It’s the time we get down and dirty, for caving that is. We now visit Penablanca after at least an hour’s drive from Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat. Penablanca is the caving capital of Cagayan Valley. With more than 300 caves in the vicinity, 75 documented and more than 30 being mapped, it’s a spelunker’s haven. Out of the many caves, there are only 2 caves which tourist are allowed to visit for safety and preservation reasons. These are the Callao and Sierra Cave.

Our group was split into half at the registration area of Callao Cave. Half of the group was bound for Sierra while the other half is for Callao Cave. I wasn’t feeling to gutsy at that time and just decided to go to Callao again though I really like the formations more at Sierra Cave. These two caves are Yin and Yang, light and dark, up and down yet evenly fascinating with their own unique Speleothems or commonly known as cave formations two which we commonly known as stalagmites and stalactites.

Just a caving brief, stalagmites are cave formations growing from the floor while the stalactites reach down from the ceiling. It’s easy to remember the phrase “Stalactites hang tight, stalagmites grow might” to differentiate the two. And when these two meet they form columns. Aside from these two there are other atypical formations.

The subterranean Sierra Cave holds lots of these atypical speleothems inside its pitch black environ. It’s a protected cave with gates locked at its entrance to avoid unauthorized people coming in. The cave also has narrow passages that we really have to go on all fours to get though which also makes it more exciting. It’s a rewarding journey just discovering how alive this cave is during my last visit years ago. We saw straws which are foundations of speleothems. Then there are the unique formations dogtooth curtains, dripstone draperies and fossils of marine life. There also this famous low-narrow passage known as “Celica’s Passage” named after the daughter of Sierra Madre Outdoor Club founder, Richard Guzman playing hide and seek there.

Just a few meters away, the more accessible Callao Cave is only a 187-step climb. They have guides now and reliable at that with snippets of information here and there. On a turn on the stairs I felt the cool air coming from the 7 hollow chambers of this huge cave. Going through its depths also reminded me why I didn’t bring my ultra-wide-angle lens with me at that time. The skylights on 5 chambers were just too dramatic not to take pictures of. The cathedral on the first skylight chamber has a rock-hewn altar where special masses are held. New here is the rappelling activity just over the cave mouth.

The group rejoined for lunch across Pinacanauan River. We were greeted with a special festival dance from the Penablanca Street Dancers. They pride themselves the winner for last year’s Street Dancing Competition. And it was an amusing performance. Their costumes and movements were mimicking motions of a free reign chicken playing on a dusty ground.

It was on to the river adventure after lunch. We met Anton Carag’s Adventure and Expeditions Inc Group just lazing by a small stretch of sand near the river with Kayaks lying on the shore waiting to be paddled. Last time I was here I was working and didn’t have much time to enjoy it so I took a kayak and paddled through Pinacanauan River.

Pinacanauan River is a tributary of the larger Cagayan River. It’s also the main river where locals ply heading to their homes up river. On the part from the Callao Cave and the eternal showers or Mororan and that small area just above the bat cave, the river is like a motionless crystal clearjade. It’s one of the cleanest rivers I have seen.

The first day of a trip in a group of with strangers is the getting to know you stage. It’s when you try to get a feel of your companions whether you get along with them or not. And while waiting for the bats to go circadian that afternoon, everyone is to that usual conversation about their work and fields. On that sandy riverside, in between bites of Labster, Tempura or Yema, there were exchanges of “From what media are you?” “Oh I work for…”. The Bats didn’t come out because of the drizzle. But the little talks did go a long way to get us a bit comfortable with each other.

We got back to the city and went to our respective hotels. Hotel Kimikarlai was my gracious host along with Cebu Smile Representative Monica. We each got our separate suite rooms and boy was it spacious. I swear I could do ten or more cartwheels from end to end of the room. There is wifi available but I have to move around the room to catch it. I heard 2nd floor has better reception.

I remember during the dinner and presentations I was asked to give my impressions of Cagayan Valley. I said it’s nice to be back here to see how things have changed for the better. There is something here for everyone whether it is food, adventure or history. I know I’ll be back someday since there are more to discover in this region.

