Around a hundred days have passed since then, when we started the adventure for the gran and landlocked region of the Cordillera. That trip was undoubtedly my [and I’m sure my fellows as well] most epic so far for one simple reason: despite being a resident of the Cordillera Administrative Region, I have not peed on the soils of all the provinces of the region. Obviously, that’s not the case anymore. As one would relate to the experience of having traveled to new places, containing the excitement to share your adventures is similar to holding your fart in a room full of people – in Tagalog, ‘sayang naman kung hindi nila maamoy ang utot mo.’ Be it a simple picture, phrase or smile, telling your story is not just cathartic, but informative as well.
from Wikipedia
As a teaser, you have seen posts on the animals of the Cordillera. This post would then be an introduction of future posts to follow. It aims to bring insights on the socio-economic and environmental conditions of the places we have been, as well as interesting areas you might want to visit when you decide to pack your bags and see these places yourself.
Our first destination was the province of Abra, which is more popularly known in the region for its political-related events. We visited Bangued, the capital municipality, where we stayed for two nights. If by chance, you’ll go there, I recommend visiting Casamata Hill. Why? you’ll see in the following posts.
Next, we headed to the municipality of Flora in the province of Apayao. Though, for one night, we stopped by at the heritage city of Vigan, wherein we chanced upon a not-so-packed Baluarte. Again, more of that in the following posts.
Being in Apayao was my second most memorable trip. As we were traveling for some research, we had to walk around 2 hours to reach a barangay for data. That means walking half of the way with your bare feet, and treading in mud. Yep!
It was back to Baguio after that. A week of rest, a visit to the municipality of La Trinidad, and we are on the road again! Tabuk City in Kalinga was next. That would be my most memorable trip, as we tried having a picnic at ‘STR’ with duck stew as menu, visiting the Chico River diversion dam, sipping basi made by a master alcohol-maker, and most of all, meeting a man you’ll admire due to his hard-work and dedication to health service.
From Kalinga, we went to Ifugao. I was expecting a people who are known for being pilosopo, and speaking a language I readily identify as Ifugao. But, surprise! It only showed how ignorant I really am of my region. That was in the municipality of Alfonso Lista.
‘Till then, all of these in the coming days!
Related articles
- Animals of the Cordillera: A Clowder in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao (makkosadventures.wordpress.com)
- Animals of the Cordillera: Pursuing good basi in Kalinga (makkosadventures.wordpress.com)
- Animals of the Cordillera: Dogs of Bineng (makkosadventures.wordpress.com)
- Animals of the Cordillera: Captivating Eyes in Abra (makkosadventures.wordpress.com)
Makko's Adventures 
This is interesting. The Cordilleras is one of the more interesting, yet enigmatic regions in the country. Apayao still remains in my future itinerary, because travel time going there is almost unbearable, they say. I would like to know the details ^_^.
Nearly finished. Apayao is a must see!
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