More sites in Sagada

A walk upwards from the centennial old church of St Mary the Virgin is Echo Valley. To reach here, you pass along the public cemetery. Echo Valley as its name connotes , reverberates an echoing sound when one shouts at a distance from the road side. The imposing limestone rocks locates century old coffins of pagan tribes nailed high amongst the craggy rocks.

Rice terraces are found in a almost all barangays of Sagada to include Tanulong, Suyo, Nagonongan Nacagang, Balugan, Bangaan. Fidelisan, Tetep-an and Aguid. The famous Kiltepan Rice Terraces is located in Tetepan. The site can be reached following 20 minute hike from the main road. Kiltepan Rice Terraces takes on a grandiose view while offering environs perfects for picnics.

For the industrious people of Sagada, rice planting had been an age-old source of livelihood for at least 85% of the population. For behind these wonderfully carved rice terraces speaks of a people who have a ceremonial attachment to planting and eating rice.

Centennial old, the church of St Mary the Virgin is a stone walled edifice manifesting people who labored for the construction of the post-war church building. The church itself speaks of a hundred old attempt at converting the Igorot natives who still cling to their traditions at present. Though, baptism and attending church services became a social obligation, it is curious to note that the equally age-old customs on death rituals, weddings, birth of a child and harvest are still intact.

Photo credit: Hanging Coffins

Photo credit: Church of St Mary the Virgin

Caving and sightseeing in Sagada

Sagada is endowed with esoteric caves found mostly in Sagada Poblacion. Steered by capable guides, caving exposes one to gaping burial caverns to deep winding slippery caves. One needs ropes to support her/him to the inside of the caves especially during rainy season.

Lumyang Cave sees coffins piled on top of the other at barangay Ambasing. One reaches the gaping cave following a ten minute trek downward from the Suyo Ambasing road.

Sumaguing Cave also called the Big Cave is endowed with various rock formations which locals here call names for such. One stops by the Frog Pool, a frog-like rock formation. In one part of the cave is the King’s Palace which showcases rock-curtains while cool refreshing waters tickle the soles and toes. A favorite destination of tourists here, the Big Cave stops at a wide Dance Hall where one marvels at such a spacious pavement while bats twitter endlessly. You go back passing through the swimming pool with its cool mysterious waters.

Balangagan Cave is found in Suyo barangay. More strenuous an adventure than Sumaguing Cave, Balangacan Cave is endowed with astounding stalactites and challenging rock formations to conquer such underground mystery.

You can't miss waterfalls while here in Sagada. Bokong waterfalls at Nangonogan Poblacion is a perfect place to sooth one’s tired muscles after much trekking. One reaches the falls by passing through rice terraces via a 20 minute hike from the main road near Sagada Weaving.

The enthralling Bumod-ok Falls in barangay Fidelisan measuring 75 meters in length, can be reached by passing through rice terraces on a 20 minute downhill hike from Fidelisan Village. Bumod-ok Waterfalls is an ideal spot for one to have a dip in after a leisurely one hour- hike from the main town.

For avid mountain climbers , Mt Ampakao is the perfect mountain to scale while in Sagada. While it doesn’t present that challenging peak, one can stop along its rolling stature and take a view of Sagada or pick wild berries along the way. To reach Mt Ampakaw, you may start walking from the Municipal Hall following the Poblacion Ambasing road upwards to sitio Bitin.

Photo credit: Sagada cave

Photo credit: On the way to the cave

Where is Sagada

Located 5,000 feet above sea level, Sagada is bounded on the north by Abra province, on the south by Sabangan municipality, on the east by Bontoc and on the west by Besao municipality, Philippines.

One can reach Sagada via Baguio or Banaue. When you’re in Manila, take any of the buses bound for Baguio which leaves every hour. From Baguio proceed to the Dangwa terminal and take GL Trans. It leaves as early as 6 am and as late as 1:30 pm. If you’re starting from Banaue, you can take the early morning jeepneys as late as 10 am which reaches Bontoc around 1 pm. From Bontoc, take the jeepneys which leave for Sagada as early as 8:30 to as late as 5 pm everyday.

