Pinoy Itchy Feet

When I say more fun, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll witness the same loud street parades, rock band concerts, fireworks displays and the usual dishes and deserts like menudo, inihaw na bangus, leche flan and sweetened ube (yam).

It's more fun in the sense that the joy you'll feel while you're in Lubuagan goes deeper than the party high that goes away right after the city shows, parades and loud music stop playing.

Parades - these run in the early morning to kick off the day's activities.  Yes, they have parades everyday for three days.  It starts in front of the Kalinga Academy and goes around town and ends at the Aguinaldo Shrine where most of the programs are held.

One shouldn't expect a display of floats, colorful flowers, loud music, or thousands of street dancers like at the Panagbenga in Baguio.  Instead, a public display of the simplicity of the Lubuagan people which would pull you back to how the Filipinos celebrated life ages ago.

There's no such thing as "too old" in this town.  Why, even those whose backs have been bent due to long hours in the fields don't just walk around waving to those watching.  They'd play the gangsa, a rather heavy metal gong, and joyfully contribute to this celebration of life, this chance to go around town and share their age-old music with the locals and visitors, planting rhythmic patterns and melodies that will never leave you, even after months have already gone by.  Now, doesn't that beat the temporary clubbin' high?

Contests and Laga Runway- this is the part that makes it even more fun in Lubuagan.  They have contests unlike any other that you'd see on TV or the frequently visited tourist spots in the country:  Rice pounding race, a contest on who finishes a cup of freshly boiled coffee, beauty pageants and laga runway which both showcase their handwoven fabric, and a contest on chants, which are open to the youth to encourage them in embracing their culture.

One thing you should keep in mind, and this is very important:  the Lubugan people don't like confusing their taste buds.  Most of the viands you'll taste here are mostly mixed with only salt to taste and a bit of sijot (chili) to spice it up a bit.  Boiled pork is just that, boiled pork. So is boiled monggo and boiled chicken.  If you're having beans, that's all you're having.  It doesn't come with herbs, other vegetables or sauces.  It's surprisingly good and sweet.  Nutritious, too!

Rest - After a long day of walking to and fro, chatting, filling up your stomach and having fun, you'll need to rest, of course.  If, by any reason, you weren't invited by any of the locals to stay at their place, you can always get a bed or room at Manang Mhamay's Pines Inn, for as low as PhP350/day, which already includes meals.  You can reach her via +639195124579 for reservations.  The place is located in the poblacion and only a stone's throw away from where most the festivities are held.

For some peace and quiet, however, ask around for Manong Sapi so you can rest and meditate at either Lilayan or Pon-e.  The last time I checked, he doesn't charge his visitors for accommodation and food, but it's better to check and make sure.

You may contact his daughters Mimi Bawer (+639183673342) or Ofhe Addom (+639199781164).


If you're lucky, you can even get to chat with Manong Sapi and listen to his words of wisdom on simple living.


Buy pasalubong - the Lubuagan people take their time in planting and harvesting their crops, weaving their fabric, long-lasting walis tambo (soft broom) and wine bottle holders so you can be assured that whatever you buy from this place is of high quality.  You can also bring home organice red or brown rice and vegetables at a very affordable price!

This is just scratching the surface as to what Lubuagan has to offer its visitors.  To read more about this town in the Cordilleras, or how to go there, check out posts on Getting There, Early Mornings, and Things to See and Do


For your trip, you may also want to read on:

• Cebu Pacific Air's Domestic Flight Schedule
• AirPhil Express's Domestic Flight Schedule
• Victory Liner's Fare Rates, Schedules and Contact Info