Essentials:
Adventures and Expeditions Philippines Inc.,
(078) 844-1298, aepi@whitewater.ph

Hotel Kimikarlai
Arellano Ext.Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
(078) 844-9580/2763

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Join the Backpack Photography Workshops in Banaue (March 19-21), Batanes (April 9-12) and Palawan (23-26)!

North Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB) gathered around a number of people from different publications like Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Mabuhay, Cebu Smile, Seair, Seair Inflight, Zest Air, Asian Traveler, Sidetrip then mix in a good number of bloggers in one Victory Liner Bus. While everyone doesn’t really know everybody at first except for the names on the media list which we may or may not have googled on, we all have one thing in common – Travel. And for 7 days on the road in one bus this could be one heck of an adventure. Lakbay Norte NPVB Media Tour starts.

Of course I gravitated first at familiar faces I know on the onset of the trip. Chatting and then later shivering as our bus turned into a rolling freezer just a few hours from our departure. Dang. Why did I remove that malong last minute when I packed my bags? Even my ever favorite Columbia Jacket was not able to keep me warm throughout. But I was able to snatch in some zzz’s here and there until I realized we were already in Tuguegarao. It was 530am, slightly earlier than expected. It was still dark outside with the view of St Paul and Peter Cathedral looming over from my window.

Like some sleepy herd of sheep we were led to the area where the breakfast and presentation would be held. I think I was still spacing out from a few hours of interrupted sleep. I shouldn’t have stayed up late until the wee hours of the morning from a reunion. I lack sleep. Now I lack clarity. That is until breakfast came in. There’s nothing better to revive a sleepy head than a nice steaming cup of Ybanag Hot Choco. Fill in a plate of Cagayan goodies like a Batil Patung which is a type of pansit from the region and the garlicky taste of their langonisa. A hearty meal to start the day.

This also gave us a chance to get acquainted with the Cagayan North Convention and Visitors Bureau and also representatives of the different member hotels we would be staying that evening. There’s no rest for the sleepy of course as we get ourselves ready to tour Cagayan Valley as soon as our tummies are filled. I’m no stranger from Cagayan as I had an assignment here for a magazine before. Looking at the Itinerary, it seems we’ll be doing basically the same thing. I’m keeping an open mind though and see what has changed since then.

The familiar sight of the rice fields on the road seemed to have hypnotized me to drift to sleep until someone tapped me less than an hour later that we’re already in Piat Basilica. I gathered myself and soon found my bus-mates already headed down to the Basilica.

The Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat is home to the venerated Black Virgin Mary which was brought from Macau in 1604 to the Philippines. The image was used to evangelize the people in the region. Its first home was Lal-lo just north of Tuguegarao before it was moved to Piat where it is now housed in a Basilica.

Nothing much has changed since my last visit though which is good. Not too many people at that time except for a few vendors selling candles and souvenir images from Our Lady of Piat. But I heard during June 23 to 30, the site comes to life for the Piat Sumbali Festival. Reenactment of war dances of tribes until they were converted to Christianity.

There’s a small museum just beside the church that holds several artifacts. I don’t remember visiting it before so I had to check it out. Its two-story structure was enough to hold items related to the Basilica and Our Lady of Piat. Burnt wood, old text, adorned robes makes and various replica images in different shapes and sizes can be found inside. It’s an interesting tour if you’re really into church history.

Of Course we got out of the museum soon and headed for the bus, but not before we have a taste of their local delicacy the Paua. It’s a rice cake with ground peanut and brown sugar inside. It’s a real treat enough to satisfy our hunger for another hour long bus ride en route to Penablanca.

Essentials:
Cagayan North Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
Contact: jaimetabbu@yahoo.com

Cagayan Tourism Office
Elena Ayuyang, (078) 846.7576, cagayan_tourism@yahoo.com

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Join the Backpack Photography Workshops in Banaue (March 19-21), Batanes (April 9-12) and Palawan (23-26)!

We left Batad that morning to catch our Van going back to Banaue. With leg muscles still slightly sore from our hike to and fro the Tappia Falls, we took the easy route back to the saddle which is a moderate slope than the steep stairs we took going down. It was a good thing that the Korean group we shared the Van with waited for us. We reached Banaue before noon and found Stairway Lodge conveniently located near an internet station. Lunch and a bit rest revived our energies to explore the Banaue Rice Terraces.

