Photo by: Maiylah of Maiylah's SnippetsOne of the most peculiar things about the barrio of Taloctoc that had remained in my memory after all these years - were the coconut trees that dotted the backyards of every nipa hut in that small village.
One can see a few avocado or santol trees but -always- there would always be a coconut tree in each backyard.
The children were used to scaling the tree like it was just a guava tree.
We had even "Coconut Climbing" as one of the games played during fiestas and celebrations.
Coconut oil is also found in every home. It is a part of the "First Aid Kit" of every household. It is made used of as a balm for burns, stomachaches, headaches, arthritis, muscle aches and so many more medicinal purposes.
It is with coconut oil that medicinal herbs were soaked and preserved and were eventually used by native healers.
It also adds delicious flavor to food like in vegetable dishes. Native cakes or sweets were mixed with coconut oil to enhance their flavor. The clear tasty, liquid that comes from fresh coconuts are excellent beverages.
What's definitely amazing is that every inch of this tree proved to be extremely useful for the villagers.
The bark had been used to built "bridges" (yes coconut bridges-they're sturdy-mind you!)
The leaves when fresh, could be turned into household decors and when they had dried, could be made into stick brooms.
The outer part of the fruit are trimmed into husks.
The inner hard part of the husks are polished and made used of as bowls. (You should see one of them -unbreakable bowls -very durable whether with hot or cold dishes..and water tasted different when using one of these containers.)
Well, for the roots - (no they're not useless!), they are planted again for propagation.
Indeed, whenever I see a coconut tree . I remember Taloctoc - my small paradise!
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER:
Maiylah has her own wonderful blog entitled : " MAIYLAH'S SNIPPETS.
She is a good writer and photographer rolled into one.
She takes her own photos for her blog and has a beautiful collection of them.
Visit her blog and immerse yourself in her brand of vivid photography and good posts.
13 comments:
In your comment:
Jena Isle said..
Is this also your blog Ruby? I like it...refreshing...keep posting.
June 28, 2008 8:54 PM at my blog Traipsey Turvey
I answered:
actually NO. check the about me box... then check the banner....no this is not ruby's other blog....
June 29, 2008 1:25 AM
Deranged Insanity
Traipsey Turvey
PierrEzrah
Great story about the coconut. One of my fondest memories is when my Mother introduced me to a coconut. Thanks for reminding me.
Dear jenaisle, the way you describe the meaning of the cocnut for the people of a barrio makes it easy for me to visualize it. Thank you.
Blessings Rainer
Ahhh...Coconuts. I crave coconut water, especially now that's summer here in the U.S. I couldn't get enough of the coconut drinks the last time I visited the Philippines. It's the best. I also do have a Wallis made from coconut leaves. Have a great day.
same in our province ... the coconut tree is always around. but when we lived for a while in Bukidnon, I was surprised to see so few coconut trees there ... and the ones that i found didn't have any fruits!
thanks so much, Jena ... :)
Your post reminds me of my mom making coconut oil from coconuts bought from Tabuk. Very aromatic and, as you said, the oil is a must in a household's first aid kit :-)
Hi Z'riz, sorry for that,,,you're both great bloggers, thanks for the visit.
Hi Sandra, thanks for dropping by. I visited your blog and it's cool. Keep posting.
Hi Ray, I'm glad you were able to visualize the coconut tree...it measnI'm able to fulfill my goal for the post. Thanks for the visit.
Tasha, yes, that coconut "juice" with ice and some of the meat that we liked so much. Thanks.
Maiylah, thanks again for the pic. It was a perfect one for this post.
Bill, you mean your mom, go often to Tabuk? That's wonderful. Small world isn't it? Do drop by more often...Happy blogging.
Bill, you mean your mom, go often to Tabuk?
Dati. But not anymore because she's old na. Although I think she goes once a year.
Thanks for the tip regarding entrecard :-)
Bill, I meant "Your mom GOES often to Tabuk."
Sometimes these keypads have a mind of their own. he he he..
Btw, you can click the Gewgaw blog from this blog. The link is at the side bar. Thanks.
Cheers!
After your description, I would love to see this Taloctoc, sounds like a beautiful place. I had no idea there was some many use's for the coconut, and it's tree. I think it would be interesting to see one of those coconut bridges, and I now have a strange desire to drink water from a coconut bowl. Lovely post, thanks for stopping by my site.
Hi Eric, yes Taloctoc is a paradise to me.
Someday, I'll be going back and bring home with me a ton of pictures from the place.
Thanks for the visit Eric. I am honored.
i'm lucky i'm in the Philippines, I can drink water from coconut and eat its coconut meat anytime...ang saya at ang sarap hmmm...
HI Bleuken, yes we're lucky indeed. There's no place like home.
Happy blogging.
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