Some Exotic Food to Taste in the Cordilleras

1.Exploring the Wild Side of the Cordillera Culinary Culture

 

A trip to the Cordilleras can be transformed into a culinary adventure with wild ethnic dishes and native wines in the extreme or by sampling our one-of-a-kind local restaurants.

Although the Cordillera mountain range supplies 80% of the Philippines’ daily vegetable requirements, the folks here really prefer to eat meat — smoked, boiled, grilled — using the simplest cooking techniques with long preparation times.

 

Foremost is the Pinikpikan, a chicken dish that is rooted in the native ritual of reading signals from the gods to determine one’s course of action. Sometimes humorously called ‘Battered Chicken,’ native chickens, smaller in variety with darker, tastier meat are beaten with a wooden and grilled over open fire. Etag is added to the brew.

 

Etag or Itag is salted meat, cured and aged underground in an earthen jar. The flavor is comparable to blue cheese but is much oilier and flavorful after it’s cooked. It is also used as an ingredient to flavor the Pinikpikan.

 

Similar to the Filipino dinuguan, Pinuneg is a native blood sausage composed of minced pork and innards mixed with cooked rice (usually the red variety known as kintoman), salt, vinegar, garlic and other flavors and then stuffed into clean animal intestines. The Cordillera version of the longganisa (native sausage) is then eiher sun dried, smoked, poacked or simply boiled and served as a main course or appetizer with a vinegar and chili dip.

 

Sabusab is mixed dish using fermented rice, sliced meat, green onions, ginger and moistened with Tapey.

 

And then there is the Tapuey, sometimes called Tapuy or Tapey, a native wine made by fermenting rice with a special yeast in a clay or wooden jar using mountain spring water, resulting in a strong brew popular atcañaos or mountain feasts. A great souvenir to bring home or give as a gift, it is available in bottles at the Baguio City Market.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Things to do in Baguio after Summer : Spotlight on Cafe Yagam

Summer’s officially over since two weeks ago but that doesn’t mean you can no longer go around Baguio and have some fun. In fact, Baguio has a more interesting feel when it’s rainy. As proof, Azalea Hotels and Residences invited several bloggers from Manila and a couple from Baguio (I was one of them!) for an After Summer Getaway to showcase what this cool city has to offer during monsoon season.

They arranged tours for us bloggers in places typical Baguio tourists usually don’t go to and of course, there were a lot of food trips as well! What is a Baguio tour without food, diba?

Now this article’s gonna be written in three parts for an easy read. I’m gonna begin with the places we ate at outside of Azalea.

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On the first night of the event, the staff organized a dinner and acquaintance party at Cafe Yagam where we ate a Cordillera-themed meal. The place is a house-turned-cafe that had homey vibe. They had a menu on the wall written with chalk. The prices were reasonable and you kinda get a hint that the place served great food. There were several other guests in the area who were jamming while having beer;  They had a lit fire place and above it was a load of books anyone was free to browse. Unlike most food places, Cafe Yagam had a variety of seating arrangements ranging from typical tables and chairs to cushions on the floor around a low-rise table.
The owner of the place gave us a quick introduction why they were serving the particular dishes they prepared that night and also explained the traditional context of the food.

She first introduced Pinkipikan — a meal prepared by beating a chicken with a stick to make its blood clot near the surface of its skin, making its meat tastier. It is then smoked and served together with sayote and soup (which you can add rice wine to if you liked).

The meat of the pinikpikan was indeed tasty. It reminded me of tinola only its meat was firmer. The sayote was fresh and the soup was brothy and light; I tried it with a bit of local rice wine but I didn’t like how it tasted. Maybe there was a particular proportion of rice wine to soup that I wasn’t aware of.

The second dish was called Pinuneg or blood sausage. This dish is exclusive to the Benguet Kankanaey and is typically served when a pig was butchered during a ritual or ceremony.

The sausage had chunky bits inside of it. As a fan of dinuguan, I enjoyed eating this dish. It is paired with a red spicy sauce that is not for the faint of heart. Based on the taste, the sauce had seemed like it had a fermentation stage in the process of making it. It goes well with the sausage but I recommend that you only put a little on it or perhaps use it as a dip instead to avoid overpowering the flavours of the pinuneg.

The third dish introduced to us was called Binungor. It is a Kalinga dish that is served as an appetizer or side dish and not a viand. It is made of various vegetables found around a Kalingahousehold along with tenga ng daga and other wild mushrooms, and Ot-an, that spiral shaped shell-fish you suck to get the meat inside.

The Binungor had slight hints of sweetness and spiciness to it. I tried sucking on a couple of the Ot-an but I wasn’t successful. Oh well. The vegetables tasted fresh and were deliciously chewy. I kind of understand why it’s served as a side dish because of it’s consistency.

The last dish is called Kini-ing — a smoked or sun-dried piece of pork. The owner told us that this is different from Etag (a piece of pork also smoked or sun-dried) because it does not undergo a fermentation process. She also told us that Kini-ing is only smoked when it rains, otherwise it is left under the sun.

The meat was sliced thinly and had a smoky flavor. It was well done but the layer of fat was too thick compared to the portion of actual meat it had. Nevertheless, it was seasoned perfectly. After the concise background on all of the dishes served, we were then allowed to serve ourselves. I had to try everything of course!

I got a cup of fluffy brown rice, a hot bowl of Pinikpikan soup, and a steaming cup of coffee to go with all the dishes. At that moment, everything felt like it was where it’s supposed to be. Each of the dishes complemented each other and combining them with every bite was a fascinating experience for the palate. After the hearty dinner and tummy-warming soup and coffee, we were told that there was still dessert! I felt quite full but I was sure I had room for dinner, because who doesn’t, right?

They served a sticky-rice dish called Kiniwar (hinalo or mixed) which somehow reminded me of Biko, another sweet sticky rice dish. It was still hot but I immediately got a piece before it ran out. Talk about patay-gutom, haha.

The kiniwar was topped with two kinds of coconut: the first one was coconut with gata (coconut milk) cooked to become malapot (thick; viscous) and underneath it was also coconut but was caramelized, kinda like Pangasinan’s bukayo. The coconut toppings made the kiniwar even more delightful for the taste buds. To our luck, they served another freshly-cooked batch! Oh my goodness!

The dessert paired very well with their coffee from Sagada which was smooth and light just like the blues nights the Cafe occasionally hosts. If you enjoy black coffee, this is a must try. It also tastes good with sugar and creamer, if you’re that kind of person.

 

 

3. One Food Trip in Cordillera (Best Delicacies of the Provinces)

A B R A

 

Lechon de Abra, similar with others, proudly have its crispy skin. However, it is still different with other lechon in the country. It is prepared with thinly sliced leaves and seasoned with lots of garlic, salt, and pepper.

 

Lechon de Abra. Image Source: lakwatserongtsinelas

 

 

Sinuman and Patupat are the local version of rice cakes in Abra. The taste is even comparable to a world-class dessert! Sinuman is a triangular-shaped rice cake that is served as it is. Patupat on the other hand is served with muscovado sugar.

 

 

Sinuman. Image Source: lakwatserongtsinelas

 

Patupat. Image Source: lakwatserongtsinelas

 

 

Palileng is actually a name of a certain specie of river fish that is abundant in the province of Abra.

 

Palileng. Image Source: Positively Filipino

 

Abuos or the eggs of big red ants is a famous exotic food in Abra especially during the summer season. These are collected through poking hole in the treetop nests of the red ants. Abuos are then sauteed together with garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Because of its rich and tangy taste, it is indeed a rare delicacy one should try!

 

Abuos. Image Source: Positively Filipino

 

 

A P A Y A O

 

Pinikpikan is a common soup dish among the provinces in the Cordillera Region. However, instead of using native chicken, Apayao’s version of Pinikpikan found its taste with native ducks. It is much more tastier and gives a much stronger soupy taste according to the locals.

 

Pinikpikan. Image Source: Choose Philippines

 

Sininggub or the stir-fried red chili pepper, mixed together with a few sliced lemon leaves. Sininggub is served as an appetizer.

 

 

 M T .   P R O V I N C E

 Etag, or the salted pork in Bontoc, Mountain Province, is a usual ingredient in many indigenous delicacies in the province. Etag is actually a product of preserving the meat hence, it’s really flavorful!

 

 

 Biko that is made using the heirloon Mountain Violet sticky rice (locally known as Ominio) that are harvested directly from the terraces of the Philippines, can any other biko taste any better than that?

 

Tasty Biko made using the heirloom Mountain Violet Sticky Rice. Image Source: Pinoy Food Blog

 

4. Cultured Exotic Food of the Igorots:

One way to celebrate culture is through cuisine. The role that a specific type of cuisine plays to the Igorot culture is very significant. The food that a specific culture exhibits the pertinent geography of the region. For instance, the Igorots like to eat rice as a staple product. One possibility of the abudant staple food is due to the fact that the Banaue Rice Terraces is located in Ifugao, Northern Luzon. This pertains to the geographical region where many Igorots reside in. Here is an interactive website that gives a good list of recipes and exotic food that the Igorots like feasting on. It is clearly evident that the Igoros like meat products/ protein.

Food	Description	Photograph	Ingredients
Pinikpikan	A famous dish served in the Cordilleras of a live beaten chicken. It is usually salty in taste and mixed with other vegetables such as cabbage. Usually served with rice and it is eaten on a banana leaf.		Chicken Ginger Black Pepper
Tapey	Rice mixed to gether with the local wine. It is meant to have a sweet taste. Here is a link that shows how Tapey is prepared.		Bubod Diket Labba Gosi
Binaod	Binaod is considered to be a Filipino delicacy. The pig intestines are prepared just after the pig manure “have been dried and collected” (Comeau). It is eaten with Sayote leaves that cover rice.		Ground Diket Sayote Leaves Salt Intestines of a Pig
Etag	Salted pork served on special occassions. Just like Pinikpikan, it can be served with mixed greens/vegetables.Sometimes, it is spiced.		Pork meat Tapuy Onions Lemon grass Cooking oil

 

 

 

 

5. Affordable Places to Eat in Baguio City

Going to the City of Pines this holiday season and still have no idea what to do? Why not go on a gastronomical adventure with your family, friends, or loved ones? There are plenty of good restaurants in Baguio City that serve quality food at affordable, reasonable prices.

Garden Salad at Oh My Gulay

Grab your spoon, fork, and table napkin, and start marking these 10 affordable places to eat in in Baguio City on your maps!

IhawJuan

Unli grilled food for P199 – P249
Address: Ground Floor, Blue Mountain Hotel, 18 Marcos Highway, Baguio City
Mobile: 09774035575
Telephone: (074) 244 2036

IhawJuan Eat all U Can Inihaw

If you like grilled food, then you would love to know that there’s a place in Baguio where not only can you get unlimited, but you also get to grill the food yourself! For P199 for lunch and P249 for dinner, you can get to grill food all you want at IhawJuan. There is a wide selection of meat, vegetables, seafood, and grilling and dipping sauces at the counter. Fried rice, plain rice, and soup, are unlimited too.

Te Quiero Tapas Bar

Unli tapa for P350
Address: Microtel Inns and Suites, Upper Session Road, Baguio City
Telephone(074) 619 3333

Gambas Al Ajillo at Te Quero Tapas Bar photo courtesy of http://www.philippinetravelogue.com

Te Quiero Tapas Bar offers unlimited tapa for P350 every Fridays. Enjoy free live acoustic music during Tapas Nights.

O’Mai Khan

Mongolian Barbeque for P210
Address: Upper Session Road, Baguio City
Telephone: (074) 442 5885

O’Mai Khan Baguio photo courtesy of Eva Cammayo via FB

Have your own platter of Mongolian Barbeque for P210. If you plan to eat in groups, try O’Mai Khan’s Mongolian Hot Pot, which is P420, good for 4 people.

Vizco’s Restaurants and Cake Shops

Cake slices for P60 – P105
Address: 8GF Puso ng Baguio Building, Session Road, Baguio City
Telephone: (074) 446 7085

Mango Cake Slice

Vizco’s Restaurants and Cake Shops offer one of the best cakes in town at affordable prices. If you’re not a fan of cakes, though, Vizco’s offers a vast array of dishes, like their Nacho Supreme (P165) and their seafood dishes, which start at P170.

Choco-laté de Batirol

Traditional cup of tsokolate for P80
Address: Igorot Garden, Camp John Hay, Baguio City
Mobile: 0916 375 6510 / 0915 933 3473 / 0927 348 9276

Choco-late de Batirol

If you’re looking for a place with a good, relaxing ambiance, then go to Choco-laté de Batirol. They serve traditional food (for as affordable as P64) using traditional methods of preparation, and there’s no better way to relax in Baguio than to sip a nice, hot mug of tsokolate with a warm plate of nostalgic bibingka in a cool, green garden.

50’s Diner

A variety of food starting at P105
Address: 92 Upper General Luna Rd., Baguio City
Mobile: 09166595555

Cordon Blue at 50’s Diner Baguio photo by digitalGLOMP

50’s Diner is a diner from the 1950s that serves a variety of food, ranging from the European Schnitzel (for P135), to Japanese Tempura (for P180) and from the heavy, stomach-filling steak dinner (starts at P240) to the light and fluffy pancake tower meal (for P185). You won’t overlook the retro, 1950s vibes of this place, especially the red neon signage, so bring your afros and your spoon and fork.

Oh My Gulay

Vegetable meals starting at P110
Address: La Azotea Building, Session Road, Baguio City

Garden Salad at Oh My Gulay

Vegetarian restaurant Oh My Gulay serves creatively named dishes starting at P110. Pasta meals (for P130), sandwiches (starting at P130) and noodles (for P135) are available here as well, aside from the selection of fresh salads to choose from. The ambiance here is also very inviting—an indoor garden or forest on the highest floor of a building that overlooksBaguio City.

Pizza Volante

Italian dishes for P300-500
Address: 82 Session Road, Baguio City
Telephone: (074) 445 0777

Hawaiian Pizza at Pizza Volante

If you’re craving for pizza, pasta, or anything Italian, then go to the heart of the city, Session Road, to the doors of Pizza Volante Restaurant. Pizzas start at P89, but of course, if you’re with a group of friends, you can split the bill for pizzas starting at P150.

Secret Garden

Pizza, pasta, and Filipino food starting at P150
Address: 34 Paterno St., South Drive Road, Baguio City
Mobile Phone: 0915 935 9865 / 0908 415 2056
Telephone: (074) 442 0406

Proscuitto Rolls at Secret Garden Resto and Cafe

Secret Garden is a restaurant with a good ambiance, which will make you want to stay longer and enjoy their thin crust pizza dishes, beloved pasta specialties, and their Filipino food.

Wood Nymph

Korean dishes starting at P150
Address: Luneta Hill Drive, Baguio City
Telephone: (074) 442 8648

Famous Landmarks in Cordillera

1.  Tourist Spots And Destinations Worth Visiting In La Trinidad, Benguet

Note: This is a contributed piece by Nicole L. Melendez, a second year tourism student from one of the major universities in Baguio City. Ms. Melendez is hoping to build her own hotel in the La Trinidad Valley someday. [Updated with corrections and suggestions from readers.]

La Trinidad is the capital town of the province of Benguet in the Cordillera Administrative Region or CAR. The town is just a few kilometers away from the city of Baguio. Most of the town lies in what is often referred to as the La Trinidad Valley which is an old volcanic crater. Running through the valley is the Balili River.

