BUKIDNON - Hidden in valleys and grassy canyons, with streams and water springs flowing through it, the communal ranch in Impasugong town here is the ideal place to go when the hustle and bustle of everyday life starts to swarm.
Perched amidst rolling hills in
Capitan Bayong village, about eight kilometers northeast of the town, the ranch
has been a legendary place of quietness and peace. This vast, 643-hectare
grazing land is a haven for both animals and people. As far as the eye can see,
lush green pastures stretch out in the distance, dotted with well-bred cattle
and horse grazers.
The ranch features a captivating
heart-shaped lake, apart from the mountain backdrop and wildflowers. It is best
for tourists looking for a picture-perfect setting and for couples searching
for a place to take prenuptial photos.
Sanctuary
For outdoor enthusiasts, the ranch is
a paradise. A place where we can slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the
simple things in life. The forests and nearby hills connected by a
network of trails are ideal for trekking and
hiking. You can challenge yourself and push your limits, or take a
leisurely stroll and bask in the stunning views. There’s something for
everyone.
The town as a whole and the local
government unit both jointly own the ranch, according to Mayor Anthony Uy. “For
a fee of 500 pesos a year, Impasugong residents can benefit from various
services, including free vitamins, deworming, breeding, and feeding for their cattle,
as well as the privilege to have their cattle cared for in the ranch,” he said.
As you stroll along the shore of the
mirror-like lake, the towering ridges of Mount Kulago beckon you to unwind and
let go of your worries. The rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds create
a harmonious and serene ambiance, attracting tourists and nature buffs.
Horseback riding
The cowboys, or “Vaqueros,” have been
honing their skills for generations, passing on their expertise from father to
son. Tourists who want to try horseback riding need not worry, as the cowboys
will guide them. For a fee of 250 pesos per hour, the tourists will be taught
how to hold the reins and make the horse walk, trot, or run.
Not only do they teach the tourists
how to ride, but they also make sure that the tourists are safe and comfortable
while riding. They would check the gears, make sure that the horse is well-fed
and hydrated, and give tips on how to handle the horse in case it becomes
agitated. The cowboys take pride in their work as they share stories about the
ranch and the town.
Memories
For photography enthusiasts, the
ranch’s sprawling hills and serene lake provide a stunning canvas to capture
memories that will last a lifetime. The ranch serves as
the scenery for prenuptial photos for couples looking for a unique
and intimate setting.
Pictures captured at the ranch will
serve as a reminder of the beauty of nature and the warmth of Filipino
hospitality. They will be a testament to the couples’ affection—captured in a place
that has witnessed countless love stories.
Heritage
Villagers used to herd cattle across
long distances. However, since it requires more time and skill, becoming a
cowboy was every herder’s dream. For several decades, the "dreamers"
gradually learned to perfectly tend cattle and perform many of their duties on
horseback.
The town still has preserved its
cultural heritage and ethnic identity, which led Star Cinema to unveil the
beauty of Impasugong. The blockbuster film “Love Me Again,” starring Angel
Locsin and Piolo Pascual, was shot in the town’s vast grazing land and valleys.
Its colorful mountains, grasslands, rocky canyons, and gorges are all
cinematically spectacular.
With the town’s wealth derived
predominantly from cattle farms—aside from pineapple, palm oil trees, and
high-value crops—rodeo shows also prospered. The mayor said the town’s cowboys
work actively on ranches, do trail riding, and handle cattle and horses. "They
also compete in rodeos to demonstrate their unique skills in a specially
prepared arena. We are inspired and honored as they top in almost all rodeo
events," Uy said.
Rodeo
In the annual Kaamulan Festival,
rodeo became the most watched sports race. Cowboys compete in five rodeo
events: breakaway roping, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding, and calf
ribbon picking.
Breakaway Roping: A roper is on
horseback with one end of the rope tied to the saddle horn. When the calf is
released from the chute, the roper will be in hot pursuit, with the lasso
swirling in the air overhead. When the loop is thrown, it must pass completely
over the calf’s head. As the calf pulls away from the rider, the rope grows
taut, and the string will break away from the saddle horn. The fastest run
wins.
Steer wrestling: This involves
strength, speed, and precision. A cowboy on horseback, with an assistant known
as a hazer, chases a steer (a neutered bull), drops from the horse to the
steer, and then wrestles the steer to the ground, twisting its horns. The
fastest cowboy to plunge the bull to the ground wins the race.
The Team Roping: This features a
steer and two riders. The first roper is the header," who ropes the front
of the steer, usually around the horns or neck. The second is the heeler,"
who ropes the steer by its hind feet. The fastest performer wins.
The Bull Riding: Involves a rider
getting on a large bull and attempting to stay mounted while the bull bucks or
jumps upward. The rider must tightly fasten one hand to the bull with a long
braided rope. A rider who stays longer atop the bucking bull wins.
The Calf Ribbon Picking: This is also
a timed event where a horse-mounted ‘muse’ (cowgirl) ropes or lassos a calf,
leaps from her horse, and picks the ribbons decorated in the calf’s body parts.
The fastest performer is proclaimed ‘Rodeo Queen’.
Nature
Impasugong is a Higaonon term that
means “current that flows upstream.” With numerous waterfalls and springs
wholly ideal for bathing and swimming, it has cool temperatures all year
long. Its surrounding lush forests and cool blue waters allow you
to chill out and relax.
There are countless reasons why
Higaonons in Impasugong love nature. Find time to come and visit us here.
Before you know it, you will be adding other reasons why this town should
naturally be as it is—the home of the country’s finest cowboys. (RLRB)
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