Ifugao - #Project81Ph

(2017, April 29 - May 1)

The home of the UNESCO Heritage Site, the Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao is a country rich in culture and tradition.

I went here because of #ProjectPagibig - a gift giving activity to the students of two elemetary schools, namely, Buyabuyan Elementary School in Lagawe and Nunhabatan Elementary School in Lamut, Ifugao. 250 students were given school supplies with the help of those who donated thru Wanderlust Adventurers and Hagiyo (an Ifugao word meaning "shout for joy"), a non-profit organization focusing on Indigenous peoples in Ifugao. 

It was a great experience to be a part of this event. Seeing the children smiling while receiving our humble donations gives me pleasure and fulfillment. It is very evident that visitors seldom visit these schools, maybe because these schools are too far and very hard to reach, but that didn't stop us from helping. We rode a monster jeep going to the schools. Since it is our first time, we sat at the roof (top load, baby!). Even though tree branches hit us and we have to occasionally avoid some of the wires and trees, the ride was filled with laughter and "wow" as we get to see the beautiful mountain ranges in Ifugao.

Project Pag-ibig

With the efforts of Wanderlust Adventurers and Hagiyo, we were able to give school supplies to elementary and high school students. A bag of school supplies contains notebooks, pencils, pens, colors and a tumbler. In return, they performed a mini skit showcasing Ifugao traditions. Some students also perform their traditional dance and we also joined them.

We arrived at Lamut around 7:00 in the morning and stayed at Atty. Zozimo Kimayon's home (Board member of Hagiyo),. The traditional Filipino breakfast prepared for us, dried fish with boiled egg, steamed veggies and sliced tomato on the side, was so delicious! We started unpacking the donations and preparing the Pag-ibig bags that we will distribute for the outreach program.

Unpacking the goods. It's so good to meet so dedicated and fun people! Never a dull moment working with you guys!

Thank you to the people who gave monetary donations and school supplies. This would not be possible without you! <3

After finishing preparing the Pag-ibig bags, we are set to go to our first school, Buyabuyan Elementary School, which took about almost two-hours to reach. Before the distribution of school supplies, the teachers and students prepared a program for us. We also had games for the kids.

This is how we ride! Top load! Super saya! Although tree branches hit us along the way!

Thank you to my Maynilad officemates for donating, your donations helped several Ifugao students :)

Distribution of Pag-ibig bags

Love these guys from the bottom of my heart.

One of my favorite pictures with the kids :)

Ms. Shirley Kimmayong, founder of Hagiyo giving Welcome remarks for the kids

We also gave some tokens for the hardworking teachers

My hardworking friend, Rosemarie Bestal, one of the founders of Wanderlust Adventurers giving her heartfelt speech

These kids know how to pose in-front of the camera :)

Beautiful girls Janey and Onang wearing the traditional Ifugao clothing

Kids showing their new school supplies!

Ifugao students performing their traditional dance

The second day is spent at Nunhabatan Elementary School, approximately 30 minutes travel from the place we are staying. The warm welcome of the teachers, students and parents are overwhelming! Since it was lunch time when we arrived, they prepared sumptuous food for us! It was my first time to eat in a Banana tree trunk!

All smiles!

It is in Filipino's blood to be hospitable and welcoming. Thank you for the lunch Nunhabatan!

Rosemarie facilitating the games for the students of Nunhabatan

"The dream team"

After two fulfilling days of our outreach program, of course, we cannot miss the chance to explore Ifugao, especially the Banaue Rice Terraces.

From Lagawe, it was 2 to 3 hours travel to reach Banaue, but the travel is worth it!

Banaue Rice Terraces

"Yung dating nakikita mo lang sa textbooks, nakikita mo na sa personal."

Those were the words we utter almost the whole time of our visit in Banaue Rice Terraces. Indeed, the view is just captivating. How in the world our ancestors were able to build this kind of technique without technology or advance equipment? It just makes me appreciate it more.

Until now, the Banaue Rice Terraces is efficiently utilized by the locals, additional systems were improved such as irrigation and there are inns were you can stay overnight.

To reach the amazing view, 20 to 30 minutes trail walk is required. I was just saddened that you can see garbage along the trail. The locals must strongly impose solid waste management to be able to preserve the place. And also, they should stop building more inns in the area, preserve the place as it is to avoid degradation and pollution.

We should protect and preserve what we have now rather than be sorry after its damage.

First time in Banaue! Mandatory jump shot!

It's a hot Monday morning when we visited the place. 

Barkada Shot at Banaue Rice Terraces

I was really at state of Zen that time :)

Barkada shot goal! Love it!

Ganda bes, promise!

What makes your trip so special? The people. <3

Back selfie. Thanks YiCam. 

Long weekend well spent, yet again! It's like shooting 2 birds with one stone. We were able to help and give smiles to Ifugao students and at the same time, have fun and had the chance to see the amazing and breath-taking Banaue Rice Terraces. But the best part of this experience is knowing and gaining hard working, dedicated human being willing to make ends meet to be able to help people!

Never stop exploring!

Sheen. <3