Igorot Tribe in Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao Province

Wacky Wacky! Igorot Tribe of Ifugao Province. Did you know that, in Cordillera Region you'll find this indigenous tribes and known as the " Igorot" which is one of the most symbolic icon of the province. When visiting Igugao Province, you could see this peaceful native with their costumes. As we entered the viewing deck of rice terraces, I saw this five Igorot women in the side of the old house. Take your photo with them and greeted you with a big smile. They have a unique traditional clothing. The Ibalois are collectively known as " Igorot". Also I saw a lot of men and women or even kids uses a "moma" as a chewers. Moma is known as beetelnut. I enjoyed and fulfilled my stay here at Ifugao Province. This is the beautiful place to see and explore with their traditions and cultures. 

How to Get to Aguain View Point Rice Terraces in Ifugao Province

How to Get to Aguain View Point Rice Terraces in Ifugao Province.

This site is managed by the National Food Authority of Ifugao Provincial Office in Lagawe, Ifugao Province. This place is a peaceful province of Ifugao, you feel the simplicity of life there and experience the friendly environment. From Banaue Rice Terraces Main View Point, about 10-15 minutes travel from the highway. You can hire a tricycle or habal-habal from the town proper of Banaue, cost you about Php 100-200 pesos vice-versa.  It is a wonderful breath-taking rice terraces in Aguain View Point are worth visiting than Banaue Rice Terraces Main View Point. I can advice to anyone that first thing of all, visit this rice terraces of Ifugao before visiting other nearby places. How to Get to Ifugao Province from Manila? We take the aircon bus at Ohayami Bus Terminal in España, Manila beside University of Sto Tomas. Fare going to Banaue to Ifugao is Php 450 pesos per passanger. From the town proper of Banaue, get a van or jeepney once you arrive in the town proper.  Happy Trip Everyone- Bisayang Manlalakbay

Walking Around the Rice Terraces of Ifugao

My first impression was so amazing and I'am glad to witness and saw this renowned world heritage site in the Philippines.Towering thousands of feet above the sea level, you can enjoy walking around the small path of the terraces and it was a foggy afternoon. The rain poured down immediate I stepped from the platform and it's became slippery down to the rice terraces. I got my friend's umbrella and continue taking photos all over the place. Hey, it's cool right here! Ifugao as a province is relatively young but I believed to have been constructed 2, 000 years ago. More blog update soon, I am still trying to finish up posting about my travel this month. After viewing the rice terraces, we headed to Bontoc and Sagada in Mountain Province. Explore Banaue Now! I will definitely back to Ifugao soon. Happy Travels Everyone. 

Rice Terraces at Aguain View Deck of Ifugao Province

Another great views of the rice terraces in Banaue is located at Aguain View Deck, where the rice terraces view printed at Php 1,000 bill and viewing the deck that take you around for views from a lots of different angles.  We proceed to the viewing deck where we met an Igorot Tribe and took some photos. I was so amazed with the beauty of the rice terraces. We got a chance to have a group picture together with other backpacker going to Sagada in Mountain Province, our last destination for this trip. Among this world heritage site of the Philippines, Aguain Rice Terraces is the most visited site in Cordilleras Region. Amazing World Heritage Site! Right? This is one of the adjectives often used of other foreigner, backpacker, trekker and locals in describing this ancient Philippines wonder. Did you know that, fewer people are left in the province to take care and continue the ancient tradition of sustainable farming. Very sad and some portions of this rice terraces are now suffering from cracks and damage due to weather disaster. 

How to Get to Banaue Rice Terraces Main View Point

Going to Banaue Rice Terraces by commuting. How to get to Banaue Rice Terraces Main View Point in Ifugao Province

A stairway to heaven. Our first stop to our itinerary is the Banaue Main View Point and last stop to Aguian View Point where the rice terraces  view printed in the Php 1,000 bill. From the town proper ask the jeepney or van going to Bontoc or Sagada in Mountain Province, to drop you off at the main view point of Banaue Rice Terraces. Travel time is 15-20 minutes and cost about Php 50-60 pesos person. There is also tricycle available in the town proper or public market, to take you there. Special trip is about Php 150-200 pesos depending on price negotiation. This tricycle is the most popular means of transportation within the town proper. We can't able to trek around the rice terraces because of the tourist limitation and rain condition.  Options for a budget traveler, you can also take a walk from the town proper to main view point will take 1 to 2 hours. Yes, I want to go back again as soon as we have enough time and budget. 

