MY TRAVEL JOURNAL

NABAS, Aklan - "It's one love, one affordable fun in Manyuko," said Bob Marley fanatic and Manyuko Cold Spring Resort owner/manager Nory Taunan when asked what is special about his summer hideaway at the resort located at Brgy. Laserna, Nabas, Aklan.

This sidetrip to Nabas was once again, one of my many unplanned trips. Together with vacationing friends I met in Boracay Island, we went to Nory's place about 30-minute jeepney ride from Caticlan.

The place started its operation five months ago. About 10-minute tricycle ride from the crossing of Brgy. Laserna and Nabas national highway, some roads leading to the place are rough, some are concrete. But the view of crystal clear water flowing from a creek flowing from a falls about three kilometers from the area will definitely take your tiredness away.

Your excitement will be reinvigorated by the friendly smiles of locals who opt to spend their family outings swimming in cold spring waters than spending more money like foreign tourists do in Boracay Island.

"Ang mga tourists from Kalibo or Antique, mas gusto nilang pumunta dito dahil mas malapit kesa sa Boracay, at syempre, mas mura rin," said Nory, whose mother hails from Nabas while his father hails from Boracay.

He and his wife, Joan own a souvenir shop in D' Talipapa at Boracay Island. But the recent business endeavor brought joy and respite to the couple, who spend their time in the resort when things get tiring in the famous paradise-island.

Nory said he is happy to see families having fun and bonding time in the resort and said "Ang importante naman, kahit nasaan ka, basta kasama mo ang pamilya mo. Parang 'yung mga pamilya dito, masaya kaming makita na masaya sila," he added.

The place is definitely a popular destination among the locals. It was noontime and tourists kept on coming with the place running out of kiosks and picnic umbrellas.

"First time namin na maka-experience ng ganito karaming tourist 'pag Holy Week pero halos kapareho rin ito ng dami kumpara noong December," Norie explained.

Nory's and his wife, Joan's , love for anything reggae and ethnic is definitely all over the place. A big Bob Marley image greets the visitors at the entrance. Rooms are decorated with Bob Marley posters and sarongs, while rasta colors red, yellow and green are everywhere.

The place is made more romantic at night with all the creative lamps and torches lit at the entrance bridge as well as in the cottages. The place is a scene in itself – with cold spring water tapped in the adult and kiddie pool as well as the hilly and very green surroundings.

Joan, who helps his husband run the place, said entrance fee is at P50 but locals get discount at P20. There are 16 picnic huts available for rent at P250 and P150 while overnight cottages good for four to six persons are available for rent as low as P1000 per night.

The place started its operation five months ago and more amenities such as Zorb and Kayaking, Zipline and Treehouse, are underway to make Manyuko experience more fun for vacationing tourists.

"Gusto kong dalhin ang "Boracay experience" dito sa Manyuko," said Nory and concluded that "isa rin itong paraan para ma-express at mai-share sa mga tao ang creativity ko."

For reservations, contact Nory at 09199401680.*

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SIDEBAR

Nabas Bariw Festival

Also to expect in Nabas this summer is the "Bariw Festival" celebrated from May 12 to 15 to commemorate the feast of the town's patron saint - St. Isidore the Farmer.

It promotes Nabas' cottage industry – hat and mat weaving and other bariw products, as well as the town's tourism sites and natural attractions.

During the Festival, tourists are treated to various hat, mat and bag-making contests and demos – particularly, the contest for biggest hat and mat.

Merry-making is a treat for locals and tourists alike can join in the street-dancing participated in by the residents of the town's 20 villages.

Dressed in colorful bariw costumes, bamboo instruments will definitely entice one to dance and dance and dance.*