I was on my early age when I fall in love with this place. As my home since I got my consciousness, this place has been my haven and is the witness of my childhood, and my life as a whole. And with it, I am forever indebted.
Though I was not born in Jabonga, but my roots are natives here. My mother is a pure Jabonganon while my father came from a neighbor town where I was born. Since my family decided to settle here while I was “months” old, Jabonga has been considered my home. I don’t even recognize that I was not conceived here, if not with my birth certificate, since I learned my first few steps from its ground and my mind has been molded from this environment.
How can I forget this place? The lake where I learned my first dive. I was once caught by my mother swimming at the fish port where I got spanked afterwards because I did not ask her consent. The free fishing along its shore with just a nylon and a hook and those family picnics during weekends and special occasions. The baroto boating which gave me confidence in water always excites me.
I know Jabonganons would agree with me if I would say that one of the few things they would surely miss about Jabonga is its delicacies, particularly the bounty from Lake Mainit. First on the rank is the igi. Dubbed as the food of the Jabonganons, this edible freshwater shell is a good source of calcium and iron that made Jabonganons "intellectual" (no objection please). Second maybe is pijanga , then hayuan, and tilapia and so on. Actually, I don't have any statistical data with what I've mentioned above, they're just my perceptions. So please don't accuse me of being assuming. Anyway, how can I forget the compact-disc formed dried fish called saguyon, its crispness still haunt in my mouth. Although right now, catching this poor creature is banned by the local government for preservation. Small-scale fisher folks are only allowed to catch for household consumption and not for commercial purposes.
Where can i find in the world such nice people like the Jabonganons. The town is like a huge clan bind with respect and love. I could even trace my roots up to 6th to 7th generation and I could attend different reunion if I opt to. That's why, when we were still young, we were advised by the elders to be cautious of whom we court, since we might courting with relatives, and it’s a big no to them. Here, almost everyone knows each other and your life is also like an open book to them. Jabonganons are also happy people. We love to dance. That is why during fiesta, the highlight of the event is always the sadsaran. This is a community dance participated by different ages usually run 'til dawn and sometimes extended for different nights. Unlike in other places, this community dance is for free and is hold in open spaces.
Being at home is also felt even we are afar from Jabonga. I experienced it when I was in Luzon where the Jabonganons in Manila (JIM) sponsored a Christmas party to all Jabonganons there. I also heard that they even celebrate a fiesta simultaneous with the celebration in Jabonga. This community serves as a surrogate family to Jabonganons longing home. It is also present in other major cities like in Cebu and Davao.
Bisan hain ako dad on, I always look forward to go back and experience the luxury I can only find in Jabonga.
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