I just got back from my trip to Uhaj, Banaue for the Knitting Adventure organized by social enterprise Knitting Expedition. The woman behind the brand of hand-knitted toys, Candy Reyes, was our tour guide. Her passion for the Ifugao culture and of course, knitting, was palpable. It also helped that the people with me in this trip were also staunch advocates of handmade, buying local, and culture.
Our trip began with a bus ride from Cubao and a stopover at Nueva Vizcaya.
I was so happy to finally make it to Banaue!
The bus played “Top of the World” by the Carpenters during this moment.
I was inspired by Mitzie Icasiano (Fulbright scholar and expert on Ifugao handicrafts) to go to Banaue when I became her research assistant in 2007. We handled Kalinga and Ifugao artifacts at the UP Asian Center, and that sparked a love for all things Ifugao in me. I ended up wearing Natalya Lagdameo bangles from the region, and I always found myself dreaming of visiting the rice terraces myself. So after buying a dog plushie from Knitting Expedition and some online conversations with Candy, I decided that this is the perfect opportunity to visit Uhaj.
Finally, I made it! This was at our accommodations, the Uhaj Native Village Inn. Their menu is largely Western, and the facilities are modern and clean.
This was the view from the inn’s restaurant.
Our room was something like this!
My first breakfast in Uhaj. Yes, both coffees were mine.
I then got to topload on a jeepney. This is a local custom as public vehicles are scarce and people simply have to find a way to fit in- or on top of- a jeep.
This was a childhood dream come true!
This was at their viewing point.
Breathtaking!
Now back at our Inn. I found some books which guests could peruse.
And once again, the view, and my Php20 bill which features the rice terraces.
Our cottage was cozy, and I was sharing it with two other ladies from our group, Rocelle and Vivi.
I also got to meet the inn’s adorable Great Dane, Rain.
We then had our knitting class in the afternoon at the inn’s viewing deck.
Basic knitting has never been this inspiring.
Candy’s wingwoman in the region, Jean, was one of our teachers. She is a knitting legend and rice farmer. Also, she is a mom and tour guide!
Rain held my hand as I was struggling with learning how to knit.
I eventually made a simple cup cozy.
By the time our class was done, it was time for dinner. I savored this chicken curry with brown rice. It was delicious!
To cap off the night, I had a cold one with this priceless view.
It was a great first day at Banaue, and I went to bed inside an Ifugao house.
I really couldn’t ask for anything more.