 

As mentioned earlier, La Trinidad is very near Baguio City. If you take a passenger jeep or a taxi, travel time can take fifteen to thirty minutes provided that there are no hangups in vehicle traffic. Jeeps and taxis traversing the Baguio City-La Trinidad route operate 24/7 so getting there and back is not much of a problem.

 

Before we go to the tourist destinations and spots in La Trinidad, Benguet, let’s show you first how to get there if you are coming from Baguio City. If you are taking a cab, there’s no problem as you can just inform the driver that your destination is La Trinidad. You however have to be particular as to where in La Trinidad you will get off the cab. Well-known drop-off points are Bell Church (Km 3), Pines Park (Km 4), Tiong San (Km 4), Marosans (Km 4), Public Market (Km 5), Jollibee (Km 5), McDonalds (Km 5), Benguet State University Main Gate (Km 6), and Capitol (Km 6).

 

If you are taking a public utility jeep, there are two stations in Baguio City for La Trinidad-bound jeeps. The main station is located at the former Rabbit Bus Terminal along Magsaysay Avenue. This station is just a few meters from the Baguio Center Mall. The second jeepney station is located just below the Baguio City Hall and above Rizal Park. Minimum fare is Php8.50.

 

And here are the tourist spots and destinations in La Trinidad, Benguet.

 

1) The Strawberry Farm – This is where majority of the famous Baguio strawberries are planted and harvested. Strawberries are often associated with Baguio City but the fact is these are farmed in La Trinidad. The farm occupies several hectares within Km 5 and Km 6. Near the farms are dozens of stalls selling ripe and freshly-picked strawberries. You can go into the fields and pick your own strawberries if you want. Strawberries aren’t the only plants being nurtured in the farm. There are also flowers and various vegetables like cabbages and carrots.

Photo: Shubert Ciencia via Flickr

2) Mt. Kalugong – This is a low-lying mountain overlooking the La Trinidad Valley. You can reach it via Tabangaoen (a sitio of barangay Balili) or via Tawang. A main feature of the mountain are its various rock formations. Also in the area are tree swings, picnic tables and traditionally-built houses which you can rent out at affordable fees. It’s a nice little place to hike to and have a picnic with friends and family.

Photo: Mt. Kalugong Eco Park via Facebook.

3) Mt. Jumbo (also known as Mt. Yangbaw or Jhangbow) – This is a much bigger mountain than Mt. Kalugong. It’s not a developed place so you won’t find picnic tables, houses or any man-made structures in the area. It’s a great place for hiking. And the view of the La Trinidad Valley from atop the mountain is beautiful and magnificent.

Photo: Richard Kinnud via his blog La Trinidad.

4) The Tawang Stone Church – Needless to stay, this is a church constructed mostly from rocks found in the area. The church can be found in barangay Tawang. To get there, you need to hike a little as the church is located high up a mountain slope and quite far from the main highway. [Unfortunately, we don’t have a photo of the church. You’ll have to go there if you wish to see how it looks.]

 

5) The Longlong Communal Forest – This is a stretch of wooded area in Puguis, La Trinidad. It also serves as a watershed. To get there, you can either hike up there or take a taxi. The forest is a good place for small walks and picnics. There’s also a small hut there which also serves as a view deck. From the deck, you can see the entirety of the La Trinidad Valley below.

Photo: The Igorot Journal

The La Trinidad Valley as seen from the Longlong communal forest view deck. Photo: The Igorot Journal

Wooded areas in and near the Longlong communal forest. Photo: The Igorot Journal

Bonus tip: Unlike Baguio City, the town doesn’t have a lot of dining places. Recommended places where you can grab something to eat include Jack’s Restaurant, Marosan’s, and Kaleis. The town also has branches of McDonald’s and Jollibee if you prefer food from these chains.

 

If you know of other places in La Trinidad worth visiting, feel free to tell us about it in the comments section below. Thanks a lot.

Suggested places from our readers: Kairuz Cafe, Cafe Tahru and Kai Cafe for dining. Bahong, the rose capital of the Philippines. King Loui’s Farm (not sure where this is located).

2. 16 places you should visit in Baguio

Man-made lake at Burnham Park.

 

Its mountainous terrain and strategic location within the Cordillera mountain range give Baguio City the advantages of a cool temperature and scenic views.

The city has an abundance of forest reserves, parks, and pine trees, and the high elevation provides many places – from the city center to the outskirts – with sweeping vistas.

Aside from its unique mix of natural and historical attractions, a combination of cultures that incorporates Spanish, American, and native Ibaloi and Cordilleran tribal influences gives the city a unique socio-cultural flavor.

As a retail and urban hub, Baguio boasts of an economic zone and a technology enclave as well as a number of stores carrying imported and top brands.

Co-existing with these establishments are souvenir and other shops selling goods distinctly Baguio such as strawberry products, knitted wear, woodcraft, and silver jewelries.

Baguio center attractions

Within the Baguio central business district are several spots identified as tourist draws by the City Government. They are of walking distance from many Baguio accommodation establishments and include parks, shopping areas, and historical monuments.

1. City Hall building

Your tour within the city center should start at City Hall. This current building, constructed in 1949-1950, replaced the one built in 1910 during the term of E.W. Reynolds, first city mayor, hat was destroyed during World War II in 1945.

To get more details about this building, such as how to get there or its GPS coordinates, and the other sites in the list, download the Baguio Guide from the Google Play Store.

2. Burnham Park

One of the interesting nature spots in Baguio is an urban park named after the American architect, Daniel H. Burnham, who laid plans for the city in the 1900’s. The park is a sprawling green space encompassing 32 hectares right in the city center. It is just a few minutes walk from City Hall.

The Baguio Guide app provides a list of the different activities you can do in Burnham Park.

3. Baguio Cathedral

Standing on a hill originally referred to as “Kampo” by the native Ibalois, the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral depicts Gothic architectural influences in its twin spires, stained glass, and rose windows.

The structure also has a distinctive pink color. It was built in phases starting in 1920 not by the Spaniards by a Catholic Mission established by missionaries of the Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) from Belgium in 1907.

4. Baguio City Public Market

Baguio is known for its strawberries and in no other area in the city is this fruit sold cheaply and in abundance than in the public market.

Also called Abanao Market, it is located at the foot of Session Road along Magsaysay Avenue.

Other tourist draws

Trips to other attractions take more time because they’re located some distance from the city’s nucleus. Such trips need to be planned and the route plotted ahead of time especially since Baguio has a lot of one way streets.

5. Baguio Botanical Garden

Take a stroll along the winding trails and stone steps of the Baguio Botanical Garden. It has a wide range of flowering, herbal, and decorative plants interspersed with pine trees. Some plants are even for sale.

The garden’s main entrance is along Leonard Wood Road, between the Teacher’s Camp and Pacdal Circle. It had been in the past been called Igorot Village, Imelda Park, and Centennial Park. Within the huge park are relics from its Igorot Village days, such as tribal huts and sculptures.

There are pocket gardens within the park dedicated to Baguio’s sister cities. There is a network of Japanese tunnels as well. The Baguio Botanical Garden is just a kilometer away from the city center.

6. Mines View Park

No other spot encapsulates the city’s breathtaking scenery better than Mines View Park.

The park, located in the outskirts of Baguio, offers a wide and clear view of Benguet’s mountain ranges where gold, silver, and other ores were once mined, hence its name.

Souvenir items and other Baguio products are sold in the area. Silver jewelry, which the city is known for, is sold at the Ibay’s and Pilak branches in Mines View.

7. Camp John Hay

Camp John Hay has often been referred to as the “little Baguio” with Baguio City. The urban design for Baguio created by American architect Daniel H. Burnham in the 1900’s was for a community with a population expected to reach but not breach 25,000.

Some 100 years later, the city’s population has grown to over 10 times more. There are more people, houses, and cars on the road.

Camp John Hay offers a picture of Baguio City as it used to be. More information about Camp John Hay and the things you shouldn’t miss in the mountain resort can be found at the Baguio Guide mobile app that’s offered for free download in the Google Play Store.

8. Wright Park

A favorite of kids and adults alike in Baguio is Wright Park where an organization of pony boys offers horseback rides. It is located northeast of the city center.

From the horseback riding area, a stone stairway leads to the “Pool of the Pines,” a quiet stretch with a 100-meter long shallow and narrow pool lined on both sides by Baguio’s towering pines.

The park is named after Luke Edward Wright, American governor-general of the Philippines (1904-1906).

9. The Mansion

Built in 1908, The Mansion on Leonard Wood Road housed a succession of American governor-generals. It is located just across Wright Park.

It is now utilized as the official residence of the Philippine President in the summer capital. The Baguio Guide app contains more information about this Baguio attraction such as where they got the inspiration for its wrought iron gates.

10. Philippine Military Academy

This premier military institution has its beginnings in Spanish colonial times. Established in the 19th century, it became the venue for the training for sons of soldiers and those aspiring for higher military positions.

Don’t forget to check out the Philippine Military Academy museum, which displays memorabilia related to the development of the academy. PMA allows visitors a peek into a typical cadet room at the museum.

11. Tam-Awan Village

Set on a rolling slope along Lt. G. Tacay Road, Tam-Awan Village promotes and preserves tribal and indigenous cultures and practices.

It offers accommodations in authentic dwelling places of Benguet’s different tribes. The village features seven Ifugao and two Kalinga huts made of indigenous materials.

Following the trail within the village’s mountainous terrain will lead guests to great views of the surrounding environs. The West Philippine Sea sunset, on a clear day, may be viewed from the area.

Lodging and entrance fees provided in the free Baguio Guide mobile app that’s available for download at the Google Play Store.

12. BenCab Museum

National artist Benedicto Cabrera displays his collection of paintings, drawings, prints, and sculpture at the BenCab Museum.

Located along Km. 6 Asin Road, Cabrera’s museum also features works of rising contemporary artists.

An interesting albeit mature spot in the museum is the Erotica Gallery. Drawings, paintings, sculpture, and other artworks by various artists with an erotic subject or theme are displayed there.

13. Ifugao Wood Carvers Village

The way to BenCab museum is dotted with woodcarving shops. The area is known as the Ifugao Wood Carvers Village. Beautiful, hand-carved products are sold at low prices in the shops.

14. Lourdes Grotto

A shrine to the Lady of the Lourdes is located close to the BenCab Museum. The Our Lady of the Lourdes Grotto is accessible through the Dominican Hill Road and pilgrims need to climb 252 steps to reach it.

Since it is located on a high elevation, the shrine also offers fantastic views of the mountainsides.

15. The Prayer Mountain and Tourism Center (Dominican Hill)

When the Americans were encouraging people to come to Baguio, the councils of the Province of the Dominican Order voted to construct a monastery on a 17-hectare property they had acquired in the city.

The monastery was later turned into the Diplomat Hotel that is now abandoned and in ruins on Dominican Hill. Residents even say it’s haunted.

16. Bell Church

Located on the border of Baguio City and La Trinidad Valley, this cluster of temples called Bell Church features oriental architecture, ornate gateway, dragon ornaments, and Buddha-guarded windows. It sits atop a hill. The priest in the Bell Temple preaches a mixture of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity.

Aside from a list of top places to visit, the Baguio Guide mobile app that is offered for free download at the Google Play Store also contains information on Baguio hotels, restaurants, and other key information.

BAGUIO GUIDE

Get a guide to Baguio City in your phone or tablet by downloading our free Baguio Guide from the Google Play Store or Windows Phone Store. The app is a comprehensive guide to the Philippines’ summer capital, listing things to do and places to stay or go to. It also contains a portable directory of important contact numbers and DOT-accredited establishments.

3. Mt. Province

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

HISTORICAL

Rizal Memorial Plaza (Bontoc)
Found at the heart of the capital town. The statue of Dr. Jose Rizal stands towering the plaza, which serves as a good respite and also as a playground and meeting venue for programs and other gatherings.

CULTURAL

Bontoc Village Museum (Bontoc)
Located within the Catholic Sister’s Convent and Saint Vincent’s Elementary School. Sister Basil Gekiere, ICM, founded it. It features a range of artifacts crafted by the Igorots for domestic purposes, to be used for traditional celebrations or practices. Inside the museum, one could appreciate the distinct richness of the Igorot’s way of life. Beside the museum building is a model of traditional Bontoc village, which highlights some of the various aspects of the Bontoc material culture.

Backstrap and Loom Weaving Houses
Loom weaving is done in Sabangan and Sagada. Samoki, a village in Bontoc specialize in backstrap weaving. Various colorful woven materials like knapsacks, placemats, bags and purses among other products.

Ato/Dap-ay
Traditionally, it is a place where the council of elders hold various ceremonies, meetings and happenings which maybe religious, social and political in nature. It is a public structure used as a dormitory by the bachelors, widowers, young boys and visitors in the village. A fireplace is built at the center and a wooden pole stands opposite it where heads of animals butchered and sacrificed are hung.

NATURAL

Mainit Hotsprings
Eighteen kilometers up from Bontoc; 30 minutes by chartered of Public Utility Jeepney ride (Bontoc-Mainit – 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.) or two (2) hours by foot.

Mornang Hotspring
Four kilometers from Barlig proper

Sadanga Hotspring
Twenty nine kilometers from Poblacion Bontoc (with bathroom facility)

Caves / Hanging Coffins
Feature shimmering underground streams with golden or silvery stalactite and stalagmite formations and cool nature pools inside. Hanging coffins placed high steep rock formations.

Sagada
Matangkib Cave, Sugong Cave, Lumiyang Cave, Sumaguing Cave, Balangagan Cave, Nangongogan Cave, Latipan Cave, Cansil Cave

Besao
Liang Burial Cave (can be reached through regular jeepney ride to the poblacion and hiking to reach the caves).

Lakes/Waterfalls
Found amidst tall, green pine trees evoking feelings of freshness and tranquility

Sagada: Bumod-ok Falls Danum Lake
Bodong Lake Aguid

Fidelisan Waterspots.

Besao: Banao Lake

Tadian: Gawaan Lake

*accessibility – regular public utility jeepney and foot trekking to site

MOUNTAINS WITH MAJESTIC TOWERING PEAKS AND SHARP RIDGES:

Mt. Clitoris (Tadian)
Formerly Mount Mogao is a canonical shaped and stands proudly over 3 villages. It is considered as sacred and appears serene and solemn at dusk or dawn.

Mt. Amoyao (Barlig)
Thickly forested and beckons for wilderness walk and site of ABS-CBN and RCPI satellite

Mt. Calawitan (Sabangan)

Mt. Polis and Mt. Pagturao (Bontoc)

Mt. Ampucao (Sagada)

Besao Sunset (Besao)
A primitive formation of two rocks where farmers can determine seasons by how the sun’s rays fit into crevices in the rock formation.

Alab Petroglyphs (Bontoc)
A huge rock inscribed with bows and arrows believed to tell the ancient fertility rites of the natives.

Chico River Panoramic View
The mountain tops and mountain sides provide panoramic/scenic viewing of the winding Chico River meandering through ricefields, rocks and sand as well as good vantage points to humble dwellings of the villagers.

Viewpoints: Gala (Sabangan) Mt. PolisPagturao (Bontoc) Maligcong

Cagubatan Enchanted Eels (Tadian)
The eels thriving in the Cagubatan spring are conceived to be sacred and thus could not be eaten, they are believed to maintain the continuous flow of water to irrigate the rice fields.

MAN – MADE ATTRACTIONS

Mountain Province Trade Center
A mini-shopping center managed by the Department of Trade and Industry where skillfully crafted indigenous products are sold.

Rice Terraces
Mini stairways to the sky, distinct from the Banaue Rice Terraces because they are made up of perfectly engineered stone riprap.

