SETTING FOOT ON THE NATIVE LAND

By: Potectan, Cherry V.

Momentarily, the history lies abashed in the eyes of the beholder- a spirited spectator wishing to see more than what appreciation rouses. The cultural ways and practices cut taboos and reel the true beauties of a preserved place at its best. Indeed, like muyong as a practice of the Ifugao people in trimming distinction of their forests, it also follows that other Cordillerans apply their own indigenous knowledge, systems and practices (IKSP) to void environmental destruction.

Having determined a photography class concept of Benguet torist spots, Benguet, Ishayaw Mi; Benguet, It-ek Mi came into the picture. Our exploration covered most, if not all, the municipalities of Benguet. Truth be told, Benguet alone has much of its hidden beauties flaunted right at the tip of our camera lenses. Below are some places where I, together with others, have set foot.

Mt. Kabunian of Poblacion, bakun gave us a 6-hour steep viewing while being amazed of the natural-formed mountain figures as well as the mountainous views waiting to devour us from the breath-taking ravine during the hike.

Benguet falls on the other hand didn’t fail to amaze as we were more astounded to whart lies in front of us. Mangta Falls of Bakun and Lengsad Falls in Kibungan gave me the feel of the value of an untouched creation that awaits a city individual like me. Though how much I was eager to stay, Kapangan calls.

The gigantic Amburayan River goshed it’s presence along the bridge t where we stood to view. More so, Longog cave steamed the excitement as we soaked our way through its magnificence. Forest preservation practices were displayed by Kapangan’s Communal and Anthurium Forests shone with our camera clicks.

It’s amazing to tell of how much the Igorot people keep their cultures mirrored on their own territories. Exploring and discovering their potential and well-known tourist spots is a fulfilling task to do. The photography travel was not comparable with urbanized tourist spots where all forms of transportation access can be possible any time.

UNTOUCHED. The people of Poblacion, Bakun saw a lady bathing in the basin of the falls but whenever they try to find out who she is, she promptly disappears then again, reappears at far sight. The people convinced themselves that she is the fall’s nymph. 

To tell you more, making the effort to explore the undisturbed Igorot land is a great challenge since all you can trust is your stamina and feet for hours of hiking without any hope for even a hitch. But given the energy sapping hiking and trekking, enticement 5to continue will dominate the exhaust since the pathways revealed the preliminary expectations of the place itself. My body pains can never replace the sense of fulfilment I had for myself since I was pushed to my limit-finding my endurance towards the physical challenge.

One testimony can’t paint an exact picture of the real view. There’s never been one who could prove that travelling the Igorot on foot fera is an opportunity than just a plain pastime. Subjecting our body to these exposures could really earn us an award-winning sweat bucket and bunch of exhausted expression. But once we set our feet on the very track- “Loo, I’m glad I made it here personally than being a mere spectator once the framed picture was displayed on an exhibit.

One of our tour guides explained that potential tourist spots are waiting to be developed due to the lack of financial supports from the government. The existing mementos of their own places were presented but come to imagine how many more can be discovered once development funds can be given.

I am proud of being an Igorot stepping on my ancestral land where people assume their role as the mortal keepers of Kabunian’s gift to mankind. In my small way, I’m in one with them in preserving our culture-the only way to protect, preserve and revitalize nature while sustaining the bond among the community.

In going back to my roots, I will be one in enriching it and keeping the spirit of the Igorot Land worth travelling and experiencing. In Benguet alone, much more is to be seen in the Cordilleran region. It’s more fun in Cordillera!