How To Beat The Summer Heat Affordably

This summer, we found out more interesting, enjoying and fun in spending our family outing in Linaw Bubon[g] in Sabado de Gloria, a day after the Holy Friday somewhere in the mountain in our locality.

Linaw Bubong, Brgy. San Miguel, La Carlota City

Since I was a kid, I already heard "Linaw Bubong" and it became a by-word among the people in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental. But I haven't gone to this place yet. It is considered as the hangout among friends, family members to spend their time especially during San Juan, the so-called the day of Saint John The Baptist, which is traditionally held every June 24. However, in beating the summer heat, excursionists have found this place very ideal for its  fresh, cool spring water.

The Nature's Summer Heat Neutralizer

Linaw Bubong is a small river with a flowing fresh water coming from the top of the mountain of Guintubdan. It develops a pond of around 30 meters in diameter. The water is crystal clear. That is why it got its name as "Linaw Bubong", actually it is a big "bubon" (well). Later it was called as "bubong" which is a misnomer if we take it is original word, "bubong" (roof). Anyway, the place is tranquil. It is approximately 12 kilometers away from the city proper of La Carlota. It could be reached via a motorized tricycle, single motorcycle, PUJ. However, it seems it has some restriction in accessing the place for the commuters have to pass a private property of a prominent sugarcane planter in the said place. Though it isn't yet fully developed for tourism, there are some concern residents of San Miguel, who are cleaning the place of the rubbish left by the transient occupants.

The Environmentalist

In fact, when we arrived there I led my family in gathering trashes like the plastic wrappers, empty cans, ice drop candy sticks, and many more and put them inside a big plastic which we brought  and set them aside for a proper disposal later when we're going home. I even overheard my son-in-law, Almon, saying, "Look at Tatay! He is environmentalist."

The Fun and The Beauties

Our son-in-law, Almon Tolones had set up this plan after we witnessed the Lent Play at hill of the Brgy. Haguimit, this city. Almon as a motorized tricycle driver was used to places of interests and are frequented by his "suki" (customer-passengers). He prepared his MT and transported us to Linaw Bubong with my family members composed of my wife, Rebing; my two daughters, Geeree and Dona Greece (wife of Almon); my son, Gilbor junior with his wife, Ma. Carissa; and our grandchildren, Toto Bryan, Adgel  (daughter of Dona), Bulaklak and Panie (both sister).

Lunch Time

We arrived past nine in the morning with a handful of occupants were already there. We surveyed the place for it was my first time, except for my wife who had already gone there when she was a kid and for Almon of course who frequented the place. Our grandchildren were too excited. After alighting from the MT, they rushed to the very clear river. They had to go down from the river bank by an improvised stairs cut from the big boulder.

The area of the river, according to the informant there, is subdivided into two. The area where the small rapids are located is very deep and the other area where the flowing water exiting is very shallow. The water is fresh but it is not potable and it is very cold. Anyone who still stays for an hour or so couldn't help himself but to quiver.

The Beauties

Later after we had eaten our lunch, a group of excursionists arrived and even the residents of Brgy. San Miguel joined also later. Foods are not available there, except form one or two ambulant vendors who are selling candy pops. Those who spents their time there were bringing with them their provisions, their victuals and snacks.

The Fun, The Enjoyment

We spent almost 7 hours there. Not only we enjoyed the freshness of the ambiance of the place, the soothing clear water of the river, but my wife and my daughters took some pose in a very beautiful scenic view of the place, especially the rushing fresh water and the big boulders.