Join the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation and PhotoWorld Asia 2012 on a tour of Banaue and a trek to majestic Batad rice terraces, a very photogenic UNESCO heritage site in Ifugao!
Two thousand years ago, natives of Ifugao used the simplest of tools, and with their bare hands, dug into their reservoir of strength to build what the UNESCO has since recognized as a Cultural Heritage: the majestic Banaue Rice Terraces. But with progress and development looming on the side of the mountain, the Ifugaos are losing hold of their heritage. Traditions and rituals, once so deeply entrenched in the community, are slowly being forgotten or set aside. And the sense of pride of being a unique is becoming a struggle.
To make matters worse, a series of typhoons resulted in landslides that damaged the irrigation canals in some sections of the Ifugao rice terraces. The government has promised funds to help rebuild the terraces, but the Ifugaos are still waiting for the delivery of this promise. Some portions, especially in Batad (Batad is one such village and is famous for its amphitheater-like terraces rising to the mountaintops) cannot wait. Several paddies are now left parched and unutilized and there is the danger of the rocks and other debris further eroding and heading straight down to the village proper, where 45 families make their home.
With a great sense of urgency, the Ifugaos must act to tame the mountains, not only to help produce food but to provide a safe haven for its people. They must call on the spirit of cooperation called “Badchang” or “Ubbo,” that was once the driving force when the rice terraces were first built more than two thousand years ago. This time, they are no longer isolated by the mountains, and are getting offers of help – through the ubiquitous Facebook – from their native sons and daughters who now live in many parts of the world, as well as from non-Ifugao friends who share their love for Ifugao.
One such friend is John Chua, a Makati-based advertising photographer and long time friend of the Ifugaos, who is spearheading the move to revive the Bayanihan Spirit among the Ifugaos and develop Batad into a model Ifugao village – as an integrated and interactive tourist destination while preserving its cultural heritage. Following a unique tourism trend that is already happening in other parts of the world, John is bringing to Ifugao the concept of “voluntourism” (volunteerism and tourism). Volunteer-tourists will help provide manpower to rebuild the terraces, learning from Ifugao elders the technique of “rip-rap” (a way of arranging rocks to form a terrace wall), while being introduced to Ifugao culture and traditions.
To repair the damaged section of Batad Rice Terraces, the area must be cleared of the rocks, loose earth, mud and weeds left in the wake of the landslides. Then the structure must be rebuilt using the same materials that are collected. The work will be difficult because the area is sloping, quite steep and hazardous. But it is not impossible, especially since they would be under the supervision of Ifugao Elders who are experts in building rice terraces, an engineering feat acknowledged as one of the wonders of the world. Together, Ifugaos and friends of Ifugaos will work shoulder to shoulder not with paid labor, but following the traditional Ifugao community spirit of “Ubbo” or “Badchang” and today’s new world concept of “voluntourism.”
Fee to join the Banaue Trek is P3,500 to pay for transportation, meals and snacks, one night accommodation in Banaue (not that 5-star hotel!) and other incidental expenses for the 3-day event, payable now at the FPPF offices in Intramuros or at the FPPF Secretariat during PhotoWorld Asia 2012. You may also register online and pay via Banco De Oro by accomplishing the registration form below. The Banaue Trek is open to everybody, including non-delegates of the convention.
Itinerary
January 31 (Tuesday)
9:30 pm Bus Terminal
10:00 pm Depart for Banaue
February 1 (Wednesday)
6:00 am Arrive Banaue Hotel
7:00 am Registration and Breakfast
8:30 am Photo Op Banaue Viewpoint
9-11 am Ifugao Ethnic Dance and Games
1:00 pm Lunch at Guihob Spring
1-5 pm Ritual in Banga-an Village
7:00 pm Dinner and Bonfire with Rice Wine in Banaue
February 2 (Voluntourism Day)
5:00 am Breakfast
6:30 am Batad Village Voluntourism (Lunch at Tappia Falls)
3:30 pm Leave Batad – Free Time
7:00 pm Dinner
9:00 pm Depart Banaue for Manila
February 3 (Friday)
6:00 am Arrive in Manila
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