a chat conversation:
kmsta
gr8. fiesta dito karon, today. going to cebu with magulangs bukas den back this weekend to bohol. zamboanga trip in progress. did interviews with cabilao boat builders earlier this week, met a boholano historian who authored a new edition of binisaya-ininglis dictionary, planning an anti-domestic violence with locals, still lots to do. pohon.
the site where the balanghai (ancient boat)was discovered in Butuan City, Mindanao
written by Sir Coy P Ponte, first written in March 26, 2008 (permission granted by author to post in bangka journey’s blog)
Like hot pinipig afloat a river of chocolate,
They are towed down the Agusan furtively!
Their stirrings – quieted by the same greed
Authorized pen-pushers possess –
Drown the common folks’ poking noses.
We dream to reclaim the mountains
With the foliage that veils our very lives
But, swifter than the current’s downstream run,
The boatman leads the circus
with a profiteering band:
Millions guide the logs’ clandestine glide
While eagles are fed with paper bills
that break off their claws;
Monkeys at checkpoints are made content
in collecting loose coins.
As pontiffs and men of the cloth
echo the Fatherland’s pains,
Mother Nature is spilt as honey
on poor men’s beans.
Lumberjacks lie gainful
Cutting the truth off Agusan’s soul.
