Stranger in the Itawes

Wednesday, March 8, 2023
I must admit that during the recent trip our office had, I discovered that I was a stranger in the Itawes.
Here’s why there were so many firsts:
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π“π”π€πŽ. My hometown. While I was in elementary school, I used to perform with the Young Heart’s Choir at liturgies. During my highschool days, my grandma would take me to Holy Guardian Angels Parish either on a Saturday or a Sunday. But I didn’t realize those childhood experiences were just for attending services; I acted as though I was unaware of the lengthy history of our church. I can still see remnants of the old church, but that’s it. It remained a mystery to me until I was able to learn more about it through the photographs that were on exhibit around the church. I even had the opportunity to enter the new convent, hear about the remnants of the previous church’s chapel, and view the Holy Guardian Angel’s actual image for the first time. I entered the old Mamba mansion for the first time and had my first taste of Agatep’s β€˜sukalati’. You will learn how to make rice coffee in Taribubu which is a place I had never been before. You’ll surely exclaim WOW Tuao while experiencing these things for the first time.
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π‘πˆπ™π€π‹. The legendary tale of Biuag and Malana is famous in the land of the Malauegs. Quite a few pals here. But I didn’t set foot here for the first time till the pandemic. We visited the National Cultural Treasure known as the St. Raymund de Penafort Church; I recall. So that was it. Speaking of other firsts, I must say that riding in a zip bike for the first time made me squeal with delight and brought my knees to my chest. Can you picture yourself sweating? Although I felt nervous, that was all part of the adventure. A cable car is also available! Additionally, Rizal produces banana chips and is well-known for its banana cake. We’re not finished yet; I had never before visited the Blue Lagoon. Rizal offers not only its culture and heritage but also its natural wonders. Unquestionably, it is a Legendary Rizal.
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ππˆπ€π“. The North’s Center for Pilgrimage. I come here often to honor the Our Lady of Piat. I used to participate in their Sambali Festival.A visitor of their Black Lagoon. A buyer of their pawa. I do, however, also have my first here. For the first time, I was able to reach the Crucifix that had been erected atop a hill. You can really see the entire town from this location, which makes it unique in addition to housing a replica of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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You see, I too have experienced many firsts. And these first factors taught me much more reasons to continue exploring and enjoy my travels. Because of these activities, you learn more about your origins and develop a deeper understanding of the culture, history, and arts of the places you visit. There are many gems to find, hopes to be realized, people to make friends with, and connections ought to be established.
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Am grateful for all of these chances since at least now I don’t feel like a stranger and can tell others about the Bastion of Faith Tourism Circuit
Written by: Romeo Gauani Caranguian