We just came from a campus journalism clinic in Barangay Isio when we decided to take a detour – after we were attracted by a sign at the southern end of the Cauayan Poblacion one Saturday afternoon last month.
“Abaca Cafe – 5.5 Kms.” – the junction sign indicated.
I have read about the cafe from online sources that the thought of finally getting there somehow thrilled me. “A welcome countryside respite is what we need,” I thought, “before we get back to the grind of urban living.”
The uphill drive on a well-paved narrow winding road was rather steep and we had to stop at one point to give way to a cane-loaded truck coming from the opposite direction. Looking outside the window was a numbing experience as the roadside was deep, seemingly beyond measure.
Finally, after about 15 minutes of low-gear driving, we got to the place – the cafe sitting on an elevated ground amid a mountainous landscape.
The view from almost 1,000 feet above sea level was exhilarating – various peaks, lush vegetation and the panoramic view of Sulu Sea.
Just a couple of minutes down the road is another rare treat to behold on a clear day – Kanlaon Volcano, which is 80 straight line kms. away.
The cafe, which is on its fourth year of business operation, is named after Barangay Abaca. “I’m glad the café has been part of the development of a mountain range top in what once a sleepy barangay,” said Brigid Tan, a Cauayan native who later became a barangay captain in Bacolod City.
The spacious café offers a verity of modestly-priced snacks and meals. Because we just had a heavy merienda courtesy of our journalism clinic hosts, we just ordered crackers and brewed coffee, which compares well with that served in pricey shops in the city.
The cafe is open daily, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tan named two portions of the cafe after her parents – the Tatay Mente function hall and the Margen Ridge, which provides adventure seekers with 185 steps to scale.
As the uphill trip was relatively short, I savored every moment – from the coffee to the splendid sight and the chat with the owner’s sister with whom I shared recollections of my grade school days as her aunt was my sixth grade teacher.
It was wondrous communing with the wonders of God’s creation – being amid the splash of colors of garden and wild flowers, the cool and tranquil atmosphere as well as the gentle howl of the mountain wind and the symphony of birds from a distance.
We decided to head back to the city before darkness posed road risks on our way down to the main road.
Soon, we were heading back to the city, rejuvenated by the Abaca Café brew and its breathtaking view.
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On Thursday, Nov. 6, the global community will celebrate the International Day against Violence and Bullying at School.
The UNESCO-established event has been observed since 2020.
The observance raised awareness of all forms of violence in school settings, particularly bullying and cyber bullying.
The day highlights “the significance of safe, inclusive and respectful learning environments for all students.”
UNESCO encourages the formulation of policy, the implementation of teacher training and the development of digital literacy to prevent and address such violence.
The world body also “calls on governments and educational communities to promote positive school climate.”
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I will lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? (Psalm 121:1) | NWI
