Saturday, November 15, 2014

What You Didn't Know About...

Think you know all about Ifugao, Kalinga, and Benguet? Well guess again. Here are some surprising trivia that you may not know about these provinces.

kamustamagazine.ph

Ifugao

1.) They have wrestling! Believe it or not, the people of Ifugao are also into sports. They have actually different kinds of wrestling such as bultong (belt wrestling) and ak-kad, hanggul (arm wrestling).
2.) They have rice gods The Bulol is a carved figurine, which is commonly known as the rice god of the Ifugao people. It is believed that some kind of anito (spirit) has entered into this relic, in order to be worshipped. These figurines usually come in pairs and there are different kinds of ceremonies during their production.
3.) It has its very own movie I'm not even kidding! In 1954, a film entitled, "Ifugao" came out and it was simply about the lifestyle in Ifugao. It was directed by Gerardo de Leon and Efren Reyes, Johnny Monteiro, and Leila Morena were one of the cast members. This movie even participated in the 1955 Asian Film Festival and it won Best Director, Best Actor and Best Screenplay.

pacifiqa.com

Kalinga

1.) There is only one tattoo artist left Located in Buscalan village, Whang-od remains as the last mambabatok or Kalinga Tattoo artist. And she is not just any tattoo artist that most people are familiar with. She specializes in the art of batok, which she learned from her father.
2.) They are quite artistic They are pretty good at weaving, so you can pay a visit to the  Mabilong Weavers Village, and you can also go to Pasil, where you can experience pottery.
3.) Kalinga literally means headhunting That's right. Their name is derived from Ibanag and Gaddang "Kalinga". Also, they are actually known for headhunting, and they consider it as something brave and noble.

seasite.niu.edu

Benguet

1.) It's name came from headgear protection Back when La Trinidad was just a settlement during the time of the Spanish, the people had head coverings that protecting them from the cold winds called "benget". However, one Spanish conquistador mispronounced this as Benguet, and it eventually became of the province.
2.) Benguet was a battlefield It is not just the perfect place for berry picking, but this place had many remnants from the previous wars that the Philippines had to endure. Batarangan Airstrip in Kibungan used to be the landing site of U.S. Airforce during World War II and Kaliwaga Cave is the burial place of a couple of British soldiers of the 15th century.
3.) There are ghosts lurking The Ibaloi people of Benguet consider ghost stories as legends of families and brave heroes. They even bury their dead beneath their households because they believe that the spirits can somehow influence destinies. They even say that in order to have peace between the living and the dead, you need to make sure the elders are always happy!






Friday, November 7, 2014

CAR Shopping!!!

Here are things you should buy when you're in Ifugao, Benguet, and Kalinga! 

IFUGAO 

Rice

www.sunnywoodrice.com
I've said it once, but I will say it again...you've got to get some rice in this province! Ifugao is known for their Heirloom Organic Rice.

Bags...and Baskets

Vintag Ifugao Split Laptong Rattan Basket (www.rubylane.com)
Ifugao Rattan backpack (www.thekerrgallery.com)
The people of Ifugao certainly have a knack for weaving many things, and it is not just limited to bags and baskets. Aside from the functionality it has, the weaving of these products are definitely durable. So you don't have to worry about these getting destroyed while being used! 

KALINGA

Skirts

www.actaonline.org
www.actaonline.org
peacebuilderscommunity.org
Forget those skaters skirts and try some colorful ones from Kalinga! Just like Ifugao, the people of Kalinga also have the beautiful talent of weaving. You normally see this particular kind of clothing when a indigenous dance takes place, so why not turn it into a brand new fashion statement?

Jewelry

www.seektheuniq.com
theclamorofkalinga.blogspot.com
Let's not forget to accessorize, shall we? 

BENGUET

Strawberries

www.9news.ph
www.pusangkalye.net
Lots and lots of strawberries...(especially in La Trinidad). 

