The Blacksmith of Mambajao

Short Description

A bolo is a large cutting tool similar to the machete, used particularly in the jungles of the Philippines, and in the sugar fields of Negros. The primary use for the bolo is clearing vegetation, whether for agriculture or during trail blazing.

The bolo is called an itak in Tagalog while in Hiligaynon, the blade is referred to as either a binangon or a talibong. A Filipino without his bolo isn''t a real Pinoy.

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Time and Distance

The Blacksmith of Mambajao are on the national highway eastbound of Mambajao. It is a 10 minutes walk from the center of Mambajao, but you can also take a motorela for PHP 7.00 per pax.

Equipment

A bottle of fresh water. The blacksmit's work is a hot job.

What to see

Bolos are also used as military weapons and as such they were a particular favorite of the Filipino resistance during the 1898 Philippine Revolution against Spain, the Philippine-American War, and the Commonwealth period. Since the bolo was first used as a farming implement, it was used in combat because during colonial times the ubiquitous bolo was readily available to the common person. For this reason the study of the bolo is common in Filipino martial arts, such as Balintawak, Pekiti-Tirsia Kali and Modern Arnis.

There are several types of bolos. Depending on their usage you find different shapes:

+ The all-purpose bolo: Used for all sorts of odd jobs, including breaking open coconuts.

+ The haras: Similar to a small scythe, it is used for cutting tall grass.

+ The kutsilyo: The term comes from the Spanish word cuchillo, meaning knife. Generally used to kill and bleed pigs during slaughter.

+ The bolo-guna: A bolo specifically shaped for digging out roots and weeding.

+ The garab: Used to harvest rice.

+ The sundang: Supposedly used mainly to open coconuts. The sundang, also called "tip bolo" or itak, was a popular weapon of choice in the revolution.

+ The pinuti. A large bolo.

What to do

Follow with your eyes a bolo getting formed from an old, broken truck spring to the final sharp object.
But if you like, you may try yourself. Ask a blacksmith if you may try. There will be lots of laughters when you start prespiring. The large smit's hammer has its weight! The blacksmith will be helpful and will give you hints and show you tricks.

Shopping

You may buy your own bolo. The bolo is considerd to be a weapon (see above). On some ferries you will be requested to hand over your bolo to an officer during the journey. For domestic and international flights you will have to put the bolo in your checked luggage.But prior to buying one, make sure that the laws in your country do allow the import.

Costs

None. Motorela PHP 7.00 per pax.

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