advertisement
EDITORIAL

A future event

CARTOON
Opinion
Archived Issues
VIEW FROM THE TOP

By: Joe Sprite

It was once called Kampaningaw. Now they call it Mutong Baray. It is a wind swept ridge along the boundary of Kinagabaan and Bunga Mar that runs from Sambag to the Cantagay boundary. The hilltops are bare except for a rare wood pigeon or two there is practically no wild life. During the early days of World War II these hills were the stamping grounds of the scions of prominent Jagna families one of them was Gen. Buenaventura Caseñas, whose family lived near Kapajang spring at the foot of Kampaningaw.

The place is almost inaccessible. The Sambag route along which Marcial Oclarit once lived offers a route but the grade is steep. Not recommended for those with weak ambulatory equipment. There is a way, which passes the Tajong fields – why is it that Jagnaaonons convert the y in Tayong to z or j so it will be pronounced Tajong or Tazong? This is a popular route to the top.

Though remote, far away from amenities but the place is one of the most beautiful spots in Jagna. It overlooks the downtown area from the harbor to Poblacion. Open to elements the northeast trade winds and the southwest monsoon sweeps the place and in the moments of calm the temperature is still pleasant compared to the lower areas. Exposed to direct sunlight during summer months, the climate is comfortable after sundown.

Who started staying on the place during Holy Week, no one is sure. It may have started with two or three persons looking at the downtown lights during hot summer nights. Perhaps to prolong their stay they brought along with them provisions and decided to stay the night. They went home refreshed and decided to repeat the stay during the Holy Week when household chores were at the minimum. At present most Bunga Mar manhood literally take to the hills at Holy Week.

There are other places where people take their nightly vigil for the season. It could be in Ilihan Shrine or at the latest in Mount Palingkod . The Mount Palingkod and Ilihan Shrine pilgrimage if one can call it that has religious overtones. The Kampanigaw - or Mutong Baray if you like – sojourn is not a religious affair nor can it be called social. no one is compelled to come and stay the sojourn is purely voluntary.

If Napi – whose name could be Napoleon – Carin and Iki who is Danilo Auditor could be a prototype the Bunga Mar fisherman the they would deny that the Kampaningaw vigil if it is so, religious. They are good men, fiercely independent; they rely upon their capabilities to provide for their wants. They would be the last to ask for help should things go beyond their capabilities. We could say therefore that their religion is like that of the fire truck or fire extinguisher – to be used only in emergency.

But that does not mean that their spiritual needs are not there though they would be the last ones to admit its existence. No matter what you are and no matter what you are and no matter what is your upbringing, there is the spiritual hunger to commune with nature and with fellowmen. Although it is considered a weakness to some it is there and one cannot be human without it. The Kampanigaw stay is some sort of spiritual retreat. No ceremonies are observed no lessons are expounded.

To convert the Kampaningaw stay into a religious affair may ruin the whole thing if not handled delicately. People who go there may be of different religious persuasions. They are there because they want to be there. Perhaps rules of decorum may be imposed. If they are more receptive to other rules particularly those with religious impact, they should be gently implemented. As we have said, those people are fiercely independent and self-reliant. It would be hard to persuade them to follow a path, which they do not understand The Kamapningaw Holy Week affair is there to stay. Bunga Mar and the neighboring barrios are richer for it. May it last.
l
The Bohol Sunday Post, copyright 2006, All Rights Reserved
For comments & sugestions please email: webmaster@discoverbohol.com
--About Us
--Contact Information
--HOMEpage
Front page news
Future waits with the Easter of hope, Lim says
Newsplus
City Sanggunian moves to protect Mabaw reef
Around Bohol
CARMEN
Community appraisal results presented
JAGNA
105th Lonoy heroes day - see photo
VOLUME XX No. 40
Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
April 16, 2006 issue