Bauko: Bagnen Rice Terraces

Besao: Besao Rice Terraces, Bucas Rice Terraces

Bontoc: Maligcong Rice Terraces, Bayyo Rice Terraces, and Bontoc Poblacion Rice Terraces, Dalican Rice Terraces

Sagada: Kiltepan Rice Terraces, Tanulong Rice Terraces, and Suyo Rice Terraces Bulongan Rice Terraces, Bangaan Rice Terraces, Ambasing Rice Terraces, Fidelisan Rice Terraces

Sadanga: Sadanga Rice Terraces, Focong Rice Terraces

Natonin: Natonin Rice Terraces

Barlig: Barlig Rice Terraces

4. Kalinga

 

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

HISTORICAL

Aguinaldo Hill

It is located at Barangay Asibanglan-Pinukpuk Road at Allaguia junction. Gen. Aguinaldo used this hill as a common post during the Philippine-American war.

CULTURAL

Mini-Museum of Kalinga

A mini-museum was initiated and established by the Kalinga Special Development Authority situated in their office building at Bulanao, Tabuk.

NATURAL

Sungang ViewPoint
The viewpoint affords a majestic view of the valley villages and mountains of Tinglayan, Tanudan, Tabuk and Lubuagan. A very good view of the Tulgao and Dananao Rice Terraces can be seen at the viewpoint.

Palan-ah falls and hot springs
This waterfalls is located at Tulgao West, Tinglayan. The name is derived from the native term Pinalpallang-ah which means chair. The falls spray down from approximately 100 meters above forming a pool where during a sunny day, one practically swims at the end of the rainbow.

Mt. Mating-oy Dinayao (Sleeping Beauty)
These fabled mountain ranges in the border of the municipalities of Tinglayan and Tanudan and they take the form of a sleeping lady supinely lying at its back. A vantage view of the profile can be seen from the Sungang view or from Basao.

Tinglayan Rice Terraces
From the Sungang View Point, the Dananao and Tulgao Rice Terraces can be viewed. These rice terraces are like an amphitheater along the whole mountain slopes.

Lubo and Mangali Rice Terraces
The rice terraces surrounds the villages of Lubo. The best time to view the rice terraces is during the planting season and when the rice terraces are already ready for harvest.

Mount Binaratan
This fabled mountain is located in Dacalan. It is the entry point of General Emilio Aguinaldo during his retreat to Kalinga.

Taga-aran aran Kabunian
This area is located above Barangay Lubo at the source of Gaburao Creek. At the side is a cave where Kabunian stayed while sawing lumber for his house.

Ugid Maling Subterranean River
Located four kilometers away from Poblacion, Balbalan and a good three and half hours ride from the Capital Town. It is a maze of cavernous boulders and rocks atop each other forming a cavern.

Balbalasang National Park
This is a monument of the opposition of the Kalingas against the logging companies.

Buaya Caves
It is similar to Sagada Caves with stalactites and stalagmites formations. The caves are interconnected with each other and cover the whole mountain slope.

Aciga Tree
This is perhaps the biggest acacia tree in Kalinga within a village. It is found at the school ground of the Aciga Elementary School and it is rumored that the tree is a landmark for the treasures of Yamashita.

Bonnong Lakes and Asibanglan Lakes
These are a mountain lakes in Pinukpuk where eels thrive and can be recommended area for research.

Aguinaldo Hill
This the hill where the Katipuneros made their last stand in Kalinga from the pursuing the Americans from Abra.

Padcharao Lake
The name is derived from the plants that abounds in the lake called “Chargo” in the Pasil and is located approximately from 1, 800 to 2, 000 meters above sea level.

Pasil Natural Dam
It is located at Puapo, Dangtalan and was formed after the mountain side eroded. It is ideal for boating and picnic site during the summer months.

Kabunian Bridge and Springs
These two natural landmarks are found in Maglucsad and Galdang respectively.

Guinaang Village
This village has its historical importance to Kalinga as the retreat haven of Pres. Aguinaldo. This is where the Headquarters were located and the campsite.

Mabilong Weavers Village
This is the center of the ethnic weaving industry in the province. The village is along the road and one can buy souvenirs right from the weavers.

Bananao and Manangol Viewpoint
This is along the road towards Tinglayan and one can have a panoramic view of the Chico River.

Elephant Hill
This is located in Rizal and is a site of an archeological digging where the other half of the remains of the elephant war dug.

Capitol Tourism Plaza
The tourism plaza is located at the Capitol Ground and one can have a view of the Tabuk Valley.

Rizal Lagoon
A man-made Lagoon fronting the Rizal Municipal Hall.

MAN-MADE

Chico Dam
Project located at Sitio Ngipen, Calanasan, Tabuk, constructed by the National Irrigation Administration.

Rice Terraces
Rice terraces at Barangay Tulgao East, Tinglayan, 14 kilometers from the National Highway Road could be reached by vehicle. Father Gilbert Obin, a catholic missionary assigned in Tinglayan, constructed the barangay road. It offers a better panoramic view of the rice terraces and the sprawling villages of the different barangays of Tinglayan.

Capitol Tourism Plaza
The tourism plaza is located at the Capitol Ground and one can have a view of the Tabuk Valley.

5. Ifugao

 

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Ifugao is endowed with historical, cultural, natural and man-made tourist spots and attractions, which can lure any nature-loving tourist. The range of attraction offered in Ifugao is clustered according to municipalities

HISTORICAL

Philippine War Memorial Shrine (Kiangan)
Gigantic memorial shrine to commemorate the end of World War II. It is a concrete pyramid type structure, which resembles an oversized Ifugao native house located at Linda, Kiangan. It depicts historical events from Filipino opposition, to the Death March and the role of the Ifugao and American troops in the defeat of General Yamashita. It could be used as a viewpoint of the Poblacion, other neighboring barangays and the capital town of Lagawe. The shrine is ten (10) kilometers away or 15 minutes drive from the capital town.

Million Dollar Hill
The hill overlooking the Poblacion of Kiangan. It got its name from the last war when the allied armies spent millions of dollars worth of bombs and ammunitions to annihilate the enemies in the area.

General Yamashita’s Surrender Site
House relics memorializing the end of W.W. II in the Philippines. Details of the surrender and signing are available. From here, General Yamashita was brought to Baguio for his formal surrender to the victorious Allies.

Mt. Nagchayan
The site where Japanese troops fought fierce battles during W.W. II. The mountain has several grottos stone walled trenches and foxholes. One can also find rusty shells on this old battleground.

CULTURAL

Ifugao Museum (Kiangan)
This museum displays Ifugao artifacts and is under the supervision of the National Museum of the Philippines. It is 32 meters away facing the shrine and 300 meters away from the Municipal Hall.

Tam-an Village
A typical village situated 240 steps down from the Banaue Hotel’s swimming pool. Woodcarving and hand woven products are produced and sold to travelers.

Bokiawan Village
Twelve (12) kilometers from Banaue located in the center of the Bokiawan rice terraces where traditional Ifugao practices of land use and livelihood still exist.

Pula and Cambulo Native Village
Is a rustic village in the first leg of the trekking route from Banaue viewpoint to Banga-an. This cobbled stone village offers a native house stay. The ancient craft of bark cloth weaving thrives here.

Apfo or Burial Tombs
These are large stone mausoleums containing the bones of the town’s ancient warriors and elite. The construction of these Igloos represents the resourceful use of Ifugao stoning technique.

Makaliwagha & Lebhong Burial Caves
Are filled with wood coffins and the remains of the first people of Mayoyao. A legend tells of an attentive lizard leading people to these three chambers designating each one for men, women and children.

Lumauig Stone
Is a huge enchanted black rock held by only three smaller stones in the middle of the Balangbang river. It is believed to mean that Mayoyao people will stay strong and happy as long as the stone stands.

OTHER SCENIC SITES:

Bocos Village Poitan Village
Batad Village Hapao Village
Bangaan Village Ducligan Village

These villages are characterized by the presence of a wholesome community where the livelihood activities are within the surroundings, and the houses are clustered in a designated area. They showcase the typical Ifugao community.

NATURAL

Bintakan Cave (Lagawe)
It is located at the rocky slope of Ibulao, which is about 2 kilometers from the provincial capitol. The mouth of the cave is overlooking the Ibulao River. It is a three-room cave with dripping water that forms stalactites and stalagmites of different beautiful shapes. It can be reached by tricycle ride and 20-minute ascent to the mouth of the cave.

Nah-toban Cave (Lagawe)
The cave is much larger than Bintakan Cave and has a descending entrance with four rooms but there are still other rooms unexplored. It is located at Boliwong, Lagawe, about 4 kilometers hike from the Poblacion passing through trails. Huge quantities of guano are found in the cave.

Tocucan Sulfur Hot Spring (Tinoc)
A sulfuric hot spring at Barangay Tukukan in the Municipality of Tinoc. This can be reached by a two-hour hike from Monsoyosoy, Buguias, and Benguet.

Guihob Natural Swimming Pool (Banaue)
A four kilometer drive from Banaue, Poblacion. One has to hop and jump over huge boulders to reach the crystal clear waters of Guihob. It is a perfect place for those who prefer a cool and refreshing swim.

Tappiya Waterfalls (Banaue)
About 30 minutes from Batad Village is a cascading waterfall with its enormous natural pool for swimming. A visit to Batad would be incomplete without seeing this beautiful waterfall.

Buyukan Waterfalls (Hungduan)
This can only be reached by a three-hour hike from Poblacion, Hungduan. This is located in Barangay Abatan and is near the border of Hungduan and Tinoc municipalities.

Ambuwaya Lake (Kiangan)
Legend says that the area was once a large sitio that became a lake because some children killed and made fun of the leeches in the spring. The lake is deep and good for swimming and boating. The shaded surroundings is an ideal place for picnics. It is now the site of a research on fishing culture. The lake is four (4) kilometers from the town center of Kiangan and can be reached by four-wheel drive vehicles.

Ducligan Hot Springs (Banaue)
These hot springs are found at the bank of Ducligan River and adjacent to a deep pool. Ducligan is 21 kilometers away from the Poblacion.

O’ phaw Mahencha Falls
(Leap of Mahencha) Located about six kilometers from the town proper is a series of high cascading falls. Local folklore says that a beautiful Mahencha had to jump 13 to 5 meters into the water to retrieve her native amber necklace which fell while she was taking a bath.

Tenogtog Water Falls
Located five kilometers from town, it has three natural pools rising about 12 meters from each other. The water falls from the pool cascades to the next in beautiful succession. Untouched by human hands, these natural pools provide clear cool mountain spring water.

Bagnit Waterfalls and Numbungug Waterfalls
Are located in Julongan barangay. Bagnit is a stunning series of cascading falls running over 250 feet, while Numbungug Waterfall is a single majestic fall of over 80 feet into height falling to the Ibulao river tributaries.

Chuyong Viewpoint
Is located near the town proper which affords a panoramic vista of the Mayoyao World Heritage site cluster. The glory of the site is unrivaled.

Kibayuyong Stone
This is a legendary stone which lies next to the Hapao river. The site offers an adventurous spot for river swimming and diving.

Bogya Hot Springs
Is located in Ba-ang that lie in the Hapao river which serves as delightful respite after trekking.

MAN – MADE

Banaue Rice Terraces (Banaue)
Dubbed as the Eight Wonder of the World. The rice terraces start from the base of the mountain range and reach up to several thousands feet high. It is said that its length, if put end to end would encircle half of the globe. Made 2,000 years ago, these rice terraces manifest the engineering skill and ingenuity of the sturdy Ifugaos. In 1995, it was inscribed in the UNESCO Heritage List as a Continuing Cultural Landscape.

Batad Rice Terraces (Banaue)
These rice terraces are shaped like of an amphitheater and is located in barangay Batad. It can be reached by a twelve-kilometer ride from Banaue Hotel and a 2-hour hike uphill through mountain trails.

Mayoyao Rice Terraces (Mayoyao)
This spot is 44 kilometers away from Poblacion, Banaue. The Poblacion of Mayoyao lies in the midst of these rice terraces thus upon arrival in the town, one is awed with a breathtaking view of the rice terraces where all the dikes are tiered with flat stones.

Hapao Rice Terraces (Hungduan)
This is another stonewalled rice terraces located in the municipality of Hungduan and is 55 kilometers from the capital town of Lagawe.

Magat Dam (Alfonso Lista)
It is reputedly the biggest dam in Asia. This is located near the municipality of Alfonso Lista and about 25 kilometers from the town center of Santa Maria.

Nagacadan Rice Terraces
Are found in Kiangan and these show how forest management and rice terracing are complementary.

SPECIAL INTEREST

Mt. Amuyao
This 8th highest peak in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,702 meters (8,865) above sea level is located between the boundary line of Banaue and Mayoyao and between Ifugao and Mountain Province. Its summit provides the climber with a breath-taking panorama of Mountain Province, Isabela, Nueva Viscaya and Ifugao. Mayoyao legend says that the first Ifugao couple, Bugan and Wigan took refuge in this mountain during the 40-day deluge that inundated the province. Being the only survivors, they became the first ancestors of the Ifugaos.

Mount Napulawan
Located in the municipality of Hungduan, this mountain is very accessible to mountain trekkers. The thick tropical rain forest and its rare flora fascinate conquerors of this peak. Trees near the peak are unusually short.

Mount Anapawon
Centrally located in Ifugao, this mountain peak is considered a potential camping site to be developed in the province. It provides a breathtaking view of Hungduan municipality, and the low-lying municipalities of Lagawe and Kiangan and the rice terraces of Hingyon.

6. Abra

 

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

HISTORICAL

Casa Real
A facade of the first provincial capitol of Abra, located at Bucay, Abra.

Grabriela Silang Monument
Gabriela Silang popularly known as the “Joan of Arc” of the Ilocos, led the Ilocanos’ resistance against the Spaniards in 1763, after her husband Diego Silang was treacherously shot on May 28, of the same year. Today, her monument stands at the town plaza of Pidigan to remind every one of the gallant stand and the ideals she and her husband fought and died for.

CULTURAL

Pinaing (Sacred Stones)
Found in Dumayco, Penarrubia, 6.62 kilometers from Bangued. In the hollow of a huge Balete Tree are found sacred stones called pinpinaing by the village people which symbolizes the anito (spirits) of their ancestors.

DonTeodoro Brillantes Family Museum
A private museum which houses the collections and mementos of the Brillantes family with a strong reflection of the Spanish culture.

Old Roman Catholic Churches
The churches are among the traces of the cultural heritage left by the Spanish colonizers. These are found in the municipalities of Bangued, Tayum, and Lagangilang. In Lagangilang, the church is not located in the town plaza unlike the churches in Bangued and Tayum where the churches are located near the town plazas and the municipal halls.

NATURAL

Abra River
This is the biggest, longest and most popular river among the numerous rivers criss-crossing the valleys of the province. It is where all rivers and streams converge together. This is an ideal place for swimming and fishing.

Boliney Hot Spring
Located at Bani, Boliney, Abra. It can be reached by jeepneys after travelling 32 kilometers of dirt road. The place is ideal for swimmers who love taking a bath in hot and cold water. Aside from its hot spring, the locality offers a vivid experience in mountain travel with a winding road cruise alongside and between mountain ranges.

Tugot ni Angalo
Translated as “Footprints of Angalo” – the Adam in Abra mythology) – It is found in Kabaruyan, San Quintin. The “footprint” is a perpetual monument of Angalo. People claim this is a real giant footprint in San Quintin, around fifteen meters long, five meters wide and ten feet deep. On a clear day, it can be seen visibly even from a distance.

