I'll try to tell you about Cordillera

I really wanted to write about my recent Cordillera adventure but I cannot find the words to encompass how I felt during and after the trip. It was exhausting, hot in the morning, chilly at night. It was a test of willpower and endurance. It was also beautiful, breathtaking, the kind that enriches your soul and you feel like your heart wants to burst, really, just amazing. But for the sake of keeping tabs on my trips, I will try to write about it.

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We traveled to Banaue via Ohayami Bus in Manila. The trip would be 9 hours but it took us over 17 hours to get to Banaue because of road construction. No one was complaining, no one was mad during the long delay but we all knew everyone was hungry. I had to eat my 'trail food' of Breadstix and cheese in the bus. Gawd, it tasted like chicken. I also had to limit my water intake to avoid the urge to pee during the trip.

During a stop, Mau and I saw a carinderia and decided to pee and get some food. It became the fastest breakfast we've had because upon our food's arrival, the conductor called everyone to get back to the bus already. We stuffed whatever could fit our mouth while laughing at ourselves and semi-panicking. We couldn't finish the meal so we ran back to the bus with pieces of longganisa and rice stuck in our throats. When we got to our seat, we were still laughing at how ridiculously fast we ate and how crazy we must've looked back there.

BANAUE AND BATAD

We finally arrived in Banaue sometime past 3 in the afternoon. The air was cold. The bus driver turned the aircon off and we opened our windows to enjoy the breeze. Mau and I explored the town a bit. We went to the foot of the terraces after eating an early dinner. We then grabbed a beer at the lodge restaurant before retiring.

The view of Banaue Rice Terraces from People's Lodge.

The next morning, we were off to Batad. From the Saddle (take off point) one has to trek for 45 minutes to an hour to get to the terraces. The trail is easy, except if you're old or if you have rheumatism. It's gonna be quite a challenge.

First Bulol (Ifugao rice god) sighting. 

The Bulol (Bulul) is one of the biggest influences in my wanting to get into Art Studies during my undergraduate days in the University. I find it fascinating at the very least. I even passed the masters program but why I didn't pursue it is another story. hehe

 Batad Rice Terraces from the tourist registration area. 

When you see it in person, you'll understand what breathtaking means.

When in Batad, you have to visit Tappiya Falls. It won't be easy. But it is beautiful. You must go.

From Batad, you have to traverse the terraces and

 trek the mountains for two hours to reach Tappiya Falls.

Tappiya wiped out my energy so the walk back to the Saddle felt like a death sentence. My legs were shaking! Pero push lang. 

Next stop: Bontoc - Buscalan