Melo Villareal
Visiting Banaue as an Ifugao Heritage Warrior
I was lucky to get invited last week to join PHILTOA’s Ifugao Heritage Warrior Caravan. This weekend’s travel for a cause event was organized by PHILTOA in preparation for the 2012 Philippine Travel Mart.
Aside from PHILTOA members and officers, the media members also joined the weekend caravan. We left at almost 10:30pm at one of the bus stops beside Landmark in Trinoma.
Loaded in Five Star and Victory Liner Bus, we were 60 participants in all with the same goal of visiting the heritage sites of Ifugao and becoming an Ifugao Heritage Warrior.
We arrived in the province of Ifugao past 7 in the morning. Our first stop? The Provincial Capitol of Ifugao in Lagawe for breakfast and welcome ceremony headed by the young and dynamic Governor Eugene Balitang. After the warm welcome and huge breakfast, we headed to Banaue Hotel for another huge welcome. Ifugao are really warm people.
Upon arrival at the hotel, we left our bags in our designated hotel room at Banaue Hotel then we proceeded to Dayanara Viewpoint. One of the most famous viewpoints in Banaue, Dayanara Viewpoint, was named after former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres from Puerto Rico. This is the viewpoint where the Miss Universe Organization took photos of Dayanara Torres for the Miss Universe in 1994, which was held in Manila.
After our group shot, we headed to Aguian viewpoint. This is probably the most popular viewpoint in Banaue, with the most souvenir shops.
When we arrived, we noticed a group of Ifugao in native costumes with their makeshift wooden scooters. Forget about petroleum; these scooters are fully mechanical and human-powered, making it more fun and environment friendly. Minutes after the organizer’s short introduction, they started the race using their wooden and uniquely designed “Harley Davidson.” It’s really more fun in Banaue!
After the race, we visited the Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort. It’s my second time visiting this Ethnic Village; I had a chance to stay in this resort last summer. During our visit, the resort’s owner toured us around and gave us a short lecture about the evolution of Ifugao houses.
Before having lunch, the locals also showed us some of their ethnic games. That was my first time seeing an Ifugao martial art, and we enjoyed it. Immediately after the ethnic games, we had our lunch in the resort sponsored by the Department of Tourism.
Together with other media team members, we had topload ride on our way back to the hotel. The fog and the afternoon drizzle cannot hinder us from enjoying the ride. We may not have the most comfortable seat, but the exhilarating experience was truly priceless:)
It was past 5pm when we all gathered in the lobby to pay attention to the Photography Class headed by Mr. John Chua and a representative from Canon Philippines. Immediately after the photography lesson, we headed to the Ifugao native hut at the back of the hotel to watch some of the Ifugao rituals and learn more about Ifugao Culture.
That was a tiring day, but it feels good to travel with a purpose. Traveling with a purpose does not require us to join outreach programs. Traveling and supporting the local economy by buying locally made products is one of the best things we can do to let our indigenous groups realize the importance of preserving their culture.
Discover more about different cultures and beautiful destinations in the Philippines. Visit the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia on August 10-12, 2012, for this year’s Philippine Travel Mart. Huwag po tayong maging “Dayuhan” sa sariling bayan!
Read:
- Ahitulu Rituals of Batad Ifugao.
- Banaue Travel Guide: Itinerary, Things to do, How to get there and more
- Top 15 Best Things to do in Ifugao Province
- How to reach Banaue Ifugao