LibtecUndergroundRiver
An enchanting underground river located in Barangay Libtec, Dolores. At a distance, one can see a cave protruding at the surface of a seemingly empty field. But underneath, the surface a flowing underground river mirrors the jutting stalagmites, giving one both a sense of wonder. Residents in the area claim the place is home to some “mysterious” water creatures.

KimkimayLake
This is one of the several lakes of the province located at Taquib, Villaviciosa. It covers an approximate area of one hectare amidst hills bordering barangays Taquib and Callao, both in Villaviciosa. KimkimayLake, according to legend carried by word of mouth was formerly a dwelling where several families lived. These families were however engaged in many vices so they were punished by the gods by sinking their community, submerging it in cool water. Today, the lake is a favorite place for town picnickers using the lake as a swimming pool and place for fishing. This place can be reached from Bangued travelling along a 32 kilometer winding Penarrubia-Villaviciosa- Pilar Road which as similar to the famous

Kennon Road
Means of transportation is by jeepneys and mini-buses with travelling time of one hour.

Sibud-sibud Cave
This is located along the newly -constructed road of Tineg. It can be reached after traveling a distance of around 33 kilometers with a traveling time of 1 – 1/2 hours. It is an ideal place for nature lovers.

Limbo Lake
This is the second lake located at Villaviciosa. Though not as popular as the KimkimayLake, it offers an ideal place for campers and hikers for it cannot be reached by jeepneys and buses. The distance to travel is however negligible.

MAN – MADE

Don Mariano Marcos Bridge
Located along the Abra Kalinga National Road which is the third longest bridge in the country today with a total length of 886.812 linear meters. Said bridge is strategically located between the boundaries of Tayum, Lagangilang and Dolores at one scenic portion of AbraRiver.

Tangadan Tunnel
This is a forty (40) meter tunnel located along the Abra- Ilocos Sur National road. It can be reached from Narvacan Junction after cruising a winding 9-kilometer road cut through the hills bordering Abra and Ilocos Sur. The tunnel is a popular benchmark to most of the provinces’ populace as well as to visitors where dignitaries and other prominent visitors are being welcomed.

Lusuac Dam
This is the gravity irrigation dam located at Lagayan. It can be reached by traveling along the Abra-Ilocos Norte Road and the La Paz – Lagayan Provincial Road. Traveling time takes one to one and half-hours. This is an ideal place for fishing and swimming with its clear water.

Victoria National Park
This is located atop a hill overlooking the town of Bangued and neighboring municipalities of Tayum, La Paz, Pidigan and Penarrubia. A shrine of the blessed mother cradling Infant Jesus was built near the reservoir of Bangued waterworks. A swimming pool is also available for swimmers.

Borikibok Resort
This is located at San Miguel, Bucay, and Abra. It can be reached after traveling the winding 16 kilometers

Penarrubia-Bucay Road
It offers a cool, shady and cozy ground for picnic lovers with its heart shaped swimming pool, dancing conference square located under the shady atmosphere of trees.

Brima Resort
This is located in Penarrubia, Abra with a traveling distance of seven and a half kilometers along asphalt and partly gravel road. The resort boasts of a swimming pool under shades of mango trees. Thus, the place is ideal for swimmers who love cool water and cozy atmosphere.

Malamsit Calm Spring
This is one of the first resorts developed by a private citizen and is located in the historic lowland Tingguian town of Penarrubia. It offers a shady swimming pool with clear and calm water amidst ornamental plants and shady fruit trees. This place is accessible by land transportation using jeepneys, mini-buses and chartered tricycles through seven (7) kilometers. of gravel road.

Manabo Irrigation Project
This is a P6 million project which was jointly undertaken by the Miserdor, an association of German Catholics, the Bavarian Ministry of Agriculture and the people of Manabo. This is an ideal place for students to visit with its Roman-inspired aqueducts, a spacious swimming pool and one kilometer tunnel. The Manabo Irrigation Project is a monument that shows the undying cooperation of the local folks with agencies, private or public, in pursuit of a better quality of life. The project site can be reached by mini-buses and jeepneys after leisurely cruising along a winding 32 kilometers gravel road. The tunnel and swimming pool is 4 kilometers away from the town proper of Manabo.

Palayan ng Bayan
This is a vast tract of barren land converted into an agricultural land when the Palayan ng Bayan program was launched in the province in 1974 as a sister program of the Masagana ’99 program. The site covers a sprawling 56 hectares atop a hill.

AbraRiver Irrigation Project
A project of the church in Abra and the National Irrigation Administration designed to irrigate approximately 3,900 hectares of farmland in the municipalities of Tayum, Bangued, Pidigan and Penarrubia. This project enables the people of the said municipalities to harvest crops twice a year.

Provincial Capitol
This is a three-storey building situated north of Bangued Town Plaza and northwest of Bangued Municipal Hall. Its cool atmosphere provided by the trees surrounding the building is a suitable place for government officials and employees to perform their functions as servants of Abrenians. It is in this building where tourists gather data and informationabout the province. Beside it is the Provincial Library, which provides additional knowledge and information through textbooks, newspapers, magazines and other, reading materials. Landscape in front of the Capitol and ProvincialLibraryBuildings enhance the panoramic view.

Mary Barbero Park
This is the town plaza of the municipality of Tayum, which is located 5.6 kilometers northeast of Bangued. It boasts of a man-made lagoon and a playground for children, not to mention the century-old acacia trees surrounding the landscaped plaza. This park was named in honor of Mrs. Mary V. Barbero, the wife of the late Deputy Minister Carmelo Z. Barbero.

Malanas Dam
This is a gravity irrigation dam located at San Juan, Abra. It taps the water resources of MalanasRiver irrigating a sizable portion of the ricefields of San Juan. It can be reached by riding a mini bus traveling along Bangued-Dolores-San Juan Provincial Road, which is asphalted. Travelling time is thirty minutes to one hour with a traveling distance of around .6 kilometers.

7. Apayao

 

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

NATURAL

The Apayao River
Unpolluted, traversing 6 Apayao municipalities navigated by motor boats, with wildlife and fishes still along its banks.

Various Water Falls of different sizes along Apayao River.

POTENTIAL SCENIC SPOTS

Dacao Irrigation Intake – Flora

Negritos Village – Flora

Jamboree Site – Flora

Proposed Panay Airport Site – Sta. Marcela

Swan Hilltop view – Pudtol (overloking Apayao river and 4 municipalities of Apayao).

Mt. Solo – Pudtol, the highest peak in Apayao

Lizardo Brooks – Pudtol

Turod View Deck – Luna

Blue Haven – Calanasan

Agamata Park – Calanasan

Various Waterfalls of different sizes along Apayao River

POTENTIAL GAMES and RECREATION

Waton Subterrian River – Pudtol

Agora Wildlife Sanctuary – Pudtol

Anag-Sicapo Wildlife Sanctuary – Kabugao

Apayao River – Calanasan to Luna

Purit Cave and Danao Lake – Calanasan

Anganupan Cave – Paco Valley

Malabanag Hot Spring – Paco Valley

Malabisin Lake and Underground River – Paco Valley

Gululan Falls – Bacubac, Paco Valley

Bayugao Lake – Dibagat, Kabugao

Ladda Pond – Musimut, Kabugao

Bacut Dam – Sta. Marcela

Abbot Cave and Lover’s Lane – Luna

Nalvo and 7 other caves – Luna

Swan Ogee Dam – Pudtol

HISTORICAL

Spanish Church at Barangay Mataguisa, Pudtol
One of the oldest in the Philippines.

Spanish Church Ruins at Barangay Emilia, Pudtol

MAN – MADE

Dacao Irrigation Intake Structure – located at Flora

Bacut Dam – located at Sta. Marcela

Swan Ogee Dam – Pudtol

NPC Tunnels – located at Ginned Pudtol

Most Visited Places in the Cordilleras

1. Five Recommended Places to Visit in the Philippine Cordillera

Posted by Paul Xymon Garcia

 

There is no denying it. The Philippine Cordilleras located in the northern part of the Philippines is one of my favorite travel destinations in my country. With the prospect of there being a Grand Cordillera Trail established, I’m getting more excited about having a tea house trekking route in the region. The Philippine Cordilleras occupy about a sixth of the landmass of the entirety of Luzon Island, the largest of the 7,000 plus islands of the Philippines. There are so many places and people to see along the winding mountain roads of the Philippine Cordilleras. Here are five which I think are the most recommendable places to visit in the Philippines Cordilleras.

1. Baguio City

Baguio City perched on top of mountains and among the clouds
Baguio City, the de facto capital of the Philippine Cordilleras, is a city I have grown to love. Though much of it is being rapidly developed, it is still quite a travel experience being in a city perched on top of mountains and among the clouds with an elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level. It certainly helps that the city’s climate is cooler than any other city in the country and that it is home to a number of fantastic restaurants, one of which is the vegetarian restaurant cum art gallery Oh My Gulay. If only for Oh My Gulay, Baguio is worth a visit.

2. The Halsema Highway

Crop terraces viewed from the highest highway in the Philippines, the Halsema Highway
The highest mountain range in the Philippines happens to have one of the most scenic drives in the country. The Halsema Highway begins in La Trinidad, Benguet right outside Baguio City and winds through the gorgeous mountain scenery of the Philippine Cordilleras featuring rice terraces, verdant valleys, deep gorges and dizzying cliffs. The highway even climbs up to 2,200 meters above sea level in a section of the road near Atok in Benguet. Views from up here are stunning. The road passes through the capital of Mountain Province Bontoc before winding down to Tabuk in Kalinga. Many hours later, you suddenly find 800 new photos in your camera.

3. Mount Pulag

Mount Pulag rewards trekkers with the most spectacular view of its sea of clouds.
Being the highest peak in the Philippine Cordilleras and on Luzon island and the second highest peak (or third, depending on which survey you follow) in the Philippines, Mount Pulag attracts trekkers far and wide. The peak features seemingly barren terrain full of dwarf bamboo and no tall trees or shrubs. Hence, its name: pulag or pulog, which in the local language means kalbo or barren. Mount Pulag’s peak is a trekking peak, so no specialized equipment or skill necessary to reach the highest point at 2,900 meters above sea level. I have climbed to the peak of Mount Pulag a rainy first time and a relatively pleasant second time. If you are lucky enough, you get to see what Mount Pulag is famous for—the sea of clouds. It is undeniably breathtaking.

4. Sagada

Photo by Jun Garcia | CC BY-SA
The hanging coffins of the local Ifugao people of Sagada
The small town of Sagada in the Philippine Cordilleras has often been described as Baguio many years ago. I cannot say that for certain as I never saw what they were many years ago. What I can say is that the distinctive customs of the locals of Sagada here such as hanging the coffins of their dead on the side of the cliff are worth coming here. It helps that Sagada is also an outdoorsman’s paradise. Here, there’s trekking, swimming by the waterfalls, rafting, spelunking and a ton of other stuff to do.

5. Banaue (pronounced bah-nah-weh)

Photo by Sertmann | CC BY-SA
Banaue’s signature landscape: a rice stairway to heaven
No other image best represents the Philippine Cordilleras other than the rice terraces which generations of local Ifugao people have constructed here in a bid to temper the land that they have been given. The grand green terraces are indeed a sight to behold that UNESCO noticed and named it a World Heritage Site. Banaue is just the jump-off point. There are many rice terraces here such as Batad and Mayaoyao to last you your whole trip.

There is a reason for which I am writing about the Philippine Cordilleras at this point. By the time this post is published, I will actually be in the Philippine Cordilleras. The first three in the list, I have done. The final two should be easy. I hope.

 

2. Baguio City Summer Capital of the Philippines

Mines View Park in Baguio City, Philippines (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The memorial plaque at the Church of Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio City memorializing the casualties of the carpet-bombing of the city during World War II. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Brooms being sold in Baguio City, Philippines (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, also known as Baguio Cathedral, a Catholic cathedral located at Cathedral Loop, adjacent to Session Road in Baguio City, Philippines. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Baguio (Photo credit: ossiak)

Baguio City is home to many tourist spots and is a weekend getaway of those living in Metro Manila. Baguio City remains a prime tourist destination area in North Luzon because of its cool climate, fresh, green and peaceful environment unlike other tourist destinations in the Philippines. This makes it a favorite destination especially for those who would like to relax and stay away from the excessive heat of the lowlands and also a favorite venue of seminars and conferences.

Baguio is the midway to the wonders of Northern Luzon. The calm beaches of La Union; the fabled Hundred Islands of Pangasinan; the ancient churches, Spanish influenced houses, historical and cultural relics of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte and is also the gateway to the Cordilleras where you could find the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao; the Kabayan mummy caves of Benguet; and the distinct culture and colorful traditions of the tribes of Benguet,Mountain Province, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao and Abra.

The name Baguio conjures, for both the international and domestic traveler, a highland retreat in the Grand Cordillera in Northern Luzon, with pine trees, crisp cold breezes and low luxuriant knolls and hillocks. Through the numerous decades Baguio has morphed from what was once a grassy marshland into one of the cleanest and greenest, most highly developed cities in the country. It has made its mark as an opening tourist destination in the Northern part of thePhilippines with its cool climate, foggy hills, panoramic views and lovely flowers. Being the ideal union zone of neighboring highland places, Baguio is the melting pot of different peoples and cultures and has enhanced its ability to provide a center for education for its neighbors. Its rich culture and countless resources have attracted numerous investments and business opportunities to the city.

Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines promises a harbor to anyone who seeks its comfort where you could leave all your cares behind. With its numerous tourist attractions and panoramic scenes and refreshing pine scented fresh air it seeks to provide a relief to any traveler, a hideaway to the romantics and breather to the weariest soul. Encapsulate this one of a kind feeling as you look around through the stunning and exciting scenes of the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

Man Made Attractions

1. Botanical Gardens

It is also called the Igorot village, which used to feature native huts typical of Cordillera architecture. This village captures the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorot dweller. The garden is also a site of cultural presentations and other tribal meetings.

2. Burnham Park

It is the oldest of all Baguio parks. One can unwind from the tension of the day-to-day bustle by biking, skating or simply reflecting on the day’s experiences amid a soothing backdrop of colorful flowers. It is wooded and is great place to have picnics and concerts. There are tennis and basketball courts, a football field, athletic oval and an orchidarium.
It is also called the Igorot village, which used to feature native huts typical of Cordillera architecture. This village captures the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorot dweller. The garden is also a site of cultural presentations and other tribal meetings.

3. Camp Johnhay

It is still the extraordinary beautiful base, which the American forces turned over last July 1, 1991 to the Philippine government. It is now open to the public. Its excellent cottages, golf courses, bowling lanes, dining places and natural ambience are all preserved and maintained.

4. Mines View

Appropriately named for its breathtaking views of mountain ranges and Baguio’s “mineral bowl” where gold, silver and other ores were once quarried. There are now numerous souvenir shops around the park offering such items as woodcarvings, woven cloth, ashtrays, shell products and other curio items.

5. Wright Park

It is sometimes mistakenly called “Ride Park” by some who identify this pine tree park reserve for its kiddy horse rides. A long stairway leads to the “Pool of the Pines”, a 100 meter long pool of water lined on both sides by the famous Baguio towering pine.

Religious Attractions 

1. Baguio Cathedral

One of the familiar landmarks in Baguio. The structure with its twin spires and one hundred steps sits on top of a small hill in the heart of the city, offering churchgoers and visitors a chance to get a bird’s eye view of the entire commercial hub. It was opened to the public last November 25, 1990 during the Christ the King celebration.

