Are you afraid of the Balete? Certainly not this Promdi. Well, at least not anymore. It is said in Filipino folklore that the Balete tree is enchanted and mystical beings like tikbalang, kapre and dwende live in it. People who grew up in the the Philippine provinces must have heard stories of people hurt by beings inhabiting a Balete tree. As much as possible never get close to them unless you want to face terrible consequences.
Last week, my officemates and I visited Sipaway Island, San Carlos City. A tour around the island would not be complete without passing by the century old Balete tree. When we learned from the tricycle driver that local TV Host Angelo Angolo climbed the tree in one of his feature stories, we were challenged.
Maia was the one who’s very excited and climbed first followed by me then Sheryl. But then, the two of them can’t make it to the top of the Balete. I thought I can’t get any braver since there were a lot of us. So there I went, climbing all the way to the top. It wasn’t so scary up there. I even find it quite nice the way the branches open up to the sky like welcoming arms.
I searched the pictures for any sign of unwanted companions but thank God I found none. I’d freak out if I did. Watching too much Pinoy Thriller and Regal Shocker as a kid can do that to you. How about you, would you dare climb a Balete? Or are you too much of a chicken? 
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
im proud to be a living witness to your “diosa” moment. in fairness, mare, kahanay mo na sina Angelo Anggolo. Winner ka!
roxiegirls last blog post..The Ruins, Talisay City
Hehehe..gani man mare. Daw medyo kulbaan man una pero carry man gali ah. Baw mabal-an sg iloy ko basi maakigan ako.
abaw.. naka post na ang pics, ako ya daw mahibi? kay daw mahulog na? hahahaha
@maia – hehehe…huo wala ka ka pose sg imo trademark pose. but kun wala ka nangisog magsaka wala man kami nagsunod.
hahaha, you guys are brave. i would do it in a heartbeat, too. i am fond of climbing.
Belles last blog post..Winter Gardening in Arizona Mountains
oh, the pictures make me envy, i love to climb trees, but i’ve never climbed a balete. looks fun!
betchais last blog post..Joshua Tree National Park