Every traveler brings their own stories with them. These stories are what we called the ‘whys’ of traveling. It could be for fun, for distressing, for adventure, and many other billion stories. In fact, there is no story the same as the other, every story is diversely weaved and magnificently thought. You did not bring yourself to a special place for no reason, you always had the why. This is the story of Banaue Rice Terraces.
Stories make everything unique. I have my own story. You have your story as much as how other people have their own story too. Likewise, beautiful places in this beautiful world have their own stories. Behind that spectacular creation lies a narrative of itself-how it came into being. And the nicest thing about traveling happens when your story and the story of your destination connect. When this happens, would say “This is my perfect match!”.
Banaue Rice Terraces the Philippines’ pride
Do you want a story? The Philippines’ pride and the storyteller of prehistoric Filipinos way of life, the Banaue Rice Terraces. A ladder of hard work and a sophisticated work of art, has a beautiful story to tell—a story of hope, perseverance, courage, and intellect.
This started thousands of years ago, way before the Spanish colonialization in the Philippines. Ancient Filipino people were known to be craftsmen. The rice terraces stand as a memorial to the history and labor of more than a thousand generations of small-scale farmers. They work together as a community, have created a landscape based on a delicate and sustainable use of natural resources.
Reaching a higher altitude and being built on steeper slopes than many other terraces. The Ifugao complex of stone or mud walls and the careful carving of the natural terrains of hills and mountains to make terraced pond fields. Coupled with the development of intricate irrigation systems, harvesting water from the forests of the mountain tops, and an elaborate farming system. Reflect a mastery of engineering that is appreciated to the present (Anonymous, n.d.).
Filipino ancient people
Besides being called craftsmen, Filipino ancient people were also men of intellect. The rice terraces were built through the work of the mind. In prehistoric times, aside from hunter-gatherers, the common source of living by ancient Ifugaos was farming. In order to adapt to the kind of environment, they lived in at the same time suitable for the skill of the people. They had turned mountains into ladders of rice fields with the use of their strength, creativity, and intellect. It is an outstanding example of land-use that resulted from the harmonious relationship between people and their environment. Hence, today, it is not only a source of livelihood for most Ifugao. It has also become one of the world-famous tourists’ destinations alleviating Filipino resiliency, intellect, and creativity.
How to get to Banaue Rice Terraces?
Located approximately 335.7km from the capital of the Philippines. Banaue Rice Terraces stood in the mountains of Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Benguet in the Cordillera region northern part of Luzon. Mobility going to Banaue is not a problem.
Traveling to the famous landscape would take you seven to more than ten hours. It Will cost Php1,000 to Php9500 depending on the kind of transportation you will be taking. The cheapest way to go to Banaue is through Bus from Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue in Quezon City. Which will cost Php1,000 equivalent to 21 US dollars and would take not exceeding 11 hours. You can also take a taxi way more expensive than taking a bus. Which will cost Php6000, but it would be a shorter drive for almost six hours. On the other hand, it would be better to use your own car or any personal vehicle because you are free to have a stop and take a sneak-peak on the beautiful places going to Banaue.
Beautiful culture of the Ifugaos
The moment you arrive in Banaue, the breathtaking view of Rice Terraces which is approximately consisting thousands of steeply terraced landscapes aesthetically crafted will offer a very warm welcome. Being there would also let you experience the diverse beautiful culture of the Ifugaos and the very warm welcome of the people. Different from the chaotic scene of the city, Banaue has no tall buildings and busy streets but magnificent farmlands and humble huts or simple houses would make you love the place. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as sightseeing, mountaineering, and culinary adventures.
Now, the said terraces are not just used as a source of living for most people in the Cordillera region but also an aesthetic creation that has been visited by various people around the world. It is said to be the eminent contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity. It is proof of an evolved, living cultural landscape that can be traced as far back as two millennia ago in the pre-colonial Philippines.
Banaue Rice Terraces one of the wonders in the world
A few years ago, the Banaue Rice Terraces was declared as one of the wonders in the world by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). A fruit of workmanship, hard work, and perseverance, today’s generation have experienced the benefits of the terraces. It is one of the largest suppliers of rice in the country and has given livelihood to thousands of Cordillera natives and considered one of the backbones of the Philippines’ economy.
The story of Banaue Rice Terraces is also the story of the ancient Ifugaos who gave their full strength and intellect to build such a complex aesthetic landscape. Its story has come across borders of the world and received various compliments from people of different colors. Hence, structures like rice terraces should be given full care since they carry the stories of our past. Behind the aesthetic landscape of Banaue Rice Terraces lies a story of the prehistoric Filipinos way before colonization happened. Filipinos have always been resilient and adapting. Hence, this beautiful landscape is the result of Filipinos relationship with the environment.
The Banaue Rice Terraces is the way we show our world-class intellectual people and workmanship to the international stage. More than this beautiful view is a message to the world. We are Filipinos and we will be rising amidst the unsurmountable challenges of life through synergy.
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