I raved about the Rice Terraces in Cordilleras in my Batad Post as one of the things I’m proud of in the Philippines. These 2000 years old stairways carved on the side of the mountains starting at the elevation of 1500meters and fed by an ancient irrigation system is a representation on how rich our Filipino culture is. How the knowledge of building these structures, the religious practices and social behaviours have been passed down generations and survived throughout the years. American Anthropoligist Otley Beyer also wrote how the Ifugaos are linked to the Chinese migrants from Tonkin China who brought along the knowledge of copper and rice.

The UNESCO World Heritage designation covers several clusters of Terraces in the Cordillera region of Ifugao. The Batad Amphitheatre Terraces is one of them. There’s also the 650AD stone-walled terraces in Hapao, Hugdungan. There’s also the Mayayao Rice Terraces which grows the ifugao Tinawon Rice. The Kiangan Terraces which grows the Nagcadan and Julungan rice is closer to the more accessible and vast terraces of Banaue proper.

We hired a couple of tricycles for Pesos 100 each person to take us to the Banaue Terraces Summit Viewpoint. There are two persons on each tricycle. If you want to ride in style, try going top-load on a tricycle like what the ever adventurous Dongho did. The 6km road up to the Viewpoint is well paved. Expect stunning views on your right side when riding up.

There are several viewpoints as our tricycle climb the road. There’s the lower view, mid view and the highest point. It’s really interesting to see this vast landscape on different angles. The lower view point makes it look like some Aztec Pyramids or a scene from Machu Picchu. The Middle view of the terraces has a nice panorama showing a view of a waterfall in the midst of the terraces. We also found the official UNESCO markers here.

The highest Viewpoint gave us a grand view of the expansive Banaue Rice Terraces. It was misty when we came there that afternoon but it cleared for a few moments to show us the view. Despite the eye-sore sights of some houses on the far end, the terraces are still amazing to look at. We would have wanted to stay longer and enjoy the view but the wind chill was already biting through our clothes.

The Rice Terraces is not the only interesting site to see while here. Make sure to look around for the local colors as the people in the Cordilleras has quite a distinct character with their light brown skin and almond eyes. If you’re lucky, you might get to see some teens riding their wooden scooters going down the road slopes.

Banaue Rice Terraces is definitely a sight Filipinos should see even once in their lifetime. Many Filipinos may be familiar with the site through the 1000 peso bill but its different seeing them the terraces with your own eyes.

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If you are interested to learn the basics of photography on the Beautiful backdrop of Banaue Rice Terraces while immersing with the Ifugao Culture, there is a Backpack Photography Workshop on March 19-21, 2010. Click here for the details.

Pardon the lack of updates for the past few days as I was too busy to do advance post. I just got home from sweep tour of 4 regions, 8 key province stops and 1798Km road trip up North Luzon Philippines with 26 travel-hungry people aboard a Victory Liner Bus. It was packed, tiring but also fun. It was the Lakbay Norte NPVB (North Luzon Visitors Bureau) Media Tour with the aim to rediscover the north. I’ve always wanted to do this up-north horseshoe route and now here it is. Here’s a quick look of our 7-day sojourn up-north from January 24-31, 2010.

Day 1 Cagayan Valley. Not counting our departure the day before, we got Tuguegarao early the next day to start our tour. It’s great to be back in Cagayan Valley after a few years to redo some adventures in Penablanca, the Callao Cave, Pinacanauan River and see what has changed since then.

Day 2 Cagayan Valley to Ilocos Norte. Now taking this route was a first for me. Lots of interesting Church (and food) stops here until we reached Blue Lagoon for Lunch then headed to Laoag. We had a preview that night of the Paoay Sand Dunes adventure for the next day.

Day 3 Ilocos Norte to La Union to Baguio. Probably my favourite leg in this tour. Sand Boarding and 4×4 adventure in Paoay then a Surfing Stop at La Union before having a grand garden dinner at the 12.5 degrees centigrade The Manor, Baguio

Day 4 Baguio to Pangasinan. It’s another quick revisit for Baguio for me and Ambuklao but there were some new stuff for fun there. In the afternoon finally moving into Pangasinan stopping by the Capitol.

