Mountain Province

To be honest, this is my first time to see Banaue Rice Terraces in real life. I have been to Sagada a couple years back but never tried to visit one of Philippine's beloved attractions! I was lucky. Because that cloud on top of the photo is rain. Real heavy rain. About 30 mins after this photo was taken, heavy rain poured. We were like ants being played by a mean kid with a bucket of water! The place is really spectacular. Why am I here again in Ifugao? Well, I have this project for HABI Philippines and I was tasked to photographed the different disciplines in weaving. I am fortunate enough to be chosen as their photographer. Only a few can have an opportunity like this. I really worked hard for this. Blood sweat and tears actually.

Anyway, I am travelling with Dr. Norma Respicio. She is a professor in UP Diliman. She will accompany me to the different weaving places around the country. The photos that I took will soon graze the pages of this coffee table book that HABI will make. So I cant post them yet. I can post some scenic photos though just for this blog. This is actually my 5th province. I will make a blog out of the different provinces as well soon. We stayed at Banaue Hotel. Place is really nice. Its kinda outdated but its alright. What do I meant by outdated? Windows doesnt have screens. Toilets have no bidet... but theres hot water and thats fine with me.

The view of the restaurant is pretty insane! You can see the clouds swoop down the mountain side as the birds fly so high and wildly. I am really enjoying this hot cup of brewed  coffee along with my toasted bread with butter and scrambled eggs! This reminds me of getting a toaster soon! Anyway, this place rocks. I really love this spot over here. 

From Banaue, we have to go to Bontoc to take pictures at this town called and called Lagawe. Its a small town but rich in culture. There were reports that police intercepted a bus harbouring passengers smuggling large amounts of Marijuana. That means bus is not coming and we have to ride a tricycle going to Bontoc. It was a long ride. Like 2 and a half hours. Its bumpy. Loud. Kinda dangerous because of the potential mud slides and rock debris falling at the side of the mountain due to heavy rains. Thank God we arrived safe in Bontoc. 

Bontoc is already industrialised. I guess this is the center of commerce in the mountain province. Last year i was here for the Lang-ay festival. Different tribes from different areas dance and showcased their beautiful costumes at the streets! I dont really watch festivals. I think that was my first time and it was really good! 

At Bontoc, we visited a town called Samoki. Its a town rich in harvesting rice, selling meat (mostly pork) and weaving. We talked to the elderly people who still do the art of weaving. Few of them still do it. Sadly its a dying culture. I just hope that more people will appreciate and  patronise this dying art. A piece of cloth about 3-4 meters long will be finished for a week if done straight and non stop. Thats why that piece of cloth is quite expensive. But the hardwork to make that is all worth it.  

People live here in a very simple life. They dont live lavishly like the most people. I saw this old lady feeding her chickens as she sit down in her make shift wooden chair.  This photo had a deep impact in to me coz it may come unusual but this is their way of life.

We have to go back to Banaue to visit this town called Lagawe. From Lagawe, we have to go to this place called Kianggan. This place is believed to be the origin of the Ifugaos. On our way, we stopped for a while to take a photo of the beautiful Bay-yo Rice Terraces. It is really something. Looking at it along with the cold air will give you goosebumps. Its so serene and really a sight to see. 

My journey to Banaue and then going to Bontoc is one of my most memorable moments of my travelling live. Inspite of the heavy rains, we managed to visit the places that we need to go and meet people that we would want to meet. Somehow this job requires a lot of patience and hardwork. You have to prepare physically or you'll get sick quickly. Good thing we passed all that and did our job  even though we soaking wet. Truly the places up north is must to visit. If ever i had a chance, i would definitely want to go back.