Sagada covers 8,568 hectares locating 19 barangays namely Aguid, Ambasing, Antadao, Baligan, Ankileng, Suyo, Bangaan, Dagdag, Demang, Kilong, Madongo, Nacagang, Patay, Fidelisan, Pide, Tetep-an Sur, Tetep-an Norte, and Taccong.

Mountainous terrains with dense forest and grasslands characterize the community, The community is studded with limestone rocks, underground streams and rivers which distantly compose a scenic and mystical ambience to the visiting traveler .

A much visited tourist town due to its rejuvenating and natural attractions, caves, waterfalls, limestone rocks, woodlands, and cool breath of fresh air, Sagada is fast becoming a converging spot of culture and races brought in by tourists from other countries and lowland places of the country.

Ato in Bontoc, Dap-ay in Sagada

Ato are men’s tribunals in Bontoc. The ato serves as the traditional seat of government of the Bontoc tribe and still plays a vital role in settling community disputes. Elders here plan for a chomno (fiesta) or settle conflicts within or outside the tribe where tribemates are involved.

The ato is traditionally thatched with cogon grass. Most atos now however are replaced with GI sheets. The front yard display carabao horns the number of which reflect the stature of the hierarchy of the ato with neighboring atos. The more horns displayed, the higher is the stature of the ato.

There are at least 10 tribunals in Bontoc Ili. The seat of indigenous politics, the ato then served as the ceremonial site where the heads and jaws of enemies taken by avenging Bontoc warriors are hang in totem poles as signs of victory and courage.

Just like the dap-ay of neighboring Sagada, the ato traditionally serve as sleeping quarters for boys and single male members of the community.

There are at least 10 dap-ays in Poblacion Sagada. Six are located in Demang barangay and one in Barangay Ambasing. The celebration of the begnas for one, takes place in a host dap ay where selection of the dap-ay is based on what the elders agree on.

The dap-ay is the seat of rituals. It signifies political unity and social belonging in the community. With this, it emanates that cultural attitude of inayan, a guiding belief of not doing any harm to one, lest harm shall befall one or his/her family members.

The celebration of the begnas is a three-day ritual festivity observed in the dap-ay before the planting and harvest season. The festivity is done on the months of March, June and October usually before the phase of the moon changes. Men, women, and children gather in the dap-ay and join in a festive thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, or in a ritual which seeks good luck and good harvest.

Photo Credit: Sagada elder

Photo credit: Dap-ay in Sagada

Hot springs and rice terraces of Bontoc

Warm weathered Bontoc abounds with natural endowments from hot springs, rice terraces, woodland paths to expansive viewpoints.

Mainit Hot Springs is found at barangay Mainit of northern Philippines. Sulfuric waters are used for bathing and cure for skin diseases. Located 18 kilometers from the main town of Bontoc, one reaches Mainit Hot Springs after a 30 minute ride from the capital town. Around the vicinity of the hot springs are traditional abodes accented by few modern buildings. Jeepneys to Mainit are available at Bontoc Poblacion.

If you love expansive views, here are standpoints to behold the winding Chico river and an expanse of Bontoc Ili. You may take your position at Pagturaw Viewpoint, or at Mt Polis Viewpoint.

From these viewpoints, you will take a good view of the Bayyo, Maligcong and Kadchog rice terraces carved out of the energetic and ingenious hands of the Bontoc people. Displaying indigenous engineering durability, these rice terraces are constructed with stones piled on top of the other. For centuries, rice terraces irrigated from waters cascading down mountains slopes serve as source of rice and camote.

The perfect combination of ecological balance and food sustainability added with practical aesthetic design all add up to the harmonious relationship of nature and man to this naturally endowed village.