Day 5 Pangasinan to Greater Subic. It’s another revisit for me at Hundred Islands. Moving south this time to Subic White Rock where we stayed then enjoying a Night Adventure at the Tree Top.

Day 6 Subic to Clark. Doing a quick tour of White Rock which I thought has a drastically good change from last I was there. We went to Clark for breakfast. Had a scenic cruise on a Yacht along the Bay before moving into to Aquino Center in Tarlac then checking in at Holiday Inn. We did a quick tour at Holy Angel University for some Kapampangan Culture and history.

Day 7 Pampanga to Manila. Our last day didn’t scrimp on activities. Went horseback riding courtesy of El Kabayo. Oh, did I mention that it’s non-stop food all stops of this tour and this was no exception. We had lunch at Oasis Hotel then merienda and capping the presentations at Lakeshore. Oh yeah, there’s a brief stop at Robinsons Starmills.

That’s it for now. Watch out for the day-by-day account on future post. It was a fun tour despite the tight schedule. I wouldn’t have packed it that way and allow some buffer time but the camaraderie and the adventurous energy of the group was able to shine through the exhaustion. My thanks to NPVB and the other 9 CVB’s who hosted and took care of us during this 7-day adventure at North Luzon. Congratulations on a successful tour!

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Join the Backpack Photography Workshops in Banaue (March 19-21), Batanes (April 9-12) and Palawan (23-26)!

Have you ever wondered how it’s like to sleep at one of those native Ifugao houses? Waking up with the cold mountain air and opening your windows to the soothing sights of pine trees swaying? The first time I went to Banaue, I was able to sleep at one of those native houses on top of a terrace in Bangaan. I enjoyed the cool space and walking the wooden floors with my bare feet. Little did I know that there’s a place closer to Banaue town proper until we found Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort.

From Banaue town we took a tricycle to take us to Banaue Ethnic Village. It’s about 2 km away past the main Banaue Viewpoint which is also approximately 6km from town proper. But the ride didn’t feel that long since the road is well paved. Our driver dropped us off at the entrance and would wait for us there.

From the entrance we were already impressed on how neat the pebbled road and tall pine trees led to the main area of the resort. The area was spacious and very picturesque, sitting on a gentle mountain slope surrounded by pine trees. My GPS reads that we were already 1600meters above sea level which explains the cool wind.

We were able to take a tour of the place and see what it offers. From the conference area, we were led to the lodging area. The lodging here are the native Ifugao Houses which are slightly modified in the interiors. But the exterior is still done how the ifugaos naturally do it. Just below is a natural pool with water coming from the mountain spring.

The place is also flanked by a river on one side so there is a nice boating and fishing area. I heard that they also plan to put a cable car for additional activity. One scenario I could imagine here are campfire stories there at night.

Aside from the Native Lodging houses, the resort also host cultural and educational activities. They have a live museum where you could see the evolution of ifugao houses. Apart from that, they have lectures on ifugao Culture and Traditions, Cultural Shows and Native Ritual Performances.

I really like this place as it is very relaxing and ideal for learning. This is where the first Backpack Photography Workshop would be held. If you are interested to learn Photography on this idyllic backdrop while immersing in Ifugao culture, join the Backpack Photography 101 Workshop on March 19-21, 2010. Check here for more details.

Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort
Aparnga-O, Viewpoint, Banaue, Ifugao,
Tel: (074) 386.4082
Andres: 09203493259
Florence: 09196142266

Among the sleek and shiny streets of Singapore, Chinatown sparkles at night and during the day have that clean grime along its busy streets which makes it one of my favorite spots in the country. The food there is also worth a bite for those with adventurous taste buds and the few temples nearby makes for an interesting cultural side trip. Yes, Chinatown is one of my favorite places in Singapore. And here’s more reasons why.

Chinatown’s history goes way back in 1821, when the first Chinese junk from Xiamen arrived from China. The passengers who are all men made the area around Telok Ayer River their home. It is now where Chinatown is. My visit to the Chinatown Heritage Center deepened my appreciation of the place’s history and heritage. I saw their cramped living conditions before, during and after the war and how they adapted throughout the years.

