On the Road in Palawan (Part 1): Of Mat Weavers and Accidental Farmers of Brooke’s Point
A detour had us learning more about the Jama Mapun banig weavers
A detour had us learning more about the Jama Mapun banig weavers
Far from the tattoo trails of Buscalan, a
richer portrait of Kalinga unfolds in sacred rituals, heirloom recipes, and the
coldness of mountain villages.
Despite
years spent crisscrossing the Philippine archipelago, a few places have
continued to elude me. Chief among them: the mountain village of Buscalan in
Kalinga, home to Apo Whang-Od, centenarian, cultural icon, and said to be the oldest
traditional mambabatok (Kalinga traditional artist) of her generation.
Using a thorn, soot, and indigenous ink, she etches ancestral symbols into
skin, each mark a living archive of identity and cultural symbol.
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Sunrise over the mountains of Lubuagan, Kalinga is a great reason to wake up early |
Having climbed my
fair share of mountains during my college days, I knew well enough that when a
guide says, “Just 10 more minutes,” what they really mean is that a good hour
or more separates you from the summit. By the time I reached the boulder face
of Mount Apo, I was already battling a sea of massive stones. These boulders,
remnants of an undocumented ancient eruption, lay scattered like imposing
obstacles one has to hurdle with both hands and feet, and an impressive
balancing act, before reaching the peak.
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A clearing and a sea of clouds |
Growing
up, the game of pabitin was a familiar presence during town fiestas and
children's parties. A bamboo rack, laced with small toys, snacks, and other
prizes, would be hoisted above a crowd of eager children. As the rack was
lowered and raised again, the children would jump, reaching for whatever they
could grab.
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Farm and garden produce are all displayed in colorful Baluartes during the Festival |
As
a travel vlogger, setting up reliable electrical systems for content creation
is crucial. You need power solutions that keep your gear charged on the go,
ensuring uninterrupted filming. Facing power outages or incompatible outlets
abroad? Portable power banks and universal adapters are essential to solve
these common issues for creators.
In this town in Quezon Province, residents transform their homes into dazzling tributes to faith, harvest, and heritage.
Growing up, the word bayanihan reminded me of a painting of neighbors carrying a wooden house on their shoulders. It was a scene representative of a time when homes were built light enough to carry and communities close enough to do so together. But beyond the literal meaning of bayanihan, the term has since signified something greater, a collective effort, of people coming together to help one another in times of need.
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Tagay sa Tagumpay |
They say the third time’s the charm. But in Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines, each of my three visits has carried its own distinct magic. My first trip, over a decade ago, involved pedaling halfway across Batan Island on a rented bicycle. It happened to coincide with a town fiesta, and my friends and I were warmly welcomed into local homes, where we feasted on traditional Ivatan dishes and experienced generous hospitality.
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Postcard-images at every turn of the head |
Most festivals in the Philippines zero in on street revelry, and why not? Who wouldn’t want to strut to the sadsad steps of the Ati-Atihan while shouting “Hala Bira!” through the sweltering streets of Kalibo, Aklan? Or stomp to the thunderous drumbeats of Iloilo City’s Dinagyang, where every rhythm pounds the ground like a heartbeat? Both celebrations, this writer’s two most favorite festivals in the Philippines, light up Panay Island with an energy that’s hard to resist.
Davao del Sur was
one of the first provinces in Mindanao I visited. In 2009, I flew to Davao City
with my then-girlfriend, Marianne. From there, we made our way to Camp Sabros,
an outdoor retreat in Kapatagan, Digos City, known at the time for having one
of the longest zip lines in the country, an 800-meter ride above the treetops.
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Posing with members of the Bagobo-Tagabawa community in Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur |
Often mentioned
last when one converses about the Bicol region, the province of Catanduanes revealed
itself with such unexpected surprise that it swiftly secured a place among my
top five favorite provinces in the Philippines. Its unassuming surf culture,
endless rolling hills unfolding into sweeping Pacific Ocean views, and surreal
rock formations create a landscape both rugged and breathtaking. Mornings
reveal scenic peaks wrapped in a sea of clouds, while waterfalls, hidden
lagoons, and a winding coastline of powdery white sand complete the island’s
charm.
Come for the scenery, go home happy |
Marky Ramone Go is a travel-junkie, writer and photographer based in the Philippines. Aside from contributing articles to various publications and websites, he narrates his experiences wandering the tropical paradise of the Philippines, the culturally rich regions of South East Asia, Sri Lanka and India on this travel blog. After Asia, he is keen on exploring South America and eventually tracing Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" trail in the United States to Mexico.