Jeepneys are available at the Bontoc Poblacion to reach Maligcong and Bayyo rice terraces. Or you may prefer to walk. Kadchog Rice Terraces which can be reached within an hour hike from Poblacion Bontoc. Kadchog rice terraces spanning 12 hectares can be found northwest of Bontoc and can be reached via a 30 minute jeepney-ride from Bontoc Ili.

Bayyo rice Terraces is reached after a 45 minute ride by bus or jeep. Covering at least 10 hectares of Bayyo, the rice terraces are landscaped from the mountain peaks which gradually ax down the river. To the nature trekker, the woodland paths of Guinaang – Dalican, Bontoc -Dalican, Bontoc Cane-o, and Mainit-Maligcong passes through rice terraces and rolling hills.

Mountain climbing at Mount Polis is best anytime of the year.Mt Polis is a contested mountain range situated between Banaue, Ifugao and Bayyo Bontoc. The mountain peak is a lush watershed which supplies irrigation water to the rice fields of Hungduan, Ifugao, Viewpoint and Bayyo Bontoc. Birds of rare species are found here.

River rafting along the Chico river is best from June to August when waters come soft to uncompromising. River rafting while it poses a water sport for Mt Province, is not that popular save for some tourists and locals who go kayaking occasionally. You can refer to my other posts about Bontoc in this site.

RELATED LINKS

Looking for the Whiskered Pitta on Mt. Polis

Call of Nature

Photo credit: Mainit Hot springs

Love Malaysian Food

I love food. Any kind of food from the indigenous salty binaod, native to my hometown to spicy Indian/Bangladeshi food to western cuisine. Those tasty, mouth watering delicacies either sautéed, fried or steamed, just makes me glued to my seat to devour every bit of it. Not to forget pasta which I would love slurping and downing it with coke. In places which I visit, I make it a point to eat food native to the place. Should I visit Malaysia, I will look for satay, nasi remak, roti kanai and all those exotic delicacies I will indulge in.

I will start with Satay. This delicious delicacy is marinated beef, mutton or chicken pierced in thin bamboo strips and cooked over slow fire. Seemingly, an Asian favorite which is also found in the Philippines, barbecued meat is a favorite in almost every place of the country. Its called barbecue though and I don’t know of any native name to it. While barbecue is served as a perfect appetizer for liquors, barbecue could also be served as a main dish during dinner or lunch. In Malaysia, satay is served with ketupat (rice cake) and cucumber, pineapple, and onions.

Ketupat is similar to the Patopat in my hometown north of the Philippines. It is sticky rice wrapped with banana leaves and serves as a side dish or a snack. Rendang is tender meat dish which blends perfectly with ketupat. Rendang is cooked with coconut milk, chilis, onions and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, coriander and nutmeg over low heat. Mmmm, smells good.

Am a rice eater .Should I go to Malaysia, I will look for Nasi Lemak, rice cooked in coconut milk. Perfect for breakfast, nasi lemak is served with ikan bilis (anchovies), sambal, boiled egg, fried peanuts and cucumber slices. A popular breakfast dish is Nasi Goreng, a complete meal of rice with meat, prawns, egg and vegetables.

As I said, I love food. I like bread, cakes, muffins and so with Roti Canai. Roti Canai is made of wheat-flour dough, beaten egg and diced onions for a crispier pancake. Roti sounds similar to the ruti of Bangladesh. I have good memories of eating ruti for breakfast in Bangladesh. Ruti is a mixture of flour and a dash of salt kneaded and cooked over slow fire. Coming off as a thin layer of soft crust , this sugarless ruti is perfect for breakfast served with fried eggs and diced potatoes mixed together.

Back to Malaysia, noodles are a favorite. I will take time to have a taste of Char Kway Teow, flat rice noodles stir-fried with minced garlic, fresh prawns, bean sprouts, cockles and eggs, seasoned with soy sauce and chili paste.Curry Laksa is also a noodle dish served in curry, blends boiled chicken, cockles, tofu and bean sprouts, I won't miss.