Seeing the Beauty of Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao Province

This is it! Banaue Rice Terraces Main View Point. While waiting to a newly found backpacker friends, we took some more photos at Banaue Town Proper before heading to main view point of the rice terraces. Our van-hire is all set to our next destination, the main view point is a half-way between the town proper and main deck. Around 12:00 noon, we left the town proper about 15-20 minutes ride or travel estimated time of arrival. Looking more closely to it's beauty of the rice terraces is so much fulfilling of my childhood dream destination. I always remember during my Sibika at Kultura class,where I first learned and saw about the beauty of Banaue Rice Terraces and other places around the Philippines. This area is the highest peak of the rice terraces as explained by our driver Mang Albert. Also, the local always dress in their native clothes to impress foriengers, backpacker and locals all over the Philippines. About the weather, it's so cool  there it's like about 10 degrees celsius. I love Banaue Rice Terraces and I took photo of my new Php 20 peso bill with the background of the world heritage site - Banaue Rice Terraces. Bucket list -check! I'am a Filipino and I'am proud of it because this is the most amazing man-made structures ever. A must to see if you are interested in Filipino culture.

Buying Pasalubong in Banaue Town Proper

I wouldn't be complete with my trip without buying souvenir in the place I've been through. It would be best to buy something unique and useful. So, before heading to Banaue Main Deck & Aguian Rice Terraces, we brought some pasalubong at the souvenir shop near Banaue Central School. I brought some keychains, wallet and shirt with Banaue printed map. This place where you could buy affordable items and unique products of Ifugao Province. I saw this unique statue carved from wood, locally know as " Bul-ul" to guard the farmers crops and watch over their fields. But the real experience I had on mountain life in Banaue was spent time with Igorot tribe. Please see separate post of the Igorot Tribe of Ifugao Province.   

My First Backpacking Trip of 2013 : New Beginnings

I was so excited for this trip and then I packed my things & informed my sister that I will be leaving for a couple of days. For me it was the best trip of life, I love seeing Temples, Buddha, Historical Landmarks and Churches as well.  Traveling solo is a good experience and motivate my self to be more independent. My favorite spots in there is this 3 Buddhas which I really enjoy taking them pictures. Many time I travel alone, I always keep in my mind that I could explore as many places as I could, but some reasons encountered this time I can't pursue it because of time and budget. See more post soon. Thanks!

Roaming Around Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao Province 2013

After a quick breakfast at Stairway Lodge and Restaurant, we take a quick walk down to the road going to the center of Banaue Rice Terraces and saw this perfect spot along the highway of poblacion. A long walk with nice view always pays off. Agree? It 's our first time here and we are so excited to finally set our foot in Banaue Rice Terraces. Jane and I enjoying the view of the rice terraces and took more photos on it. This area of rice terraces have been farmed with some locals. The town of Banaue is surrounded by mountains, houses and so the rice terraces fill the inner side of poblacion. Good place to chit chat or having your meals and drink at their restaurant overlooking view and simply relax and refresh your mind. Banaue is little bit noisy but full of greenery & colour, here you can find an internet shop to keep in touch with your family and friends. I have to agree that they are very nice people and I will return to this place again together with my family. Explore and discover why it's named to be the " Eighth Wonder of the World" . Experience Banaue Now - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines

Stairway Lodge & Restaurant in Banaue, Ifugao

Walking around the area is the best way to see a lot of new things and discoveries in the town of Banaue. One of the best restaurant in the area is Stairway Lodge and Restaurant about 2 minutes away from the public market and tourist information center. It has a great view of the famous Banaue Rice Terraces and main town as well. They have a low price room rates and free wifi where guest can enjoy internet connection. The guest room is located in the second floor while the restaurant and souvenir shops is in the ground floor. All rooms are equipped with comfy beds, telephone, television set, bathroom, electric fan and bathroom amenities. Here are the room rates available price list:

Single Bed - Php 400

Double Bed - Php 600

Family Room - Php 850

Note: They also serve wide varieties of drinks and beers for the guest. offers typical Filipino and foreign cuisine. Booked your reservation ahead of time. Stairway Lodge and Restaurant Contact Numbers: Look for Ms. Pinky Dulnuan-Padua. Mobile: +63916-456-7346. Happy Trip Everyone - Bisayang Manlalakbay

Ifugao Province: Banaue Public Market

Photos in front of Banaue Public Market. Visit their market and buy some fresh fruit, vegetables for an affordable prize.  It is an ordinary day for us, I saw a lot of people inside the market. I don't like the set-up of their market, there is no common comfort room but it is the perfect base for travel to the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces in the poblacion center. We can't able to see Batad, Pine Forest Resort and Banaue Ethnic Village because of lack of time and weather condition (maybe next time til we meet again). The place is walkable and there is more shops and restaurant within the poblacion center. Note: The municipal government here is collecting environmental fees from all foreign and local tourist visiting the town. Check out my post about Touring Around Banaue and Things to do in Banaue. Happy Trip Everyone - Bisayang Manlalakbay.