Friday, October 31, 2014

Most Scenic Views of the Cordilleras

Every traveler needs a handy camera to capture the beautiful moments of their adventures. The Philippines--particularly the Cordillera Administrative Region--has tons of beautiful "instagram-worthy" views. So brace yourself, for your smartphones may not handle the beauty of these views!


To spice up this post, simply click the video and listen to some music to perk up your mood! (song: On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons)

IFUGAO

Bamaue Rice Terraces
www.tourismontheedge.com
Hapao Rice Terraces 
harrybalais.com
Tappiya Falls 
www.mynetbizz.com

BENGUET
Mt. Pulag 
www.thingsasian.com
Kabayan
www.nomadicpinoy.com

Lake Ambulalakaw, Kabayan
ph.geoview.info
KALINGA 
Buscalan Village
www.thelonerider.com
Chico River, Tinglayan
travel-philippines.com
Lubo and Mangali Rice Terraces
www.traveltothephilippines.info

Saturday, October 25, 2014

The Cordillera Menu...

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING POST CONTAINS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FOOD PORN THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS EVER SEEN. VIEWER (SPECIFICALLY FOR THE GLUTTONS) DISCRETION IS ADVISED. 

Now that you have clicked here, there is no turning back. Get your tummies ready for the most delicious food that can be found only in Ifugao, Benguet, and Kalinga! 

BENGUET

Recommended for people who loves pastries and sweets

touchofpink123.blogspot.com
1.) Peanut Brittle- It never hurts to start with something sweet. Available in Baguio, this delicacy is ideal for sweet-toothed people around the world. Just imagine the saltiness of peanuts mixed in the most fine sugar. 

outoftownblog.com
www.universalrobina.com
2.) Strawberry Shortcake- Benguet is well-known for the strawberries with their farms and festivals, so it is natural to try out their own version of strawberry shortcakes. They have the largest one, for crying out loud!

4evahmich.blogspot.com
3.) Choco-Cornflakes- Why settle for Koko Krunch when you can have these???

IFUGAO

Recommended for those who are into exotic cuisine

www.ann-d-explorer.com
1.) Vah-vah and Gajiw- Yes, they literally mean frog and small fish. All you have to do is deep fry these babies and you're good to go! Pretty exotic, if you ask me.

www.gmanetwork.com
2.) Pinuneg- It may look like the biggest longganisa you have ever seen, but it is actually made up of pig's blood and organs. So yes, it resembles the very famous "dinuguan" and the locals use a lot of crushed garlic to mask the smell. Not only that, it takes quite a long time to cook and it needs to be eaten right away, since it can get easily spoiled. 

pinoyfoodblog.com
3.) Violet Rice- If there is red and brown rice, Ifugao offers Violet rice! This organic heirloom rice actually has a sticky substance and it has the flavor of ube, so consider this as a perfect ingredient if you plan to make rice cakes or any rice-related delicacy! 

KALINGA

Recommended for food enthusiasts who are simply into full-course meals


Thursday, October 16, 2014

Explore the Wonders of Cordillera Administrative Region!


Time to explore the wonders of Ifugao, Benguet, and Kalinga! 


teng-ab.com

1.) Bintakan Cave (Lagawe, Ifugao)

This three-room cave overlooks the glorious Ibulao River and the stalactites and stalagmites come in different shapes and sizes. 



flickr.com

2.) Guihob Natural Swimming Pool (Banaue, Ifugao) 

Yes, believe it or not, there is such a thing as a natural swimming pool. The best part is hopping along these huge boulders as you explore the clear waters. 



www.lemonicks.com

3.) Tappiya Waterfalls (Banaue, Ifugao)

This place also has a natural pool and it is located near Batad village. It happens to be one of the most well-known sites around the vicinity. 



www.asiauncovered.net

4.) Mt. Mating-oy Dinayao (Kalinga)

It is also known as 'Sleeping Beauty' because the mountain ranges almost resemble a woman lying on its back. You can view this at Sungang View Point. 



flickr.com

5.) Buaya Caves (Kalinga)

Also known as, Gua Buaya or 'Crocodile Cave'.



www.traveltothephilippines.info

6.) Palan-ah Falls and Hot Springs (Tinglayan, Kalinga)

