The small town stirred as the first rays of the day broke through a cloudy eastern sky. Perched on top of a small hill in a barangay called Caraboan, we had a good view of the rice fields below, which from where we are, are rows of different shades or hues of green and brown.



quintessential country side

I always like visiting Mayantoc, home town of a good friend and fellow photography enthusiast Mon Corpuz, for it reminded me much of my home town before "progress" swept in. The major national road bypasses the town so it remained "out of the way", perhaps much to its advantage. What it lacks in modern progress it more than made up with verdant fields, picturesque valleys and hills, endless streams and rivers, elusive waterfalls, and the warm hospitality of its people.


Bantay Lima at sunrise

So here we are on a grassy hill one cold morning waiting for the sun to rise. In the distance the sky behind Bantay Lima (Five Mountains), one of the recognizable landmarks, are painted in pastel colors. Its a landscape one, at least those like us, would not tire of getting up to.


moonset in Carabaoan

If you are lucky you get to see the moon set too right after sunrise.


country road

So what does one do in a idyllic rural town? Cherish time, for in a place like this time seems to slow down. Find a good spot to fish or sleep under the shade of a large mango tree while pretending to read a book. Or for the adventuresome, hop on a mountain bike and discover scenic back roads and when the sun gets hot, cool down by the river (for which Mayantoc has endless of).

If a little more physical activity suits your fancy, a hike up to one of the peaks of Bantay Lima might just be your thing. Shooting those peaks several times from a distance would eventually lead to the question: "has anyone climb those peaks?" And so we found ourselves hiking up to the highest of the five peaks one hot morning. A grand view awaits one at the top.


view midway to the top


mini rice terraces


shades of green

After a long hot day, locals winds down by heading to the river just a stone throw away from the town center for a refreshing dip. It has become of one of my favorite spots too, particularly for it has a perfect view of the sunset.


golden dusk

A day ends in Mayantoc just like the way it starts: simple and without fuss.



You can see more photos of Mayantoc here.