Missing cordi

Missing cordi
Originally uploaded by Inkblots™

One of the joys of my work as a social development worker is the opportunity to go to different places, like Benguet in the Cordilleras.

From afar, I could already see the clouds rolling over the mountaintops. It was a sight to behold. So I asked the driver of our vehicle going to Buguias, Benguet to stop so I can capture this once-in-lifetime scene.

The driver obliged and took five minutes to compose (since we were in a hurry).

I set my camera in RAW so that I could manipulate later on if ever the exposure is not good. It came out the exposure was okay but I had to add a digital graduated filter for the sky to bring out the clouds on the mountaintops.

It was worth the 5 minute stopover.

I will go back again in Benguet next week and I hope to take some photos again.

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Lang-ay Festival 2009

I took another marathon trip last April 6 and 7 to be just in time for Mountain Province's Annual Lang-ay Festival.

Witnessing and covering the event was exhausting, but it thrilled me just the same because I got the chance to mingle with the different tribes of the Cordillera people. Watching the SLU Dance Troupe perform was likewise a source of pride for my alma mater. The street dancing was superb as the participants gave their best to entertain the locals and tourists. And communing with them along the historic Chico river where the governor treated all participants for lunch was a humbling experience--where all people become co-equals.

This years' theme was "Nurturing History and Culture".

It was an honor to be part of this. If my schedule permits, I will definitely go back next year.


You can read the full story at: Lang-ay Festival of Mt. Province
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At 7400 feet

At 7400 feet
Originally uploaded by Ding's Inkblots

It was my second time to pass through the Halsema Highway in Benguet where we can find the highest point of the Philippine Highway System.

The first one was 16 years ago, when Halsema Highway was still a dirt and rocky road and only the marker and cogon grass were visible in the area. I had no camera with me then that is why I promised myself that I should have a picture when I have the chance to travel through Halsema Highway again.

Now, there is a view deck, which is at the left of the photo, and a few stores left and right.

Sad to say, I liked it better then when the place was more rustic and reaching the point would seem a conquest for every Fillipino traveller. The road then was really bad. Nonethless, progress has taken its steps in this part of the Philippines and is a breeze passing through it. Although development has a drawback. See what have they done to the great view with the sari-sari stores and souvenir shops along the road.

With me were Joyce and Sharon from the Peace and Equity Foundation (Joyce and Sharon) and Vince from the Advocates for Philippine Fair Trade, Inc.

After two hours we were in Mt. Data to attend the launch of the First National Weaving Congress.

(Photo courtesy of Vince's camera because I was running out of batteries then.)

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Igorot Foot Massage

LAST APRIL 23, I attended the Launch of the First National Weaving Congress in Mt. Data Hotel, Bauko, Mountain Province. We were treated to a cultural presentation. One of the highlights of the presentation is the Igorot foot spa, where some participants obliged.

The foot massage, according to Manong who gave me one after the conference, is a pasttime of elderly men. After a hard day’s work, their sons give them the footspa in their “dap-ay” (huts). The “technology” uses coconut oil and two sticks of bamboo which are rubbed alternately on their soles, until they doze off.

When I had mine in my room, it gave me that tingling feeling, which really sooths you with the “kiliti” , until it become more at ease with the rubbing of sticks. I think the secret there is the “kiliti” factor which runs up to your spine and head until you get goose bumps (got the idea?). It is synonymous to laughing, which makes you secrete some hormones that will calm you down after.

While we hanker for other Asian-type massage (e.g. Thai, Chinese reflexology), it was a suprise even among the other Cordillera participants that we have this indigenous way of relaxation.

Also mentioned at: Pinoy Centric

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