I thought my visit to Canlaon City,Negros Oriental last summer is just like some typical vacations like we did from the past. But it's not. Here in this place, you can discover lots of things and nice places. There are lots of waterfalls and the place itself is very cool just like Bagiuo City even it is summer you can feel the cool air. We went to a lots of beautiful places especially the waterfalls, the springs, and the plantations of all kinds of vegetables and fruits. But the coolest place that we were able to go is the oldest tree that has existed in more than a decade and if you try to look at it, it seems very interesting.
There has been too many strange tales about the 1,328 year old Balete Tree also known as Lunok in Visayan dialect and Dakit in Cebuano. It stands amid the rice and coffee plantations of OISCA Farm in Lumabao,Canlaon City. The oldest recorded tree in the province and perhaps even in the country, is the lone witness to Canlaon City's progree and evolution.
The Wonder Balete Tree
Today, they call it the "wonder balete" because of the mystery that hovers around it's exitence and why it has been isolated from all the other Balete trees as if picked out and planted on just this one specific spot. Every night, curious travelers could not help but gaze in awe at a now-illuminated tree-the doing of many hundreds of fireflies that have come to take refuge in its wide and sturdy branches. Thus, another title emerged-Canlaon's all year round Christmas tree. From a distance, the tree would look somehow enchanted.
This wonder tree is now one of Canlaon's major tourist destination, drawing attention from foreigners,local travelers and the media. After all it is the only known tree that has lived for over a thousand years. Its trunk is so enormous that it would take a total of 42 individuals to link outstreched hands together just to be able to embrace it. At the heart of this wide tree trunk is an alcove where lizards, bats and many insects have made it into their natural habitat.
Folklore has it that many spirits dwell in this mysterious old tree. Filipinos with a strong background on superstitious beliefs and traditions would always mutter a respectful word to request for permission to touch its bark or to climb on the tree. Some local residents also believe that the leaves of that wonder tree can heal ailments and can bring good luck into your business if you keep two or more leaves. But it also believe that provoking spirits can cause great harm and illness.
How to get to Canlaon and Oldest Tree
Canlaon city is 165.7 kilometers from DumagueteCity or about 4 hours travel by road. If you're coming from Cebu you can take a Ceres Bus from the Cebu City North Terminal it will take only 4 to 5 hours travel. Once in the city proper, you can ask directions to OISCA Farm or the Balete Tree would not be difficult because of its popularity. It has become one of the city's biggest tourism lures and has helped both in developing and strengthening the tourism insdustry.
