– Douglas Booth
Taking a break during working hours will sometimes be neglected especially if I'm swamped and deadlines chase me. Thus on weekends, I used to hang out with families and friends at the side of our store, chilling and happily chatting while drinking hot coffee every weekend morning. I like to do this at least once a week. This is one of the best leisure times for me when there is no rushing and panicking. I love navigating too so I can be re-energized and more focused in the coming days.
I'm so lucky to have talked to someone who also loves adventure. This made my day extremely special. We have decided to step ourselves from daily exposure to screens and bring off optimal wellness. Off we traveled to a hidden barangay that has its famous beautiful spot where we indulged a mood-boosting physical activity. I gassed up my motorcycle with 100 pesos only, and off we went to our instant itinerary.
...so join me and let's discover the amazing beauty of Canao-canao together.
A little fact about Canao-canao
Canao-canao is one of the barangays located at the corner of Tabogon, Cebu. It is a 23-minute drive by motorcycle from my residence and is 2 hours and 10 minutes from the city. Some of the sources of living for the people in this rural area are livestock raising and small-scale farming. The vast open field is well cultivated and planted with bananas, coconut, sugarcane, and other crops that can be sold once harvested
The place can be traveled with any type of vehicle. We just need to be cautious in going there, especially during rainy days. The road is too bumpy and tricky.
Upon going there, we will be passing the famous local tourist spot, the Toboggan Transcentral Highway which hits and touches the hearts of motorists. No doubt why they are pleased and are mesmerized here, from afar, the incredible view of green nature already enticed us. It was gradually accompanied by the cool breeze from the mountains that surrounded the highway.
Our Drive Time
We had three stops before reaching Canao-canao's wonders. The sudden burst of rain caused us to be delayed in this travel. When it calmed down, we slowly drove our motorcycle. I hid my cellular in fear that it might get wet. There was no picture-taking opportunity that happened as we traveled.
We were persistent in reaching the top of Canao-canao mountain which is always attended by locals. Here, my courage was measured. We continued our journey despite the bad weather. The lightning and thunder were very violent. We were drenched in the rain but it didn't stop us from wanting to.
I almost had an accident during our travel, the slippery and bumpy road caused the rear wheel to suddenly slide. Good thing I was able to take it easy.
We have taken two treks for this journey. First is the Grotto at the summit which is a 25-minute walk from the barangay's basketball court. Second is the Pansil Cave which is a 10-minute walk from the Grotto and located at the left side of the pathway heading to the peak of the mountain.
When we reached the alley leading to the Grotto, we decided to take shelter first because we were soaked already. It was raining heavily. We hid in this small open hut where the goat was also hiding. Behind it was the old mill grinder used by the locals in grinding corn grains. It still exists in this place. The oldest way of crushing the corn.
The Hike: Peak-bagging
From a distance, we have spotted the summit where we are supposed to climb. The tree that stands tall and fierce is one of the best landmarks that can easily be tracked from a distance. Our excitement overflowed upon getting over to our destination.
Suddenly the sky brightened, and the grayish clouds started to be replaced with bluish. As we headed, the man-made stairways opened up to us. This was done profoundly so it would not be too difficult for people to climb to the peak of the mountain. I was a little out of breath climbing these 77 steps. It is very uphill but the greatness was felt after conquering the peak.
Upon seeing the Grotto, I was in amusement. There is tranquility and serenity at the summit where the wonders of nature are truly alluring. The devotees and tourists who are looking for spiritual meditation visit here so they can offer their silent prayers and wishes.
The frontal and the back portion of the Grotto. The simplicity of the design is still impressive as it is located in the middle of the mountain. The lush green added vibrancy that soothes our senses. Nature never fails to keep on impressing humans.
On this surface, the everlasting landscape of nature can be seen. Upon looking at the overlooking view of the green scene it had given me the best escape from my daily exposure gadgets. Everything here is fresh and natural.
A Hike to Discovery
After connecting with nature at the peak, we descended. Not too far from the Grotto, on our way, we spotted from apar this cave waiting for us in solitude. At first sight, it was tempting and we were attracted to get closer to it. We find ways to get there since we don't have any ideas about this place.
As we headed, the marks of the heavy rain were visible. The pool of water was seen in the distance with frogs croaking. When we reached the cavern, they stopped their serenade. How amazing they were, they were able to feel our arrival.
The incredible view of the cavern gave me goosebumps. It is so beautiful. We weren't able to get inside of it, nobody could guide us. We were totally amazed by its fantastic landscape that seemed tonne done intentionally.
The relaxing natural bubbling of the flowing water was heard. We tried to locate where it was from. Oh, it was from the water from the rain that had been gathered together in the ground. I thought there was a stream. It passed from the rocks being riprap, flowing down to the cavern.
We weren't able to get inside the Pansil Cave however, we had taken some photos of it. Another Grotto was found inside and is visited by devotees and tourists.
We went home full of adventure. Sometimes, the greatest reward can be achieved from an unexpected and unplanned journey. This made us to be more addicted to keep on exploring.