Media group with Tata Kasoy at Pamulaklakin Forest Trail
Come morning of our third and last day at Subic Freeport Zone, after breakfast at Le Charme Suites, we proceeded to the Pamulaklakin Forest Trail, an eco-tourism park that is home to over 300 Aeta families under the Tribung Aetang Ampala.
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Upon arrival, we met up with the 64 year old Aeta tribal elder Dominador Liwanag. Fondly called “Tata Kasoy,” he is a renowned instructor of the Jungle Environmental Survival Training (JEST) course offered to tourists and American servicemen.
Dominador Liwanag AKA Tata Kasoy
With the Aeta’s signature curly hair, small body structure and a dark complexion, this fully licensed guide was also friendly in nature. Best representing the culture of the Aeta community in Subic, Tata Kasoy is frequently featured in various television programs.
Wearing his traditional red bahag (loincloth) and headscarf, he had an entertaining way of demonstrating to us how to survive in the forest. Using the versatile bamboo, he showed us how to start a fire, make cooking utensils and prepare and cook food.
As part of his tribe’s belief in anitos (nature spirits), Tata Kasoy also demonstrated how to acknowledge and give thanks to the spirits before partaking of the cooked food. According to him, they oftentimes prepare another set of food as an offering to the anito.
The author (with bow and arrow) posing with Tata Kasoy
After the interesting demonstration of Aeta culture concluded, we had our pictures taken with Tata Kasoy who directed the session itself, posing with the weapons such as bow and arrow, knives and spears.
Later, the young ones, accompanied by Aling Teresita, tried out the Mini-Jungle Tour, making a short 30-minute trek to explore the dense, pristine forest. I stayed behind with the senior citizens. During the tour, the friendly and informative Aling Teresita pointed out some of the edible and medicinal jungle herbs.
Pamulaklakin Forest Trail: Binictican Drive, SBMA, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, 2222, Zambales. Mobile number: (0929) 572-1105. Admission: Sightseeing (PhP100/head), Mini Jungle Tour (PhP100/head), Ecology Tour (PhP250/head).