Spontaneous.
It did not take me a minute to confirm with a new colleague about going to Kalon Barak in Sarangani, South Cotabato. Well, I was still bloodshot from a 2:00 AM class with barely enough hours of sleep. Since I didn't want to be late, I hurriedly changed my clothes and decided to walk towards the eatery for a rendezvous with her.
"Atop of Kapihan sa Ridge - Kalon Barak"
Without expecting anything about the trip, I only brought my house keys, fair cash and my sunglasses where my minimalist nature sometimes dictates my spontaneity.
It took us almost an hour to reach Kalon Barak from the KCC Mall in General Santos. Basically, I paid the 100-peso entrance fee and walked towards their cafeteria.
There I met Irene, one of the attendants. She served us a cup of their native coffee - a pure black coffee. The group then satiated with IG-worthy photos which I must admit cool.
But I had another idea of cool and fun. I sat down on one of the benches while looking at the green ridges, the fields below and the morning sky.
"Beautiful life!" I endlessly uttered these words while allowing the phrase sank in my system.
"Pointing at the blue sky.."
With a deep sigh, I imagined my hectic schedule way back. The vivid memory couldn't feign my emotions. I am grateful with my job and that is more than words I could ever think of.
Afterwards, I hugged some trees. Being one with nature revitalizes me. At that point, I was left alive by their energy flowing within me. But at the same time, it made me think of the ruthlessness of humans who harm nature, itself. Therefore, we are the very cause of nature's destruction.
"Photo Op with the Group"
I took longer contemplation but then decided to go back to the cafeteria. I talked to Irene again and she finally said, "Ma'am, nasisiyahan po ako sa 'yo. Eto po, may kape pa dito." / "Ma'am, I am glad about you. May I offer you another cup of coffee?"
"Indeed! 'Twas a beautiful day..."
With my usual enthusiasm, I smiled at Irene and accepted another cup of coffee. That meant a lot to me.
How to Get to Kalon Barak:
1. From KCC Mall, General Santos, ride a van going to Malungon, Sarangani Province. The fare is Php100 pesos. It will take approximately 1 hour to reach the junction going to the highland.
2. From the Malungon junction (it is beside an elementary school), a clear signage going to Kalon Barak is visible. There is also a waiting shed situated at the junction corner. Motorbike drivers is on queue for visitors and residents going to Kalon Barak. Fare is at Php50. Just be prepared of the winding, uphill and downhill ride plus bumpy ones. It will take more or less 30 minutes on a motorcycle ride. During the time of my travel, the road going up was still under construction.
3. The entrance fee to Kalon Barak is Php100. This includes a cup of native coffee. Open time is at 4:00AM and its closing time is at 9:00PM.
4. The place is still under development. But the glory at the top while overlooking Malungon Ridges is all worth the travel.
5. Overnight stay is allowed. Tents are available for only Php100 pesos.
6. A restaurant is also available in a very reasonable price. But again, they don't have plenty of food choices. Filipino comfort food are available like pancit guisado and native chicken tinola. Food prices start from Php70 and above.
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