Food tripping is one of my favorite activities there as well. I wrote something about Smith Street or popularly known as Food Street where I tasted Sichuan food close to what I had to Sichuan, China. And definitely there are lots more to try out aside from what I mentioned. And it’s not limited to Chinese food.

Interestingly, not everything here is about Chinese. Aside from the new and impressive Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the old Sri Mariamman Temple at Pagoda Street is still picturesque. There’s also the Thian Hock Keng Temple along Telok Ayer St. It’s a Taoist temple built by seamen in 1821, one of the oldest places of worship in the area.

Of course shopping will not be missed here. There is so much to see and buy here, from Souvenirs to gadgets and other Chinese (and non Chinese) related items. But you know what I like more about Chinatown? It’s when the night starts to come in and all those bright lights color up the numerous shophouses along the streets.

Maybe if you’re done with all that shopping, eating and probably picture taking, you can cross South Bridge Road. Head to the back streets, past the pubs and go on a moderate hill climb. You’ll find Ann Siang Hill. This is where the old Chinese Migrants used to have wells for drinking water. Now it’s a small park hidden among modern shophouses. It’s a nice place to take some air in and view more of the city skyline with a foreground of a bunch of airconditioner exhaust fans clumped together. Yep that’s Singapore Chinatown for you.

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Join the Backpack Photography Workshops in Banaue (March 19-21), Batanes (April 9-12) and Palawan (23-26)!

It’s one thing to look at the Batad Rice Terraces from afar, but it’s another seeing it up close and on a different angle. After setting down our things at Simon’s Inn, we rested a few minutes to prepare our trek to Tappia Waterfalls (or Tappiyah Waterfalls). The trek to Tappia Falls is at least an hour as I remember. We didn’t hire a guide and just relied on my memory on where to go. I remember going on two routes then. Let’s just see if I recall them right.

Well it’s a good thing there was another group of female foreign volunteers who hired a local guide from BEGTA (Batad Environmental Guides Tourist Association). She pointed the initial way at the beginning of our trek where it forked. There was a left and right way just behind the school. I remember the right way is the descending stairs headed straight to the village at the middle of the terraces.

We turned left where the trail is on the same level of the upper terraces and is much easier than taking the stairs to the village. But still, even if this way is easy route caution should always be considered here. The initial trail is walking on the side of the mountain where one step could send one falling straight down the cliffs. And when walking along the side of the terraces, one wrong step could send one plummeting down the terrace below. And note that the height of each terrace is almost double the height of an average Filipino.

So we were careful as we thread the terraces. Stopping a while to appreciate the view then focusing on our steps until we reach the jump off for the Tappia Falls. The jump-off point is a large rest stop opposite where we came from. From here the trail gets really challenging. We were a bit worried since it was already late afternoon so we gave ourselves a schedule on what time we should be heading back.

I can describe the trail to Tappia Falls as steep winding stairway of torture. If you’re not accustomed to hiking it can be very difficult. This trek is recommended for strong hikers. If you’re not that strong, you should give yourself time to navigate the stairs not just going down but also going up.

Despite the difficulty of the trail along with that mental battle going on in your head whether to just turn back while it’s early of if you even have enough strength to go back, we reached the majestic Tappia Waterfalls. It’s towering height and powerful pour sends water spraying around the mountain enclosure. The sight of it does ease our exhaustion a bit. But hell that was still tiring.

We took photos but didn’t stay long as we have to go back before dark. But halfway through our trek back, night did catch up on us. It was a funny trek, we had limited light since but good thing we have someone with good vision in the dark lest we plummet down the trail. And as we got nearer one of the guides we met earlier was there to help us and lent her light. She checked up on us since we weren’t back yet. She told us that the guides keep tabs on visitors and reports back to their headquarters. That was real assuring.

We reached our inn finally at the same time exclaiming “Welcome to Batad” by none other than the Dom himself. Yes we did make it back and enjoyed our hefty dinner, washing up then having a relaxing massage from the locals. Batad is amazing but you really have to exert some effort to appreciate all its facets of adventure and grandeur. And it’s all worth it. Welcome to Batad!

