Find yourself in the Cordilleras

THE Cordillera Administrative Region, which recently marked its 33rd founding anniversary, has the unique distinction of being one of the youngest clusters, yet one of the most ancient civilizations in the country.

With the theme, “One Resilient Cordillera,” the observance highlighted the age-old character of the highland people which was once again put to the test during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Straddling the Gran Cordillera mountain ranges across six provinces and two cities, this region is the ancestral domain of indigenous peoples with rich cultures dating back to 2,000 years ago.

With most parts classified under the modified general community quarantine because of its very low cases of Covid-19, authorities in the region are laying the groundwork for its gradual reopening so visitors can “find themselves in the Cordilleras,” as the Department of Tourism puts it.

Baguio. The country’s Summer Capital, this all-time favorite wants to be known for its creative soul and the artistic people which have made the City of Pines an art haven. It was inducted into the Creative Cities Network by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2018. The group is a prestigious club of 63 cities from all over the world which promotes creative industries and integrate culture into sustainable urban policies.

Guests can also indulge in forest bathing, a Japanese practice of venturing to the forest to improve one’s health and well-being by lowering blood pressure, improving mood and recuperation from surgery or illness, and increasing energy level.

The country’s first Forest Bathing Trail was opened a few years back at Camp John Hay, 4-km span which cuts through a forest floor of thick and soft pine needles, canopies and foliage, with stations for meditation, each with bamboo wind chime for calming sounds.

Yoga practitioners will find the trail a conducive natural setting for meditation, as people are encouraged to touch and hug a tree, feel the Earth beneath their bare feet, and inhale the pine scent.

Benguet. Baguio’s next-door neighbor, this province is the archipelago’s “Salad Bowl” because of the volume and variety of vegetables and fruits it produces.

The province has been positioning itself as CAR’s center of farm tourism where visitors can immerse in agriculture-based activities as an alternative recreation. Among these farm tourism sites are Cosmic Farm, Mount Costa The Green Living Room, and the popular Strawberry Farms in La Trinidad, Shayanlene’s Fruits and Vegetable Trading in Tublay, Northern Blossom Flower Farm in Atok.

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Adventure lovers would love exploring the outdoors and conquer the majestic mountains of Ugu, Ulap, and Pulag, the country’s second-tallest peak.

Mountain Province. Deep into the Cordillera’s heartland, this is known for the highland resort town of Sagada which many consider as the more rustic version of Baguio. Famed for the Sumaguing Cave, Bomod-ok Falls, Echo Valley, Kiltepan Rice Terraces, as well as its handweaving and pottery craft, it has figured in scores of movies, TV shows and tourism posters.

Early this month, the town was recently declared a heritage site by its municipal council to preserve its built environment that are significant in the “history, life, works and culture of the community.”

The provincial capital of Bontoc is a pleasant surprise with its share of smaller but postcard-pretty rice terraces of Maligcong, Kadchog and Bayyo. The town is also a vital public transport hub which connects to most highland towns through the scenic Halsema Highway.

Layog Country Farm in Tadian offers an interesting sidetrip where guests can discover their green thumbs.

Ifugao. Home to most parts of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, a Unesco World Heritage Site, this province gives you an overload of this 2,000-year-old primitive but amazing architectural wonder which has earned the moniker “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Kiangan offers an in-depth tour through the Nagacadan Open-Air Museum where visitors get up close with the rice terraces and enter tribal hut museums along the way. The town is also the site of Japanese general Tomoyuki Yamashita’s surrender in 1945, thus marking the end of World War II in the archipelago.

Explore Mayoyao and Hungduan, which are off the beaten path and may even rival the all-too familiar Banaue’s rice terraces.

Kalinga. The cradle of a fierce tribe, this province is dissected by the mighty 175-km Chico River, the country’s first whitewater rafting site.

Lose yourself in its exotic culture at the Awichon Village, Mabilong Weavers Village and Aguinaldo Park in Lubuagan or find yourself basking in the waters of Palang-Ah Falls in Tinglayan, banga banga Falls in Tabuk or Padcharao Lakes in Pasil. Better yet, get the coveted tattoo from Apo Whang Od, the last artist of the ancient batok tattoo tradition.

Apayao. Dubbed “Cordillera’s Last Frontier for Nature Richness,” there is a certain excitement in exploring this hideaway with underground rivers, majestic waterfalls, magnificent rock formations, and exotic wildlife.

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Among the must-sees are the iconic Dupag Rock Formation, Marag Valley and the three-chambered Lussok Crystal Cave, Anag-Sicapo Wildlife Sanctuary, and Agamata Wild Sanctuary.

Abra. The “Natural Dye Capital of the Philippines,” takes pride in the legendary freedom fighter couple of Diego and Gabriela Silang during the Spanish era. This rugged province is also a cowboy country ideal for horseback riding.

With good roads, Libtec Underground River, Kimkimay Lake, Boliney Hot Spring, Malamsit Calm Spring and the Instagrammable Kaparkan Falls can easily be reached.

With its nature, culture and adventure, and everything in between, it’s just a matter of time before you find yourself in the Cordilleras.

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Article was originally published in Business Mirror and written by Bernard L. Supertan.

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