Welcome to Banaue Tourist Information Center in Ifugao Province

Banue, Ifugao Province. We headed Banaue from España, Manila around 11:00pm at Ohiyama Bus Terminal and we arrived on a cold and rainy morning at Banaue Proper around 7:00am (about 7-8 hours bus ride). It's interesting to see the terraces of Banaue which is known to be the " Eight Wonders of the World" and " UNESCO World Heritage Site". Jane & I roamed around the town proper and look for the Banaue Tourism Information Center, to get some information on how to travel Banaue Rice Terraces to Sagada Mountain Province. She gave us tourist map and referred to the van hire driver which is bound to Sagada Mountain Province. This center aim to provide you with useful information and tips along the road. Everything you need to know about visiting the Banaue Tourist Attraction can be arranged here. They will provide you also a big map at the side of information desk officer. We took some photos inside and outside the information center before heading to Banaue Town Proper. 

Vikings Buffet Rates at MOA & North Edsa

Vikings is luxury restaurant all over the metro. For SM Mall of Asia Vikings Branch, they are located at Bldg B By the Bay, Seaside Blvd SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City Philippines. It is less people than other restaurant and drinks is already included. You can take a pick from different type of fruit juices, colas, hot tea and coffee as well. They are started the feast with serving of hot clam chowder (very tasty). All foods and desserts are European, Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean,Filipino and many more. Of course one of my favorite tempura and calamares is served here. Vikings Contact Number for reservation and inquiries: Call them at (02) 846-3888 / 4888 / 5888 or Mobile Number: +63917565-3888. They are open daily from Monday to Sunday. Buffey Time is 11:00am - 2:30pm  & 5:30pm - 10:00pm. Vikings Buffet Prices are follows:  

Weekday Lunch is 688+ service charge

Weekday Dinner is 888+ service charge

Weekend Lunch & Dinner is 1088+ service charge

A Feast from the Sea at Vikings MOA Pasay City

Yes for Eat All You Can Buffet in MOA! Vikings in SM Mall of Asia is a luxury restaurant located at By the Bay Compound, Pasay City. This was my sister's birthday during that time. I've been hearing about this place last year. So, we finally agreed where to eat and unwind. A week before the schedule, I already got our reservation number by calling their hotline number and sending email to their customer service assistant's email address. As we entered the area, I was so amazed with the ambiance, set of menus, featured drinks for the day and architecture design. The restaurant offers a wide selection of sea foods, appetizer, snacks,desserts, soup, salad station, beef and chicken menus. There are many foods choices like from  Vikings is one of first and more popular eat all you can buffet at SM Mall of Asia By the Bay and we had a great time there and ended our lunch at around 3pm. Note: It was a long walk from the main area of SM Mall of Asia Main Building. 

How to Get to Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad

Going to Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad Benguet by Commuters

Located at: La Trinidad Benguet. From the City Terminal of Baguio, look for a jeepney bound to Bayugan route. Fare is only Php 12 pesos on a jeepney bound to La Trinidad Strawberry Farm which is located infront of Baguio City Hall stairs. Ask the driver to drop you at the Strawberry Farm. From the crossing of the farm, it's a short walk from the highway going to the entrance of the farm. Travel time is about 30 minutes away from the City Proper. Note: don't go beyond the public market and Benguet Provincial Capitol, that will be your landmark that you already passed the Strawberry Farm. If you have an own car, don't worry because they have a huge parking area for the customer. No entrance fee at the farm. Good to know. Happy Trip  - Bisayang Manlalakbay 

Strawberry Farm at La Trinidad Benguet 2013

La Trinidad in Benguet - Home for Strawberry, Baguio's neighboring town and about 30 minutes away from the city proper. First you must registered to their information counter. For a backpacker like me, we left our big backpack and other things in the cashier area. So, I'am ready to picked strawberry on this farm. We assisted by the local farmer, I borrowed rattan hat and go ahead. It is nice to see those strawberries springing from it's leaves. This is the main industry of the people in La Trinidad and one major production of the strawberry in the country. The strawberry picking season is from November to May as per local farmer and the best time to go is during morning, when there's not a lot of people and tourist yet within the area of the farm. Did you know that? This strawberry fruit is the only fruit with seeds on the outside. Picking your own strawberries in the farm is an awesome experience when traveling this place. Aside from fresh strawberry, you can also try their strawberry jam, honey, ube jam, orange jam and many more. See separate post on How to Get to Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad Benguet. Happy Trip Everyone. Enjoy!

