The legend of Mt.kanlaon

Mt. Kanlaon is named after the ancient Visayan deity, Kan-Laon, which means “One Who is the Ruler of Time” or the “Exalted One.” Legend has it that the mountain is where Laon made his presence to the people. The volcano is also a pilgrimage site for Negrense hermits, sorcerers, babaylans, and alike. It is believed to be a place where they reflect and meditate to connect with Kan-Laon.<

There are many folklores about Kan-Laon. Here is one of them:

http://www.choosephilippines.com/go/mountains-and-volcanoes/3829/active-volcano-visayas-kanlaon

The Legend of Mt. Kanlaon

One day, a group of enthusiastic farmers reached the top of the mountain and were greeted by Kan-Laon. Humbled by his presence, one of the tobacco famers asked for the deity's permission to use a part of the land to plant their crops. Kan-Laon, in a happy and good mood, gave his consent with the condition that they will not plant near his house. He drew a line around the mountain top to show the perimeter to the farmers. They complied and went on to farm the land.Days came and everything was in order. Kan-Laon needed to leave his home to meditate. Before setting off, he reminded the farmers again about the line, warned them not to cross the border, and then disappeared.

Several years passed, the farmers were still following Kan-Laon’s rule. Their crops continued to grow and thrive until there were no longer unprohibited areas. Not knowing when Kan-Laon will be coming back from his meditation, a brave tobacco farmer dared to plant his crop beyond the border. The rest of the farmers were dismayed and was mad at him for not following Kan-Laon’s rule. A few days went by and nothing happened to the farmer who went beyond the line. With this news, the farmer exclaimed to the others that Kan-Laon might have looked for other places and has no plans of coming back. Other farmers then joined him in planting tobacco beyond the border. They continued to plant tobacco for years until Kan-Laon returned unexpectedly.

Kan-Laon was disappointed to see that his home is now a tobacco plantation. He was so angry that with just a silent gesture of his finger, the tobacco crops all dried up and were bundled together right beside him.

The scared farmers knelt and begged for forgiveness. Kan-Laon accepted their apology. Then, the farmers asked for another chance to plant their crops on the mountain. He agreed with the condition that the farmers can only plant again once he finish smoking the tobacco bundles. In the blink of an eye, a crater appeared at the area where he drew the line. Kan-Laon went inside the crater with the bundles of tobacco, never to be seen again.

http://www.choosephilippines.com/go/mountains-and-volcanoes/3829/active-volcano-visayas-kanlaon
How to Get There

From Manila, you can fly to Bacolod (Php2500++, round trip, 45 minutes). From Bacolod-Silay Airport, you can take a shuttle (Php75-100 per head), or a cab (minimum of Php400) and ask to be dropped off at your destination.

La Carlota is 45.9km away via San Enrique or 43.2km away via Maao, Bago from Bacolod City. From Bacolod, you can ride a bus plying to La Carlota (about 1-1.5 hours) at the South Terminal.

Explore More of Negros Island

1. Negros: The Organic Food Bowl of Asia
   

   
   http://www.choosephilippines.com/specials/products/3824/organic-negros-negrenses-healthy-celebration/

2. 7 must-visit places in Negros Oriental

http://www.choosephilippines.com/specials/lists/1586/7-places-negros-oriental/

1. Negros Occidental's adobo festival : A showcase of the best pinoy dish.

http://www.choosephilippines.com/do/festivals/3723/adobo-festival-flavorful-recipes-2015/

1. Where can you find the Philippines very own Bigfoot?
   

   
   http://www.choosephilippines.com/do/history-and-culture/1983/philippines-bigfoot-amomongo/

2. Piaya- A very sweet Negrense delicacy
   

   
   http://www.choosephilippines.com/eat/local-flavors/490/piaya/

Thank you!