I don't mind a two-hour "habal-habal" ride...

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I just got back yesterday from a 3-day monitoring assignment in Davao del Norte. Although I've been to several places already, I can say that this assignment is among the most memorable ones. Why? Because I experienced a lot of firsts during this trip.

First off, it was my second time in Davao, but the first time arriving at Davao International Airport. It was my first experience at an international airport outside of Manila. Another milestone for me was riding the infamous habal-habal from Limbaan, New Corella, Davao del Norte, all the way to Mambing, New Corella. For your information, a habal-habal is a motorcycle taxi found in the Visayas and Mindanao regions that travels over mountains and rough roads, often carrying more than two passengers.

At first, I wasn’t that excited when I learned we’d be riding a habal-habal to the venue. Although I had heard stories about its comfort and safety, I thought my officemates were exaggerating. Well, I was wrong. The ride was both scary and exciting, considering it lasted almost two hours. Plus, the venue, situated on a mountain in New Corella, only had land and rocks for its road.

Yes, it was scary! By the time we reached Poblacion, Barangay Mambing, I was relieved. The festival streamers welcomed me, along with some members of the Mangguangan community. They are the Indigenous Peoples of Mambing, New Corella. Their name comes from the native word "guangan," which means forest, so it translates to "forest dwellers." The people there are very kind.

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