BATAD, BANAUE, IFUGAO | A Narrative of Plot and Subplots in Aha-Timeline

PROLOGUE |

I was never good in math but I have always been interested in learning history.

I am fascinated by the analytical formation of each theory based on different genus: personal, ideology, science or mere experience. The scriptures describing the fall of a certain empire or how an entire race triumphed over alien conquerors must have been made – imagined and witnessed or both - by geniuses. So, I wandered into wondering along the northeastern edge on the map, to learn and unlearn things: old and new ones, too.

Due to consistent urbanization of Banaue, it did not meet the criteria to be included in the listings of UNESCO Heritage Sites, but its neighboring town, Batad, has long sought to preserve and conserve the magnificent landscape.

Batad, 12 hours away from kilometer zero, is highly popular for its spectacular topography: natural and man-made. Waterfalls,  Rice terraces and aboriginal cribs pleated on forested mountains bring resolve on how the indigenous Ifugao ancestors had protected the land and their tribe. 

Communing with the mountains of Batad is like reading a book. The content on each chapter presents special tones, theme and mood - what are your choices? You read it from preface to conclusion or you don't read it at all.

It is my quest to abridge the gaps of what is illustrated in books versus the imageries painted in my imagination.

I am excited.

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PLOT |

- C O M M U T E - From Quezon City/Manila

1. Ohayami and Florida Bus Inc. have daily trips bound for Banaue. Buses normally leave between 7-9PM. Fare ranges from Php 450-520; travel time takes about 9-10 hours.
2. From Banaue, catch any ride bound for Batad. Travel time takes an hour. (see details below for schedule and fare)
3. You may start your trek from the saddle point (farthest point accessible by any type of vehicle). Trek time depends on your pace and accommodation of choice, as some homestays and inns are far off from the saddle point.

P R I V A T E

Tricycle: Php 500/good for 2-3 pax/way

Van: Php 1000/ good for 5-10 pax/ way

Jeep: Php 1000/good for 10/pax/way

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SETTING |

The rich farmland of Batad can only be explored by foot. From the saddle point, no other means of transportation can access the paradise. The saddle point serves as the gateway toward the Garden of Eden. The journey,  considered to be quite challenging, is incredibly rewarding once conquered.

Locals say that the terraces are in its greenest during the months of March-May. The woodland is gifted with rich trees branching one after another, providing comfort and shade during day time. 

Being isolated from urbanization, intermittent power interruption happens everyday and mobile connection is unreliable. But, this is what you came for, I guess - to be on an oasis of peace, momentarily quieted and away from any form of social media.

Congratulations.

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TONE |

Homestay and inns are at at a fixed rate of Php 250/pax/night. Rooms are equipped with a bed, pillow, mattresses and blankets. Other inns would even include unlimited supply of native Ifugao coffee. Clean, working, shared restrooms are provided and almost all room types have a little veranda or window for overlooking. Food selection is limited to either fresh highland produce or canned meat of choice. 

BATAD TOP VIEW, nearest homestay from the saddle point, is located at the highest altitude in Batad. A huge shared space that serves as a veranda for socials and sightseeing during sunset and sunrise is just picturesquely out of the ordinary. If the weather permits, you can even pitch a tent on a flat ground  for an adventure above and beyond.

Insane.

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CHARACTERS  |

Batad's tourism boomed due to efforts of purpose-driven domestic and international people who share a common mission - to conserve, protect and preserve the heritage.  At this point, no record of formal technological advancement has reached Batad. Although inadequate with modernization, its people has embraced the exclusivity of the place by empowering themselves and others.

At noon time or just a few hours before the sun sets, the elementary school becomes an open-space arena with children of any age littering in every corner - summoning life and building dreams together.

THE BODY MATTER |

Tappiya Waterfalls and Unesco's World Heritage Batad Rice Terraces are the two top attractions in the locale. To reach Tapiyya Waterfalls,  one has to hike for almost two hours/way. Hiring a local guide is recommended as some trails are tricky and challenging. Php 800-1000 with a ratio of 1:3 and 1:5 at most. 

Exploring the terraces does not necessarily require a guide. Just make sure to wander during day time and always observe the mutual concept of respect among humans and non-humans.

EPILOGUE |

There are unique motivation for different types of visitor. It can be a variant of personal, social or economic forces. While most people engage in traveling to collect pictures or geotag certain tech apps, I am busy collecting memories. I am virtually trying to input and save vibe of mixed cultures, beliefs or even ambiguities of the human race. I am not here to remember names, labels or tags. I am not taking pictures of people to capture smiles or faces, I am interested to snapchat a moment - every moment, every chance. I like to pass through the tunnels and right past any physical medium or presumed barriers. It is my dream to meet souls: young or old, raw or seasoned; as long as it's true.

I had my aha-moments.

It was nice meeting you, Batad.