BUSCALAN

Meeting the last mambabatok, Fang-Od was the reason for the Cordillera adventure. It was our only goal. The other destinations only came about during the planning. I wanted to meet her so many years ago but well, I wasn't very adventurous then, plus I didn't have an adventure buddy and funds. Then two years ago, Mau graduated from college and it felt like the best time to go out on an adventure. But she got a job (too soon) and we had to postpone everything. 

Looking back, I thought it was perfect that the trip had to be moved and moved again. I realized weren't quite ready then. I was too maarte, we didn't have money, we had no solid itinerary. It the trip pushed through, we probably ended up having an inefficient and costly trip.

Anyway, the trip to Buscalan wasn't easy. We were so tired, our bodies were sore from the Batad trip and it was scorching! We had to to trek under the sun for two hours. Thinking about it, I prolly would have done a better trek if the weather was cooler, I wasn't tired and if I was wearing outdoor shoes (I wore flat ground running shoes).

The phrase 'road less travelled' was written for a reason. It was exactly how I felt during the first hour of the trek. There was no trail. It was all steep, dusty, ground. It got better in the next hour. It was flat and we got some shelter from the sun because we were in the mountainsides. When I saw the stairs though, I knew I was in trouble. My legs were still aching from the Batad terraces traverse. Every step felt like torture. I was dragging my ass with every bit of energy I could scrape off my imaginary power tank. I had no more water and our guide kept saying 'one more hour and we'll be there'.

I saw an abandoned hut beside our nth set of stairs, I told the group to go ahead and I'll catch up. I HAD TO REST OR I WILL DIE. So Mau and I sat on a few big stones to catch our breath. A few minutes later, I heard the sound of kids giggling. I said to Mau, 'Teh, baka malapit na tayo. Naririnig mo ba? Parang mga bata yun.'  True enough our companion called us and announced that we have arrived at our destination. 

Mau and I got up for one last push. When I got pass the fence made of barks, I saw Fang-Od. Sitting outside her house, smiling at the new faces. I looked at Mau who was close behind and said 'Teh anjan na siya! To which she replied 'Oo ngaaaaa!' I wanted to cry. I couldn't move for a few seconds. My heart was spazzing. I asked our guide if I can come closer. He laughed thinking of course you can! We went up to her to mano. She squeezed my hand and smiled and laughed. Oh dear. Two years of planning and I can't believe she's right in front of me. All of a sudden I felt a surge of energy. I was tired, yes. But I somehow had so much enthusiasm and extra energy, and wanted to explore the whole village.

Kitchen duties

We settled in Fang-Od's house. I got my camera so we can go around the village but I got sidetracked because I saw Fang-Od being photographed in the kitchen. The photographer, Kuya Raul, a local of Banaue, invited me in so I crouched beside him and took photos as well.

We all got our tattoos the next morning. In between tattoo sessions, we'd hang out with the locals.

I felt peaceful in the two days we stayed there. There was no need for so much money. Everyone was so kind. There was a little enterprising whenever visitors came. I got a rattan necklace and even met the maker, Kuya Mindo (read as Mindu). It was actually his younger brother, Abel who sold me the necklace on our first night. I met Kuya Mindo on our second night. He makes rattan accessories and takes them downtown to sell to tourists.

We also washed our clothes! There is only one water source so everyone does their laundry in that area.

Ate Ruby (in black), Ate Selma (in yellow), and Ate Nancy (in pink) hanging out with us. The little boy in the middle lives in that hut behind the ladies. His mother allowed me to hang my laundry on their clothesline. The other guy lives in another part of the village.

I loved hanging out with the locals. They're nice, funny, and have so much stories to tell. They taught us some words in the Botbot dialect.

Pija - masarap
Manja mara - salamat
Pintas - maganda

Interesting how pintas is something positive in the Botbot dialect and negative in Tagalog.

Trivia: Their tribe names are based on their dialect. The people of Buscalan belong to the Botbot tribe (read as Butbut). There is no 'umbrella' dialect in the Cordilleras. Because the Cordilleras are mountains, there isn't much interaction between tribes back then. The level of variation of dialects depend on the distance of the tribes from each other.

It was bittersweet to say goodbye to everyone in the lovely village. They taught me simplicity- from the food we ate, to the home we lived in; pretty much in all aspects. They taught me happiness. I mean, I am generally a happy person, but these people have 'less' than me and they feel so rich. It was a beautiful learning.

 One last photo before we leave. 

Sleeping Beauty Mountain

Manja Mara, Buscalan! I will be back.

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.

***

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

Bacolod

One of the provinces that hold a special place in my heart is Bacolod. I've been there countless of times, each one, a different story. The trip to Bacolod for Masskara with my BA friends (and other BA batches) is definitely one of my favorite memories.

Cuties in the plane, everyday inasal galore, hike at Mambukal, Ruins, dinner at Hacienda Javelosa, Mushu nights, trike ride from Mushu to Planta hotel (because walang taxi!), five-peso bibingka at the plaza.

Hong Kong 2011

Second country to visit.

First out of the country trip with my mare, Fa.

