A Glimpse of Rock Inn and Cafe at Batalao in Sagada

After a long road trip from Banaue-Bontoc-Sagada, this cafe and restaurant welcomed us. They have a  beautiful artistic design, wide parking space, relaxing ambiance and a nature garden. As part of my research about Sagada, I found this site about the orange plantation spot in Sagada and our driver convince him to drop over this 1 hectare lot in Barangay Batalao. About 15-20 minutes away from the town proper of Sagada. I was surprised about the local design of the whole restaurant and cafe. Even the side part of the place because they have a lot of antique furniture, wooden craft and nipa hut ceiling. They also have variety of pasalubong like strawberry jam, oatmeal choco chips cookies, wild blueberry jam, key chains, cellphone holder, native products and a lot more. I was told that this area is one of the main tourist attraction of many foreigner traveling to Mountain Province. It was a pleasant surprise with my first stop over and one of my favorite spot in Sagada. We rested a while before heading to their orange plantation site. There will always be something and unique spots in Sagada worth returning to. Check out their contact number - (63928) 2131149 or 386-4042 and address: Staunton Road, Barangay Batalao, Sagada in Mountain Province. 

Bontoc Rice Terraces along Chico River in Mountain Province

After a quick photo walk at the town proper, we have decided to go with our final destination. That is Sagada in Mountain Province, as part of our 3 days trip from Banaue - Bontoc - Sagada during the weekend. Along the way to Sagada, we saw this majestic view of Bontoc Rice Terraces along Chico River which is their sources of water and about 10-15 minutes away from the town of Bontoc. This area of rice terraces is dry because of the summer season. Made of stone walls in order to separate their rice fields and to produce water irrigation facilities as well. This area is covered with a high mountain ranges and trees, near the national road route going to Sagada and a canopy of luxuriant green forest view from above.  I agree with my friend, that Banaue Rice Terraces & Batad is one of the most beautiful rice terraces landscape in the world. Do do agree about that? Check out about my next blog post - Sagada 2013.

A Quick Bontoc Experience in Mountain Province

Arriving at Bontoc in Mountain Province. Hello Town of Bontoc! Where cultural heritage is well preserve and known to be the getaway up north. It has a total 10 municipalities and 137 barrios surrounding the beautiful town. One of the spectacular place in the province, it's a paradise for all the bontoc people because of their rich culture, mountain ranges landscape, huge plantation and hospitality of the people.  The area has a lot of establishments, vehicle around the place, newly build-hotel and restaurants. We just had a quick stop over at town proper before heading to Sagada, Mountain Province. This area is now developing more structures for their tourist and they maintain cleanliness around. We passing through their clean river, vegetable plantations and streets. As per Mang Agustin, these is the primarily a commercial town used by tourists as a rest stop on the circuit to Banaue in Ifugao or Sagada in Mountain Province.  I wish can go back again and explore this town, spend more time discovering the town of Bontoc. There is so many exciting and unique places in here you should see. 

Rocky Road Trip from Banaue to Bontoc in Mountain Province

I'am a road trip adventurer! From the marker of Ifugao-Mountain Province, we took about 30-40 minutes road trip ride via Banaue-Bontoc national highway. I highly recommend to get a van hire during your trip because the road is not so easy to access because of some falling rocks and big trees along the road. Because some section and area of the road apparently had just been cleared of landslides. There are jeepneys leave Banaue to Bontoc every hour, time travel is one hour and a half. Fare is Php 45 pesos per passenger. This was the original plan of the group, jeepney top-loading adventure during the trip, but the rain poured down and the road became slippery so we decided to take van going to Bontoc-Sagada. But it would be a nice one, to think that we will experience top-loading around Mountain Province. Traveling during the day is a must, to see the spectacular view along your trip and one of the fulfilling part of our trip to Bontoc, Mountain Province. I love this place, although We didn't get to spend more time exploring the province, but I am happy to set my foot here. It is definitely extraordinary amazing place to visit. I wish to do it next time from Bontoc to Tabuk. There you go, sharing with you  on " How to Get to Bontoc from Banaue" . Happy Trip - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines

Welcome to Mountain Province Marker

This area is part of the boundary of Ifugao Province and Mountain Province, I got to take a quick photo ops at the signage marker before leaving the area. I saw a lot of trees, big rocks on the road, foggy and cool atmosphere that time while on the opposite side of the road, we never expected that a road trip to Bontoc in Mountain Province would not be easy compare to Ifugao but the beautiful mountain ranges scenery, rock formation, tall pine trees, gloomy and cold weather greeted us that morning. This province is just simple yet perfect summer place to visit, I will consider and recommend this place to my friends, family and colleague as well. There are more unique places and attraction waiting for you to explore Mountain Province. If not today! When? Because there is no tomorrow waiting for you so keep on moving, explore, travel, and experience the beauty of the province. 

Angono Rizal is the Art Capital of the Philippines

Angono in Rizal is known not just for the " Higantes Festival" but also for their artist and painter. I have got the chance to see this painting exhibit in Angono Rizal. I was very surprised and amazed with their artworks of some painter & artist including portrait, abstract and charcoal. This was the collection of artist's paintings which located at the side of San Clemente Church. Angono's artist collaborate in one group exhibit to highlight the culture, tradition and fiesta of their town. Some painters develop their skills and expertise by crafting the many artist in the town of Rizal. I took more time in evaluating and finding the good creation of some artist. There are a lot of national artist in the past which is features from other books, newspaper, magazine and media as well.