Banaue, Philippines (Week 2)

After surviving the ferry ride we had a two day stay in Manila, the capitol of the Philippines, before heading north to the mountains. We had heard mixed reviews about Manila but ended up having a great couple days. We spent our time exploring Intramuros, Fort Santiago, the National Anthropology Museum, and beautiful catholic churches. 

As we walked through old Manila we were able to see the influences left behind by the Spanish, Americans, and Chinese. These three influences, along with traditional Filipino, blend together to provide the uniqueness that is Filipino culture. We had a blast exploring and ended the day playing cribbage at the local brewery; leave it to Corbin to sniff one out. 

After a wild overnight bus ride we arrived in Banaue and watched the fog lift from the mountains that surround the town. We hired a local guide to take us trekking to the famous Batad rice terraces and spent the day hiking through the jungle and across terraces, watching Filipinos plant rice, and swimming in a waterfall

The rice terraces are over 2,000 years old, hand built with stone and mud, and are often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. We both agree that it is hard to accurately describe their vastness and beauty. Folks, add this place to your bucket list. 

The next day, still beaming from yesterdays adventure, we headed to some less touristy terraces. Hapao Rice Terrance’s are, again, impossible to describe with words. After a short hike along the terraces, waving at the local women planting and marveling at the location we found ourselves in, we reached our destination. Bogya Hot Springs sits next to a crystal clear river and is surrounded by mountains. We enjoyed our swim in both the ice cold river and the hot springs before eating delicious Filipino food over looking the rice terraces and town of Banaue. Tatum has declared rice terraces are her new ‘happy place’. 

After a quick van trip, we arrived in the city of Sagada. We enjoyed a few days of relaxing, hiking, and exploring local cafe’s and restaurants. The highlight was our hike to see the echo valley hanging coffins. It is a tradition where the locals  hoist coffins onto the sides of the limestone cliffs scattered throughout the valley. This tradition is fascinating and still being practiced today. 

We enjoyed walking through the large market that had everything from clothing, to home goods, to fruit and veggies, to ling fish, to pig (head and all).  

So... i know you guys are craving to talk about the food we have been eating (we all know Corbin came up with that). We have been eating lots of chicken, pork, fish, noodles, and rice (served 3 times a day with every meal). One of the most adventurous things we have eaten was called pork sisig. After scarfing it down we were informed that it is sautéed pork liver and face (yes... face!). 

Overall, we LOVED our week in the mountains. It felt so good to get out the city, hike in the mountains, and to explore what rural Philippines has to offer. 

 With Love,

     Boots Abroad

Corbin’s

   Highs: Rice terraces all of them, Photo with traditionally dressed man (I was stabbing him with a spear). Watching men and women work in the terraces.

   Lows: The bus ride

Tatum’s

  Highs: Rice terraces, rice terraces, rice terraces

  Lows: Stepping in dog shit AGAIN (I kid you not), almost getting sick on the bus