly formed Cantilang Historical Preservation Movement and Mangodakay nan Cantilan are examples of these organizations.

Aside from these organizations, Cantilangnons are very critical of current local, national and international issues affecting the town. This could be observed from mga istorya didto sa kanto(streetcorner talks) and hagas-hagas sa dayan (street murmurings) to news reports on local and national radio and television programs. Also, the strong environmental awareness and empowerment of the locals could not be more emphasized as could be gleaned from its stance and actions on very critical environmental issues like mining.

Moreover, the townspeople are especially interested in its local culture and its place in national history. This current exhibit is a forceful evidence to this. Municipal officials, employees and volunteers are putting their time, minds and efforts together to stage this display of our Beautiful Kantilang —- its people, places and culture. If you get the chance to visit the Facebook pages of some groups like Cantilangnon and the Cantilan Historical Preservation Movement, you will be surprised and amazed at all the interesting information, ideas, opinions, photos and videos that have been accumulated with regards to the town.

OTHER INTERESTING CANTILANGNON TRAITS

“Cantilangnon kaw kon…” is a very famous subject in conversations among Cantilangnons and is now a popular thread on the Cantilangnon page on Facebook as well. As a result, below is a list of some of these interesting traits.

     Clannish. “Blood is thicker than water” is an adage that is common among the townsfolk.Magdapit-dapit an mga maglumon kay labon pa may suho-dugo gud. The whole family would huddle together para itaas an bandila nan ila apilido.

      Family-oriented. Once somebody has finished her studies, or found a good source of living, that person will help the parents, the siblings and even the relatives by sending a younger sibling to school, or financing a livelihood business. Parents would even say, “Bahala dabo an anak, basta kay dabo makatabang.”

      Chattery. Istoryador. Cantilangnons are like chatterboxes; once somebody has started a story,halos yay katapusan an istorya, daya pa gajud nan puko-puko nan bakak over kinilaw or sinugba and a case of pauroy.

      Inquisitive. Once somebody sees her neighbor or friend pass by her house, she would usually ask, “Haman kaw iton Mare? Diin kaw gikan? Uman iton im binitbit?” Or else, when kumpares would bump into each other on the street corner, one would ask, “Umay hearing Pare?,” with SwerTres as the subject. This is a usual neighborhood scenario.

     Folkloric. Until now, folklores about ayok-ayok, uwak, kapre, dewende, aswang could be heard around the town. Before cutting a tree or even before peeing by a tree-lined street side, jaoy mga pamatbaton like  “Tabi Eba, tabi Adan, kay jari mangihi na buta.”

      Food lovers. Who could ever resist our fresh local seafood? An mga taga-Cantilan, kusog karajaw mukilaw, musugba, mutoya. Mag-kisugto na ta!

      Batch reunion. Batch-batch sa beach dajun. While still in college, there is always a batch reunion every school break. After graduation, there is a yearly get-together. Then there is the 10th anniversary, 25th anniversary and this goes on and on. From small projects like food, books and school supplies distribution, to large-scale ones like road and building donations, every batch gives something back to their hometown.

PHOTO COURTESY By Mano Jess Ortega (reposted from CHPM)

Written by:  Aiza Tuldanes Yparraguirre

Sources:

Notes on Surigao Culture and Personalities by Eulogio V. Eleazar

Angry Days in Mindanao by Peter Schreurs

Cantilan Historical Preservaton Movement Facebook Page

http://www.facebook.com/groups/110173995694364/

Cantilangnon Facebook Page

http://www.facebook.com/groups/53343920196/

By: Richmond Duero Seladores
Saint Michael College

While strolling around, the gentle breeze of the ocean assaulted my skin as I relish the place. The trees blew in the mist of the cool, fresh squall of the stifling air, like downy fluffs swaying side to side. As the grandiose shell of a bivalve locally called “Telang” took my attention, I suddenly found myself in my most favorite place to visit on the face of this planet: The Cradle of all Towns — CANTILAN. I listened to the song of Zandro Urbiztondo entitled “Cantilan”. I was hooked by the melody and eventually internalized the song.

” Pagkaganing, kahajahay nan Cantilan, angay huy-an sanan dili gajud pasagdan.” Blessed with extensive coastline, Cantilan is surrounded with unspoiled beaches and marvelous islands. It has azure waters, pristine sand and bountiful marine life. It’s a place where one can experience a vast expanse of nature’s splendor under the spell of cool mountain breeze. Cantilan swanks its unsullied places, mesmerizing tourist destinations and majestic mountains. Cantilan is a historic place. From century old church, remarkable Tribunal, Spanish-colonial houses to the chronological Town kiosk with a slash of contemporary taste. It is indeed a tremendous PLACE.

” Cantilangnon kay marajaw na mga batasan.” Cantilangnons exude warm hospitality. They live in high level of integrity and build a magnificent bond as one progressive community coupled with strong faith and commitment to God. Cantilangnons are stewards of God’s splendid creation as nature lovers. They wisely used nature into an economic bounty. Furthermore, they are values-oriented individuals, industrious, diligent, persistent, frugal and economical. Cantilangnons are epitome of true success and excellence in life. Truly they are magnanimous PEOPLE.

” Pagkaganing nan Cantilan.” Cantilan is rich in culture and tradition. It celebrates town fiesta every August 15 in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sirong Festival highlights the event and gives much enjoyment to the vibrant celebration. Fascinating Manobo costumes, accessories and indigenous handicrafts add impact to its culture. Cantilangnons are credited for the ” Itik-Itik”, a well-known folk dance in the Philippines. Balikbayans and visitors can’t resist to eat the tempting, mouth-watering delicacy ” Pilipig ” and the delightful, salty paste ” Angsuhan” of Cantilan. Agriculture and fishing are the main sources of livelihood in the town. Cantilangnons contribution to national culture is treasured forever. Thus, Cantilan is equally blessed with CULTURE and TRADITION.

Cantilan has everything that a person could desire. She is like a mother who caters the needs of her children, cuddling you so that you can relax and unwind by its comfort. A trip to Cantilan is leisurely a stroll to a beautiful rural life. Cantilan will always remain beautiful and progressive through the help of the Blessed Mother and with the blessings of God. The exotic beauty of Cantilan remains undefiled — beauty of the people, beauty of its places and beauty of its culture. SUCH A BEAUTIFUL CANTILAN!

The immense beauty of my hometown made me proud of being a true-blooded Cantilangnon who will strive to nurture, preserve and protect its majestic natural beauty. Truly, a place like Cantilan is magnetic to the eyes and worth remembering. A place simply worthy to be called HOME.

Dajun Kamo sa KanTilang!