These delicacies come in simple, tasty and reasonably priced I can imagine. For the all- time traveler or the one time visitor, it’s a treat to be a gourmet in Malaysia.

Thanks to Quachee and a contest in his blog,an opportunity to get me to Malaysia in the near future will definitely remind me to have a taste of of santay and ketupat. Interested to join the contest, go here or know more about Quachee in his site: www.themalaysiapage.com

RELATED SOURCES

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Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival

The month of August brings a festive and colorful event for the Dabawenyo of Davao, Philippines. Called Kadayawan sa Dabaw, this weeklong activity is observed to thank God for plentiful harvest of fruits and orchids. A parade of fresh fruits and flowers, and street dancing enliven the event participated by beautiful girls with their colorful costumes. Ethnic tribes including the Manobos and the Bagobos make the occasion culturally lively with their strong colors of red and black.

An exciting event is Horse Fighting where stallions fight each other. The prize is to mate with a mare. The festival also is not complete without the Bya'Neng ng Kadayawan or the Miss Kadayawan beauty contest.

While in Davao, take time to go to the Philippine Eagle Center, home to at least 30 Philippine eagles. The Center is found in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City, a 45 minute ride away from downtown Davao.

Take buses or vans take to Calinan and once here, tricycles, motorcycles and jeepneys are bound for Malagos. The Philippine Eagle Center is open 8am to 5pm daily.

Davao is also endowed with white-sand beach resorts in the nearby Samal Island and Eden Nature Park.

Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival

Where is Davao

Davao is located in southern Philippines. A center of trade and business, Davao is the third most popular city in the Philippines next to Manila and Cebu. You can reach Davao by air, land, or sea. A popular destination, it hosts Davao International Airport which receives both domestic and international carriers. Among the carriers include Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, and Asian Spirit. By sea, you can ride the WG&A Superferry and Sulpicio lines via Cebu.

Know more about Davao

The official website of Davao

Davao

What attracts tourists?

Tourist destinations have their own attractions which lure travelers. Consider this. The age-old Taj Mahal located in Agra, India is known for its spiritual and architectural record. Built under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, at least 3.2 million tourists last year visited this finest example of Mughal architecture.

Egypt which is one of the oldest civilizations of the world has heritage sites such as the Great Sphinx and the pyramid of Giza. More than a million and half plus a half million Egyptians visit the museum annually.

In India is Silambattam, one of the oldest traditional martial arts of Tamil Nadu that deals with stick fighting. Silambattam is gaining popularity among international tourists because of its holistic approach.

Not only are historical places of interest being visited. The wonders of nature makes many a tourist visit astounding natural spots to indulge in sight seeing.

The vastness of the Grand Canyon of Arizona averages at least 4.7 million visitors annually.

The crossing of wild beasts from the Mara River from Tanzania to Kenya lures visitors to this area to witness the animals’ annual migration. About 95,000 tourists visit Maasai Mara Game Reserve before the migration season ends. The animals are expected to return to Tanzania in October.

The Philippines has refreshing tourist destinations which saw nearly 3.5 million visitors last year. The white beaches of Boracay are a favored destination and so with the exotic beaches and wildlife of Puerto Galera. Too, the Chocolate Hills is a major attraction of Bohol. The Banaue Rice Terraces carved into the mountains of Ifugao has been described as the eighth wonder of the world and considered a heritage site by UNESCO in 1995. The age-old Hanging coffins and caves of Sagada keep visitors going up north of the country to add to a cool climate.

Too, Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines is an invigorating retreat for those who want to escape the heat and the fast life in Manila. In Van, Turkey, a saloon keeper offers a wide range of fresh cream, herbal cheese, and yogurt to travelers. Along with his breakfast dishes served in his Milk House, he tells riddles and satires to his customers.

