Lang-ay in Mountain Province

Yes, yes yo! The crowd drawing Lang-ay Festival of Mountain Province is now being celebrated in this capital town of the province from March 29 to April 7. Now In its 5th year, the culture-rich event is observed with performances from five ethno-linguistic tribes of the ten towns of the provinces. Dances and songs cap presentations fromthe the ethnic tribes- Applai from Sagada, and Besao; Kankanaey from Bauko, Tadian, and Sabangan; Baliwon from Paracelis; Balangao from Barlig and Natonin; and the Bontoc tribe from Bontoc and Sadanga.

As early as March 29, coronation of the winning contestants for the Anap di Bangan de Montanosa (Search for Ms Mountain Province) was observed. In tune with the culture of the place, the coronation is a resemblance of the cultural ceremonies in the western part of the province where Bangan in her red - striped “gateng” (local woven skirt) is the first to plant the rice seedlings to start rice planting before folks follow.

The celebration of the culture-studded event also includes the holding of an ecumenical mass officiated by newly installed Episcopal Bishop Brent Alawas at the Provincial Plaza grounds. While some few remaining elders of this province chose to remain unbaptized, some 95% of the people are either Roman Catholics or Episcopalians which shows the strong influence of the Roman Catholic influence in the late 1800s and the American Episcopal Missionaries in the early1900s. Some are Baptists and some are with charismatic fellowships including the Free Believers.

The event is not only about showing the people’s culture on dances and rituals though. It is also about promoting its basic source of livelihood from agriculture and locally made products such as woven materials and wines. The agro-industrial fair opened with the judging of Pinaka (best) among the agricultural products displayed in booths by delegates from the ten towns supervised by the agricultural unit of the provincial administration.

Rice, roots crops, highland vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, onions) and fruits (citrus and bananas) are among the major crops planted here. Coffee is now strongly promoted with its promising economic returns. Sagada Coffee Arabica is famous for its exotic aroma. Coffee drinking is available at the provincial grounds and especially promoted on April 1.

And so with locally made fruit and rice wines. Lang-ay wines are best known to come from Bauko. Though other wine entrepreneurs are now doing the home made product in almost all over the ten towns of the province.

Woven products shall also be specially promoted by the Governor’s spouse, Ms Cecilia Dalog. In Lang-ay weaves and Designs on April 4. This event showcases fashion trends on the province’s finely made woven products including the traditional tapis and G-string for men, bags and purses in varied sizes and designs.

The culture-rich province sees the spectacular performance of ethnic tribes during the street dancing event during the culminating day on April 7. As Governor Maximo Dalog said, the Lang-ay Festival shall be relevantly observed with the basic and usual presentation of culture and tradition. Although for this year’s event, the participation of children and youth is more pronounced. It is also expected that people from Mountain Province who went to other places and now categorized to belong to the 11th municipality will have visible presence during the event.

The Lang-ay Festival now is expected to draw more than 30,000 people to include visitors and residents. Be one among the 30,000 plus participants. Join and enjoy the Lang-ay Festival!

For recent pics, go to Lang-ay Mountain Province

Sagada Town Fiesta

Coronation of Bangan di Sagada, a clergy choir, and an indigenous musical contest and music jamming with local talents and invited musicians highlighted this town’s fiesta which started January 31-April 2. The town fiesta is usually held jointly with the celebration of the Christian calendar’s “Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple” which is Feb. 2.

Gracing the event was a street dancing and a civic parade January 31 followed by cultural presentations at the community court, with theme “Cultural renaissance for a better Sagada”.

Regular ballgames, the traditional tug of war was participated by delegates from the 19 barangays of the municipality. Also, a quiz bee and an essay writing contest were attended by secondary school students.



The Philippine National Police Band did a special rendition on last night during the coronation of Bangan di Sagada (Search for Ms Sagada)

A children ‘s song was shown followed by a choir rendition of clergy from the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines and Cathedral on the night of February 1st at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin.

The indigenous musical contest featured original compositions focused on themes of peace, environmental protection, justice, and health shown Feb. 2 followed by community jamming with local talents.

Gov. Maximo Dalog in his message said, “May the fiesta celebration be another time to highlight the positive features of our culture.”

Former Sagada mayor and now Presidential Assistant for Cordillera Affairs said the fiesta theme is “timely and significant that should grow with the consciousness of the community. It is in fact an invaluable part of our character that should not be eroded by time and the various influences that affect our values and our way of life. Sagada would not have been what it is without our strong cultural foundations.”

Sagada mayor Edward Latawan noted changes in local traditions yet culture persisted which continues to be valued.

Historic events highlight October festivals in Visayas

Its show time! The Philippines sizzle with festivals this October especially in Mindanao and the Visayan islands. Festivals this time of the year revolve on celebration of fruit harvests, religious events and foundation days. The streets come alive with dancing and gaiety. The holding of religious events are also observed this month. Shops are a bustle and fruits, crops, handicrafts are displayed for the buyer’s choise. Celebration of historic events highlight festivals in Visayas.