The name comes from the term, 'Pinalpallang-ah', and this means "chair". Located in Tulgao West, it is considered a great place to swim on a very bright day.



www.tripadvisor.com.ph

7.) Ugid Maling Subterranean River (Kalinga)

If you want more caves and an outstanding river view, then Beyond the beautiful turquoise river lies a cavern that is made up of a maze of boulders. 



www.kellyaustria.com

8.) Mount Pulag (Benguet)

The only reason why you should climb the highest mountain of Luzon is because of this:
flickofaswitch.blogspot.com
Beautiful isn't it? 


flickr.com

9.) Tinongchol Burial Rock (Kabayan, Benguet)

This burial contains really really really old mummies and the entire site is almost as tall as any three-storey building! What makes it really interesting are the cut holes. Apparently, this was where and how people would keep their dead. 


www.motorcyclephilippines.com

10.) Badekbek Sulfur Springs (Bokod, Benguet) 

If you are looking for something weird yet exotic, then you should try taking a glimpse of this natural spring. It emits smoke, plus its really muddy. Although it may not look much, it never ceases to amaze the people who go there. 


This barely even half of the natural sites seen in this region. There are plenty of more amazing places that you can explore in the CAR region. You can click on the links, which are highlighted in each natural site that was mentioned to learn more extraordinary natural attractions. 


More from Tama-chan:



Saturday, October 11, 2014

5 Best Things to do in CAR!

Here are the greatest things you can do when you visit Benguet, Kalinga, and Ifugao!

(Source)

1.) TREK. TREK. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST... TREK

Trekking beyond the city is far more different than trekking in CAR. Ifugao, Kalinga, and Benguet are mountainous provinces so trekking here can be a total blast. Just imagine the wind gushing right through your face, and losing off those unwanted calories whilst heading up those elevated areas. No worries, if you are a very modernized person, you can also take pictures along the way. The views will definitely give you more a great amount of likes on Instagram.

Bogyah Hot Springs (source)

2.) HOT SPRINGS

Believe it or not, the CAR region has more hot springs aside from the ones in Pooten Resort, Asin-Tuba of Benguet! If you are not the physical type of person and all you crave for is relaxation, then you can take a dip in the hot springs. In Ifugao, you can pay a visit to Bogyah Hot Springs in Hungduan. You get to view a couple of Rice Terraces along the way. Another one can be located in Benguet and it is called the Itogon Hot Springs. Based in the town of Itogon, it is also known as the "1300 Level Swimming Pools". In other words, you can enjoy different kinds of pools in this resort. Last but not least, we have the Nasngi, Beey Dodong and Tubeng Hot Spring of Benguet! They say the water source is from Mount Kil-Kili


Experience Chico River Whitewater Rafting! (source)
3.) EXPLORE THE WATERS

If you adore the waters, then you can challenge the rapids of Kalinga's Chico River, and swim in Ifugao's Hapao River and Balentimol Falls

One of the Last Tattooed Women of Kalinga (source)
The Mummy Returns (source)

4.) ENCOUNTER HISTORY IN THE FLESH

You can still see the remains of history with your very own eyes. In Kalinga, you can meet the Tattooed Women of Tinglayan. Kalinga has been very known for their tattoos, which are heavy in symbolism and heritage. Having tattoos are considered being beautiful and increases their chances of getting suitors, which explains why these women are almost covered with them. Next, if you are into creepy ancient stuff, then you can visit The Fire Mummies of Kabayan in Benguet. They are located in Mt. Timbac and you can still see how well preserved they are.


Eighth Wonder Heirloom Rice (source)
5.) RICE

As Filipinos, rice is a thing. Filipinos cannot live without rice, that's usually what everyone says. The culture of rice is very strong in the region of CAR, especially in Ifugao (they have rituals!). Rice terraces are very known here, and the commonly-known ones are the man-made Kibungan Rice Terraces, Tinglayan Rice Terraces, and the Banaue Rice Terraces. Consider getting some rice as souvenirs!