Bucari, located in the mountains of Leon, is a summer paradise 3 hours away from Iloilo City. Bucari greatly resembles destinations in Northern Philippines like Baguio and Banaue because of its cool climate and highland attractions such as springs, waterfalls, pine trees, rice terraces, wild flowers, high-value crops, and a breathtaking view of the verdant mountains.

Mt. Agua Colognia and the rice terraces seen in Bucari, Leon

Mt. Agua Colognia and the rice terraces seen in Bucari, Leon

Our first destination was Sitio Camandag. Spent most of the day swimming in its refreshing cold springs and waterfalls.

Natural pools in Sitio Camandag

Natural pools in Sitio Camandag

Natural pools in Sitio Camandag

Imoy Falls

Imoy Falls

We left for Sitio Tabionan at around 3pm and was planning on spending the night in the campsite there. Getting to Sitio Tabionan is a grueling 5km trek upland along a muddy road.

Rough road to Sitio Tabionan

Rough road to Sitio Tabionan

Rice Terraces Upclose

Great view of the Bucari Landscape

Great view of the Bucari Landscape

When we arrived at Tabionan, it was already dark … too dark to set up tents in the campsite. So, we stayed in a nearby house and set-up our tents there instead.

Dusk at Tabionan

Dusk at Tabionan

Dusk at Tabionan

There were locals who assisted us during our stay and cooked our food for us. Earlier in the town proper, I had already mentioned that I was curious about this delicacy they call “Linagpang.” I had heard of it during the Jessica Soho episode when they featured Bucari on National TV. I was overjoyed when I found out that they were cooking Linagpang for us for dinner.

I especially liked that they pour fresh chickens blood in the soup to add a special taste. When it’s served, you can eat the blood because it had already coagulated into one jello-looking mass. Leon’s Linagpang was delicious … a must taste when in town.

Grilled Native Chicken

Grilled Native Chicken

Yummy Linagpang!

Yummy Linagpang!

The next day, we set out to be among the pine trees. We lounged around the picnic tables and shot the second installment of Connor Cunnings.

Ferns and Pinetrees

Ferns and Pinetrees

Dozing off at the picnic tables in Tabionan

Dozing off at the picnic tables in Tabionan

Picnic Tables

Picnic Tables

Cabbage Patches

Cabbage Patches

We always ride on the roof of the jeep because it offers a great view of Bucari

Road-building equiptment neglected and overrun by grass

Road-building equipment neglected and overrun by grass

We had lunch at my friend’s house in Leon town proper, where another serving of Linagpang was prepared for us. Talk about Linagpang overload!

Self-portraits a month the Pines

Urban in the Jungle

Urban in the Jungle

I have my eyes on you

I have my eyes on you

Thinking of You

Thinking of You

Forest fashion

Forest fashion

A Verdant Death

A Verdant Death