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

Surf 'n Turf: Thoughts of a Traveler

Nope it's not the secret meal of Mcdo.
It's not even a food but it tastes and feels really good.
It's my surfing experience in the Surfing Capital of the Philippines: SIARGAO

Bragged as the surfing capital so it's a must that you have to experience surfing. I'm a fan of all water adventures but I'm not really good in swimming. Trying out surfing sends chills and excitement to my adventurous system.

If you are a first timer, you need to have an assistance. Instructors are all around Cloud Nine, General Luna encouraging you to try surfing. The standard payment for a 1 hour experience with long board rental and instructor is Php 500. Yes, it's pricey so you have to kick your butt to do your best.

How to learn surfing? Is it easy? Can I do it in one hour? What if I fall?
Those are some of the questions that popped into my excited yet scared mind. But even if I have all those apprehensions, I still pushed myself to do it. It's a once in a lifetime experience, I should not miss it out.

1st: 5-10 minutes training and orientation is needed before you go to the waters. It depends if you can get it right away. It's just like learning some steps in dancing so it only took me 5 minutes to execute.

2nd: Going to the waters. Since we're just beginners, our instructor brought us to "The Jacking Horse". You are going to ride/paddle to the deeper part of the ocean. Take note you have to listen to your instructor. They know best. They won't let you hurt yourself. Give your full trust to them.

3rd: Waiting for the waves that is really for you same with love you have to wait for the one who's meant for you. Focus is the key. When your instructor will say READY: Prepare yourself. When he say GO: you have to stand on the long board. At first it's really scary because you'll be really afraid of falling. But just allow yourself to fall, and get back again. Until you will get your balance.

4th: Enjoy the fall. It took me three falls before getting my balance and putting myself together. If others can do it, so do I. I should stand. I should surf or else my money will go to waste.

5th: Your instructor won't give up on you, so should you. They will help you even if it will be more than one hour as long as you can stand on the long board.

Thoughts of a traveler:

Life is like surfing. There are moments that you need someone to guide you until you will learn how to stand on your own just like standing on your own long board. There are times that you have to fall in order to learn. Failure is painful but I tell you, you’ll learn from it. When you fall, gather yourself up and stand again. There are time that you will enjoy your fall. Same with surfing, you need to find your balance. Do not let others dictate you on what to do, or what career or choice to take. In surfing trust is very important. There are people who will assure you that they will take care of you and they won’t let anything/anyone hurt you. You have to learn to trust others and of course trust and believe in yourself. Never give up even if everyone is telling you to do so. Lastly, enjoy the view while standing and encourage others to do the same.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! WHEN YOU DO IT, YOU'RE FUTURE SELF WILL THANK YOU FOR IT.
WATCH MY VIDEO 😊
https://youtu.be/PELJeMyEe6Y

'till next adventure loves.

xoxo,

DerTravels <3

Cebu Destination: ALOGUINSAN (Hermit's Cove)

"I just wanna pack up and hit the beach with good friends."

Hey!!! Now were down to our last destination for this Aloguinsan Escapade.. I'll be sharing you our photos and some words on how your friends can help you achieve your goals..coz these bunch of gals literally helped me in achieving my goals in life..meowk!!!

Now the drive to Hermit’s Cove is a bit tricky and actually scary. So be very careful. The road is littered with loose gravel and pebbles.

This part is the scariest since it’s a road along a cliff. Plus it’s pretty dangerous because of all the gravel.

At the end of the road, you will see a breathtaking view of God's creation. BEAUTIFUL!!

This trip is not included in the full tour package so we have to pay Php 50 per pax as our entrance fee.. It's so worth it because we were provided with our own cottage but we chose to have the table since the cottage is too big for us.

Look at that picturesque view..wow!!!

On this part, I will tell you three things on how your friends can help you achieve your goals...

#1: Encouragement

Some friends are naturally encouraging; make sure you let them know about your plans and your progress. They’ll probably be delighted for you, and keen to find out how you’re getting on.

#2: Practical Support

Although encouragement can be a huge boost to your motivation, it often isn’t enough to get you to your goal. 

Practical support is invaluable, and may well make the difference between success and failure.

Please excuse my beach (happy) face :P

#3: Advice

Good advice can save you lots of time, money and energy. 

If you’re lucky enough to have a friend or family member who’s pursued a similar goal, or who has expertise in this area, don’t be afraid to ask them for advice.

One of the best ways to achieve your goals faster is to let others help you. :) 

To summed up this whole Aloguisan experience..I would say that it's all worth it..very affordable..very informative..and definitely a must-try adventure with your family and friends...especially if your tired of the city life!! Try to experience being connected with nature :)

Thanks you to those people who were very accommodating: to our bus driver, to our habal-habal drivers, to the rowers, to the tour guides, and to the villagers!! 

Thank you #TeamAcad :) To more adventures soon.. :P

'till next adventure loves.

xoxo DER <3