2. Bell Church

This cluster of temples is located on the border of Baguio City and Trinidad Valley. Its exotic oriental architecture features pagoda roofs, an ornate gateway, dragon ornaments and Buddha guarded windows that gaze from atop a hill. The Bell Temple priest practices a mixture of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. One may even try having his fortune told.

3. Lourdes Grotto

This is a religious shrine housing the image of the Lady of Lourdes. About 252 steps lead to this shrine where pilgrims brave the steep climb to offer sacrifices, devotion and prayers. One is also regarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Natural Attractions

1. Asin Hot Springs

Located 16 kilometers northwest of Baguio. The resort’s main feature is a swimming pool surrounded by thermal springs, has vegetation and several hanging bridges. It is an ideal respite for travelers.

2. Mount Santo Tomas

A trek up to the Mount Sto. Tomas is a hikers’ delight. The peak is 7,5000 feet high and commands a majestic view of mountain, sea and valley. Themountain can be reached by foot or by vehicle.

Historical Attractions

1. Kennon Road

Kennon Road is the shortest and the most scenic highway linking Baguio and the lowlands. This was named after Col. Lyman W. Kennon who was its final builder. The industrious Cordilleras and foreign workers assisted him. The road was substantially finished in 1903.

2. Teachers Camp

It was through the vacation normal school that teachers from all over the islands were able to have a respite and have some time for studies. In a letter to the Secretary of Public Instruction, Governor William Pack outlined his plan to set up a camp in Baguio where teachers can be accommodated. The plan was approved on January 8, 1908 and was opened on April 6, 1908

3. Mansion House

The imposing and majestic Baguio Mansion House has housed a long list of Filipino presidents and American governor-generals. It has an elegantly structured building and guesthouse. Its gate is patterned after that of London’s Buckingham Palace.

4. Philippine Military Academy

The Philippine Military Academy is the Philippine’s premier military institution. True to its mission to “instruct, train, and develop the cadets so that they shall possess the character, the broad and basic military skills, and the education essential to the pursuit of a progressive military career”, the PMA, as it is more popularly known, has honed the best military officers in our country today. It has complete training and educational facilities to mold the future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Cultural Attractions

1. Woodcarvers Village

Along the way to Asin, about 5 kms from the city, is an Ifugao wood carving village, which sells beautiful carved curio items at very low prices.

2. Saint Louis Filigree Shop

A handicraft shop specializing in silver jewelry and other filigree products. Some of the craftsmen are only high school students. This shop is in the center of the city and was established in 1916.

Transportation

Land transport

It takes an average of six hours to travel the 250-km distance between Manila and Baguio by way of Kennon Road. It is about fifteen minutes longer through the Marcos Highway and could take three more hours when going through Naguilian Road. Kennon Road is occasionally blocked by landslides during the rainy season and the same problem occurs on the other two access roads. The route to Baguio through Kennon Road is as attractive as it is dangerous. There is another access to Baguio from Aritao in the province of Nueva Vizcaya but this is less traveled, the road is not well maintained, and public transportation through this route is not as regular. Another road, Halsema Road which is also known as “Mountain Trail”, leads north through the mountainous portion of the Cordillera Autonomous Region. It starts at the northern border of Baguio, in the Municipality of Trinidad (Trinidad Valley).
There are several bus lines linking Baguio with Manila and Central Luzon, and provinces such as Pangasinan, La Union, and those in the Ilocos region. Most transportation companies also offer express and air-conditioned buses at a much higher fare.
Bus services that works for Baguio includes Philippine Rabbit, Dangwa Tranco, Dagupan Bus, Victory Liner, Partas, Genesis, Saulog Transit, and Greenland.

Air transport

There are no commercial air transportation going to Baguio City.

 

3. Tourist Attractions in Baguio

May 4th, 2010 | Author: admin

• Session Road – At the heart of downtown Baguio is Session Road. This incline cuts through a row of business establishments which includes restaurants, groceries, drugstores, bookstores and other specialty shops. Marvel at quaint tribal memorabilia while Igorot sidewalk vendors convince you to purchase unique love potions and herbal cures. Nightlife converge to wine and dine until the wee hours of the morning.
• Tan-Awan Village – It is about two kilometers northwest of the town center. It is a replica of an Igorot Village that was built on the side of a hill. It is possible to stay overnight in these original Ifugao houses, the brainchild of the Chanum foundation, a group of artists who are dedicated nurturing the native culture in the Cordilleras. There are demonstrations of handicraft skills like weaving, wood carving and rice production.
• Central Market – The life vein of Baguio courses within and throughout the central market. No trip is complete without a visit to its showcase of fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, preserves, jewelry and even surplus army goods.
• Camp John Hay – Formerly a rest and recreation station of U.S. military troops, this facility was turned over to the Philippine government on July 1, 1991. The 535-hectare haven boasts of a world class 18-hole golf course, wooded hiking area, a skating rink, bowling alleys, tennis courts and a mini-golf course. Camp John Hay also has cottages, which are now open to the public.
• Mansion House – This imposing and majestic Baguio mansion housed a long line of Philippine presidents and American governors-general. Its ornate iron gate is often to curious visitors.
• Easter Weaving Room – Episcopalian missionaries have played an importantpart in educating the native Igorot. Visit the Easter Weaving Room and admire tattoed tribesmen as they create the most ornate weaves from the indigenous backstrap looms and other more conventional looms.

How to Get There

One can travel by land or air. A local airline flies daily from Manila to Baguio in 40 minutes. Taking the bus will take around 5 to 7 hours depending on traffic and road condition. Flight arrival is at the Baguio Airport Road. if you take the bus, arrival will depend on the location of the bus terminal within the vicinity of Baguio.

There are four routes to Baguio. The Naguilian Road, which is an hour from La Union. Kennon Road, the popular zigzag road presenting a thrilling ride to the mountain city with glorious scenes along the way, is the shortest among the way, is the shortest among entry points (only five hours from Manila). Light vehicles often take this route.

Or take the Palispis-Aspiras Highway, the most famous among travelers since it is the toll road taken by Baguio-bound buses from Manila. It is a distinctly world class thoroughfare, boasting state of the rock sheds, a fly over, and anti-erosion structures. This is the same road where one can get a glimpse of the historic bust of former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos who envisioned the conception of the route to improve trade relations among the Montanosa and the Ilocos Region. Also, there is the Halsema Road that leads to the hinterlands of the Cordilleras.

How to Get Around

Jeepneys and cabs are available.

 

4. Baguio City Tourist Spots: A Showcase Of The City’s Art

 in DESTINATION / The Cordilleras by Keza M (updated on September 27, 2016)

 

When I was in Baguio Museum, I read an article written by some writer whose name I could not recall, describing Baguio as a “Melting Pot”. Based on Wikipedia’s definition, a melting pot is a metaphor for a heterogeneous society becoming more homogeneous, the different elements “melting together” into a harmonious whole with a common culture. To me that absolutely made sense. That’s exactly what Baguio is. An assimilation of various people with different cultures all drawn together in harmonious coalescence.

Baguio City is the kind of place which I easily fell in love with. Primarily, what separates Baguio from other cities in the Philippines is its cool weather and its pine-scented air. Aside from that, there are a whole lot of other reasons why the city is so endearing. Themed Parks are everywhere. The people are so warm. The culture is artful and lovely. It’s like an entirely different world. It’s beautiful and it’s something I couldn’t get enough with.

WHAT TO SEE IN THE CITY OF PINES

1. Burnham Park

Burnham Park is located within the heart of the city. It’s probably the city’s prime tourists spot. Here we enjoyed rowing our boat in Burnham lake, played chess with the locals, interacted with the people enjoying their early morning exercises, went biking and had our first taste of strawberry taho.

 2. Orchidarium

If what you seek are different kinds of plants from the flowery ones the likes of chrysanthemums, daisies, lilies and roses to herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley and cilantro to the green leafy decorative ones like peperomia, coleus, and miura sold in a very affordable prices, then this is the perfect place for you.

3. Baguio Cathedral

Built in the 1920, this great piece of architecture with its pink exterior, stained glass and massive twin spires was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary hence the name Our Lady Of Atonement Cathedral. Located adjacent to Session Road, this is one of Baguio’s major tourist spots.

4. Mines View Park

Nowadays, Mines View Park is a place more famous for memorabilia and souvenir shops rather than where it was name after. This place gives a perfect view of the old gold and copper mines of the Ibaloi tribe.

 5. Wright Park

Here found the much photographed Pool Of Pines, a rectangular pool of water surrounded by flowers and pine trees but it’s more famous to locals and tourists alike as the place where you can ride horses with over a hundred of them to choose from. You can also have a photo taken unlimited wearing native costumes for the price of 20 pesos per person.

6. The Mansion

Located across the Wright Park, the Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. It’s pretty small as compared to the Malacanang Palace, but it doesn’t seem any less elegant with its white edifice fronted by a beautiful gate which would definitely grab your attention.

7. Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden is one of Baguio’s scenic parks which features a wide array of plants but what we love more about it is here, we got the chance to interact with friendly natives who were also ready to playfully pose for the camera.

 8. Teacher’s Camp

Declared in April 2008 as a National Heritage Site, Teachers Camp has been home during summer to teachers from all parts of the country  for recreational and educational purposes. Within the camp are classrooms, dormitories dining and conference halls. It also has an athletic ovals which locals can use for a minimal cost.

9. Camp John Hay

Camp John Hay is what made Baguio the “Little America”. During most of the 20th century, it was used as the recreational facility for the U.S. Armed Forces. Although many parts of the camp has been changed when it was converted into a privately owned resort, it is still famous to tourists for the history the Americans left within it. Among these are the Bell House & Bell Amphitheater which are the works of art of the late Governor-General James Franklin Bell. The Secret Garden which was JF Bell’s personal space is now famous as the place perfect for wedding proposals. Here also found the well visited Butterfly Sanctuary which houses over 50 different species of butterflies. If what you look for is extreme adventure, you might wanna opt for the extreme paintball center and the treetop adventure.

10. Panagbenga Park

Panagbenga Park is a small park situated along two intersecting roads one of which is the Loakan Rd. This is just another typical park in Baguio City with potted plants, mini butterfly sanctuary and a bird cage which houses rare bird species but what I loved about it is here sold at Saleng Garden, a mini bar within the park is the delicious refillable cup of coffee and lemon grass tea which is only for 30 pesos.

11. Baguio Museum

Here displayed are artifacts and works of art of the native tribes of the Cordillera region namely the Ifugaos, Igorots, Ibalois, Kankanaeys and many others. They convey the early lifestyles of each tribe before the American colonization. It also depicts a brief history of the city displaying photos of its political leaders and replicas of Baguio during its early years up to the most recent in 2009.

12. PMA (Philippine Military Academy)

Located within Fort Del Pilar, PMA serves as the training ground for future officers of the AFP.

13. Tam-awan Village

Tam-awan Village was built to restore the Ifugao and Kalinga villages in Baguio City to give those people who haven’t been to the Cordilleras the experience of living immersed through the cultures of these natives. It has become an artists village as it is host to several art exhibits for artists from all over the city and beyond. It has an art gallery which houses paintings and other art pieces.

14. Chinese Bell Church

Bell church is a beautiful place of worship. The structures of the buildings are of classic Chinese architecture. There is an intricately landscaped garden going up the hill. If you want solitude and a place where there are less crowd of people around,  then you would love to pay the Bell Church a visit.

15. Lourdes Grotto

Constructed in commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this shrine is another place of meditation located in the western part of Baguio. The main altar is located at the top of the hill which can be accessed by climbing a stair consisting of 252 steps. Here you can offer flowers, light candles and lift your prayers asking for the Virgin Mother’s intercession.

16. Dominican Hill

After paying Lourdes Grotto a visit, this is another place you would wanna set your eyes on. Found in Dominican Hill are the Diplomat Hotel Ruins which is an old abandoned building used to be a first class hotel in the city and the World’s Largest 10 Commandments plus a panoramic view of the entire Baguio City.

17. Kennon Road

This is the shortest route to Baguio City for travelers coming from Manila. Although, it has made headlines due to many vehicular accidents, it still is a favorite route going to the city as it offers breathtaking views along the way. Also along Kennon Rd., is the famous tourist attraction, the 43-feet high limestone sculpted Lion’s Head. The viewing deck at the upper end of Kennon Rd is the one famous to tourists for its spectacular view of the entire stretch of the highway and the surrounding mountains covered in greens.

18. Strawberry Farm

Located in La Trinidad, a nearby town in the outskirts of Baguio City are the vast strawberry farms. Here you can choose the type of strawberries you want from small to big ones or from half ripened to the fully ripened ones as you are picking them yourselves. Be careful though not to be too excited to pick every strawberry you see as the cost is triple times higher than the price of strawberries sold in the market, but getting to pick your own strawberries which you can bring home to families and friends with the touch of love is priceless.

OTHER SCENIC/TOURIST SPOTS IN BAGUIO

As much as we wanted to visit all that are there in the city of pines, time was the constant hindrance. So here are those we missed visiting which you might wanna see.

1. Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary
2. Asin Hotspring
3. BenCab Museum
4. Narda’s Art Woven arts and crafts
5. Mt Sto Thomas
6. Good Shepherd and many others.

BAGUIO CITY continues to attract tourists from all over the Philippines and even abroad. Well they have a pretty good reason to be. We were there last January 20, 2014 when the temperature dropped a record breaking 5.1 degrees. Normally with that kind of temperature, I would see myself rolled into a ball covered in thick sheets. Instead, I was out witnessing people of the city go by their normal routines. The night life in the city is very colorful and lively which would invite you not to go on sleeping until the break of dawn. A night market fills the entire stretch of Harrison Blvd every night where fine pieces of pre-loved clothes, shoes, bags and accessories are sold in affordable prices. I would have loved to stay for another day or two but the city is too consuming I was afraid I might not wanna go back to my real world anymore…

There you go. For further information about Baguio visit my Baguio Budget Travel Guide page.

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5. Cordillera Administrative Region

The Cordillera administrative region is situated in the northern central part of Luzon. The region consists of 6 provinces namely – Mountain Province, Kalinga, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao and Abra. Its land characteristic is mostly mountainous.

Its highest peak is Mt. Pulog found in the boundary of Nueva Vscaya and Benguet. It has seventy-five municipalities and two cities. The Cordillera administrative region center is Baguio City. Now lets take a closer look to the provinces of Cordillera administrative region:

Mountain Province

The province is situated at the heart of the Cordillera Mountain, the Philippines highest and largest range of mountain. It is bounded by Abra and Ilocos Sur in the west; Isabela in the east, Ifugao and Benguet in the south and Kalinga in the north. The province total land area is 209,733 where seventy-seven percent is forest lands and the rest is categorized as disposable lands.

The main source of income of the province is agriculture. Today tourism is also actively taking part in boosting the economy of the province. As known, Bontoc is the capital city of Mt. Province yet the town of Sagada is becoming more popular among tourist today. Their rice terrace is getting much attention although it is not as popular as the Banaue Rice Terraces still both are just magnificently done. Needless to say, the province is becoming a favorite destination of both foreign and local tourists.

Tourist Attractions

Burial Caves

This burial caves are definitely getting a lot of attention especially to foreign tourists. The site is an ancient burial ground with coffins hanging. This incredible site is in the municipality of Sagada which is nineteen kilometers west from Bontoc.

