Banaue 2021

Our Buscalan Tour was able to make a stopover at Banaue for some photos and stretching. The nine-hour van ride back to Manila was tiring, so seeing nature and stretching our legs in front of the famous rice terraces was a real treat!

I first made the trip to Banaue in 2018, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I learned how to knit there, and it was where I first appreciated delicious coffee from the mountains. I am forever grateful to have left a piece in my heart in these mountains.

Banaue is the final stopover of the Buscalan Tour being offered by Bahaghari Tours. Message them for more info if you also want to book your own mountain vacation! It will be a priceless experience that you will never forget.

Banaue Day 3 Part 2: Banaue Town and Fire Station

We spent our last day at Banaue exploring the town center for lunch and shopping. Our group went to Las Vegas Restaurant, a local favorite of backpackers. 

While waiting for my order, I decided to explore the nearby shops and buy some necklaces to add to my collection.  

I bought these necklaces and earrings featuring Ifugao artistry. The knife necklace is a souvenir for my best friend.  

The earrings reminded me of Polly Pocket toys! 

I started my meal with coffee.  

And then I devoured the Las Vegas Rice, which is similar to chicken adobo. It was delicious! 

After finishing my lunch, I headed out again to buy ice cream from a nearby store. I chanced upon betel nut packs which the locals chew. I did not try it but I found the merchandising fascinating.  

I bought local chocolate and cookies and cream (not pictured) ice cream. I also bought this and another magnet to add to my collection.  

We then proceeded to my favorite part, shopping! 

I always like seeing corner bakeries and this was no exception.  

I also had photos taken with my roommates Rocelle and Vivi.  

While Vivi was shopping for textiles, Rocelle fulfilled my childhood dream of having photos taken on a fire truck! 

After buying a textile bag and a few more trinkets, I suggested that we all have coffee at a bakery which our guide Ate Jean recommended.  

It was located near this viewpoint facing the Banaue town proper.  

We then settled down and of course, I selected their bestsellers, donut and banana bread.  

It was the best banana bread I have ever had! 

After freshening up, we then hiked to the information center where the buses to Manila load passengers. I was seated comfortably and before I knew it, the zigzag roads have lulled me to sleep.  

We then stopped over at Nueva Vizcaya, where I had a light dinner of kikiam, siomai, and hotdog.  

I reached Manila safely at almost 3AM. It was a fantastic trip which I will remember for the rest of my life! 

Banaue Day 2: Pilapil Walk and Hot Springs

Our second day of the Knitting Adventure consisted of exploring the Rice Terraces and hot springs. It was guaranteed to be an action-packed day, so I made sure to enjoy a hearty breakfast while watching the sunrise. 

Our inn’s restaurant has only one Filipino breakfast, and I did not mind that the only viand for that was corned beef. I love corned beef, eggs, and brown rice!  

I also had two cups of coffee with this killer view. 

We then rode the private jeep to the terraces, and of course I had to top load again. 

This time, I toploaded with more people from my group! 

During a stop to pay the environmental fees, I relaxed on the jeep and knitted. It was a priceless moment. 

A few minutes later, we have reached the start of our journey. 

It was so beautiful. 

I grabbed one of the walking sticks and walked to paradise.

I was giddy to actually be walking on pilapil or rice field dike along the rice terraces. It was a childhood dream come true!

I am actually scared of heights, so I found ways to entertain myself during the day. 

I surprised myself by actually thriving during that pilapil walk. It helped that I workout everyday. 

Also, there were steep steps and narrow passageways.

But no one was complaining because it was breathtaking.

Finally, we started seeing some streams and it was a good sign as we were on our way to hot springs. 

We also reached a bridge and I just had to do this.

At last, we reached the hot springs! 

This was the colder portion. Alternating cold and hot water in the springs was a delightful experience.

The chilly mountain air added to the mystique of the place.

The hot springs was a relaxing treat after a long walk. 

The location is actually sacred ground so modest swimwear is required. I managed to have a bikini selfie at the entrance though. 

Our local nanays (moms) cooked us sticky rice using heritage purple rice.

IT WAS DELICIOUS. 

Our tour’s social entrepreneur, Candy Reyes, also did a quick photo shoot of Knitting Expedition’s latest toys. 

It was a fun morning with my new friends and local guides. The afternoon was reserved for another childhood dream come true. Stay tuned!

Banaue Day 1

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.