Ifugao: Rice planting experience in Mayoyao, Ifugao

Mayoyao, Ifugao called me back. I had previously made that long trip to the Mayoyao Rice Terraces for the rice harvest tour. This time, I was at the rice planting (pfukhay ad Majawjaw) tour as part of out-of-classroom learning activities for my students. It's the real FarmVille!

We had taken an evening bus to Santiago, Isabela and arrived early in the morning. From there, it was a five-hour rough road ride up to Mayoyao, through the towns of Alfonso Lista and Aguinaldo which were previously part of Mayoyao. We had to deal with a flat tire along the way. But that was part of the adventure.


As soon as we arrived in Mayoyao, we dropped off our bags at our lodge and proceeded immediately to the Mapawoy Terraces Cluster to plant rice. We were really late so they had started planting already by the time we got there. But they waited for us before they slaughtered the pig. You should have seen the faces of my students as they observed this inherent part of the Ifugao culture.


Right after that, we went straight to the paddies. One by one, my students stepped in the mud. The initial shrieks as they made their first steps in the slippery mud slowly changed to delight as we planted the rice seedlings into the soft ground.

We had the pig for lunch of course which was boiled with salt and eaten with rice and the pork broth, the traditional way meals are prepared and served in Mayoyao.

It was quite a hike back to the road and we went straight to the lodge to take a nap since we hadn't gotten any rest from the long trip since we arrived.



We woke up just in time for dinner and a cultural show. Before calling it a night, we chewed on moma (nganga or betel nut).

Anyway, just wanted to let everyone know that there will be another rice planting tour next month hosted by the Pochon Group in Mayoyao from February 19 to 21. Contact Josh Nalliw at josh21020@gmail.com or +63 906 5308242 for inquiries. It's definitely better than FarmVille! It's the real thing!

Here are my blog entries on the rice harvest tour two years ago:
Part 1: Trip to Mayoyao, Ifugao
Part 2: Mayoyao Rice Terraces in Ifugao
Part 3: Rice harvest experience in Mayoyao, Ifugao
Part 4: Trekking along the rice terraces of Mayoyao
Part 5: Journey across the Ifugao heartland

Northern Samar: Visita Iglesia Northern Samar

There are still a few number of colonial churches left in Northern Samar. So you could go on a visita iglesia around the province.


On top of the list is the fortress church of Capul Island. The Capul Church is dedicated to San Ignacio de Loyola. It was built by the Jesuits by the 18th century and renovated by the Franciscans in the late 19th century. For more information, on how to get to Capul Island, read Capul Island's lighthouse and old fortress church.



Visiting the rest of the churches is very straightforward. Most of the churches only have their exteriors relatively intact. You can begin at the Bobon Church (dedicated to the Sto. Nino) and then proceed to the Catarman Cathedral. Nothing much is left of the original church except the main retablo.



Next on the list is the Pambujan Church. In the next town is the Catubig Church which probably has the most interesting facade and exterior among all Northern Samar churches. The last stop should be the Laoang Church. But since we visited Pinipisakan Falls in Las Navas, the sun had already set before we made that ferry crossing from Rawis to Laoang.

Northern Samar: Spice of Life Beach in Buenos Aires, Victoria, Northern Samar

Northern Samar has white sand beaches too. Spice of Life Beach (I don't know where it got its name and my guess is as good as yours) is a small pocket of white sand in Brgy. Buenos Aires, Victoria which is located close to the National Highway south of Allen.


Anyway, I'm still in the heart of Ifugao, somewhere between Mayoyao and Banaue as this post appears. So enjoy photos of Spice of Life Beach for the meantime.

Pampanga: 15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

The 15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will be held in Clark Freeport, Pampanga from February 11 to 14, 2010. And just like in the previous years, Ultimate Philippines will be organizing a grand tour, complete with a sumptuous breakfast at C' Italian Dining, and visits to Abe's Farm and Nurture Spa in Magalang, Pampanga on February 13, 2010.



C' Italian Dining usually opens in time for lunch. But for our Ultimate Philippines tour, we requested Chef Chris Locher to serve breakfast for us. Chef Chris mentioned last year's tour was the first time he was served breakfast. And he sure did not fail to impress. This year won't be an exception.

This year, we're bringing back the visit to Nurture Spa in Abe's Farm. So after waking up really early in the morning, and stuffing yourself silly with great Italian food, expect to be pampered at Nurture Spa! So what are you waiting for? Book now at reservations@ultimatephilippines.com or contact my tokayo, Ivan Man Dy at +63 917 3291622. We only have 30 slots!

Here are some of the highlights of the 2010 Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta:

February 11 (Thu)
Hot Air Balloon Flight (5:30-7 a.m.)
Hot Air Balloon Fly-In (5-6 p.m.)

February 12 (Fri)

Hot Air Balloon Flight (5:30-7 a.m.)
Hot Air Balloon Flights (5:30-6 p.m.)

February 13 (Sat)

Hot Air Balloon Flight (5:30-7 a.m.)
Hot Air Balloon Flight (5:45-6:15 p.m.)
Hot Air Balloon Night Glow (6:45-7:30 p.m.)
Annual Aviators Ball and Awards Night (7:40 p.m. onwards)

February 14 (Sun)

Hot Air Balloon Flight (5:30-7 a.m.)
Hot Air Balloon Night Glow (5:30-6:45 p.m.)