Vegetable & Flower Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet

My friend and I decided to drop off at La Trninidad, Benguet. When we arrived to their market, I immediately ask the vendor where could we buy some affordable veggies within the area. He advise us to check out La Trinidad Plantation/ Field which is located near the Benguet State University (commonly known as "The Strawberry Farm Field" which you can buy fresh and affordable vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, onions, garlic and many more. There is no entrance fee in the area. The weather is cool and sunny when we arrived here around 10 o'clock in the morning. The price is double versus when you buy at their public market about Php 200-300 pesos per kilo depending on the type of vegetables and quality.  But I think is reasonable enough because you choose the best crop you could get. It's already a one stop shop for vegetables and flowers here. All fresh and organic as well. Happy Trip Everyone :-)

Mountain Ranges around the Province of Benguet

Hello Benguet! A getaway to Mount Pulag! These mountain in Benguet offer scenic views of the lowlands area, great terraces and other parts of the province. As per tourism organization, Benguet is the roof of Northern Luzon, which is considered as a vegetable capital of the Philippines. During our bus ride going to Baguio, I saw a lot of vegetable plantation along the road, big trees, wide fruit plantation and different varities of cabbage. This area has a good view of vegetable terraces and can only observed when traveling the place.  If your a mountaineer, trekker or traveler, you can set a hike to their mountain and valley which I considered a breathtaking and good panoramic view of the whole province. This photo is taken from the bus bound to our next destination. Check out my next post about La Trinidad Benguet Strawberry Farm. Thanks

Town of Atok in Benguet Province

This Municipality of Atok which is located about 1 hour away from the City of Pines - "Baguio City" are more quite place and productive town in the Province of Benguet which is considered as a highest peak area and definitely an awesome sight to behold. We only stopped their about 30 minutes and proceed to Baguio City. We got a chance to drop off their public market as well and buy some foods and drinks, I actually saw this orange-round shape fruit and take some photo on it. The price is so cheap, about Php30 pesos per kilo. This fruit is grown in a high temperature, climate and cultivated soil. The people are too warm and hospitable. 

Burnham Park Paddle Boating in Baguio City

This lake is located at the heart of the city proper and has a wide open space. You must-try their boating adventure at the man-made lake with a beautiful boat deign like swan, bird, dragon and other animals and sea creature. Rental fee is about  Php 150 - 300 pesos depending on the size and design of the boat that definitely suits your budget. Jane and I thought of doing some paddle boating but it was so hot that we changed our minds. The Burnham Park is most accessible to tourist and most convenient to all locals.   Aside from boating, you can rent a bicycle at the side of the park near the food stalls, it is usually charge you from Php 60-100 pesos per hour. 

Garden Exhibit at Burnham Park Baguio City 2013

I really enjoy staying at Baguio City during summer because this is time when flowers blooms around Burnham Park, you will feel the fresh breeze of the air. They have an ongoing exhibit of unique landscape & flower arrangement, organic garden, garden design & selling area for all their buyers. Each flower garden display has its unique design and concept. I enjoyed taking photos of their artworks and landscape. The artworks display in the exhibit were made by wood cavers and has view of duck pond, garden fountain, organic farm and mini-forest. Walking tour is must-try activities during your trip and the view around are truly enticing.  It was an amazing city to live for, well worth the visit and I'm keep going back.

Panagbenga Festival 2013 Float Parade in Baguio City

February is a flower festival month in Baguio, so my friends and I dropped to Baguio City from our trip in Sagada & Banue. It is a sunny day when we arrived at the city proper. Traffic? Yes, sobrang traffic. But the streets are full of visitors and the ambiance was so colorful and festive. The Panagbenga 2013 is fantastic and the float parade showcases the best in floral artistry. It's really more fun in the Baguio City and there are a lots of foreigners were present in this magnificent event.  The highlight of this event are the Baguio's Float Parade & the Street Dance Competition 2013 and it is a month long celebration.

Panagbenga 2013 Photos in Baguio City

There is a lot of reason to choose and explore Baguio City because of the people, foods, colorful festival, tourist attraction, cultures & pasalubong as well. Jane and I enjoyed the colorful festival, street dance competition and the famous Session Road is blooming - literally! hahaha. This year's event is more successful than last year because it's well-organized, signage & advisory regarding traffic route. We went to the Athletic Bowl and witness the colorful floats, decoration from different participants and companies which is the city known as the home of abounding flower depots and cultural tradition in the Philippines. I took a lot of photos and video all over the place, I didn't expect how crowded the area but I really like about the event is how creative the Filipinos are. Did you that Panagbenga is a Kankanaey word that means " blossoming of flowers" Next post is roaming around Burnham Park & Do-it-yourself travel day tour.