Keeping up with the Wild Ones

The day we arrived at Vigan, we were more than amazed to see the mixture of the Hispano-Filipino culture. It was nostalgic and kinda felt that our pre-born Filipino selves, living during the Spanish times, had been awakened. Although the Spanish era was famous on negative activities with Filipinos, Vigan gives the other side of the story and thus gives us a holistic view of the past.

Vigan is not just all about its intricate houses, its calles (i.e. Calle Crisologo, Calle Rizal), the horses, or even the fountain show. The city also prides itself of its diverse zoo in Baluarte which is located towards the South China Sea, only a 10-minute ride outside the city proper. It houses different kinds of animals from mammals, avian creatures, and reptiles. If that did not pique your interest, perhaps this will: FREE ENTRANCE!! This makes it a nice venue for family gatherings or educational tour site for students.

Keeping the zoo alive

While taking pictures at the “BALUARTE ZOO” signage, we wanted to call the zookeeper’s attention because a doe got out of the pen. However, we soon found out a wonderful thing about this zoo – animals are free to roam around and interact with people.

Another thing to expect in the zoo is the animal exhibition. It is divided into two parts: (a) animal talent display and (b) animal encounters. The first part was note-worthy; but the second was more than magnanimous. While snakes graced along volunteers’ necks, lizards also lazily crept on other volunteers’ arms. But other than the exotic and fun animals, we also met the underrated star of the show – the host who tirelessly furnish happiness on tired but eager faces of audiences every single day.

Mr. Jason Frando is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Manage-ment in one of Vigan’s universities. More than a job, he thinks that being a host of the show gives more connection to the very essence of human nature- being with other animals. He has been with the zoo since 2014. So what made him take the job? Jason used to be a self-supporting student and once quitted school to finance his education. Then, the zoo became a part of his life shortly after. Remembering it, he said, “Way back 2014? 2015? That was the time na hindi ako nag-aaral, then I decided na mag-aral. I realized na I’m not getting younger anymore so I need to finish my studies.” It was because of his talent in hosting and being an on-call tour guide at the local tourism office which made him venture on this fulfilling job.

According to Jason, physical and psychological well-being exercises are prepared and performed daily before they chit-chat with the animals. Imagine how they are going to tame wild animals and do something in front of all people? Learning theories and conditionings can explain how, but it needs sheer dedication and hardwork to control and do one’s job.

SO SINO ANG MAG-AADJUST? Kung mahirap pala tong trabahong ‘to?

“We have to,” it is like a privilege to us humans to communicate what we need. The animals are fundamental beings, questioned for language and culture existence, which can only communicate physiological necessities. To ensure safety, show personnel are trained professionally to know the basics of handling animals. Before each show, the team requires that everything must be fine which means the animals must not be stressed before going center stage. The shows run every day at 10 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM. Different routines for different animals are used to avoid being stressed. Once felt, animals can either disobey their learnt behaviors or worse, “kakagatin kayo.”

Tao nga nangangagat, hayop pa kaya?

Among the hardest animals to train are the bearded dragon and the mutant snake.

“There was a time na papakainin namin, tapos nagsusungit sya so imbis yung

pagkain ang kakagatin, yung kamay mo.”

We may have enjoyed the show, got tantalized at our adrenaline rushes, but little did we know our trainers and animals have gone out of their ways to make us experience our coexistence up close.

On Rizal: What I think he was and is

Most of us look up heroes that are written in books. Among these is Dr. Jose Rizal who renounced himself from bloody battles of swords and guns. This is important for Jason since he believes not all wars should be fought by force but by intelligence and ability. Being strong and silent are essentials in fighting battles. “’Pag alam ko na mali yung kinakalaban ko, hindi ako naiinip pero I promise myself na in a day or two, pagbabayaran mo yung ginawa mo sa akin.”

Tantamount to grievances of the present days, this portrait gives us a glimpse of not just the sound of rational thinking but of a delay of justice system. Contrary to the belief of many, battles are fought on two sides: a pen that blurts out letters of self-control and a likened pen which its edge can be used to drill a hole unto others. Rizal was more of the former. Up until the present, this adage is famous for contemplation: “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.” Jason still believes that the youth is the future of our nation because of the values that are still being lived up; maybe not fully for the country’s benefits but for strengthening our ties as Filipinos.

Amor por el pais- Pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa, sa ating bansa, sa ating bayan. There is so much for idealism on those few words that even Rizal fought hard for it but, today, this concept has slowly been degenerating. It was earthed only to be disremembered. A dichotomy exists in this nation. Many Filipinos go abroad to find pastures, sometimes greener, others dripping red. We can’t disentangle that we are still Filipinos, however this reality construal exist if someone BIRGes on the glory of our blood relatives yet does not give a hint of protraction to the lives of those branded as collateral damages on war against drugs.

Jason has confidence that he lived the life of Rizal by sharing his knowledge and experiences to other people. As they say, “experience is the best learning.” His simple yet striking view of bravery is that: We treat others with gentleness even towards animals. He added, “… simple lang yun pero kung pagtutuunan natin ng pansin, makabuluhan talaga.”

#hero