We don’t give the Philippines or some of its people and cultures nearly enough props here at
Gadling. I was born on Luzon in Angeles
City somewhere around the now extinct Clark Air Base which was destroyed in the 1992 volcanic eruption of
Mt. Pinatubo. My memory won’t allow me the simple pleasure of remembering one single thing about the Philippines
from the first five months of my existence which has imbedded a deep-rooted desire to go back. Perhaps I’ll even be
able to visit all of the 7,000 plus islands, but for now I’ll focus on Luzon.
For many the Philippines has long been associated as a destination with numerous beautiful, sandy beaches,
beautiful women (sometimes cheap prostitutes), and delicious foods like lumpia, pancit, chicken adobo, and
almondigas to name only a few. Metro Manila is
the bustling capital area which after a few days could potentially become overwhelming and tourists looking for an
escape tend to head north. To the north there is a culture and people quite different from those residing in the city.
This web site is one of the better featuring some pretty awesome photos and info on the different
regions, especially Luzon.
The mountain tribes of Luzon are made of many groups, the
most notable being the Bontocs and the Ifugao. Little has changed in their tribal communities as they hold on to old
traditions and skills like woodcarving and weaving clothes. The homes of the Ifugao are built on piles and the
bedroom, kitchen and storeroom are all used in the same space. A sacrificed pig’s skull is placed outside the home to
please the gods. During funerals the tribes celebrate the passing into a better life and six years later dig up the
bones to do it all again. Defintely a culture worth visiting and if you’re lucky enough you may bump into someone
willing to show the bones of their grandfather.