Isn't this something? it's the weirdest coconut tree I've seen and can be found near Matling, Malabang, Lanao del Sur



I've visited the Philippines multiple times but after 17 years, I finally decided to visit my birth place, Matling. Matling is located in Malabang, Lanao del Sur in southern Philippines. It is a small, well sustained private plantation owned by the Spencer's. It's main product is cassava starch. They produce on average around 1300 to 1400 50 kg bags of starch in 24 hrs. period. Wow, that's definitely a lot of starch!! besides starch, they produce coconut virgin oil, orchids, cattle, beauty soaps and tropical fruits like Durian, mangosteen, Longkong and Rambutam. Exotic and delicious......

The main reason I hesitated to visit Matling is safety. I don't mind about myself but I am always towing my two kids. Lanao del Sur is in a Muslim territory. Although it's quite peaceful and safe overall, insurgencies can happen any time! Air travel is no longer an option. So to get there, one can only travel by land and that's what we did. Although we encountered some potholes, cracks and even the pave road disconnects for a hundred feet, over all the road is good. The view along the coast is phenomenal. So exotic and serene. It's worth the trip for those who are brave and wants adventure.

The Welcoming site of Matlling. Officially, we're here!!!


After over 6 hours of driving, we reached Matling exhausted but safe. Before heading to Matling, our first stop was the company's fruit stand along the way near Picong Beach. The fresh, cool juice from the young cononut was a treat. Jonathan and I and along with relatives enjoyed the "butong" or young coconut except for my daughter Jade. I knew she won't try a bit. She's way too picky about anything. Before leaving, we ordered 5 kilos of their pride Longkong fruit to be picked up on the way back. Can't wait to try. I wanted mangosteen so badly but as I was told it's out of season.

Here, Jonathan enjoyed "butong" or fresh young coconut


Matling has tight security as it's always been. We have to go past a post with security guard to get in. Guess who is on duty today? My former high school classmate Camelo Gomez. It felt so good to finally here! I've been itching to come back to this place for quite sometime and I can't believe were finally here!!! As with any company town, I can sense that the news about me coming is like a hungry weed. Paparazzi anyone???

We stayed at the company's guest house for P800.00/night roughly around $17/night. There are 2 twin beds and thank God their is a good working air conditioner. That was my son's first questions when inquiring about the room. He was sweating like a pig and was so delighted to know their was one. It's well worth it given there is a functioning toilet and shower as well. The Spencer's keep the place up and tidy. I have one remaining brother that still working in the plantation so we had dinner in his house that night. Any one can order meals at the company's canteen with local fares in the menu which we did for breakfast and lunch. We only stayed for one full day in Matling before heading back to Cagayan de Oro city. With such a short itinerary, we utilized the time wisely as we can.

The following day, we drove to the northern part of Matling where I've got to see Ate Perla first. I used to work with her for a few months at the kindergarten school where she used to be a teacher. Now she is the school's principal. It was so nice to see her. My dad didn't see Matling for at least a good 10 years so he was happy to be there as well. Next stop was to see my high school located across the street. There are some changes here and there but still SFSI (Spencer's foundation School, Inc). My high school classmate Cherry in now the school's librarian and Ate Chris Torres used to be my Physics teacher is now the principal. It was such a delight to see them!!! They don't seem to age.
The road was terrible around Matling. It's hilly and nothing is paved. Eventhough I don't have a 4 wheel drive, my trusted van managed to take us from point A to point B comfortably and importantly, the van in one whole piece! I really appreciate our trusted driver, my brother Lolong . He used to work in Matling too. The only problem with this van was the non working air conditioning. We didn't have enough time to get it fixed prior to this trip. It's quite comfortable when the vehicle was moving since it's cool and breezy, but when it stopped it's another story .We did stopped while we were in Iligan city to pick up essentials like food from McDonalds. My daughter gobbled up all her pancakes in no time. She sure was starving! I have problem feeding her. As I mentioned earlier she's very picky about food. The site of McDonalds makes her feel right at home. But again, if you feed her cake and ice cream she's a happy camper.

I've got to see my other high school classmates like Geogracia Chavez and Anthony Anton (AA) and after all this years, they are still both single and happy!!! AA was grinning from ear to ear when I saw him. He radiates happiness. We've got to stop at the company's commissary store and see Ate Mila and gal named Fe. They were happy to see us. Ate Mela is one of the VIP in the plantation and been assisting the Spencer's for a very long time. And still going...
Now coming back as a tourist, we've got to see the backbone of the company, the cassava plant . It was interesting to finally see the whole process. This plant was up and running since 1928! And no signs of slowing down. How cool is that. Our last stop that day was at the company's administrative office where familiar faces still looms. A lot of people that I knew since I left back in 1992 are still there. Too many to mention but the best of all is that they remain sweet, happy and very welcoming. They were so happy to see my kids too. Such wonderful people. It was nice to see them all.

Matling is beautiful, emaculate, well maintained and it's green everywhere!!!! But it was hot and humid. Given I 've been in Arizona for quite some time, I was sweating like a pig! Well, what I'm complaining about? It's not green for nothing! In fact, we had a nice down pour that following night while having a nice dinner at our good, old friend Pat Gonzales. He lives next to the guest house where we were staying. All these Filipino dishes, I won't have this fare when I'll get back so gobble, gobble, gobble...:-) Anyway, Pat is married with 3 kids and such a wonderful, delightful person. He is very entertaining and full of life. His daughter who is 10 years old gets along pretty quickly with Jade.

Life is simple but people are happy. They are always laughing and smiling. I absolutely needed it. Although it was short but a wonderful, memorable visit. That's my Matling. It's full of memories.....I wish I could stay one more day. I will definitely come back again and this time will be much longer.

Jonathan and Jade in Matling with cousins Gary and Arlie.