Will go back in 2013- with more shopping money. hihi

Hong Kong and Me

I'm back from a tiring but fun weekend in Hong Kong! Fa and I booked it randomly one night when Cebu Pacific announced a seat sale.

That's our view of Nathan Road from our window.

Anyway, I will not dwell on the details of the trip but rather, I'd like to list the things I discovered about myself during the trip.

1. I finally found my 'biggest' fear. It's getting lost (especially when you do not speak the local language). Weeks before the trip, I prepared out our itinerary, making sure I listed every turn and block we should not miss. I also had multiple copies of maps in my bag during the trip just in case we lose one. I guess that's the Taurus in me. I hate unfamiliarity. But I'm trying to push myself. Now I leave room for getting lost. It makes life interesting.

At Lan Kwai Fong, Central.

Sports cars are a common sight. High rollers, why not!

2. Found out I snore! Fa told me I was snoring during the plane ride back to Manila. HAHAHA I think it only happens when I'm dead tired and when I'm not in prone position.

3. I (still) want a new career. Not as an Art Studies student and teacher anymore. I've long accepted I failed the entrance exam. hehe Now I want to work in Disney! I want to be a performer there. haha I realized this when we watched the Lion King Festival. You see Lion King is my favorite (Non-princess) Disney movie. I'd watch it every weekend on VHS back when I was a kid (alternating it with Power Rangers sometimes). I knew in my heart I could sing those songs! Heck, I know them by heart. I know it's not the most glamorous job but it looks fun, exciting, and light! Disney is our version of Neverland!

The finale of Lion King.

No photo op session with the cast. :( We were led out of the hall right after the show.

That's about it I guess. I've been singing Disney songs since I got back last Sunday. Nakakaloka! If this does not wane off, I guess I really want to be in Disney. HAHA There's actually an audition for performers in HK in September 18. That would be very impractical though because: 1) I do not have money to book myself a ticket, 2) I am not prepared. I do not have an audition piece. I can sing, yes! But to set myself apart from the rest of the hopefuls, I should also prepare a spiel and maybe a dance number! HAHA CAREEEER! And 3) Maybe this is just a phase. Punky plans on auditioning too. She's an awesome dancer and has lots of friends who are now performers at Disney. Pretty cool noh? Punks suggested we wait for the Manila auditions. Last year they held one here, in partnership with Ballet Philippines, if I remember it right.

Anyway, one last photo I'd like to share.

The Abyss at Ocean Park taken from the highest point of the Ferris Wheel.

We rode the Abyss. Basically it takes you to the highest part of the tower at top speed and after a few seconds of anticipation, you are released and left practically free falling. You stop a few meters above the ground, go up again by a few meters, and then fall again. THAT WAS THE CRAZIEST 30 SECONDS OF MY LIFE.

*All my photos were taken using my Xperia Mini pro. I didn't bring my SLR since it was too heavy to lug around everywhere.

All iz well.

So far I have three trips booked this year.

First is the Batac-Banaue-Sagada adeventure in mid-May. Second is a spur of the moment booking for Hong Kong with Farrah because last night Cebu Pacific announced a seat sale. And third is a trip to Bacolod with the BA girls for Masskara in October.

That, and the upcoming Maroon 5 and Incubus concerts - I wonder how I'll get by. I definitely have to increase the amount I allot for my secret account. You see my secret account funds my travels, gadget purchases and big expenses that aren't part of my day to day necessities (aka bags and shoes).

I should be worried but surprisingly I'm not worried at all. I just have this feeling that everything will be provided for at the right time. Of course there's my salary. I just have to stop buying clothes, lessen my cab rides and avoid pricey restaurants. And then my birthday! I'm used to not getting gifts for my birthday but I hope my parents give me a some dough. Lokohin ko nga pandagdag sa Sagada funds ko. haha! Them being here allow me save so much money too! Lola is also coming sometime June. Maybe she has some dollars for me. HAHAHA KAPAL KO!

I guess I just have to make do with whatever funds I can come up with. This will test the 'money can't buy happiness' shizz. We'll see!

Don't you just love college friends?

One of the best things about college especially in schools like UP, Ateneo and La Salle is that you meet friends from all over the country! You get invited to their hometowns in the summer, sembreak or long weekends.

Then when you graduate, some of them will be assigned to different parts of the country or if they're lucky, in another country! Right now I have friends in Bangkok and Singapore. One friend, Ana made my recent Singapore trip possible. I lived with her and her family- and I super enjoyed it.

I think I'll plan my long trips in the summer. I can easily say it's my 'birthday gift' to myself and my boss will most likely approve. Maybe I'll make it a birthday tradition to visit one country every summer. Next year definitely Singapore again plus another Asian country. I'm thinking of backpacking with some friends to Cambodia.

You may be wondering why Singapore again when I can visit a new place. Well it's because my first visit was super bitin! Plus, there's the annual Great Singapore Sale. Plus, this year another friend is moving to Singapore and promised 'siya ang bahala sa amin' when we come visit! YAY!

I miss college but there are things I'm loving about not being a student. Earning and traveling would be some of them.