I have this image I play in my mind over and over when I think of Kalinga. Apo Whang Od applying a batok (hand-tapping) traditional tattoo on my arm while I regale at the presence of a Dangal ng Haraya awardee. That is how I envision my first visit to the province of Kalinga would be.

The street dance competition started around 9am and was done by 11pm

Having no idea of the place we’re heading to beforehand, the scenery of rolling mountain ranges rising parallel to the mighty Chico River, and expansive farm fields gave me hints of what to expect.

A drone's lens view of Naneng Heritage Village

Even before the two dogs moonlighting as our unofficial hiking guides plodding the muddy trail, paused, and looked back at me, I already figured out what they wanted to tell. Surely if they could talk, I'd hear them tell me, "here we up, look up." Taking cue from their excited body language, I directed my eyes upwards. A massive wall covering the length of my vision revealed an unimpeded view of Asik-Asik Falls.

Soaking the view before taking a dip