By Tony Mina
Halfway to twilight, these Restless Soles were still scouring the narrow streets in that small community in Barangay Punong, Toril, Davao City asking for the exact location of a Taiwanese Shipwreck. Then, a group of kids, promised with a P20 peso note, led us towards nearly maze-like alleyways and across a bamboo bridge just sturdy enough to hold my weight.
Halfway to twilight, these Restless Soles were still scouring the narrow streets in that small community in Barangay Punong, Toril, Davao City asking for the exact location of a Taiwanese Shipwreck. Then, a group of kids, promised with a P20 peso note, led us towards nearly maze-like alleyways and across a bamboo bridge just sturdy enough to hold my weight.
And there it was. Fallen. Unmoving. Beaten. A shipwreck which could never have a chance to be raised again...
Our long walk was a seasoned groping in a dungeon.
It was fearsome. Because we knew nobody in the place.
It was fearless. Because we pursued.
We trod like we slipped back into introspection -- back into the wreckage of the past that may have humbled, strengthened, fortified, and molded our spirits all along, back into the roads of life with wreckage of poached experiences, of run-down inadequacies and half finished loves.
We left the place feeling relieved and adequate. We literally left a wreckage. I left some memories. I left there my run-down wreckages that should not be redeemed albeit forever buried. I knew I was now a new man.
But hey, I left there too my P20 pesos!
Interesting article you got there...
ReplyDeleteIt seems like I've got a new blog to follow. Great article!
ReplyDeleteMore blogs coming up Ms Ruth...
DeleteI'm interested in visiting the place. How do I get there from Davao City? Thanks in advance
ReplyDeleteIt is a little difficult to reach the place if one has to go there by a private car. However, if you'd take the public transpo, jeepneys from downtown going to Toril are your best bets. Get off the jeepney at the public market. Take a tricycle and ask the driver to take you to Sitio Punong. Ask specifically to drop you by the road that will lead to the shipwreck. It wouldn't be difficult to ask for directions once you've got off from the tricycle. (If you've got money to spare, you can take a taxi. Just ask the driver to take you to Sitio Punong in Toril.) There'd be a lot of walking through some slums but people there are usually friendly and are too willing to help you get there.
ReplyDeleteThe ship is still there! I'm from Punong and i live there for almost 10 years now, i remember when you visit our place and took a photo of it, im still a kid that time but if you what to visit again, i will definitely give you a tour.
ReplyDelete