Rendezvous with Diwata

December 16, 2009 at 2:28 PM · Filed under News and tagged: Agusan River, Art Valdez, Badjao, balangay, balanghai, Brgy. Bading, Butuan, Butuan Global Forum, Cabadbaran, Diwata ng Lahi, Kaya ng Pinoy, Mount Everest Team, Tiririt

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After 3 months and 8 typhoons, Diwata ng Lahi finally arrived at the port of Butuan City around noon on the 28th of November amidst a celebratory welcome by Butuanons. As she slowly sailed her way along the historic Agusan River, escorted by vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard and some well wishers on bancas, there was a feeling akin to nostalgic, of being home at last, to the birthplace of her heritage, the land of the ancient balangays.

My flight landed on Butuan as tropical depression ‘Urduja’ was still in the vicinity of Surigao, where the balangay team was also anchored 2 days prior to their departure towards Cabadbaran, our rendezvous point some 20Km from Butuan City. Gray clouds and a light drizzle greeted me as I step out of the plane, but nonetheless a great feeling of relief as I set foot on the ground from a less than smooth ride due to turbulence.
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