Seeing the Unseen: The Coconut Farmers
by The Longest Way Home ~ April 18th, 2010. Filed under: Philippines.
Coconut Farming boy in Mindanao
Seeing the Unseen: The Coconut Farmers
Deep in the middle of Mindanao I was lucky enough to visit one such farm run by an elderly man called Steven. It ‘s a place no tourist has been to. At least Steven says so. And why would they.
It’s not in a guide book. It’s got nothing of massive interest. You have to travel across some rough places on a crowded Jeepney to get there. I think it was my first Pinoy rooftop trip!
But it’s a place with more value than any “tourist attraction” I’ve read online or on paper. What’s the value? Quite simply, the people.
His house is across a river, through a small trail surrounded by tall palm trees and encroaching undergrowth. His simple house has a striking resemblance to west African dwellings, complete with outside kitchen and plastic buckets. Not to mention several containers of palm wine. Slowly fermenting into something a little more toxic to the liver.
At Steven’s invitation I headed off for some coconuts with him and one of the local boys that hang out by his house waiting for work.
Coming soon on Seeing the Unseen: the last in this series, and yes it’s special. Meet the blind masseurs …
This is an additional post and one of a series highlighting the island of Mindanao & the people living in The Philippines
|
|
|
Feel free to leave a comment below!
Some related articles you might like:
April 19th, 2010
oh wow, that is so cool.. village kids are sweet – simple and carefree and they know a good, coconut meal when they see one! excellent shots and write up – v touching:)
[Reply]
The Longest Way Home Reply:
April 19th, 2010
-ciki- Yep, the more remote you get. The more simple life gets, and good things seem to follow!
[Reply]
April 21st, 2010
Capturing the simple life, I like it a lot!
[Reply]
The Longest Way Home Reply:
April 21st, 2010
-Renny- There’s something to be said for the simple life alright! Thanks for the comment
[Reply]
April 21st, 2010
love coconut and buko juice! it amazes me how people can climb palm trees.. wish i had that skill. and wow, your first pinoy bus ride on the roof!! i haven’t even experienced that. sounds fun
[Reply]
The Longest Way Home Reply:
April 21st, 2010
-floreta- Watching people climb palm trees always amazes me too. I hear they are cracking down on rooftop rides, you better hurry!
[Reply]