I have been on this place for 9 years and still counting for years to come that I will spend calling this our home— it is the best place for me.
Like any other people, my family and I also have dream places and countries on our minds that we want to go to and it has been a promise that we will go to those, when the right time comes. Well those dream places are wonderful; more so than our current residence and that fact is crystal clear, from awesome scenery, beautiful cultures to their four different seasons—it will be an astonishing moment, in a good way when we finally be there. But no place or country will ever replace the one I am calling home; I have spent most of my childhood here and built those bittersweet memories together with my loved ones. It will forever be on my heart, wherever I may go.
‘Wondering what that place is?’
It is on the land of Cotabato. Considered as the highest place in the city, where there are many trees and giant rocks. Where you can breathe fresh air and your heart will be at ease for its peaceful vibe. Pedro Colina Hill is its name but people are more familiar calling it– PC Hill. Well it is no special place, neither grand festivals nor particular tourist spots you will witness. PC Hill is just a simple place and that’s what makes it extraordinary.
View on the road to Pedro Colina Hill’s Campo.
My mother’s family has been here since the time that it is still a developing place. When I say developing place, I mean the time when PC Hill is still a forest-like place or a plain hill—wherein there are many kinds of trees, plants and there aren’t still roads for vehicles or many people and houses. They’ve seen this place grow and develop into what it is now.
According to the people who had long lived here, PC Hill is a camp of soldiers way back the old times (and there are still soldiers residing here at present) that may be the reason why the upper part of the hill is called ‘campo’. As years passed by, civilians built their homes and started raising their own families in this place. Some are also family of soldiers—including ours. In addition campo is also the place where some of the government offices like the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Police Office located.
Welcome greetings of CCPO on the way to PC Hill (left)
Sultan Kudarat Monument, Tantawan Park, PC Hill (right)
Majority of the people here in Pedro Colina Hill are friendly—well I can’t say everyone’s friendly because we all know that there will always be those people whose role in life is to bug others or their bad sides are just greater than the good ones—but setting them aside, Christians and Islam are peacefully living in here.
There are several events being celebrated on this little barangay, like the feast of Senior San Miguel every September 29th, it has been a tradition to welcome even strangers and to celebrate the feast with them. Simple contests are also formed in relation to the religious festival, such as the Miss Gay pageant and sports competitions like volleyball, basketball, etc. Residents are also performing bayanihan through helping to put banderitas on the streets in order to beautify our beloved Pedro Colina Hill. Flores de Mayo is one fun, educational event for children that happens on the whole month of May. Christian youths can join, learn, enjoy and become friends with other kids; it is a good way to start building your memories of childhood on this. After learning about God, children have libreng merienda and can play up to their hearts desire. There are also other celebrations formed during special events such as the Christmas/Get Together Party for all Batang PC Hill on the month of December.
PC Hillians live in harmony and newbies are assured safe when visiting this place. Aside from not having the problem of flood during rainy season, the top of PC Hill where the siren heard all over Cotabato City is located, it is also the very spot where you can see the whole scenery of the city.
Several panoramic views of Cotabato City from PC Hill
(P.S. This is not yet taken from the very summit.)
Pedro Colina Hill may not be a grand place, it may never be featured on some television shows, but it surely is the perfect place to have a simple and quite life, to start fresh again—away from the noise of the always-busy-cities.
So come and have the time to visit this lovely hill! Safe trip and see you soon!
Credits to the owners of these wonderful pictures!
Andrea's 