ONE can never truly understand unless you yourself experience what the land near the heavens offers. It was love at first sight for Dr. Reinaldo Bautista Sr. A love that grew through the years, one that’s strong enough to make him brave the 10-hour bumpy, roller-coaster-like ride to Natonin, year after year, after year.
Attending, and being an active participant in all the events of the recently concluded eight-day Sas-alliwa Festival is a testament of his devotion to this eastern Mountain Province municipality and its people. The festival is viewed as a grand annual gathering for Natonin’s sons and daughters and their visitors. It is an event that showcases the culture, local produce and tourism of this sleepy town especially for non-Natonians who would partake of the festivities. But for Mr. Bautista, he is far from what one can view as a visitor. He is an adopted son of Natonin. His brothers and sisters gave him the name Hara, meaning ray of light—nothing can be more appropriate than this as he indeed personifies the name given to him.
Attending, and being an active participant in all the events of the recently concluded eight-day Sas-alliwa Festival is a testament of his devotion to this eastern Mountain Province municipality and its people. The festival is viewed as a grand annual gathering for Natonin’s sons and daughters and their visitors. It is an event that showcases the culture, local produce and tourism of this sleepy town especially for non-Natonians who would partake of the festivities. But for Mr. Bautista, he is far from what one can view as a visitor. He is an adopted son of Natonin. His brothers and sisters gave him the name Hara, meaning ray of light—nothing can be more appropriate than this as he indeed personifies the name given to him.