VISAYAS

The Visayas islands has a line up of festivals this month celebrated with street dances and agro fairs.

The Masskara Festival of Bacolod City like the Ati-Atihan of Antique is a festive parade of people wearing colorful masks to make life beautiful and happy despite the hardships of life. This mardi-gras day which runs from October 1-22 also coincides with the Charter Day of Bacolod.

Similarly, street dancing will be the limelight here at the Buglasan Festival on October 22 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Similarly, Ibalong Festival is held from October 6 to 12 in Albay, the place which locates the famous Mayon Volcano.

In Catanduanes, the Catandungan Padayaw is held October 21- September 23 in celebration of the province’s founding anniversary. Street dance – Pantomina, beauty pageant, agro-trade fair, sports events, guided tours, photo exhibits highlight the festival.

Pista ng Gubat at Pandan, Antique, reminds the need to observe biodiversity in Northwest Panay. This event is annually held October 1st.

The historic Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary on October 17-20, commemorates the landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur on the shores of Palo, Leyte.

Mangyan tribes have their festive reunion during the Pamugu-an Festival on October 17-23. Mansalay, Mindoro Oriental. Still in Mindoro Oriental, the Kapakyanan Festival is held October 14-15 to observe the abundance of fruits and crops.

The Halad Festival on October 15 shall be held in Talisay, Cebu in celebration of the feast in honor of Sta. Teresa de Avila. The streets come alive with trade fairs, nightly variety shows, street dancing, cooking demonstration and food fair.

Here at Sorsogon, Kasanggayahan (prosperity) Festival on October 15- 25
commemorates the Foundation Anniversary of Sorsogon. The Cimarrones Festival on October 16- 26 at Pili, Camarines Sur is highlighted by grand street presentations depicting the local culture and history of Cimarrones believed to be the early inhabitants of Pili.

The Aswang Festival on October 29-30 at Roxas City festival intends to turn the aswang impression with a highlight on Capiz’ quality seafood products.

Iloilo holds two festivals which happen on the same dates. Saludan Festival on October 29- 31 observes the dialect used for the crude method of threshing rice, catching fingerlings through nets. The Cry of Jelicuon Festival happens on the same days at New Lucena, Iloilo. The festival commemorates the historic undertaking of Ilonggo revolucionarios, led by Gen. Martin Delgado and volunteers who revolted against the Spanish government.

Religious festivals
Here at Central Luzon are religious festivals. In Angeles City, the faithful kiss the feet of the Image of Christ prior to several masses held at the Holy Rosary parish church on October 28. Tigitigan at tarakan keng dalan Festival begins the same day at Balibago, Angeles City

The month-long celebration of two fiestas- La Naval and Fiestang Apu- the Fiestang Kuliat in Angeles City culminates with street singing and dancing on October 9 in commemoration of the Virgin of the Holy Rosary.

Feast of St. Francis of Assissi called Pagoda happens October 4 at Cardona, Rizal.An annual procession is held to ask the Lord Almighty for a bountiful and blessed lake through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi.

Meantime, Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate the Holy month of Ramadhan this October. A month-long fasting of Muslims, Ramadhan is one of the pillars of Islam’s religious and cultural Activities. Eid’l Fitr celebrates the end of the one-month fasting. Activities includes mobile “Takbir”, Quran reading, fireworks display, Pagana and foodgiving.


SOURCES

October festivals

October festivals

Photo credit: Masskara

Photo credit: Pagoda

Fruit harvests and religious events top October festivals

Its show time! The Philippines sizzle with festivals this October especially in Mindanao and the Visayan islands. Festivals this time of the year revolve on celebration of fruit harvests, religious events and foundation days. The streets come alive with dancing and gaiety. The holding of religious events are also observed this month. Shops are a bustle and fruits, crops, handicrafts are displayed for the buyer’s choise.

MINDANAO

Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is celebrated October 1-12. Zamboanga, the City of Flowers, will feature the vintas (native sailboats) in colorful water parade. Davao City will feature Wow Dabaw the first two weeks of October, promoting the city’s tourist destinations and products. One of these destinations is Philippine Eagle Center, home to at least 30 Philippine eagles. Banayan Festival in Davao Oriental, from October 26- 28 gives tribute to rice, the town’s main product. Sambuokan festival on October 27-29 is an agro fair in Mati, Davao Oriental; while Lubi-lubi Festival in Sarangani Province of Davao del Sur shows various uses of the coconut tree and its by products through street revelry.

The Kinilaw Festival in Surigao City shows varied ways in preparing “kinilaw” (raw fish delicacy). Meantime, the Siargao International Body Boarders Surfing Challenge will witness the participation of international body boarders to participate in this water sports event on October 7- 20 here in Surigao.

