DER TRAVELS: BANAUE

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.

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

DecemberBells: CHRISTMAS PARTIES

"The more you praise and celebrate life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES!! COME ON!

When I heard the word PARTY.."heavy fang" immediately appears on my hungry mind.. it means eating a lot..

First, the Christmas Party with the College Faculty.

 Too much happiness in this picture :) 

 We're ready to attack!!!

 Colleagues!

Second, the College of Teacher Education Christmas Party at Puso Bistro Restaurant, Quest Hotel.

 What you gotta do with that desserts?? Yummy!!!

 Young Teachers :)

College of Teacher Education Family <3

Third, the University of Cebu Christmas Party at University of Cebu Main Campus.

Picture with our Chancellor: Ms. Candice :)

Celebrate your life with love and gratitude by giving thanks for these very precious moments, as well as all the wonderful blessings that surround you everyday.

'Till next celebration loves.

Advance Merry Christmas <3

xoxo DER <3

Journey Home

"Safety is not a gadget but a state of mind."

I will share to you our last day in the City of Love and our experience going home.

Our convention has come to an end. It ended by giving certificates, awards and token of participation and appreciation to the participants.

We already got a ticket. We are going to ride a ship....fingers crossed that we can go home safely because the news came out that there is a typhoon coming.

We packed our bags bringing all our pasalubongs and we're ready to go!!

First stop, SM City Delgado..since our departure time is 6pm and we left the resort at 1:30pm...so we still have a time to enjoy Iloilo City.

Now were finally on board in Trans Asia Shipping... 

This is my bed bank..we choose to have a tourist room for our accommodation.. Inside the room, we got 8 beds and a small flat screen television where you can watch movies.

Outside our accommodation..there where many our tourist rooms.. The rooms were not too big nor too small..it's just okay though..for me.. 

I also went to see their upper deck where you can see the life boats and feel the breeze of the ocean.

The news report earlier said that there will be a typhoon coming..fingers crossed that we will all be safe in this journey home.

Hello there Sir Patty..he's been accompanying me in my on board tour.

The economy accommodation area.

Charging station and chillin' area.

Mini restaurant

Foods were good.

It's a brand new day..and thank God we survived in an epic ship adventure during  a typhoon..

We're at the roof deck of the ship..

Happy faces..we're home and  we're safe..

In the end, my experience was totally fun, informative and memorable with my College of Teacher Education Family.


'Till next PAFTE convention loves.
xoxo Der <3