Rice Terraces

The pride of the Sagada people is their rice terraces which is as magnificent as the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Barlig

This is a village which is popular for its basket weaving. Other weaving houses found in Mt. Province are the Samoki Weaving House, Sabanagan Loom Weaving and Sagada Weaving House.

Other points of interest in Mt. Province includes the Mount Data, Alab, Bontoc Petroglyphs; and Bontoc Igorot Museum.

Kalinga

The province of Kalinga is surrounded by land in the northern section of the Region. It is bounded in the west by Abra, in the south by Mt. Province, in the north by Apayao and Cagayan; and on the eastern part are Isabela and Cagayan.

 

Total land area of the province is 3,119.4 square kilometers where 85.96% is declared as public land and the rest is disposable. This is one major issue that the province faces aside of course from the inaccessibility issue because of the terrain of the province.

The province is blessed with mineral resources both non-metallic and metallic which are found mostly at the municipalities of Pasil and Balbalan. Their metallic resources are gold and copper while non-metallic reserves like sulphur, sand and gravel. Kalinga’s timber resources are abundant.

Communication has greatly improved with telephone lines being installed in the eight municipalities of Kalinga with the exception of course of the PLECS network which is in the Provincial Capitol. Telegraph services is available in the municipalities of Lubuagan and Tabuk. As a separate province, Kalinga is becoming famous as an emerging eco-tourism discovery of the Cordilleras.

Historical Sites

Aguinaldo Hills

The hill is at Barangay Asibanglan-Pinukpuk Road. The hill was once used by General Aguinaldo at the time of Philippine-American war as its common post.

Cultural Attraction

Mini Museum in Kalinga

This museum was established by Kalinga Special Development Authority and is located at Bulano Tabuk.

Natural Wonders

Aciga Tree

This is perhaps the largest Acacia tree found in a village in Kalinga. You can find the tree in the school grounds of Aciga Elementary School and is even believed the tree to be a landmark where the treasures of Yamashita are buried.

Aguinaldo Hill

This is where the Katipuneros have made their stand against the American forces in Abra.

Balbalasang National Park

This park is a symbol of resistance of the locals of Kalingas from the logging companies.

Buaya Caves

This cave is just similar to that of Sagada caves where you find ample of stalagmite and stalactites formation. The caves here are linked together and practically cover the whole mountain slope.

Lubo and Mangali Rice Terraces

It would be great to see the rice planted in the villages of Lobo. Try to visit the place when they about to harvest the rice or the time they are planting it.

Other sites that you should not miss when exploring Kalinga includes Sungang View Point, Palan-ah falls and hot springs, Mt. Mating-oy Dinayao, Tinglayan Rice Terraces, Mount Binaratan, Tiga-aran aran Kabunian, Ugid Maling Subterranean River, Padcharao Lake, Pasil Natural Dam, Kabunian Bridge and Springs, Guinaang, Bananao and Manangol Viewpoint; Elephant Hill, Capitol Tourism Plaza, Rizal Lagoon, and Chico Dam.

Ifugao

Ifugao before it became an independent province was once part of the old Mountain Province. The Old Mountain Province actually comprises Ifugao, Kalinga Apayao, Benguet and Mountain Province. Today this province has become independent. In the 18th of June 1966 Ifugao became an independent province.

The province popularity has boosted its tourism industry especially since their popular rice terraces which are found in Mayoyao, Banaue, Kiangan, and Hungduan were added in the list of World Heritage.

Historical Attractions

Philippine War Memorial Shrine

This memorial shrine is created to commemorate the end of World Ward II. The shrine is at Linda, Kiangan. You can actually view neighboring Barangays as well as the capital town of Lagawe from the shrine.

Cultural Attraction

National Museum

The museum in Kiangan showcases Ifugao artifacts and is managed by the National Museum of the Philippines.

Tam-an Village

This village is located 240 steps below the Banaue Hotel’s swimming pool. You will find hand woven and wood carving products here which you can buy to bring back home.

Other villages which are worth to explore are Bangaan Village, Hapao Village, Batad Village, Poitan Village and Bocos Village. These villages show the typical Ifugao community and way of life.

Natural Wonders

Bintakan Cave

The cave is located Ibunao about two kilometers from the Provincial Capitol. The cave has three divisions with lots of stalagmites and stalactites in various shapes.

Nah-toban Cave

This cave is bigger compared to Bintakan Cave and it has four divisions although there are still other parts of the caves that are not yet explored. The cave is in Boliwong, Lagawe.

Guihob Natural Swimming Pool

If you want to experience a refreshing and cool swim then this is the perfect place for you. It might be quite far but it sure will be worth it. It is four kilometer from Banaue, Poblacion.

Other sites to enjoy when in Ifugao include Tukuhan Sulphur Hot Springs in Tinoc, Tappiya Waterfalls at Banaue, Buyukan Waterfalls in Banaue, Ambuwaya Lake at Kiangan, and Asin Hot Springs.

Man-Made Attractions

Banaue Rice Terraces

The name says it all. This is famous worldwide since it is the “Eight Wonder of the World”. No matter how many time you have seen this site still it will caught you breathless and will wonder what an ingenuity the Ifugao have. Such engineering skills you cannot probably comprehend.

Other rice terraces worth to see is the Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue, Mayoyao Rice Terraces in Mayoyao, Hapao Rice Terraces at Hungduan and Nayaradan Rice Terraces in Kiangan.

Magat Dam

Known to be the biggest dam in Asia and is in the municipality of Alfonso Lista which is twenty-five kilometers from Santa Maria.

A special interest for Mountain Climbers is mountain climbing coupled with village visits in Ifugao is the best outdoor adventure one can have. Experience mountain climbing at Mount Amuyao, the 8th highest peak in the Philippines. You can also consider other mountains like Mount Napulawan and Mount Anapawon.

Benguet

The province is in the southern tip of the Cordillera Mountain of northern section of Luzon. It is bounded by La Union in the west, in the south by Pangasinan, in the east by Neva Vizcaya and Ifugao; and Mountain Province and Ilocos Sur in the north. Benguet experience a cool climate and it still have its wet and dry season.

Benguet is home to three ethnic groups namely the Ibaloi, Kalanguaya and Kankanai. All of them are referred as the Igorots and all three ethnic group shared the same belief and also observe common rituals. Their main livelihood is weaving, basket making and wood-carving.

Because of its beautiful scenic spots and temperate climate, visitors both foreign and local come to this place boosting the economy through their blooming tourism industry. Aside from tourism, Benguet is a leading producer of vegetable. Its major crops produced are carrots, lettuce, cabbage, strawberries, peas, beans and white potatoes. They also have agri-base business like floriculture, basket weaving, broom-making, peanut brittle production, fruit preservation and monggo processing.

Benguet is also blessed with mineral resources. It is abundant with minerals like pyrite, limestone, copper and gold. Mining firms in Benguet contributed about 98% in the province export revenue. Another industry which puts the province as one of the top exports is the Loom weaving.

Tourist Attractions

Benguet is one of the leading tourist destination in the Philippines. Its temperate climate, warm people and unique culture makes it the favorite place for both foreign and local tourists. That is why tourist related industries is also a boom like inns, restaurants and handicrafts are viable investments if one is planning to put up a business.

There are plenty of tourist spots in Benguet and all are must see for the tourists. To mention a few are the Kabayan Mummies at Ambuklao, Binga Dams, Mt. Pulag the second highest peak in the Philippines and various caves, water falls and hot springs that certainly attracts lots of visitors every year.

Benguet is also a place that witness many events of Philippine history like the Kaliwaga Cave at Kapungan, the tunnels at Tadiangan, and Camp Utopia. These are just a few of the historical sites in Benguet.

Apayao

The province is situated right in the deeps of the Cordillera Mountain. The province is categorized into two that is the Upper and lower Apayao. The upper Apayao consist of three municipalities and occupies more than half of the total a land area of the province. The lower Apayao have four municipalities and the land is generally flat.

Apayao consist of seven municipalities namely Santa Marcela, Flora, Pudtol, Conner, Calanasan and Kabugao. Kabugao is the oldest among all the municipalities.

Tourist Attractions

Apayao River

Untouched and pure water that pass through six Apayao municipalities. You can ride a motorboat and you will see fishes in the water and some wildlife. You can also see beautiful waterfalls in different sizes along the Apayao River.

Other scenic spots you can finding Apayao includes Jamboree site at Sta. Marcela, Lizardo Brooks, Agamata Park in Calanasan, Swan Hilltop View in Pudtol, and Turod View Deck at Luna.

Other recreational sites that you should not miss includes the Purit cave and Danao Lake at Calanasan; Agora Wildlife Sanctuary in Pudtol, Malabanag Hot Spring at Paco Valley, Bayugao Lake at Dibagat, Kabugao, Bacut Dam at Sta.Marcela, Anag-Sicapo Wildlife Sanctuary at Kabugao, and Abbot Cave and Swan Ogee Dam at Pudtol, Lover’s Lane at Luna.

Abra

Abra is in the western part of the region. It is bounded by Ilocos Sur and Mountain Province in the south; Ilocos Sur in the west, Kalinga-Apayao in the east and Ilocos Norte in the north. They have two seasons – wet which starts from May to October and the dry season starts in November to April.

The locals of Abra are mostly Ilocanos and from Tingguian tribe. Due to intermarriages between the two cultures many Tingguians were Christianize although some Abrans still sticks to their belief in super natural spirits.

Abra’s economy is base in agriculture. Its major produced is corn, root crops and rice. They also have a few commercial produce like coconut, tobacco and coffee. They have a vast pasture areas and grassland which they use for livestock production.

Tourist Attractions

Abra River

This is the famous Abra River which passes through its six municipalities. It is by far the longest river in the province. It is ideal for swimming and fishing.

Libtec Underground River

One of the most enchanting underground river in Barangay Libtec, Dolores.

Other beautiful spots to see in Abra include Kimkimay Lake, Don Mariano Marcos Bridge and Victoria National Park.

 

 

Festivals in the Cordilleras

1. Scenes from the colorful, blooming street parade at this year’s Panagbenga Festival

Published 4:30 PM, February 27, 2016

Updated 8:51 PM, February 28, 2016

All photos by Ivan Layugan/Rappler

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Warmth swept over Baguio City despite the February chill thanks to the Panagbenga 2016 Street Dance Parade and Drum and Lyre Dance Competition held Saturday, February 26.

All photos by Ivan Layugan/Rappler

A celebration of the season of bloom in the nation’s Summer Capital, the parade is participated by some elementary and high schools and performing groups in Baguio, the Cordilleras, and neighboring towns. To the delight of hundreds of locals, tourists, and spectators, the event was every part colorful, vibrant, and well, blooming.

A footnote to youth

Now in its 21^st year, the Panagbenga has grown from a crowd-drawing festival to a tradition and defining symbol for Baguio, alongside the pines and the chill. But unlike both elements sadly slowly waning, the Panagbenga stands as a testament of the beauty and energy the city contributes to the country.

Celebrating with the theme “Bless the Children with Flowers,” this year focuses on the youth, whom Rizal called the “hope of the motherland” and the very participants of most of the activities in the Panagbenga.

“To bless them with flowers will help them see the beauty of life – teach them the importance of appreciating and preserving God’s gift of nature. It will inculcate in them that while each flower has its own distinct beauty, such beauty is magnified when put together with flowers and different kinds, no matter how diverse they are,” Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan said in his speech at the Panagbenga 2016 opening ceremonies last November.

An ‘opportunity,’ a ‘tradition’

Many in this year’s ensemble used sunflowers in their costumes, and other products exclusive to the north, like dried reed, used for the walis tambo (broom), and bamboo, among others.

Costumes are carefully designed and hand-made, using mostly colors yellow, orange, and red. Sunflowers, as parts of props or costumes, are prominent in the parade.

“It’s not only an event for children, but happily for the whole family,” Grethel Estolas, a teacher at Dominican Mirador Elementary High School, said. “It’s our first year to join this event, but since Panagbenga is a tradition, it’s good to see parents work with their children in keeping up with it. It is not difficult joining in the first year, because the parents are very supportive.”

Some performers embedded the Cordilleran festive dance cañao to their routines, while others spiced up the streets with choreography to popular songs played by the respective school bands.

Glen Miguel, choreographer of Ilocos Norte’s Pamulinawen dance group which won last year’s street dancing competition, says he feels that this event is an “opportunity”, especially for his team since they come from a coastal region and they’re glad to be part of Baguio’s ubiquitous event. “Naiiyak ang mga bata na nandito sila sa Baguio,” he said. “Ang saya-saya nila.” (The children are teary-eyed that they are now here in Baguio. They are very happy.)

See more photos from the festivities here:

Were you at the festival this year? Share your favorite moments and photos with us in the comments below and on social media. – Rappler.com

2. “LANG-AY FESTIVAL” OF MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

SELF-ASSURING elderly men wore their G-strings and their necklaces made either of fangs or teeth of wild boar, suggesting their bravery and robustness in the days of hunting and fighting against other tribes. With their genuine repolished spears, machete, and their bows and arrows, they strutted along the main street of Bontoc with good bearing and pride—but this time, not to wage a war against a clan or a tribe.

In the same fashion, elderly women graced the occasion in their neatly wrapped tapis. Their gait is that of a deer; with elegant, careful and confident steps that instinctively follow a choreography taught by many generations ahead of them. Their hands, hips, heads, tussles and their heirloom beads rhythmically swayed with every beat of the gangza and solibao.

The younger participants were more agile. Their stunts are refreshing, compared to their more sober adult counterparts. They ran, chanted at the top of their lungs, and wowed the crowd with their animated war and courtship dance numbers.

Nobody can deny, the children who looked cute in their native tribal costumes were the star of the show. Yes, they made mistakes and have not perfected the steps and movements, but nobody cared! It was all for fun, after all.Describing Lang-ay Festival is a tough job for this neophyte writer. One can never express in exact words the high spirit, and authenticity of the festival. Unlike in many other festivals, where most of the performers are teenagers or children, Lang-ay Festival’s participation of all ages in the pageantry of Mountain Province’s diverse culture, history and tradition takes the center stage and what sets it apart from other festivals.

With the elderly participating in this annual event, sans the haute couture costumes found in other festivals, proves to be a travel photographer’s Eden. At the onset of modernization, elderly and young Kankanaeys, like many other cultures, no longer wear their traditional costumes, except in these occasions and in their tribal rituals.  To me, this is very much understandable and acceptable these days.

In 2009, I witnessed the 5th Lang-ay Festival, which was celebrated with the theme “Nurturing History and Culture.” Held every first week of April, Mountain Province will be celebrating it for the 6th year with the theme: “Lang-ay: A Tool For Reconciliation, Solidarity and Transformation.” This week-long celebration will be observed with various events like information caravan of the province’s services, agricultural trade fair, forum, cultural plays and performances, and culminates in a grand parade featuring every municipality of the province.

In Igorot dialect, “Lang-ay” means a fellowship where local folks gather to celebrate and perform “cañao” that involves offering of locally brewed rice wine or tapey, and butchering pigs, chicken, harvest and prayers to their pagan gods. It also signifies the traditional practice of generosity, sharing and respect.

In the past decades, Mountain Province has been plagued by tribal wars and conflicts among clans, until a peace resolution has been reached through a “budong,” which was held in a month of April [Author: Corrections and additional information are most welcome.]. Thus, to commemorate this peace pact among warring tribes, Lang-ay Festival is a fitting new tradition they must celebrate. It does not only signify a fellowship, but also of uniting the people  and diverse tribes of Mountain Province for peace and development.