The postponed Kidapawan Fruit Festival will finally be held on October 5-10. Tons of exotic tropical eat-free fruits will be displayed on a make-shift table 800 meters long. Ting Udo Festival, also a fruit festival shall be observed at Makilala, Cotabato.

Still on fruits, Sagingan Festival shall likewise be observed in Lanao del Norte from October 16 - 17 in thanksgiving to the bounty harvest of bananas. Camiguin with its abundance of lanzones fruits shall hold its Lanzones Festival on October 20-24. Dawitodawit ta Buahan is likewise celebrated in Catarman, Camiguin on October 24. This is a prelude ritual to the Lanzones Festival done during twilight at the Guijob Church ruins.

In Dipolog City, the Feast of our Lady of the Holy Rosary will be observed on October 7. Meantime, ethnic dances of the Subanon tribes shall be specially featured during the Inug-og Festival in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental on October 14.

SOURCES:

October festivals

October festivals

PictureTakinDevil on Flickr

Bontoc fiesta and am-among

The Bontoc Fiesta is celebrated every September 16th with cultural presentations, street dancing and community gathering called am-among.

The Bontoc am–among is a traditional practice where Bontoc tribes north of the PhIlippines take rest after the rice fields have been planted. Traditionally a practice among clans, the practice have been extended to the whole community as a town occasion.

Assigned persons kindle a small fire in nearby rice field and cook inasin( salted pork). Rice wine is offered to Kabunian (God) and prayer is said for good harvest.

On the second day, male members trek to the river to catch kachiw (river fish) while the women collect koti ( shells). These are brought home, cooked with meat, and partaken by family members and relatives.

The fourth day usually is the proper rest day where men and women will not work in the fields and children either stay at home or bathe in the river.

One of the products indigenous to the place is finely interlaced apparel for women called the tapis and wanes for men. These products which are woven the backstrap way include bags and blankets by Samoki weavers . These brightly colored attires in strong reds and stripes of black of dark green show a rich strong culture of cultural pride and interdependent of the tribes.

Rattan made products called sangi are still used by women and men and sold in the Poblacion market. These backpacks are culturally woven and used to carry packed lunch when one goes to farm or get firewood for fuel.

RELATED LINK

Am- among in Bontoc

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.

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

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

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.

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

Experience Philippines

Experience the wonders of the Philippines! View exotic, exciting and enticing sites from north to south, and east to west sites of the country. Trek to the grandeur of the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces carved out of the ingenious engineering design of indigenous peoples of Ifugao. Go west from Ifugao and see the caves of Sagada and equal beautiful rice terraces of Kiltepan. A visit to the natural attractions of this haven north of the Philippines links you to the mystical connection of the soul to the physical self.

While in the north, travel to Baguio,the summer capital of the Philippines. Indulge in Camp John Hay, a vast expanse of captivating landscapes and greeneries. Take a trip further north and have a chance to visit age-old Spanish ruins including Sta Monica Church and the Dingras Ruins of Ilocos Norte and be transported a hundred years back of the colonial times when natives went on forced labor to build these churches.

Take a breather to the captivating Chocolate Hills of Bohol which look more like giant mole hills. Located in Tagbilaran, south of Manila, these enchanting creations of nature turns chocolate brown at the end of the dry season from its grassy green look during the rainy days.

A little down south of Bohol is famous Boracay known for its white sand beaches. Enjoy the sun, surfing or waking barefoot on the sand. Get on that adventure spirit and find yourself in nearby Puerto Galera known for its refreshing pocket beaches. A popular snorkeling and diving destination,see more of Puerto Galera’s natural wonders of corals, waterfalls, virgin forests and captivating terrestrial and marine landscapes.

If you love mountain climbing, travel further south of the country to get you to Mindanao. That big mass of island located near Indonesia and Malaysia hosts towering mountains one of which is Mt Apo, the highest mountain range in the country with an elevation of 2,954 meters above sea level. Also, you wouldn’t want to miss not putting on your climbing shoes and get a feel of DiwataMountains located in Surigao del Norte to Cape Agustin in southeast Davao.

Filipinos love festivity and their many festivals speak of this. January greets you with the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan. The rhythmic dancing of soot-blacked street dancers pounding on the drums beckons you to join them. Baguio’s Panagbenga (Flower Festival) lets one glimpse a parade of flowers in full bloom during the month of February and March.

Santacruzan greets the merry month of May with a parade of the town’s beautiful ladies celebrated in almost all parts of the country. Mindanao abounds with indigenous peoples. During the Kadayawan Sa Dadaw in Davao held in August, ethnic tribes come out with their colorful costumes and dances and join in the street parade. One among the costume parades in this country is the Maskarra Festival in Bacolod held in October. A fitting title for a festival, revelers put on a smile amidst the tensions and hardships of routinary life.