Here is the detailed schedule of events of the 15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

Top Philippine destinations for 2009

It's time again to look back at my local trips last year and choose my top Philippine destinations for 2009. I visited my 63rd province last year! For my list for 2009, I'm not limiting my choices to ten since there were a lot of destinations which I consider very memorable.


1. Banol Beach, Twin Lagoon, Kayangan Lake and Siete Pecados Marine Park in Coron, Palawan

Coron is one of those places in the Philippines that we can truly call paradise. There are so many things to see and do there, you can spend a week or two and not get bored at all. I definitely enjoyed the trip. In fact, I also came out with a list of Things to do in Coron, Busuanga and Culion, Palawan which outlines the many different activities in the area.


2. Batanes: Valugan Beach, Vayang, Nakamaya Burial Grounds, Diura Fishing Village and Naidi Hill
My second trip to Batanes and I got to visit new places! On this trip, we trekked to the Nakamaya Burial Grounds and visited the Diura Fishing Village as part of the Ultimate Batanes Tour. Speaking of Ultimate Philippines, we have six Batanes tour dates for this year. Slots are going fast so I suggest you book now. Last year, we closed the tours weeks before since we were swamped with bookings as soon as we came out with the dates.


3. Puraran Beach is surfing capital of Catanduanes
Another well kept secret, but not for long, Puraran Beach is a major surfing destination of the country, and very popular among foreign surfers. In fact, when I was there, I was the only local visitor. The beach was very picturesque as well!


4. Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan
It was my first time to visit the Hundred Islands. And it surely did not disappoint! An iconic attraction of the Philippines, I hope it remains that way. And the good thing I like about the Hundred Islands is that you can choose your own secluded island and enjoy the rest of the day in a beach all to yourself.


5. Surfing, kayaking, rappelling, mountain biking and more Aurora adventure activities
I was back in Aurora just last month. And I discovered that there is now more to Aurora than just surfing. In fact, it's poised to become the next major adventure tourism destination. I also got to visit Ditumabo Falls which was off limits to visitors the last time I was in Aurora some years back. I'm sure once the roads are completely paved, the mad rush to this Pacific paradise will go full speed ahead. So enjoy it while it's still all yours!


6. Tondol Beach in Anda, Pangasinan
This beach was a revelation. It can become one of the most fantastic beaches in Luzon, especially when the sun is out and shining and when the tide is low. I enjoyed wading the powder white sand which streches a kilometer or so from the shore. Always visit the beach during low tide and the summer months since the thing about this beach is the view and experience is not consistent. But be there at the right time, it's picture perfect!


7. MassKara Festival 2009 in Bacolod City
I was in Bacolod for a grand family reunion of the Henares Clan. And we made sure it was the weekend of the MassKara Festival so that we could enjoy the festivities!


8. Bantayan Island, Cebu is rich in heritage and great beaches!
Another great discovery, Bantayan Island is on its way to becoming another Boracay. Give it another ten or fifteen years. Right now, several foreigners already settled in the town of Sta. Fe and have opened some very interesting restaurants most defintely worth visiting.


9. Corregidor Island day trip via Sun Crusies
I've always enjoyed visits to Corregidor Island which is a silent witness to the Second World War. And early last year, I got to visit the island twice, one of the visits an overnight trip where I got to explore the Malinta Tunnel at night!


10. Bohol: Loboc River Cruise, Baclayon Church and Panglao Island
I was lucky to get invited to a test drive of the new Honda City in Bohol. We got to drive around most of Bohol island and stay in Panglao Island for a night.


11. Capul Island's lighthouse and old fortress church
Although I mentioned this trip only this year, I made the trip to Northern Samar late last year. Capul Island is for those who really want to experience the rustic beauty of the country. It's doesn't have any travel amenities whatsoever. And you'll definitely immerse with the locals since the readily available accommodation is homestay.


12. Viva Vigan! Binatbatan Festival, Tres de Mayo and more Vigan festivities
While I try to avoid trooping to festivals due to the crowds, I enjoy watching them. We got to experience an old tradition of Vigan, the centuries-old Tres de Mayo Fiesta held annually, as part of the Ultimate Ilocos Tour. And we're doing it again this year. So book now!

13. Visita iglesia in Leyte and Southern Leyte
Another off the beaten track trip I did early last year. And I got to experience how it feels being stranded!


14. Cagayan: Callao Cave, Pinacanauan River and Iguig Calvary Hills
We had a barbecue picnic along the banks of the Panacanauan River which to me was the highlight of this visit to Penablanca. We'll be back again in Tuguegarao this month for even more adventure activities. So watch out for it.


15. Mairaira Cove (Blue Lagoon) in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Beyond touristy Saud Beach is this secluded Pagudpud cove called Mairaira. Tourists are fast discovering this surfing destination on the northwestern tip of Luzon Island. So better troop there while it's still relatively a secret.


16. Around Clark: Mt. Pinatubo Sky Tour at Omni Aviation
Last but definitely not least of my top Philippine destinations is Clark. And one the more memorable things I did last year was riding on a Cessna plane over the crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo! I even came out with a list of Things to do in Clark Freeport and Pampanga.

Read also Top Philippine destinations for 2008.