Moreover, the festival has also become a tool for the elderly to teach and inculcate in the younger generation the value of culture and tradition. According to Governor Maximo Dalog in a press conference in Baguio City, “The Lang-ayfestival of Mountain Province held annually in April since five years ago has prevented the waning of the Igorot culture among the youths.”

For the year 2010, The festival will be held from April 4-8, and highlights the street-dancing competition among participating municipalities on April 7.

 

3. Colorful Festivals in Abra

Kawayan Festival

Kawayan festival means Bamboo Festival. It is the fiesta celebration of the provincial government of Abra. Abra is located at northern part of the Philippines. Abrenians tagged their fiesta as Kawayan Festival because of abundancy of bamboo’s in their region.

It is celebrated annually on March 9th for their founding anniversary and in appreciation of the abundance of bamboo in the region.

Aside from the grand streetdancing and ethnical programs where gongs and bamboo musical instrument are played, their program includes the different products and crafts made from bamboo.

Anyone who visits Abra will be amazed by its pristine nature and cultural values and traditions.

Dapil Festival

“Dapil Festival” is a festival on sugarcane which is one of the Abra’s main agricultural products for the manufacture of a wine called “basi”, vinegar, molasses called “muscovado” and candies.

Dapil is derived from the word “Dadapilan”, an equipment used in extacting the sugar cane juice.

This festival not only feature trade fair for sugarcane products and other agri-based items but also basketball tournaments, beauty contests, parades and cultural shows.

Arya Abra Festival

Arya! Abra Festival, is a week-long celebration that coincides with the founding anniversary of the Province of Abra, held yearly from March 6-10.

Arya Abra Festival is a celebration of the province of Abra’s individuality. It is a week-long celebration that showcases various sectors/groups in the province. Each day is offered to a particular group of persons as a way of honoring them for what they have done for the province of Abra. The cultural festival “Arya Abra” has become a traditional yearly festival which is aimed not only for outsiders but also the natives of Abra.

The Arya Abra festivity is a week-long great exercise, not just for attracting tourists but also to enlighten all Abreños to take pride in the heritage and rich culture of their province.

Tingguian Festival

Tingguian Festival features rich and colorful dances, rituals and songs of the Tingguian tribe.

4. FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Ullalim Festival

Photo from:  s4.zetaboards.com

The Ullalim Festival is a tourism and industry promotional event for three days (February 13-16) showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the people and their bountiful natural resources.

A cultural festival showcasing the life and culture of the Kalinga through sports, crafts including indigenous food.

Matagoan Festival

Photo from:  flickr.com/photos/rizaldy88/5225622748

The Matagoan Festival celebrates the warm and peaceful relationship between and among the different tribes that reside in Tabuk. The festival highlights the indigenous practices, arts, and dances of the different sub-tribes. It is celebrated on the 16^th of June every year.

A showcase of the cultural practices of the eight sub-tribes of Tabuk (Biga, Tobog, Dallac, Malbong, Naneng, Gaddang, Guilayon, Colminga). Serves as a culminating activity of Tabuk Day. Events include: Dornat – strenthening of the Bodong ties between two tribes; presentation of cultural songs and dances; and Matagoan Run or a 6-kilometer run from Bulanao up to the municipal hall in the Poblacion.

Unoy Festival

Photo from:  flickr.com/photos/26409160@N03/5050292125

This festival is held in thanksgiving to an abundant harvest of the Unoy rice and other agricultural products of the people of Tinglayan, a municipality of Kalinga. It also aims to promote Unoy rice as Kalinga’s most sought-after agricultural product.

Kalinga Province Foundation Day

Photo from:  explorephilippines.net

Month of February A provincial celebration marking the creation of Kalinga as a separate province with cultural and trade fairs held every February of the month.

Salidummay Festival

Photo from:  ww.smashits.com

A festival featuring the ethnic songs, dances and rituals of the municipality of Lubuagan, Kalinga.

5. Imbayah festival: A renewal of tradition

The Imbayah Festival is based on old ritual celebrating the ascendancy of a commoner and his family to the ranks of Kadangyans or the elite

Published 6:19 PM, May 03, 2014

Updated 6:19 PM, May 03, 2014

 

OFFERING. A Mumbaki blesses a pig. All photos by Dave Leprozo Jr./Rappler

BANAUE, Ifugao – The Imbayah festival is part of the Ifugaos’ cultural pride.

Celebrated every 3 years in Banaue, Ifugao, since 1979, it is based on an old ritual celebrating the ascendancy of a commoner and his family to the ranks of Kadangyans or the Banaue elite.

The word imbayah itself comes from the Ifugao word bayah, or rice wine, which signifies nobility and high stature in the community.

During the festival, rice wine from antique Chinese jars overflows and a banquet is arranged for the mortals and the gods. The Ifugao elderly say that this celebration has been their way of thanksgiving and is a season of fun after a bountiful harvest.

In the past, the celebration would go on for 13 days with a rich couple playing host. Emilio Pagada, a retired schoolteacher and historian, says the festival starts with the whole community gathering firewood, with gongs ringing to signal the start of a feast. In the evenings, people gather and dance for 9 days.

INDIGENOUS. A Tuwali elder in his finery.

During the chapoy on the 7th and 8th days, people harvest sugarcane for use in the bayah, and the sugarcane is processed for the community. The 9th day is called ila, when two folks are sent out to call the relatives of the couple. On the 10th day, the gotad is celebrated and the community comes out with all their rice wine in earthenware and heirloom jars.

Ten pigs and a pair of carabaos are butchered and blessed by the mumbaki, or Ifugao high priests, and shared among the community as a symbol of their offering to the gods. The head of the pigs and carabaos are separated and cooked to the bare bones by the mumbaki on the 12th and 13th days, respectively. The head bones become decoration in the couple’s house, symbolizing their stature in the village.

Bayah is the center of the socialization among the Ifugaos, according to Carmelita Mondiguing, chairman of the Cordillera Tourism Council. It was her brother, the late Banaue Mayor Adriano Apilis Jr, who initiated the first Imbayah Festival in 1979.

RACE. Tribesmen race with their wooden scooters during the festival.

“We realized that due to booming tourism, the Ifugaos were beginning to forget their culture and traditions. The festival aims to remind them of the importance of preserving them,” Mondiguing said.

The Imbayah Festival, which was held in late April, was highlighted by a vibrant parade and street dancing participated in by 19 barangays. Participants donned their ethnic attire, showcasing the evolution of the Ifugao costume from the use of tree barks to the present use of the cotton woven clothes.

A cultural renewal was actually started early February, with 9 towns of Ifugao promising they would encourage a rebirth of a dying cultural heritage, especially among the Ifugao youth who now would rather go to urban centers for greener pastures.

Various Ifugao traditions are being celebrated until August.

HERITAGE SITE. The Banaue rice terraces provide not only rice but also help preserve culture and tradition among the Ifugaos.

– Rappler.com

 

6. Panagbenga Festival opens in Baguio City

By Karlston Lapniten, Baguio-based journalist

Updated 17:55 PM PHT Mon, February 1, 2016

 

The annual Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City, themed “Bless the Children with Flowers,” kicks off Monday (February 1) with a grand opening parade.

Baguio City (CNN Philippines) — The 21st Baguio Flower Festival or Panagbenga formally opened Monday (February 1) in Baguio City, with a grand opening parade that featured a drum and lyre dance competition.

Competitors from various elementary schools and officials from the 20 districts of Baguio paraded from Session Road to the Athletic Bowl.

Colorful costumes in flower motifs as well as upbeat parade music entertained residents and tourists, while some entries opted to go for the more traditional playing of gongs.

The soft opening marked the formal start of Panagbenga activities, which include landscaping competition, Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom activity, a kite-flying challenge, a variety show, and firework displays.

Also read: Politicians barred from politicizing Panagbenga

The main attractions are still to come on February 27 with the much-awaited Grand Street Dancing parade, and on February 28 for the Grand Float Parade.

 

Millions expected

The theme of this year’s festival is “Bless the Children with Flowers.” It is expected to draw over a million tourists as it also coincides with the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Homecoming, which will beef up the tourism count.

Tourists currently enjoy the cold weather in Baguio. Air temperature has been steady at 11 degrees celsius in the past few days. It even reached 10.8 degrees celsius last weekdue to the prevailing northeast monsoon or hanging amihan that brings about cold winds.

Watch: Tourists enjoy cold temperature in Baguio City

Related: Quality, supply of vegetables in Benguet affected by cold weather

Aside from wanting to experience the cold weather, Gerry Beltran of the Baguio Association of Hotels and Inns said that tourists also flock to Baguio to join the Panagbenga Festival. He said hotels and inns in the city are already starting to get fully booked as early as now.

Scene from the grand opening parade on February 1.Authorities also advised the public to enjoy Baguio by walking around the city streets instead of using motor vehicles, because heavy traffic jams are expected as the culmination of the festival nears.

Panagbenga means “season of blooming” in the local dialect, as February is the time when most highland flowers bloom.

CNN Philippines’ Camille Abadicio contributed to this report.

Products and Souvenirs from the Cordilleras

1. Top and Popular Pasalubong From Baguio City

 

What’s the best thing about traveling? Aside from the experiences and the memories that will remain with you for life, it’s food and souvenirs! Each town and provinces in the Philippines offers local delights and delicacies and as much as possible you should not miss them when you travel and take a vacation. Some local products are easier to find than others, these popular treats are usually what ends up as your pasalubong for friends and family back home too. So after our DIY tour of Baguio we have an extra bag just for pasalubong and souvenirs kaya namulubi lalo but masaya hehe.

Choose your pasalubong from the City of Pines!

Pasalubong from Baguio are so tempting that some of them may not reach your home. I am guilty of doing that, before we reach Manaoag, one bottle of small Romana peanut brittle was gone. I even tried to open one big bao of sundot kulangot on the bus back to Manila lol. However, my attempt to open the bao failed lol. Ang hirap hirap niya buksan buti pa yung normal sized sundot kulangot mabilis lang.  Kaya I recommend dun na tayo sa maliit na sundot kulangot talaga!

What pasalubong is there in Baguio?

The following products top my list of popular pasalubong from Baguio City. I hope you’ll get some ideas from the suggested products and souvenirs. I bought the items represented on the video save from the famous walis tambo, fresh veggies and the flowers.

In our house, pasalubong is equal to food and local delicacies, not ‘I love Baguio’ shirts, not keychains, not knitted sweaters etc. Well, knitted shirts and sweaters would have been cool but they are more expensive and my budget is limited. Has to find the best pasalubong that my money can afford.

 

Sundot Kulangot

I love this kalamay version in a tiny, tiny bao that I actually wrote a separate post dedicated to this famous Baguio product. Check the full story here –> Sundot Kulangot ba kamo? You can buy 3 bundles of sundot kulangot for only 100 pesos.

Fresh Strawberry

You can’t find this in the vid but I really want it included but for practicality’s sake I can’t because of the fruits perishable nature. If you are traveling to Manila you may be successful in bringing fresh strawberry as pasalubong but for us who are flying to Visayas and Mindanao provinces, the chance of success is slim. Transporting fresh strawberry is very tricky and difficult, so sad. During strawberry season during January to March, you can buy strawberries at 100 to 120 pesos per kilo.

But we got to eat a kilo of strawberry while strolling along cold Baguio. Yey! If you are buying fresh strawberries too, try the fruit first. The sellers will allow you to have a free taste to test. Cool! You can’t do that in a mall’s grocery!

Strawberry Jams and Preserves

The best brands of strawberry preserves with whole strawberries in the bottle is the one with no brand name. I am not sure what brand you prefer but so far the white label with pic of strawberry and simple name “Strawberry Preserve La Trinidad Benguet” is our top choice. We bought our jams from the Baguio City public market at P per medium size bottle. Some of the cheaper strawberry jams sell for 3 to 5 bottles for 100 pesos while a bottle of our favorite strawberry preserves is sold at 65 pesos each.

Romana’s Peanut Brittle

Not a Baguio made product but certainly a famous pasalubong for people to bring home after their Baguio vacation. The company is actually located in Mangaldan, Pangasinan. If after your trip to Baguio you will go to Manaog for a sidetrip before heading to Manila, you will most likely pass by Romana store which is along the national highway. I super love and recommend this peanut brittle. Price of the bigger Romana jar is only 90 pesos.

Walis Tambo

I was unfamiliar with walis tambo of the City of Pines until I live in Manila/Laguna. It seems like every household I’ve visited has a walis tambo with decorated “Baguio” tag on the handle. On my first trip to Baguio, I bought two of these haha. I actually think I’s not as effective as to the ‘silhig lanot’ that we have here in VisMin but I can’t find silhig lanot in Luzon so I got used to using Walis Tambo when I was up north. Price: 3 brooms for 180.

Good Shepherds Ube Jam and other Products

There is a long queue of customers at Good Shepherd Mountain Maid complex almost all the time and the stores’ biggest draw? Probably their famous Ube Jam. No one makes Ube Jam like the trainees of Mountain Maid! Price of this pasalubong item is 120 pesos for a 12 oz. bottle while the larger 24 oz. bottle is priced at 250 pesos. They also have other products like strawberry jam, choco flakes, bread rolls, alamid “civet” coffee etc.

Choco Flakes

If you have a sweet tooth you cannot go wrong if you buy a bottle or two of choco flakes. “Mikasan” choco flakes is a popular brand for this goodies but we prefer Shabach Marketing’s offering which you can only buy in SM Baguio. Usually this pasalubong comes in 3 variants, chocolate, milk and assorted (half of milk flakes and half of chocoflakes). Choco flakes price: 80 Pesos.

Silver Jewelries

 I am pretty sure you are thinking about Ibay’s silver shop right now but there are actually lots of stores who offer cheaper silver jewelry at the public market. Check out this special post about this one so you too can score more affordable trinkets for yourself, mom and lola like I did. Read post – Get your Silver at the Public Market: It’s More Affordable =) Priece of Baguio Silver earings: 250 per set

Baguio Country Club Raisin Bread

Yes, we the masses (read: non-members) can still buy the famous raisin bread from the exclusive Baguio Country Club but nope we can’t buy it inside the club’s restaurant, rather we go to SM Baguio 2^nd floor to find their kiosk which sells this famous bread. Why is it popular among visitors? The loaf is bursting with raisins and is a perfect match for your hot coffee, muy delicioso! But wait you have to be ready to shell out P180 pesos for one loaf of raisin bread hehe but it’s worth it.

 Lengua De Gato

A surprise hit in our house. I only bought 3 Baguio Tartland Lengua de Gato because I thought that no one will like it much but surprise surprise my brother finished one container all by himself in a flash. He likes its light buttery taste.  Tartland Lengua de Gato was selling for 3 for P100, good deal! Another popular brand for this pasalubong is Pines Maid. What’s your favorite brand for lengua de gato?

Baguio Fresh Flowers

Same with fresh strawberry, transporting fresh flowers can be tricky but a lot easier than strawberries. Visitors usually buy everlasting flowers so they can offer this to their altars and Sto Nino back home.

Baguio Fresh Vegetables

The city’s climate and the weather of Benguet and Cordillera in general is an ideal place for growing vegetables and flowers. Most of the fresh produce in the markets of Manila comes all the way from Baguio and surrounding area. This is where you can buy organic broccoli and other veggies at drop down prices! Fresh potatoes here sell for 20 pesos per kilo while broccoli only sells for 80 Pesos per kilo. You can haggle more if you buy in bulk. Popular veggies source from Baguio aside from those already mentioned includes sayute, cauliflower, carrots, baguio beans (hence the name), petchay baguio, sweet peas, tomatoes, cucumbers and more.

Where to buy cheap Baguio pasalubong?

