Traveling the Igorot Land

By: Oyang, Adelfa 

Cordillera, a blessed inheritance! a region subdivided into six provinces untouched by the struggles and challenges of history. Out of the abundance of its’ land stands a firm race, the Cordilleran people, the Igorots.

Fasten your seatbelt for a travel around the Igorot land, a travel which is not just an adventure or a trip, it is a journey not by the eyes, but by the heart.

Incandescent as it is, the city of Baguio, the city of pines.

Going up to the ever popular Kennon Road is an unforgettable moment to anyone engrossed or not to the beauty of nature. There will be no other road cooler and happier more than it is. The living statue of the lion head adds to the road’s magnificence. As you go beyond the city, you’ll come to realize that there’s more of what Baguio can give; more than the trees, more than the fresh air and more than what is known. 

Gigantic mountain ranges, the rich thick soil of the farms; behind it is the hidden beauty of Benguet, in which the strawberry capital of the country lies.

Culture defines Benguet people, as seen by their beliefs, customs and traditions. As the journey goes on, there you are at Benguet’s very own highest point located 7,400 feet above sea level. It by there where nobody’ superior, nobody’s inferior; what you have to do is witness natures delicacy, no more, no less. Yet it doesn’t end there, going further the province opens your eyes in the secret of the land. Known and unknown caves, mountains, falls, magnificent clouds, springs are just some giving life to the province of Benguet.

Obsequious spots will welcome you at the province of Ifugao, where in the 8th wonder of the world, the never dying Banaue Rice Terraces continue to define its people.

This rice terraces manifest the unbeatable unity of the Ifugaos. Many are named as their inheritance, yet this man made flattering possession is more than enough definition of the Ifugao tribe.

Reminiscent paradises, the Mountain Province, the place where you can never let go, the province who unfailingly gives identity to the Cordillera all because of its’ unconquerable people, the Ibontoc.

The paradise of the weavers, the interesting traditions, and the mystic beliefs made this land a better place to live at. The shimmering stones of the famous Sagada and Sumaging caves will let you reminisce the unmerited favor given by nature. The stones of seemingly real creatures will surely be carved at the deepest area of anyone’s heart.

Odd River among all rivers came out the Abra River, the congregation of all rivers and streams at the province.

Abra River is just one of the Provinces’ prides. At same point, a cave known to locate an underground river have its life. It is where mysterious beings are believed to exist by any means.

Terrifying place, the Province of Kalinga, the Sungag view continue its existence, a very perfect place to look at the beauty and abundance of the Mother Nature.

Also, known for its fearful people and races, behind the Kalinga’s distrustful reputation is a hidden advocacy. There is nothing greater inheritance of this Province more than its very own children, the people of greatness.

There you are at the historical Igorot Land, the land of the free. The most important thing of all is the people behind the richness of the Region, the people who walk at streets barefooted, the people who goes as who they are. Indeed, it is the Igorots who give meaning to their land; it is the Igorot’s why Cordillera still exists despite the cruelty of man and its nature. 

Everyday will be a journey; not just by the tourists, not just by the passers bye, not by just the visitors but the Region itself.

History will repeat itself, a saying says. But may or may not be, surely, Cordillera will always find a way out of the selfishness of others. And the journey will be different and more worth reminiscing one after the other.