I smiled a genuine smile as the scenes from a painting of a Philippine National Artist came to life before my eyes. Mountains as the backdrop, farms on the sides, two carabaos lounging in the river, the blue skies, a gentle river snaking from the mountains to the plains below and a gentle lady dreaming of a love from above.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.themermaidtravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/1-CALANASAN.jpg?resize=640%2C328)
Yes, I stepped foot in Apayao.