If there is one major reason why tourists visit another place, this is to experience a different culture or take a healing break from work and routine. The host country now has that responsibility to let the visitor be relaxed and healed in exchange for expense. We refer to the government and private establishments who should provide reasonable service to customers. This includes security, transport, tourism infra, IT availability and accommodation. At the same time, it is expected that the tourist extends respect to the culture of the people and observe environmental ethics.

LINKS

32 lakh tourists visit Taj Mahal in 2007, break records

Grand Canyon copes with overpopulation -- by tourists

Masai Mara - the Jewel in Kenya's Crown

Egypt planning peddler-free pyramids for tourists

Banaue Rice Terraces

The famous Banaue Rice terraces, considered as the eighth wonder of the world, is found in Ifugao. Constructed by sturdy Ifugaos, these famed mud-walled rice terraces has been visited a thousand times by many a traveler from all over the world. In 1995, UNESCO considered Banaue rice Terraces as a World Heritage Site.

Banaue Rice Terraces traces its construction 2000 to 6000 years ago. These majestic man-made creations are located 1500 meters above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometers of mountainside.

How to go to Banaue? Read Waypoints'.

The century old- tourist drawing rice terraces however are now endangered.

Lack of maintenance is one reason why some of the rice terraces are eroding. Residents are now venturing into small scale industries where income comes in faster rather than waiting for cash during harvest time.

Due to non-maintenance, giant earthworms crawl into these structures, competing with much needed water, thus eroding the structures. Deforestation in the upper slopes is also a culprit to the eroding rice terraces. Read more of Maurice Malanes' article and here.

Other century old rice terraces as well are found in nearby provinces of Mountain Province, Kalinga, Abra, Apayao, and Benguet. Although, these are stone-walled rather than mud-walled terraces.

RELATED LINKS

Tourism killing world's eighth wonder

Pests, migration threaten 2000 year old Philippine terraces

Ifugaos celebrate harvest ritual

Among the Ifugaos of highland Philippines, rice harvest is celebrated in a ritual called Bakle, observed by the cooking of rice cakes called binakle. The indigenous peoples here, go from house to house to partake in eating the rice cakes and drinking tapuey (rice wine). A festive celebration is observed to give thanks to Kabunyan (God) for good harvest in the month of August. The ceremony is complete with the butchering of a hen and a rooster. Gloria Tuazon of Northern Philippine Times writes in her column,Trails up North, her travel to Mayoyao, Ifugao, to witness the ritual. (Two photos by Glo Tuazon)

RELATED LINKS:

Pfoto' ad Majawjaw 2008 (Rice Harvest Tour in Mayoyao 2008)

Rites and rituals

Where is Ifugao

Ifugao is located in the Cordillera region of the Philippines characterized by a rugged and mountainous terrain. It borders Benguet to the west, Mountain Province to the north, Isabela to the east, and Nueva Vizcaya to the south. Ifugao locates Banaue Rice Terraces, a major tourist attraction of the province. The famous rice terraces was declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1995. Ifugao can be reached via Bontoc, Mountain Province or straight from Manila.

Blog a Blog

Get to know other sites. Visit Whispering Corridor and you will find cool views said about other sites. What interests you? Grab a site and talk about it. Whisper or rave about it. Talk about other blogs' views about life, travels, adventure, health, ecommerce, gardening, exercise, music, religion, politics, babysitting, family etc. While you write, you make friends and increase links back to your site. What more, you make money while reviewing posts.

Rhythm Junction

I found myself swept back to my younger days (yeah…I’ve grown older) when I looved and just love and still love the Scorpions, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, Guns and Roses, Eric Clapton…. The haunting and desperately seeking echoes of the Scorpions, the superb guitar whiz Led Zeppelin, the powerful voice of Guns and Roses, and all the rest with their individual muzik which gets you nodding and tapping on your foot the moment their music goes on air are all here at Rhythm Junction. This kind of music never fades. Just never stops. Ever relevant. Life blooms like a bud which rebels beautifully in opening its eyes to the world. Creativity is in the moving and the expression of life. We find it in the music of Rhythm Junction. Not only that. Rhythm Junction unlocks you to the life stories of the artists and informs you of concerts as well. The cool dragon behind this site also shares with you helpful links to making money online and a free download of Alexa toolbar. A very relaxing and helpful site. Keeps you coming back again and again.