Join the Backpack Photography Workshops in Banaue (March 19-21), Batanes (April 9-12) and Palawan (23-26)!

I have always relied on Maps when I travel. Whenever I visit a place for the first time, I always try to get a map first. If I have a reliable map on hand and a compass, I’m not afraid to get lost as I’m confident I’ll find my way back. When I heard famed Binondo Food-walker Ivan Man Dy released the Big Binondo Food Wok Map, I got really excited because Manila really have a shortage of good Art Maps like this. So last weekend, a couple of my friends trouped to Chinatown to taste-drive this map.

I remember taking a few foreigner friends and first timers in Binondo before for a food trip here. They told me they wouldn’t remember all the places I took them to eat if they go there by themselves. I guess this would be the same case with first timers who would want to try out food tripping in Binondo.

Here comes The Big Binondo Food Wok Map. The 10.5″ x 4″ folded and 10.5″ x 24″ spread map contains beautiful illustrations, heritage trails, a bit of history, Traveler Tips and especially restaurant listings in Binondo. The restaurant list also includes snippets of information about the restaurant’s specialties and offerings. I’m sure adventure foodies would love this.

We started our trail at Sta Cruz Plaza. We headed to Benavidez for lunch. I wanted to try something different from the places we have eaten before in Binondo, and decided on Wai Ying for the roasted duck Congee but unfortunately, the place was packed. So we checked on the map what else is there and found Zhen Hu just further up ahead for some traditional Hokkien style food.

Sated, we decided to check out some of the heritage trails we haven’t been to like the Seng Guan Si Temple. Now this is where it gets a little confusing. Seng Guan is farther off the map but I was confused at first on it’s placement along Alvarado and assuming Narra st is the small street beside it. So going by Yuchengo past Dong Bei Dumplings, we crossed this little Hong Bon bridge (dating back to 1969) which is not on the map heading to Alvarado Street only to find them not there. I had to check google maps a couple of times on my phone to check where we were.

We did find Seng Guan but it’s on the side opposite Reina Regente and past Soler and Recto streets. The same goes for the San Nicolas District Stonehouses which have several streets. But these places are further out of the field but if you try finding them it can be confusing.

Other than that, since this is firstly a Food Wok Map, the central area where the main restaurants and heritage trails on the map are fairly easy to find. If you are wondering why there are some Stars on the numbered listings of the restos, our art-director friend, Jocas noticed that they are the ones who have ad spaces on the map. The Budget Guide there is also handy.

Kudos to Ivan Man Dy for creating such a handy and good looking map of Binondo. It’s about time someone does something like this and I hope there would be more projects like this. If one wants to explore Binondo on their own this would be a nice guide. Of course it doesn’t replace being part of Ivan Man Dy’s Binondo Food Wok tour but it’s a start. The Chinese New year is just ahead. Make sure to bring this map along. It’s only Php 100 and can be bought at Bahay Tsinoy, Libros Filipinos Bookshop at the Filipinas Heritage Library, and La Monja Store in Intramuros. You can also order from Ivan Man Dy himself at fun@oldmanilawalks.com or call 0917-329-1622.

Join the Backpack Photography Workshops in Banaue (March 19-21), Batanes (April 9-12) and Palawan (23-26)!

I have visited a number of temples already. While some are really grand, they have already aged through time. If their rustic conditions still make them look astonishing. What more if you could see a temple in all its golden age glory. In Singapore, whose major population is Chinese, it’s no surprise to see a temple such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple rise up at the heart of Chinatown. The temple is considered as a living cultural monument inspired by the golden age of Buddhism in China during the Tang Dynasty.

When I first explored Chinatown, this temple wasn’t here. It’s amazing how for a short time they were able to construct this four-story temple. And I have read, that the elements, structure and architecture was meticulously studied so they could incorporate the best design elements from the temples during the Tang Dynasty. It was considered as the strongest empire in the 8th century and when Buddhism really flourished. I think they were successful in their aim just looking how grand the temple is from the outside.

