We drove to the other town on the 29th for a quick visit. After taking good care of the errands and other stuff, we decided to check out the new installation along the highway, just before the boundary between two towns and, well, two provinces. We came across an article sometime ago mentioning it, and we got curious.
It was almost 4 in the afternoon when we arrived. It was not what we expected, but the statue of the dog's head was quite big
Legend has it that many years ago, a hunter went to the forest. Guided by his well-trained dog, they started from Sabangan in the Mountain Province, trekked to Cada, then down to a place with no name.
Unluckily, they didn't find any animals that day. Exhausted, hungry, and thirsty, the hunter became weak and collapsed after searching for water. The dog sensed he needed to do something. He found a spot, dug it, and found water. He dipped his tail in the water, ran to the unconscious hunter, and touched the hunter's mouth with his wet tail. He did that repeatedly until the hunter regained consciousness and enough strength to get up, walk, and drink water where the dog had found it. They went home afterward.
The tale inspired the local folks to name the place Cotcot Aso. The spring still exists today and remains a water source for people nearby. It is said that the basin is always filled (even during the dry season), but doesn't overflow. One of nature's wonders, I say!
Anyway, these were painted rocks we've seen in the wee garden where the statue is - some large ones, which people can sit on, and others were used as plant beds. Unpainted ones paved the walkway.
Some large ones were painted with a toad, a panda, and whatever else. These were placed by the entrance and on the exit.
 |  |  |
Other decorative stuff included upcycled materials (plastic bottles)
 |  |
The little garden, with the plants yet to thrive. I imagined the area would be greener in the next few months, especially with the rainy season.
 |  |
 |  |
Just a few feet from the dog by the exit signage is a mural of a sad-looking eagle (maybe it's just me, or perhaps the way it had been photographed).
A few more shots of the place before we left.
I think the wee installations were the initiative of the local government unit of Cotcot, utilizing that small space along the highway to showcase a part of the place's history, one we learned only when we were there a few days ago.
Meanwhile, it's the new month, so hello June!
And it's HPUD, so all the liquid HIVE on my wallet has just been staked, increasing my total HP to 25,930. About 580 HP was added last month.
All good! Hope this month will be even better.
All photos are mine. 01062025/14:20ph