Banaue was just part of our side trip while going to Sagada, Mountain Province. Banaue is a 4th class municipality in the province of Ifugao, Philippines. It is widely known as the site of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces.
I am so excited to visit the very famous "Hagdan-hagdang Palayan (Banaue Rice Terraces)". May mga napanood akong mga news na hindi na raw naaalagaan ng maayos ang palayan dahil mga propesyunal na ang mga anak ng mga tao doon at wala nang sumusunod sa yapak ng kanilang mga magulang. I'm a little bit sad to hear that because it's part of the Filipino culture and our identity as Filipinos.
I am so excited to visit the very famous "Hagdan-hagdang Palayan (Banaue Rice Terraces)". May mga napanood akong mga news na hindi na raw naaalagaan ng maayos ang palayan dahil mga propesyunal na ang mga anak ng mga tao doon at wala nang sumusunod sa yapak ng kanilang mga magulang. I'm a little bit sad to hear that because it's part of the Filipino culture and our identity as Filipinos.
We travelled 8 hours from MOA to reach our first stop: Banaue Welcome Arch. Dito pa lang, nararamdaman na namin ang lamig ng hangin.
Epic fail jump shot..but still my heart is super kilig and excited to explore more of Banaue.
College of Teacher Education Faculty Photo Session at the Banaue Welcome Arch
Souvenirs: Quite expensive but really show the creativity of the people in Banaue. I was amazed by a very cute tissue holder that I really thought of buying it but I also find it expensive.
Second stop: Banaue Rice Terraces
Banaue Rice Terraces: an iconic and ancient landscape of the Philippines that is said to be the greatest engineering masterpiece of the indigenous people in Ifugao: the Igorots. It felt so surreal. It's really a dream come true for me. I just saw pictures of the famous Banaue Rice Terraces in my Sibika at Kultura and Makabayan books in elementay...but to see it in person sends chills to my heart..Oh Phillippines! Your beauty is indeed a masterpiece.
Travelling in my own land gives me a sense of identity, adventure and freedom. It allows me to get away from the normal life (daily routines), experience cultures which I'm a part of, get to know places only seen in Filipino movies and read in books, get to try new food, and of course meet new people and learn from them.
I've met a Native Igorot who's wearing their traditional costume so that tourists can take a picture with her. I asked her about her age using the Filipino language but she did not answer me. I thought she's having a hearing problem. I repeated my question in a louder manner so that she can hear me but still no answer from her. I tried using the English language, then she answered "Nevermind". I was like..woaaaahh..mas naintindihan niya pa ang English kay sa Filipino...
Doon ko lang nalaman na hindi pala nasakop ng mga Espanyol ang Banaue. Ang unang nakarating na manananakop sa kanilang lugar ay mga Amerikano kaya ang mga matatandang Igorot ay mas may alam sa salitang Ingles.
Der's Tip: The Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoint has a restaurant so you can have your breakfast there. There dishes are very affordable, delicious and they have big servings. My tip: You should order first before heading to the viewpoint so that while they are preparing for your food, you are enjoying the view and taking pictures at the Rice Terraces. It really saves time.
I am proud to be a Filipino...visiting places only seen in books sends happiness to my heart. I really appreciate all the things that I've learned through my travels.
'till next travel diary loves,
XOXO
DER <3