The first floor has a three door entrance that opens up to the South Bridge Road facing east. So if you want a good picture of the place in daylight, try going in the morning. There’s a courtyard that leads to the main temple worship area. The main prayer hall has vibrant warm colors and the walls are filled with Buddhas Statues said to be around a hundred. This is the Maitreya Hall or Hundred Dragons Hall. Really impressive and solemn.

Just behind passing by a side entrance is the Universal Wisdom Hall or Avalokitesvara Hall. The walls here are filled with smaller and intricate statues along with the other Buddhist Statues. We went back to the Dragons Hall and took an elevator to the 3rd floor. We didn’t check the 2nd floor but we heard there’s a tea house and cultural shop there.

The Third floor houses Buddhist Culture Museum. It has an impressive collection of original Buddha Artifacts from different parts of the world. It has Buddha images from China, India, Laos, and Myanmar to mention a few. I even saw an impressive Jade Buddha there and saw how different each culture interprets their Buddha images. This Museum is definitely worth the time and the best thing about it is it’s free.

The Fourth Floor is where they hold the actual Buddha Tooth Relic. It is also called the Sacred Light Hall. Photography isn’t allowed in this area even outside the main viewing hall. You have to leave your foot wear before entering the hall. One could see the Inner chamber containing the Relic Stupa said to be holding 420kg of gold donated by the devotees. I couldn’t really see the actual tooth from afar but there are monitors for a closer look on screen.

The roof top has a nice garden perfect for relaxing after a tour. It is enclosed so the views outside is hard to see unless you peep in through the fence. At the center of the garden is the Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel Pagoda. The walls inside this Pagoda is impressively covered with 10,000 miniature Buddha images.

The tour only took a few hours so it’s a nice side trip if you’re ever in Chinatown. I could say the Buddhist Culture Museum is definitely worth the time to explore. And taking the detailed photos of the temple is definitely fun.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
288 South Bridge Road
Time 7am-7pm
Admission is Free but do wear conservative clothes.

Join the Backpack Photography Workshops in Banaue (March 19-21), Batanes (April 9-12) and Palawan (23-26)!

If there is one thing in the Philippines I could say I am proud of, that would be the Rice Terraces in the Ifugao Mountains. This marvel of an architectural and cultural landscape was built by our ancestors more than 2000 years ago. Other countries have terraces as well but none can compare to the height, steepness and intricacy. Even the steps of these terraces when combined end-to-end can encircle half the globe. Truly a deserving site to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Lists.

The UNESCO’s World Heritage Site covers not only one place but several terraces in Banaue. The one in Banaue proper is more expansive and easily accessible. But if you ask me, the most breathtaking among the rice terraces is the one in Batad. After a 12km rough road trip and an hour hike from the saddle, we were already basking at the magnificent site of the Batad Rice Terraces carved on a steep side of a mountain embraced by the other mountains as if protecting it.

The Batad Rice Terraces are carved along the steep side of a mountain looking more like a giant amphitheater. But in this case, the main show is the terraces itself. It is said that the height of this terrace is higher and older than the coliseum of Rome. It’s the 4th time I’ve seen the Batad terraces and it never fails to amaze me anytime or whatever season it is.

Just the thought of our ancestors building each of these terraces by hand already fills me with wonder. Even designing the irrigation system with water coming from the rainforest down to the fields and the stone-walled terraces withstanding erosion even after 2000 years is just genius.

But not all is well in this side of the mountains. I remember the first time I went here, there was still no electricity. The third time, I learned electric lines are being installed and they have partial electricity coursing through. Now electricity runs for 24 hours. I have nothing against the locals wishing to improve the quality of their lives but it somehow changed the place. There was a moment I was enjoying the scenery but got distracted when I heard sounds coming from a crazy TV game show.

The old tradition of building these terraces and farming will soon dissipate as the younger Ifugaos are embracing the modern life. The younger generations would prefer other professions than being a farmer. Then again we can’t blame them.

But all is not lost though, BETGA (Batad Environmental Tourism Guides Association) are making tourism as one of the sources of income to preserve the rice terraces of Batad. I also noticed that the kids here seem to have been educated already. Unlike before, the kids are so accustomed to begging alms to tourist that pass by. Also last 2009, the Ifugao rice Terraces has been declared as an Organic Farm, free from GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms).

