60 THINGS TO DO IN CORDI
April 30, 2008
A VIEW OF MY FRONT YARD
I was browing through several of my friends’ pages and I realized that I need to structure my blog so it’s easier to understand, but on the other hand, I was thinking, maybe its better this way. Anywho I like writing whatever comes to mind so i guess I’ll continue writing at no particular pattern.
Today our topic is all about the Cordillera.For those of you who do not know what the Cordillera is, here’s a short lesson for you.
Cordi or the Gran Cordillera Central is a vast mountainous region occupying the Northern part of the Philippines. it is esteemed for its vast gold deposits, the mountains of pines and rich soil and water resources that enabled its people to sustain agriculture in the region. Its population is a mix of indigenous peoples and migrants from the low lands, and yes, it is the same region associated with Baguio City, strawberries, good carving and freezing cold weather.
Now that’s taken cared of, I’d like to go to more important matters such as tourism in Cordi. You know already that thousands of people visit Baguio at any time of the year. But did you know that there are other places in Cordi that are good spots for tourists? Mari-An Santos from the Baguio Midland Courier gave 60 things you can do in this mountainous area. I of course changed the 60th to fit our purposes. If you are a professsional traveler and you pride yourself for conquering places, well, this list should be in your next agenda.
60 THINGS TO DO IN CORDI
1. Take a dip at the Mainit Hot Springs
Just half an hour away from Bontoc center, the Mainit Hot Springs draw many water-thirsty tourists the whole year round.
2. Cross the Amburayan River
Along the banks of the river in Kapangan, groups of friends and families spend their time cooking, eating, or talking. The cool waters flow all the way to La Union and Ilocos Sur.
3. See the Ambuklao Dam
Located in Itogon, Benguet, vehicles heading to Nueva Vizcaya and Kabayan pass by this humongous structure, where, when operational, waters from afar foam.
4. Go whitewater rafting in Kalinga
Traverse the raging waters of the Chico River through Tinglayan or Tabuk. Depending on the “level of difficulty or challenge,” you can choose your route. You will never be disappointed!
5. St. Joseph Church in Pindongan
From the vantage point of this church and the school are grand mountain views of all of Kiangan. The grounds around it are sprawling.
6. Kiangan War Memorial Shrine
This gigantic structure gives a breathtaking 360-degree view of the town proper and Lagawe, Ifugao. It was erected in memory of the Philippine and American soldiers who fought against the Japanese.
7. View Mt. Salukasok from Taba-ao
From different angles, this mountain looks different. But from the rice fields of Taba-ao in Kapangan, it looks like an almost-perfect cone.
8. Rice terraces of Battad
The awe- inspiring Banaue rice terraces are one of the most visited terraces. Those in Battad are definitely worth the torturous hike. At 9,640 feet above sea level, it is the highest in Luzon. In January and February, temperatures drop so low that frost settles on the grass! Ambangeg is the easy trail, Akiki is for the more experienced.
10. Visit the Opdas Cave
Just a few meters from the main road of the Poblacion in Kabayan, Benguet is an ancient mass burial cave, where you will find piles and piles of skulls and bones carefully placed against a long wall.
11. Recline at the Four Lakes in Kabayan
Most noteworthy is the Ambulalacao Lake that boasts of being the cleanest in the Cordillera. However, there are concerns in the community that the lakes are slowly being neglected.
12. Besao Sunset
A hymn is frequently sung about the sunsets in Besao. The best time to appreciate them, from the top of a mountain when the sky is clear, is around February or March.13. Masferre Café in Sagada Eduardo Masferre took monumental photos of the Cordilleran tribes a century ago. This café is adjacent to a shop of merchandise built around his sought-after photos.
14. Cake in Sagada Coop
Eat chocolate cake, pineapple upside down cake, or lemon meringue pie. Absolutely affordable and delicious – you can’t just eat just a slice. Take home an entire box!
15. Eat curry at People’s Lodge in Banaue
The best chicken curry I have ever tasted. It certainly helps that the river hums sweetly in the background and that the view of the terraces surrounds you.
16. Sip Benguet coffee
I was never a coffee drinker, and still, when I am anywhere else, I never drink brewed. But wherever I am in the Cordillera, I always enjoy a cup (or two). Must be the crisp air.
17. Yacon from Kabayan
I have heard of the medicinal properties of the yacon, but never became a fan until I tasted the juicy sweet variety from Kabayan. To me, it’s like a river in my mouth.
18. Ube jam from BSU
I regularly visit Benguet State University to buy ube jam. My mom, a connoisseur of sorts, says it’s the best. Most of my friends, who have tasted it, agree.
19. Go to Vocas/Oh My Gulay
A lot of Baguio citizens have never been to this place at the top floor of La Azotea. Friends that I bring here never fail to be astounded by the art and be satiated by the food.
20. O’ Mai Khan
Near Rizal Park, it’s best known for its Mongolian Barbecue. But I come here to enjoy one of the more than a dozen different desserts. I haven’t tasted all of them yet but I’ve eaten the strawberry cheesecake many times already.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Previous Comments
Would it be too much trouble for you to include time frames there?
It looks like an interesting list of things that travelers should accomplish while there.
Peace.
Posted by Ozy at May 2, 2008, 10:00 amoh not at all 
really appreciate you telling me. I’ve only been to some of the places here, and I’ve been in the Cordi for my whole life. That would also be really beneficial for me.
Posted by sah at May 2, 2008, 10:28 ami love your 60 things list. where is that kiangan war memorial site?
Posted by donG hO at July 3, 2008, 3:21 pmthe kiangan memorial site is in ifugao. i’ve been there and the place has a lot of history. Personally, I would rather go to the rice terraces, not the one in banaue, but the one in mayoyao. i hear its soooo much better than banaue.
Posted by sah at July 3, 2008, 7:45 pm
hahaha! i’ve done 18!
Posted by guia at May 1, 2008, 11:20 pmhahaha!