THE GRANDEUR OF THE IGOROT LAND

By: KIASO, Jasmin P.

The Igorot land desires to be hailed. It desires to be sustained. Most importantly, this land desires to be seen because she beholds a grandeur which deserves to be revealed as well as protected.

It harbors a number of natural, historical, cultural and man-made attractions that mirrors the region’s richness.

If we are talking about Igorot land as the land of the Cordillerans, then we might as well talk of each province’s and city’s unique characteristics, places and culture which distinguish them as people or as province.

Cordillerans or non-Cordillerans, come with me and let us have a glimpse over the Igorot Land.

Starting from the north of the Cordillera, there stand Apayao, this province has been dubbed as ‘Cordillera’s last frontier for nature richness.’ It is home to underground rivers, overwhelming lakes and waterfalls, and inexplicable caves and wildlife.
 
Next to Apayao is Kalinga which is known as the ‘Land of beauty and the brave.’ The province earned its name because many people believe that the beauty of Kalinga women is exotic while the men are known as brave warriors when headhunting was prevalent in this place. The province is also travelled by tourists just to see and hike Mt. Mating-oy Dinayao or more popularly known as the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ because, from afar, it looks like a sleeping lady.

Standing at the right side of Apayao and Kalinga is Abra, which is well-known as the ‘Natural dye capital of the Philippines.’ The province is abundant with natural dye-yielding plants such as achuete, duhat, kamachile and mahogany among others.

Down Kalinga is Mountain Province which is known as ‘Weaver’s paradise’ because of the various weaving industries and different weaving designs that are found here. Mountain Province also fronts the Sagada Caves which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

After Mountain Province there you’ll find, Ifugao, which is home to the 8th World Wonder, the Banaue Rice Terraces or also known as Ifugao Rice Terraces .

Moving on, at the southern part of the region, there dwell Benguet, which is the tagged as the ‘Salad bowl of the Philippines.’ The province got its tagline because of its large production of upland vegetables. One of the most popular places here is Mount Pulag, the second highest mountain in the Philippines.

The city of Baguio which sits at the heart of the Benguet is the ‘summer capital of the country.’ Most tourists prefer to spend their summer vacations here to escape the sizzling temperature of their place or other cities.

I’ve only mentioned some famous characteristics of each place, but how about the other sides of the dice? Come to the land of the Cordillera and you might be surprised to know that Cordillera holds a grandeur of several unique places and characteristics which are worth to visit and experience.

But, mind you, not only the majestic places in the Cordillera are worth the travel. The people here who share common culture and history are interestingly and even more worth to be with. Cordillerans are known to be hospitable, peace-loving and reserved. They will surely experience the genuine touch of who they are as people.

I can guarantee that travelling to the Igorot Land is simply the grandest yet the most inexpensive tour or travel you’ll ever have.

It is really ironic however, that some Cordillerans might prefer travelling to Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Palawan or even as far as abroad or other popular places.

Mount Tenglawan (the highest among this mountain range) in Sinacbat, Bakun Benguet. One needs rope to reach the peak of this rocky mountain.

Isn’t it that it is shameful when people ask you about your province or your region and you do not know about it? The secret piece here is to know first who you are, before knowing who Abraham Lincoln is. It is almost like saying, “you must change yourself before you could change the world.”

Now, would you prefer a pocket-emptying travel, or an inexpensive and fulfilling travel to the Igorot Land?