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By Arvy M. Ocheda, Pandan, Antique, Philippines
Continuation... from page 4
From the Interpretative Center, the guests are transported to the Malumpati Health Spring and Tourist Resort via motorcycles. However, before the guests can proceed to the Spring Resort itself, a "pa-andam" ritual is held in the Malumpati forest. This is performed by the community's manugbulong (shaman) who chants an incantation while crushing ginger in her hands. She blesses the guests by rubbing the crushed ginger on their foreheads, muttering a prayer. This rite is believed to safeguard the visitors from the spirits and vanguards of the forest. It will also appease the spirits on the purpose of the visit, which is for the benefit of nature and the inhabitants of the area.
 Trekking in the Malumpati forest towards the Bugang headwater is an exciting part of the tour. An overview on trekking is given before the hike begins. For easier trekking in the forest, the group walks in a single file through the tubkan trail, led by a scout and trailed by a sweeper. The scout serves as the group's pathfinder while the sweeper makes sure that no one is left behind. The trail passes the Malumpati limestone forest, a challenging hike since one has to balance his steps while going through the steep, sharp, and slippery rocks and stones. But the wonderful scenery of trees and rock formations inspires one to keep on going. Educational signages along the trail enlighten the guests on various points of interest. The guides also share their stories and experiences with the wildlife in the area. They demonstrate how to find water from vines and bamboos.
After a few kilometers and a quart of sweat, the group arrives in a small clearing or coco-land called payaw-payaw due to the abundance of aquatic plants locally
known as "payaw-payaw." It's a great place to nature enthusiasts and a welcomed oasis to travelers. Here, the guests take a break for lunch served picnic style. Home-cooked meals of sinugba nga isda, manok de ubad, sopas, fried chicken, tinola nga manok, and binabak are presented on buri and bariw mats. Fresh fruits like bananas and papayas are for dessert, and bottled Malumpati spring water quench and cool the thirst. While the group feasts, the ngut-ngut musicians play songs in their instruments.
An hour after eating, sharing of stories, and napping, the trek continues for the headwater. Five minutes later, the guests set foot on the Bugang headwater. Twenty meters of tranquil, turquoise headwater is truly an amazing sight. It captivates one's sense of beauty and well-being with nature. Folklore contends that a giant eel with large ears guards this headwater.
Dozens of filmshots later, the group treks back to the Malumpati Spring Resort using a different route, the Malakbakan exit. This is an easier path because instead of
walking on
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continued on page 4b
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