I still think the seclusion of the Batad is a blessing as it helps to keep it from becoming too developed. I really don’t mind the electricity now since it does add a little convenience to the townsfolk there. I just really hope they extend their efforts in preserving this wonder. The terraces of Ifugao are also listed under the endangered sites under UNESCO. If it continues to deteriorate, it will be stripped off from the list.

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Aside from the Taal Basilica found at the heart of Taal Town, there is another church worth a visit nearby barrio Labac (also known as Caysasay). From Villavicencio House, we followed the ancient steps called Hagdan-hagdanan built by Father Celestino Mayordomo that led us to a smaller but charming butter-colored walls of Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine. Petite but full of character, the church was was built on the foundation of miracle by the image of Our Lady of Caysasay.

Delving briefly on history here, in 1603, a pious fisherman by the name of Juan Matingkad was fishing in Pansipit River in Taal, Batangas. Captured in his net along with the fishes is a twelve inch image of Our Lady Of Caysasay. He brought it back in town and showed his discovery to the authorities. Even the Vicar who represented the King of Spain visited Juan’s home to investigate.

The image was then handed to Doña Maria, the town judge’s widow, for safekeeping on a specially made urn. That’s when things out of the ordinary events started to happen. Several times, the image would disappear from the urn and would return the next morning. The priest asked a few volunteers to keep watch beside the urn. While in prayer, the volunteers did see the urn open by itself and the Lady of Caysasay going out and in to the urn again.

The priest and the townsfolk was ready the next time this happened. They lit candles and decided to follow the Our Lady of Caysasay only to find themselves back to where the image was found. After this, the image of the virgin was moved to the church for safekeeping but the disappearing and appearing continued until the lady vanished for a time.

It was in 1611 when the image was once again spotted by a couple of wood gatherers, Maria Bagohin and Maria Talain, on the place where the image was originally found. The lady wood gatherers spotted the image of the lady reflecting on a spring water. Lifting their heads up, they found the image of Our Lady of Caysasay on top of a sampaga tree along with lighted candles guarded by a Kingfisher which are locally called Casaycasay. The Spaniards had a hard time pronouncing this bird’s name and ending up sounding like Caysasay.

The ladies reported this immediately to the parish priest. It was then decided that Our Lady of Caysasay chose to stay on this spot and a shrine was built there. It was also on the same year when Juana Tangui, an almost-blind servant girl, as well as 30 other women saw the apparition of Our Lady of Caysasay. The almost-blind Juana restored her vision after the apparition and the other sightings were investigated. This was officially the first recorded apparition in the Philippines. It was in 1620 when a small chapel was made of corals was built on the spot. The well and the stream waters near the spot was said to be miraculous and the townfolks now calls the place “Banal na Pook”, also commonly known as the Miraculous Wells of Sta Lucia. The whole chappel is no longer there as it was destroyed by the Taal eruption in 1754. Only the arch with the bas relief of Our Lady of Caysasay remains.

Caysasay Shrine and the nearby well is truly rich in history and phenomenon. The miraculous stream where the Lady of Caysasay reflected still flows at the Shrine of Caysasay entrance until this time. The shrine had gone through some major renovations as well. The original chapel built on 1611 was only made with basic materials. It was in 1639 when Father Alonso Rodriguez built a stone church on the spot.

In 1754, Taal Volcano erupted damaging the church roof, rebuilt again but an earthquake made the walls and towers fall in an earthquake in 1852. Reconstructed in 1856 but slightly damaged again by an earthquake. It was at that time Father Marcos Anton renovated the interiors and the beautiful paintings added by Cesar Aberoni. The townfolks still continue the tradition of moving the image of the Vigin of Our Lady of Caysasay from its special place in Taal Basilica to the Shrine of Caysasay every Thursday and returned on Saturdays.

It’s really worth exploring these places in Taal not only for the structures but its rich history. The only thing I’m bothered is how dirty and un-maintained these places are now. The stream near the Sta Lucia Wells are filled with trash that no matter how miraculous its water sounds, the only thought I have is water contamination from the dirty stream and surroundings. I hope the Taal people could clean up the place and make it more presentable for people.

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