Exercise and feel good

Tired? Burned out? Feeling heavy? Feeling sick? Get on the groove and exercise. Before doing your routine in the morning, start the day right by doing those joint loosening exercises. Get on your jogging pants and running shoes and do brisk walking or running before the sun comes up. Brisk walking is a tested exercise which is good for health.

If you speed up distance, you will be burning more calories. You use more muscles with brisk walking strides and arm motions. Appropriate for women and men of all ages, brisk walking burns almost as many calories as running or jogging for the same distance.

Already limbered up, find a place where you feel comfortable and do those head tilting, hand, arm and leg stretching exercises. It may be in spot inside your house where you have enough space to move around your arms and legs, or it may be in the park after brisk walking or jogging. A 30 minute to an hour exercise would be good enough for the mind and the body and start the day right. It would be best if you get on the habit of an exercise schedule everyday Feel energized before you get on that computer or talk to a client.

You may also want to do those leg stretching and stress-removing yoga exercises at the end of the day. You may want to drop by a gym or go to your favorite exercise spot and do some work-outs. Or are you on a freelance job? This work schedule makes you manage your work-outs the regular time you want it. You may opt to make your exercises light and meditative so you may want to go on a yoga body stretching program. Yoga practitioners and teachers can be found in gyms or ask from health and vegetarian buffs.

Exercise does a lot of good things for the mind and the body. Aside from trimming out unwanted bulging fats, exercise helps lower blood cholesterol and control weight and blood sugar. Exercise helps you prevent and control risk illness such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

Exercise also improves sex life. It rejuvenates the muscles and lifts the mood traced due to the improvement of blood circulation in the body. What more, exercise leads to good sleep.

It is important to exercise regularly doing activities that raise your heart rate. Start slowly and gradually build up your exercise program. Maintain a weight-loss work out schedule. There is nothing better than a body which feels light and healthy.

LINKS

7 benefits of regular physical activity

Exercise and Physical Fitness

Brisk Walking Benefits

Walking for fitness: How to trim your waistline, improve your health

Wanderer thoughts

We were talking a while back about water-surrounded Camarines Norte. We continue blogging about waters. Catch my friend, Wanderer thoughts on his two cruise travels on the Royal Caribbean that left from Los Angeles and stopped at San Diego, Catalina Island and then Ensenada Mexico, and to his second cruise on the Carnival Mexican Riviera. Not only that. More of him here to share you about customer care .

Mercedes Fishtival in Camarines Norte

Camarines Norte is happy to celebrate Mercedes Fishtival this August.

Bounded on the north and west by Lamon Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and on the east by San Miguel Bay, Camarines Norte abounds with acquatic resources and other marine products. With its water sources, the province locates three fishing ports in the coastal municipalities and hosts an international seaport at Barangay Osmeña.

The municipality of Mercedes, one of the 12 towns of Camarines Norte, celebrates Mercedes Fishtival first week of August. The week-long event highlights a mascot parade of fish and other marine creatures. Marine sports such as paraw regatta, bangkaton, game fishing are played during this festive celebration. The festival is attended by residents and visitors from both the country and other countries as well.

Held in honor of their patron saint, St James the fisherman, residents here recognize the blessings they receive - vast fish resources, endless shorelines and aquatic potentials

Camarines Norte is located in Bicol region which is bounded by seven coastal waters- Ragay Gulf, San Miguel Bay, Lagonoy Gulf, Albay Gulf, Sorsogon Bay, Alinang Ilog, Nin Bay, Asid Gulf- major sources of the country’s national milkfish called bangus . Bicol Region has 13 major fishing grounds supplying fish markets including Metro Manila

The Bicol region is home to Mayon Volcano, the world's most perfect cone volcano. The region is also known for its natural resorts and white beaches.

