Location: Barangay Bay-yo, Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines
My magical backdrop of Bay-yo Rice Terraces
There is no single exact count of individual rice terraces in the Philippines, because they form massive, interconnected networks across the mountains. However, official UNESCO World Heritage Centre recognize five primary clusters, while broader geographic inventories document more than 48 major terrace systems and clusters across the Ifugao province, namely: Batad (Banaue), Bangaan (Banaue), Mayoyao (Mayoyao), Hungduan (Hungduan) and Nagacadan (Kiangan). They were built approximately 2,000 years ago by the ancestors of the indigenous Ifugao people. It is a misconception, that the famous Banaue Rice Terraces are a National Cultural Treasure, but they are not officially on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to modern structural changes in the town.
With the native, Roberto "Lotno" Banaba
So, it is clear that our subject, Bay-yo Rice Terraces is not a part of the rice terraces clusters of the Ifugao province, since it is located in the Mountain Province. While the major terrace clusters of the Mountain Province is divided into three: Maligcong Rice Terraces, Bontoc and Sagada, and Sabangan. Bay-yo Rice Terraces is a part of the Bontoc major terrace cluster.
Bontoc town proper
Bay-yo Rice Terraces is 16 kilometers from Bontoc town proper which is approximately less than 15 minutes by single motor bike or 30 minutes if through public utility jeepney. On this trip I came from Iyaman Farm Resort, where I stayed as my accommodation while I had my 7 Peaks Bauko Climb.
Bontoc town proper as captured from Sitio Kalonglong of Barangay Samoki
Bontoc is a 2nd-class municipality and the capital town of Mountain Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) of the Philippines. It has 16 barangays including Bontoc Ili, Maligcong, and Samoki. It houses Bontoc Museum which showcases the traditional indigenous culture and its early historic artifacts and literature. It is tucked inside deep mountain valleys along the Chico River in Northern Luzon.
The average elevation of Bontoc is approximately 1,143 meters (3,850 feet) to 1,173 meters (3,848 feet) above sea level, making its weather colder all year long compared to the lowlands. Its temperature typically ranges from a low of 15 degrees Celsius during the coolest nights in January to a high of 28 degrees Celsius during warm daytime periods in May. Year-round daily temperatures generally average between 22 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius.
Famous attractions in Bontoc are hanging coffins nearby, Maligcong Rice Terraces and mountain hiking spots like Mount Fato and Mount Kofafey.
Agguyo/Agkhuyo River cutting through Sugit Rice Terraces
This is one of the sceneries along our way from Bontoc town proper located between Barangays Talubin and Barangay Samoki. Agyu River connects at the far end of Agguyo River.
Along Ab-ab in Barangay Talubin
Another major clusters of Bontoc and Sagada terraces on our way to Bay-yo Village. Currently, there is the BinBay Cafe on the left end of the Ab-ab Bridge.
Drying newly harvested rice along the highway
Vhe-vhe Water Falls along the road
Obviously a mountainous region
Arriving at the viewpoint of Bay-yo with the local Roberto "Lotno" Banaba
After a drive of 13 kilometers from Bontoc town proper, we arrived at the viewpoint. This point is just along the highway. Those buses coming from Banaue passes thru this viewpoint, but commercial buses and jeepneys coming from Manila or Banaue or those coming from Sagada and Bontoc do not stop at this point.
By the way, Lotno Banaba is the uncle of my guide, Alberto Ivo Andrada. I am lucky that we were welcomed in Bay-yo warmly since Albert is known to the villagers.
Arriving in Bay-yo village
From the viewpoint is 3 kilometers trekking down, where it is passable by any vehicle. This lush golden terraces during harvest season is on the slopes of Mount Polis which offer a scenic roadside view for travelers journeying through the Cordillera region.
Lucky enough, during our visit, it was harvest season and Albert asked the villagers if I can join the harvest which they enthusiastically welcomed.
San Pablo Catholic Chapel blends in the scenic highland terraces
This Catholic chapel serves as a local Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) place of worship for the residents nestled right by the majestic view of the terraces. It is under the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe.
Joining the harvesters team
Do you know that harvesting rice here is just Bayanihan? They are not being paid. Bayanihan is a core Filipino cultural value that means community unity, cooperation, and helping others without expecting anything in return. It comes from the word bayan, meaning town, nation, or community.
My way of community immersion
It was actually 12:30 Noon when we were in the rice field harvesting rice, but it was not hot at all since it was cold. It was even windy and it was just cool to be in the middle of the rice field joining the villagers harvesting rice.
Enjoying what I was doing
You know what, the villagers are English-speaking, and mind you, they are fluent in English. I just love being with the villagers. I had a chat with one of them and she was a student. A college senior student and like me, she is also a mountain climber.
Happily showing my harvest
Washing my mud-covered feet
While I was washing my feet, my harvested rice was carried to the warehouse. The man standing in front of me carried my harvest. That is how much I've worked for the day.
Leaving the place with a happy heart
After harvest, there was supposed to be lavish party for the bayanihan harvesters including me, but I need to leave and can no longer wait since I have a scheduled trip back to Manila and Albert drove me back to Bontoc town where the bus terminal is located for Manila. The bus I boarded came originally from its first departure station of Sagada. I left Bontoc town at 3:45 P.M. The bus fare from Bontoc to Manila is P1,300 or US$21.42 for 12.5 hours.
THANKS FOR READING!
No comments:
Post a Comment