My quick answer would be the Baguio public market as it is the hub for everything even jewelries. I was actually so surprise that they have this whole section dedicated to selling popular pasalubong items inside the market complex. If you are there just ask where is the pasalubong lane or the ‘sari-sari section” of the market. You can find almost everything there from cardigans, chaleco, silver trinkets to food items.

We got most of what we brought home from the stall no 155 of Manong Guillermo, he is very accommodating and he gives discounts. =) For the silver jewelries, we got good deals and quality items from the owner of Lao’s Souvenir and Gift Shop.

 

2. Baguio Local Products

Baguio’s popularity as a top Philippine destination has spurred the production of a large variety of souvenir items, handicrafts and edibles familiar to Filipinos all over the world.

 

Oh, we have quite a lot — from homegrown coffee to bee honey, from silver trinkets to giant wooden statues, from fresh vegetables and fruits to processed meats, from original artwork to home decor — and I am about to tell you about them all.

 

The folks in Baguio City and the Cordillera Region of the Philippines also have this great ability to create their own wines, by the way. The most popular of these are the tapuey (also called tapuy or tapey), which is a fermented rice wine and strawberry wine, of course

 

Bee Honey

Benguet is home to numerous apiaries that extract the sweetest honey from a myriad of wild and cultured flowers and plants, including coffee. Be careful to purchase honey that is ‘branded’ because some of those sold at the city market may be made from just sugar.

 

Benguet Coffee

Introduced by the Spaniards, the Arabica variety produced in the area and commonly referred to as Benguet coffee is the favorite beverage of the Cordilleras. Available at the city market, roasted coffee beans are sold by the kilo and ground while you wait.

 

Handweaving

Narda’s is the pioneer and leader of all  original woven art, although the Easter Weaving Room has trained young women and kept these traditions alive for decades and decades now. Handwoven products can be found in all souvenir stalls at major tourist spots.

 

Edible Goodies

(‘Pasalubong’ Items)

Peanut & Cashew Brittle, Ube Haleya (Purple Yam Jam), Strawberry Jams & Preserves, Choco Flakes, Lengua de Gato, ‘Kulangot’ (Coco Jelly) and a host of yummy products available everywhere– at the market, bus terminals, souvenir stores.

 

Flowers & Plants

Cut-flowers such as roses,  chrysanthe- mums, marigolds, daisies, anthuriums, Malaysian mums, plus longer lasting varieties such as everlasting and statis are sold at the market. Exotic orchids, hyacinths, tulips, petunias and also make their appearance at the orchida-rium. Potted plants of all kinds are also for sale there and in other farms and stalls elsewhere.

 

Longganisa

Baguio longganisa are sausage links sold by the string with a strong garlic flavor that rival the Vigan variety. The smaller rounder links are referred to by the locals as “short-ganisa.” Available at the Baguio City Market mostly, although there are a few outlets selling home-made sausage links.

Metalcraft

‘The Last Supper,’ ‘Running Horses’ are just some of the more popular themes of beaten copper and other metal works. Large mirrors with ornate hand-crafted frames are for sale at the Baguio City market and Mines View Park.

Silverworks

There are many silver shops offering an array of sterling silver or silver-plated treasures from jewelry pieces to hand-crafted filigree to silverware for your dinner table. The younger set enjoy a selection of the most modern and up-to-date silver fashion jewelry and trinkets.

 

Vegetables

And then there are our vegetables —  fresh, crisp, sweet and cheap, too! The Cordillera Region supplies the Philipines’ daily requirements for highland vegetables. Lettuce, carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, cabbage, broccolli, cauliflower, mushrooms, chinese eggplant, zucchini and a whole lot more. And all these are available in Baguio and La Trinidad Valley.

 

Fresh Fruit

Of course the Baguio strawberry tops this list that includes large seedless Sagada oranges, Sablan bananas, mangoes and pineapple, chicos, lanzones, rambutan, guava and santol.

 

Wood Carvings

These come in all shapes and sizes — from 5-ft rosaries to larger-than-life statues of the Igorot warrior to the naughty barrelman or the naked woman back scratcher. These typically make their way to a Filipino home both in the Philippines and abroad. These are also  souvenirs items popular with foreign visitors to Baguio City.

 

Garments & Other Export Items

The Baguio Export Processing Zone (BEPZ) is home to many large factories that manufacture apparel for such brands as Liz Clairborne, Gap, Dockers, Old Navy, Abercrombie and Fitch, Tretorn and a host of others. The two largest companies operating at the BEPZ are Texas Instruments Philippines, Inc., manufacturing computers and peripherals as well as Moog Controls Corporation Philippines, which manufactures airplane guidance systems, among others.

 

Furniture and Woodworks

Old Filipiniana reproductions, original Ifugao carved ‘nail-less’ furniture using rare pieces of Philippine hardwood such as molave, narra and kamagong can be found at the top floor of the Marharlika Livelihood Center.

 

You can find independent furniture shops all around the city, too. While some are original designs, most are re-sellers of items coming from the Woodcarver’s Village in Asin.

 

 

 

3. Mountain Province Local Woven Products (Lang-ay)

 

 

 

MOUNTAIN PROVINCE is a Weavers’ Paradise. Finely woven products include the traditional tapis for women’s apparel and the traditional wanes (G-string) for men. These products have designs of lizards, diamonds, and eyes. Other woven products are bags, purses, pouches, wallets, blazers, skirts, and wall decors. Weavers are found all over the ten towns of Mountain Province especially in Bontoc, Sagada, Besao, Sabangan, Sadanga, Barlig, Natonin, Paracelis, Tadian, Bauko with different designs and highlighted colors.

Paracelis has its unique Balladang woven materials resplendent in red and bright pinkish colors accompanied with small white beads. Sagada weaves, just like traditional Bontoc weaves have bright colors of red and green in their woven products including tapis, bags and wallets. Sadanga highlights the blue color. Sabangan and Bauko specialize in table linens with shades of orange, blue and white. Besao produces woven wall decors.

Sisters of the Immaculate Church of Mary taught women in Bauko and Sabangan how to do loom weaving. They produced table linens that were exported in the 70’s. Andrea Bondad who pioneered the famous Sagada Weaving also learned weaving skills from the Foster Family in Lepanto, Mankayan Benguet in the late 1960s. A number of weaving enterprises now flourished in Sagada to include Kamowan, Sagada Mountainside Arts and Crafts, Sagada Weaving and Souvenir Shop, Sagada Indigenous Handicraft, Sagada Kindasan Souvenirs, Tam-aw Madongo Handicrafts and Sagada View Souvenirs.

Other weaving small scale enterprises are Asudan Weaving in Bauko, Lourdes Loom Weaving in Besao, and Paracelis-based Baladang Handicraft, ATT’s Handicrafts and Paracelis Weaving.

Meantime, the faltering village weaving industries in Samoki and Can-eo in Bontoc, Sabangan, and Guinzadan in Bauko, Botigue in Paracelis, and Lama in Tadian were revived through skills development given by TESDA, DTI, and DOLE. Institutional development is specially provided for Guinzadan weavers with support from DTI, Cordnet and DOLE and additional set up financing from DOST.

There are now at least 17 firms including four weaving villages in Can-eo, Samoki, Guinzadan and Paracelis.

Weaving created at least 435 jobs as weavers and retailers.A major patronizer of locally woven products is the people from Mountain Province themselves. Woven materials are especially worn as office uniforms. Other sales are generated during trade fairs and the Lang-ay Festival every April, aside from sales in souvenir shops in Sagada, Bontoc, Paracelis, and Sabangan. The sale of woven materials generated at least P27.8 million in 2007.

While this is so, DTI notes that one of the major problems of weavers is that they have difficulty in procuring raw materials. Design and product diversity is another thing.

Marie Aranduque, proprietor of Sagada Weaving notes that weavers need to come together in order to address their commonly felt concerns and meet the demands of consumers as a bigger volume.

Ms Cecilia Dalog, the provincial Governor’s spouse, promotes Weaves and Designs, an initiative to promote the province’s woven products, one way through fashion trends. This event will specially be highlighted during the Lang-ay 2009 Festival April this year.

 

 

 

4. Where to Buy Affordable Baguio Pasalubong Items and Souvenirs

 

Pasalubong is one of my favorite topics here in Field Trip Boy. I guess Pasalubong shopping is also one of the most awaited part of every Filipino traveler when on a trip or vacation. Every Pinoy wants to share what they seen and experience during their travels, thus they need to buy pasalubong  and souvenirs for their families and friends.

Pasalubong varies from the local delicacies found only in the place that you are visiting or their specialty products such as bags, clothes, footwear and souvenir items like key chain, ref magnets, mats, bags and others.

The City of Baguio in Benguet Province, also known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines,  is one of the best places to buy pasalubong for your families back home or souvenirs like wood carvings like the famous and “Barrel Man” to the the truly Pinoy, “Walis Tambo”.

Pasalubong Shopping in Baguio

There are dozens and dozens more of Baguio pasalubong that you can buy almost every where in the City of Pines. Many of them are unique to Baguio such as Strawberries and Strawberry- based products like jams, preserves and wine, to fresh vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, to  cheap sterling silver accessories, warm clothes like chaleco and

cardigans, and even ukay ukay finds like branded hand bags, shirts and shoes.

You can find lot of places where you can buy affordable Baguio Souvenirs and Pasalubong. Whats good about these are, most of these shops sell these goods at almost the same price. But if you want to buy the most affordable and cheapest Baguio products, better head out to these Baguio tourist spots:

WHERE TO BUY CHEAP BAGUIO PASALUBONG AND SOUVENIR ITEMS?

Mines View  Park

Mines View Park is one of the most popular and must see places in Baguio City.  It became famous decades ago because local kids used to risk their lives while standing on rough cliffs and then catching coins thrown by tourists.

Mines View Park

This practice is now long banned, and all the tourist can see at the view deck of Mines Veiw Park are miles and miles of Baguio Country Side and mountains.

Mines View park is the location of Island Souvenirs. Here you can buy Baguio themed T-Shirts. Mines View Park now also looks like market where people sell almost everything from food, clothes and souvenirs.

Everlasting Flowers: Best for offerings to the Sto. Nino and ornaments for your Altar

When in Mines View Park, it is best to buy cardigans and sweaters, ornamental plants, affordable Baguio shirts, hand made items by the Igorot, jams, peanut brittle, key chain, everlasting flowers and others.

Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd or Pink Sisters Convent is one of the must go places to buy Baguio Pasalubong. Though their products are more expensive than most Baguio pasalubong, they definitely make it up in terms of quality and taste. Their most popular item is the Good Shepherd Ube Jam. Their strawberry jam and lengua de gato are also a must try. The Good Shepherd pasalubong center is located near Mines View Park.

Baguio Best Seller: The Good Shepherd Ube Jam

Session Road

The most popular street in Baguio City is session Road. It is located at the center of the city and is near SM City Baguio, Burnham Park and the Baguio City Market. This street is lined with various restaurants and other business establishments.

Fresh Strawberries sold almost every where in Baguio City at 100 to 150 Pesos per Kilo

If you are looking for locally made accessories such as hand made bracelets, then you better check out the street vendors selling their wares around late afternoon to early evenings. Ibays, the popular silver accessories maker in Baguio, also has a store in Session Road.

One of the largest and most popular Ukay Ukay complex in Baguio is located in Session Road where it houses dozens and dozens of shops selling used clothes and shoes at very low prices.

SM City Baguio

If your don’t want to walk long stretches and carrying all your with you as you go along your way, it is best to go to SM City Baguio and do your Baguio pasalubong shopping there. Outside the main entrance are a line of shops selling locally made products such as Baguio T Shirts, hand woven mats and bags, key chains, wood carvings and more.

Beside these shops is a small “wet market” that sells local fruits, strawberries and fresh vegetables. Inside the mall are other sores and stalls that sells other popular Baguio pasalubong.

If you are a non-member of the Baguio Country Club, SM City Baguio is the only place where you can buy their famous raisin bread.

Baguio Country Club’s Legendary Raisin Bread bought in SM City Baguio

Baguio City Market

This is the mother load of all Pasalubong items in Baguio. If you want to shop and buy your Baguio Pasalubong and Souvenir items in just one place, then the Baguio City Market is the place for you. You can also buy the cheapest and most affordable items here. There are also some items that you can only see here such as fresh blueberries and others.

Strawberry Jam: Don’t leave Baguio without a few bottles of these sweet treats

There is a lane inside the Baguio City Market where you can buy their best selling  and top sellers like fresh strawberry and blue berries, strawberry jam, strawberry wine, sindot kulangot, walis tambo, choco flakes, lengua de gato, peanut brittle and others. Many of these items sell for only 3 for 100 pesos. Do some haggling and manong and manang might even give you a better price.

We bought most of our Baguio pasalubong items from the store owned by Guilermo Suballa, and you can also buy your cheap Baguio pasalubong here by looking for his store with stall number 150 inside the sari-sari section of the Baguio City Market.

More Baguio Pasalubong

This is also the best place to buy your walis tambo, the cheapest silver earrings and rings, habing iloco, chaleco and cardigan.

Walis Tambo made from Tiger Grass: 3 for 150 pesos

You can also find here the freshest vegertables such as cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, sayote, carrots, Bagio beans, pechay baguio and more.

Fresh Vegetables from La trinidad and other towns in Benguet and Mt. Province

 

 

5. Top 5 Baguio Pasalubongs

 

 

 

One place in the itinerary of Filipinos every summer that never goes amiss is definitely BAGUIO! Some even make it a tradition to go each year for family outings or for the yearly barkada bonding. Of course, the Baguio experience will never be complete without the pasalubongs to take home after a wonderful vacation. Here are our choices for the most wanted pasalubongs at the Summer Capital of the Philippines!

Strawberries

Baguio is very well known for this fruit just as much as they are with the Lion’s head at Kennon Road. One activity that we never get tired of is strawberry picking at the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet (just 30 minutes outside of Baguio City) where we can don a farmer’s hat and harvest strawberries to our heart’s desire. From strawberry jam to strawberry taho, there are a lot of by-products that you can also choose from.

 Flowers

In a city where flowers in bloom is celebrated in a month long festivity (Panagbenga), it is a no brainer that flowers are one of their main products. The cool temperature of Baguio is perfect for growing and breeding a variety of beautiful flowers. From roses to gerberas, all of these you can find in the local market for quarter of the cost you’ll normally pay for in your favorite flower shop. Take home a piece of Baguio through fresh flowers and decorate your own home with them.

Sagada Oranges

Remember those big, juicy and too sweet “Sagada oranges” offered to you at the local market? Fake. Those are actually oranges imported from China and are taking advantage of the emerging Sagada tourism. Real Sagada oranges are small to medium in size with uneven color and texture. The authentic oranges are also not too sweet and have the perfect balance of sourness to them. These locally grown oranges from Sagada can be bought at a local Baguio market for 50-80php per kilo. Do not be fooled.

Raisin Bread

You know a product is good when you have to wait for hours to get it, right? This holds true for the Raisin Bread that can be bought at Baguio Country Club. Tip: Best to make a trip to BCC ahead to have some reserved and to get them freshly baked. If you go there through walk in, there’s a 90% chance that none is left especially during peak season. Another tip: This raisin bread? All worth the trouble.

UBE JAM

Yes, in capitalized letters and a punctuation to pronounce our love for this purple confection. What is commonly a favorite “fiesta food” in the country is now sealed in a bottle of heaven. Top a spoonful on a homemade halo halo or just eat it right off the jar, this purple yam is in three words: to die for!