Ifugao is known for the famous terraces and the panoramic mountains in Banawe and Sagada. The Ifugao mummies are also an added attraction. For people who want to take the fresh air away from the city life, it's a perfect getaway. Unknown to many, there are beautiful islands floating in Ifugao. Around twenty of them are inhabited by locals, they call the place Halag.
The place amazed me the moment I set foot on it. It is an enticing wonderland of natures beauty and simplicity. There is no electricity in all the islands which gives the feeling of distant isolation, but an awesome place for star gazing. Each island is occupied by at least 1-5 families; the big ones with maybe ten or more families have the presence of public elementary schools. I'm not sure exactly how many people are living in that paradise. We cruised by motorboat and took us about 25 minutes to reach the place. No one could have imagined that such place still exist at this age. In this era where everything appears complicated, here is the place to rest body, mind, and soul. I couldn't have imagined small islands like these exist in Ifugao! This may sound unbelievable but I it's real! Serene, magnificent, and just simply perfect.
The island were I stayed was owned by one family and the place has just enough space for their home. There was a chicken coop, a pig pen, and a little rest house that added to the beauty. The best thing is...it's totally private, only one family occupied the small island. The hospitality of the Uchayan family is one thing someone could never forget. Mr. Uchayan was a former village captain, despite of his status and popularity, he was a humble man, with good heart and spirit. They prepared a small feast for us that made me feel embarrassed, but that's the way they welcome guests. It was fantastic!
They have generator in their home, we watched movies on DVD's as the entertainment for the night. At 9 o'clock, it's bedtime. Before 6 am, they are up and start the day anew. I have been to many places in the Philippines, stayed with friends and relatives for a few days and even for more than a week, but this family's hospitality and values are incomparable. They are unique and pure. I wish that my retirement age would be spend on that paradise.
(More story on Halag 2, How to get there? What to do? and the fun.)
The place amazed me the moment I set foot on it. It is an enticing wonderland of natures beauty and simplicity. There is no electricity in all the islands which gives the feeling of distant isolation, but an awesome place for star gazing. Each island is occupied by at least 1-5 families; the big ones with maybe ten or more families have the presence of public elementary schools. I'm not sure exactly how many people are living in that paradise. We cruised by motorboat and took us about 25 minutes to reach the place. No one could have imagined that such place still exist at this age. In this era where everything appears complicated, here is the place to rest body, mind, and soul. I couldn't have imagined small islands like these exist in Ifugao! This may sound unbelievable but I it's real! Serene, magnificent, and just simply perfect.
The island were I stayed was owned by one family and the place has just enough space for their home. There was a chicken coop, a pig pen, and a little rest house that added to the beauty. The best thing is...it's totally private, only one family occupied the small island. The hospitality of the Uchayan family is one thing someone could never forget. Mr. Uchayan was a former village captain, despite of his status and popularity, he was a humble man, with good heart and spirit. They prepared a small feast for us that made me feel embarrassed, but that's the way they welcome guests. It was fantastic!
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| Ifugao - Halag |
(More story on Halag 2, How to get there? What to do? and the fun.)
I am about to cry sir..after reading..Im touched and at the same time..proud..Your really agood writer..Godbless and Goodluck..
ReplyDeleteHmmm... This is an awesome story Jerry, it's nice to know you appreciate our simple habitat and our humble families.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comments, it motivates me to write for more. A beautiful finale of the unknown paradise in part 3. Hope you will not miss it.
ReplyDeleteThere you go bro Jerry :) just write as if narrating a story to a friend.... one great advice add two to 4 photos in your post so that the reader can fully visuallize what you are describing.
ReplyDelete