This old horned and hoofed fellow beside me is one Philippine pride! Well I can try to imitate this carabao for the heck of it (before it gets mad and yank me with its horns), but I could never imitate what it actually does, things which will make you wonder -- "how the hell does he do that?" We came across a close encounter with Mr. Carabao here (a.k.a. the water buffalo) from our Mindoro Island trip.
Tukuran Falls is located deep in the forest of Mindoro, and to reach it one has to cross an amazing seven rivers! Sounds exaggerated, but true. And the only means of transport where no ordinary land vehicle can do (well maybe except for a Hummer, hehe) is Mr. Carabao himself. And why feature Mister Carabao rather than Tukuran Falls itself? Who knows, maybe I just felt like it..
Tukuran Falls is located deep in the forest of Mindoro, and to reach it one has to cross an amazing seven rivers! Sounds exaggerated, but true. And the only means of transport where no ordinary land vehicle can do (well maybe except for a Hummer, hehe) is Mr. Carabao himself. And why feature Mister Carabao rather than Tukuran Falls itself? Who knows, maybe I just felt like it..Armed with a wooden pullcart and a local guide with a whip, Mr. Carabao is ready to bring us to paradise . He did manage to fulfill his task, although with a lot of ride bumps, whippings from his pet driver (ouch!), and stucked wheels. I couldn't help but wonder how he did it. His body may just be equal to 2 or 3 people, and yet he can carry 6 dumb tourists, 1 lousy driver, our excessively-packed personal bags and food, and the pullcart itself across 7 flowing rivers at his feet (I mean, hooves)!
Animals like these have become a farmer's best friend in plowing rice fields and transporting produce from farms. From birth, these creatures have been grown into the poor man's world of hardwork (Ever seen a carabao on a rich man's mansion with a gold collar that says Fifi?). It's like they were born to be poor. As poor people do, they survive through the strength of their will. Mister Carabao was doing his job with all his best, else, his master will not earn money. If he wouldn't be of any use for his master, he will end up where all other carabaos who failed have gone to -- dinner. He can do such an amazing feat not just because he looks strong, but because he must live.
Yep I have seen lots of Mr. Carabao's kind and what Mr. Carabao's kind can do, but riding one in Mindoro was my first Carabao ride, and it was a very overwhelming experience. Over millions of Filipinos, how many do you think have even experienced patting such creature?
No wonder it became the Philippines' National Animal. It signifies the local Filipino fighting spirit. Let's try to live up that spirit, shall we?
Next time I'll try to be on a "grass-only" diet..
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