The Bicol region itself which is located in the southeastern tip of Luzon is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, southeast by Samar Sea, and southwest by Sibuyan Sea. Bicol is accessible by land, air and sea transportation facilities.

Link: Camarines Norte News

Travel to Camarines Norte

Camarines Norte is located in the Bicol Region in Luzon, Philippines. It borders Quezon to the west and Camarines Sur to the south. The province is accessible by land and air. By land, passenger transport services are available going to and from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. Transport companies are Philtranco, Superlines, and AMDG ply the Daet-Manila-Daet and Daet-Naga-Legazpi-Daet routes. The province has one airport with a secondary classification located in Bagasbas, Daet. Daet is the capital town of the province.

Know more about Camarines Norte in the following links:

How to go to Calaguas Island

Daet Surfing

Camarines Norte profile

Camarines Norte Travel guide

Where is Bontoc?

Bontoc is located north of the Philippines in Mountain Province. It is the capital town of the province bounded on the west by the tourist town of Sagada.

Bontoc, being the center of the province locates passenger buses- Rising Sun, Dangwa Trans, and GL Trans- bound to Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao, and Kalinga. which leave as early as 6 am to as late as 4pm. If you are coming from from Baguio, you can find Rising Sun Trans at the Slaughter Compound, along Magsaysay Venue, GL Trans and Dangwa Trans are found at Dangwa Terminal, Magsaysay Avenue.

Cable Tours leave for Manila at 3 pm daily on a 12 hour trip and back to Bontoc at 8:30pm. Passenger jeepneys and mini buses have regular trips bound to nearby towns of Besao, Sagada, Tadian, Sabangan, Abatan, Sadanga, Barlig and Mankayan, Benguet as early as 8:30 am to as late as 6 pm. If you’re coming from Manila via Banaue, take the jeep bound to Bontoc with regular trips as late as 10 am.

For more info about Bontoc, go to:

Provincial Profile
Paraiso Philippines

Rock throwing ends harvest in Bontoc, as rains mar fruit fest in Kidapawan

Here in this cultural town of Bontoc, north of the Philippines where rituals are part of the daily lives of the residents, the end of harvest time is observed with stone throwing called fagfagto.

Fagfagto is annually performed by the Bontocs in Mountain Province when the harvest of the first rice crop is almost over in the month of August.

Chaze Falag-ey, a native of Bontoc said that traditionally, young boys stationed on two opposite fields of Kidlaa and Churya across the Chico river allow for fagfagto. The boys throw stones at each other every after noon until the declaration of the lesles, or rest day.

The rest day allows for each household to perform the mangmang, a ritual done for the butchering of a pig or chicken in thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. In fagfagto, it is believed that the more one gets injuries as a result of stones hurled at him, the bigger camotes or sweet potatoes, he will gather.

The planting of camote happen after rice harvest to let crop diversification and replenish lost nutrients. Camote is also planted in fields not planted by rice. Now it is another story as most young boys are not doing this ritual but most of them instead are found in computer shops playing video games.

Fruit Fest
Meantime in Kidapawan City, south of the Philippines, the annual fruit festival supposedly held every August was postponed to October due to the scarcity of fruit harvest.

Affected by continuous rains, thousands of hectares of fruit-bearing trees such as durian, lanzones, mangoosten and rambutan were destroyed. Insects also attacked 1,500 hectares of lanzones trees, Mindanao News reports say.

Called Timpupu Festival, annual highlights include eating fruits displayed along a three kilometer stretch, street dancing, float fruit parade, fruit preservatives display, fruit show contest, search for Lakambini of the event for Miss Fruity Gay, and Mount Apo Adventure race./ginadizon@yahoo.com