Brgy. Balibago (Talim Island)
Did you ever have a chance to visit a certain place wherein once you set your foot on the ground, you'll know that you are home? Friends, I'm blessed to say that in Brgy. Balibago (Cardona, Rizal) was, and still will be my home ever since day One.
When my Dad needed a fresh start in life, He took me to a place far from where we lived. A place of beautiful smiles and good memories to share. He knew that it is one of the only ways we could both manage to live without Mom by our side. Of course, it wasn't easy, a 5-year-old kid, afraid and confused in his new home. Some distant relatives helped us during this point in our lives. Families and friends who never left by our side, who are willing to share the opportunity that this paradise brings. Forever will be grateful.
Laguna de Bay
If you will be coming from Metro Manila, the best suitable route for you is in Binangonan. Approximately 1 Hour and 30 min to at least 2 hours. (that depends on the calmness of the waters if there will be slow to mild tides during the Amihan season of November to February). The boat that will transport you from the port area to Talim Island itself usually finds its routes along the coastline of the island as well as safety vests and precautionary measures are ensured.
Calamba Port
To all of those who are unaware of where this haven lies, Brgy. Balibago is located in Talim Island, on the east side ( the west is part of Binangonan, Rizal) in the middle of Laguna de Bay. A heart-shaped Volcanic Caldera, it is considered as the largest Volcanic Caldera nearest to Metro Manila (next is Taal Volcano)
https://www.google.com.ph/maps/@14.3563026,121.1699038,12z
On the other hand, Calamba route would take you about 30 to 45 minutes to arrive on the island. You will need to travel to Calamba, Laguna from Metro Manila. From SM Calamba, take a tricycle ride to the port. You will need to use a lampitaw (small, bamboo stick-driven boat) to get to the main boat because the waters in Calamba are much shallow compared to what it is in Binangonan.
How much will you need?
In my case, I traveled to Calamba by public SUV which is available in Robinson's Mall Brgy. Pala-Pala, Dasmarinas City, Cavite for 120Php on a one way trip.
Once you are in the SM Calamba area; the Tricycle fare will be at 100Php to 150Php ( If you have lots of bagages) for around 15 to 20 min. ride.
Lampitaw tip is 10 Php per person, boat fare is 100Php per head, and will be asked once you are near your destination.
Baklad (bamboo-made houses in the middle of the lake) are common sights as they are used as a temporary stockpile of equipment for harvesting fish that are enclosed in nets. Once they are big enough, they will be gathered (Salok) to be sold in the local market.
The Lake
The lake has truly blessed the people with satisfying resources. Laguna Lake has changed a lot since we first got here in the 80s.
Strict implementations of the new rules which aim to regulate on how people should manage their fish cages have also hindered the lives of many fisherfolks, many of which do not favor the people.
Typical Lunch on the Island
In recent years due to the Pandemic, the lake has somehow recovered because mainly of the absence of man-made activities and pollution that has been going around for decades. But for some fishermen, it has never been this way, especially when the water has gone warm due to the man-made activities, forcing shores to recede in the summertime. Also, the once abundant variety of fishes has been trimmed down to the common breeds like tilapia, kanduli (sea catfish), and the recent Arroyo (first appeared in the years of the 14th President of the Philippines, Gloria Arroyo), a distant cousin of the Tilapia. Yet, no matter how hard life struck the people of Balibago, I know, they will remain resilient as they are, able to stand up to the challenges of time.
Up in the mountains, bamboo trees are common materials in building house furniture because of their sheer stability and flexibility. Different fruit-bearing trees are also present on the hilltop, like Bayabas, Mangga, Chico and Camias, and others
The Good Part
If there's one thing I am sure you will like about this place, I know it's about the people... They really know how to have a good time.
There is a certain trend that goes way back to God knows when that people were to stay up all night, particularly starts at midnight, cooks very good food and enjoys each other's company. The Gang (Barkada) would enjoy the presence of delicious local delicacies and of course some booze to spice up the night. The Gang itself is formed by years of companionship, trust, and of course loyalty.
Tuna-Balibago Elem. School
Alcoholic drinks, on the other hand, have been a classic trend in the place. People refer to this as Abregana, drinking as an Appetizer before a meal, not actually to be drunk but as to have a good so-called pre-meal ritual.
Back in the day, company-sponsored basketball teams are a fad, games are being played every night during the summer. As of the present, leagues are now formed by the youths, so they select their members by their Barkada's.
St.Peter and Paul Chapel
Places are also named (informally) by the people. The central portion of the Barangay are referred to as Nayon. Go north and you will arrive at Wawil (Kaliwanagan-Purok 4), next to Pantok (Hilltop) going to Barangay Tuna. While on the other end, there is San Nikolas (Mabuhay-Purok 1), near the direction going to the cemetery area.
In reality, the people here have a deep sense of natural sensitivity of actions towards others, very easy to get along with, even though it's not actually shown in their actions mainly because of their relaxed - laidback approach. You would normally see townsfolk greeting each other any time of the day. There has not been any boring moment whenever you are here. In fact, you might forget the sense of time, being away in the busy streets of city life. It can be easily said that we must always live our lives in the present, and always be happy.
The Sunrise
As we book another chapter of exciting destinations, we must always remember that whatever life might bring us, it will always lead us back to something better. Maybe not as you would expect, but be sure that God is in full control.
Special thanks to the following; Balibago Multi- Purpose Cooperative, Martin Family, Halili Family, San Juan Family, San Jose Family, Teodoro Family, Bolante Family, Salcedo Family, and Francisco Family.
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