Trip to the Southernmost Barangay

Located almost 30 kilometers away from the Poblacion (City Center), Barangay Apo Macote is geographically the southernmost barangay of the City. Known to locals as "PoApz" and "Apo" (not to be confused with Lake Apo in the neighboring Valencia City),the barangay can be reached via the National Highway connecting Malaybalay City and the neighboring municipality of Cabanglasan. Below is the route leading to Apo Macote:

From City Terminal:

1. Take a bus ride going south. (e.g. Valencia, Kibawe, Kadingilan, Tacurong, Wao) [Jeepneys and multicabs going to the Upper Pulangi District or Cabanglasan are also options, but for out of Malaybalay travelers, I'll use the public utility bus as referrence.]

2. Stop at Barangay Aglayan. This barangay is the meeting point of the Highways leading to Lantapan (west) and Cabanglasan (east).

3. Take either a habal-habal ride, multicab or jeepney. (Note: always ask for directions to avoid getting lost.)

You will pass by 5 barangays namely Barangays Linabo, Violeta, Simaya, San Martin and Sinanglanan.

Barangay Apo Macote Administration Building

Last November 25, 2012, my friends and I went to Apo to taste the locals' delicacies as they celebrate their fiesta in honor of "Kristong Hari". We traveled on motorcycle, in which I drove one of them. It was a hand cracking drive as we traversed the unpaved road. We started driving at 9AM and after 1 hour, we finally reach Apo and the place is at the middle of its celebration. People come and go and anticipating for lunch which is still 2 hours away. I've never been back to this place for 6 years, mainly because of its distance and I still don't have time. The barangay is the home of one of my aunt and that's where our home court is.

While waiting for lunchtime, I asked permission from my aunt if I could go to see the mighty Pulangi River which is very near. But then my friends also want to go so we traveled another 3 kilometers on wheels until finally we reached the bridge connecting Brgy. Apo Macote and Brgy. San Isidro of Valencia City.

The bridge connecting Apo and San Isidro. The Pulangi serves as the boundry of both the barangays and of Malaybalay and Valencia Cities. However, this bridge was destroyed by Typhoon "Pablo" last December 4, 2012.

Barangay Apo Macote Welcome Marker.

Barangay San Isidro Welcome Marker.

It was a spectacular site. The mountains, the fields, the river, its just WOW! The picture below shows the Pulangi River in either side of the bridge.

The Pulangi River. (Facing north from the bridge.)

The Pulangi River. (Facing south from the bridge. Musuan Peak can be clearly seen from afar.)

After taking some rest and snapshots, we head back to Apo because we're already hungry and its almost noon. While on our way, I caught some images of the surrounding fields and mountains.

Mount Capistrano.

A road leading to Barangay Bangcud.

Another view of Mount Capistrano.

It was a fun day, full of food and laughter. Hopefully next year I could go back. Visit and explore BARANGAY APO MACOTE - Malaybalay's southernmost barangay.

Barangay Apo Macote Fiesta

November 25, 2012