The Mt. Kufafey and Mt. Fato Connection Hike

As a continuation to my previous blog,  "The Maligcong Rice Terraces", I will write about our exploration in the forests of Mt. Kufafey and Mt. Fato.  Just to let you know, I am writing this blog after my second climb in these two mountains (December 2018 and April 2019). I think the journey in Maligcong, Bontoc wouldn't really be complete without going to these summits. On my first visit we planned to climb Mt. Fato on our first day but it was raining so we have to move it on the next day.  It has become a tradition among the visitors to go to its summit to see the sunrise and the famed sea of clouds.

It looks like a wing of an angel.

On the second day, the weather was better, we made a connection climb on Mt. Kufafey and Mt. Fato which I preferred to do again in my second climb, because it was easier! We got up early, ate breakfast of boiled eggs, banana and coffee. It was still dark when we started to hike on the narrow concrete trail of the terraces then later onto the forested area. The lights from our flashlights flickered like fireflies guiding our way to the forest. Every time we take a rest we are truly amused by the millions of heavenly bodies that covers the horizon. It will only take an hour before we reach the summit which we didn't had a hard time because of our helpful local guides and guide dogs!

Kunig

Tamtam

And it didn't take too long, we reached the summit just in time for the sunrise! It was such a breathtaking moment as I see the sun shone on the grass and pine leaves filled with morning dew
and creates an orangish flare on each of them giving off vivid colors to the landscape!
A phenomena that I don't get to see everyday...so it is precious.

Summit

We stared at the valley waiting for the sea of clouds but there was none and instead we gazed on the mountainous view of the rice terraces and the overlapping mountain as its backdrop and its beautiful even though there was no sea of clouds it was still worthwhile.

Cloud 9

We started to prepare for our next destination, Mt. Fato.  We packed things and walked along the tall pine trees, passing by colorful flora and fauna. The hike to Mt. Fato is one hour depending on our pace.

   

We passed by some cliffs that we need to slow down at times, there are some fallen trees on the way which makes a good resting place and photo opportunity too. The sun was up but it didn't kept us from walking because the temperature was pleasant.

Ready 1...2...click!

 Our guide also showed us views of other rice terraces from neighboring villages and  told stories about their ancestors.

 And after some time passing that view of the terraces, Mt. Fato here we come! You know you're in the summit of Mt. Fato when you see the huge rock with its name on it. One can see the 360 view of nearby villages and mountain ranges. I can imagine how awesome it is during sunset. By the way,
the best time to come to Mt. Fato is during sunset if  the weather permits.

Oh well, we were all tired  and hungry so we went to walk  again for another hour or more, our eyes  were all filled with such great scenery, bringing home all the memorable experiences we had and leaving only our footprints which will remind that we were once a visitor  in this lovely world of living things.

 Take nothing but pictures,  leave nothing but footprints.

 HOW I GOT THERE?
1. I commute by bus. I took CODA Lines bound for Bontoc in Cubao, Quezon City.
2. I got off in Bontoc town proper, went to the jeepney terminal bound for Maligcong.
3. Tell the driver to drop you at Dongelay Homestay, it's a cozy place to stay. It is clean and food is good.

THANK YOU FOR READING!

The Maligcong RiceTerraces Fever

I've been to Bontoc a lot of times, but I just pass by it and I felt so guilty that I just took it for granted. I made several attempts to explore the place but it's always half done and followed by "there'll always be a next time". For my readers who are not familiar with Bontoc, Bontoc is the capital town of Mountain Province which is located in the upper area of  Luzon Island. It is a 12-hour travel by land from Manila,so if you're patient with long drive, this is the place for you. Bontoc, is the gateway to more amazing places in the province and the Maligcong rice terraces is just one of them!

Coffee break, it's damn cold

December of 2018, I was looking for a place to go for a holiday with the family, and my first choice was the Mt. Province...but where? I thought of Bontoc right away so I searched in the internet and the  first one I read was the Maligcong Rice Terraces which is becoming popular. I read blogs and viewed pictures and it looks amazing, so I booked for a homestay, bought bus tickets and off we went! I know it's going to be a long journey, 12 hours sitting in the bus needs a lot of  patience but I don't care I'm still excited for it.  I looked forward to see the breathtaking views along the way which always makes me unknowingly notice the passage of time! Another 30-minute jeepney ride from the town proper to Maligcong awaits as we arrive in Bontoc. And that's it! The jeepney will stop right in front of the homestay. That easy huh!

I want more coffee.

The homestay has a nice view  of the rice terraces in the patio, which is a cosy place to enjoy the cold weather while sipping a hot cup of brewed coffee. Oh I can imagine. Well of course, going and walking along the rice terraces is more fun than sitting and watching! We didn't waste time we just waited for our guide and it's time to explore! The Maligcong Rice Terraces is the pride of the people of Maligcong, it represents the perseverance and dedication of the aborigines which at present is still the source of their staple food. Like other rice terraces in the Philippines it took years of farming in the mountain slopes using less scientific knowledge.The Maligcong rice terraces was built with stone walls to make it sturdy and resilient to natural disasters. Although some parts of the terraces have been already damaged by the recent strong typhoons, the local farmers are still doing their best to maintain the terraces.

Apart from the rice terraces another interesting place to visit is the Favarey Village which is the original settlement of the locals. The cluster of authentic Ifugao huts with thatch roofs are now modernized and replaced with tin. We were supposed to visit the village on our second day but we were told that "teer" (te-er) will be held so we visited at once. "Te-er" is a prominent tradition in the Mountain Province where villages are closed to visitor because it is their day of rest or a ritual is going on and it must be respected.

The alleys are like maze and are confusing where a stranger can get lost in that small village. They practice burying the dead in their yard, so tombs beside the houses is a normal sight.

We reached the highest point of the village where they mark it as their sacred ground, where three big trees stands, the "papattay" where most rituals are held. Usually the golden period or harvest season happens during the months of July to August but not in Maligcong! I was surprised to see the golden rice terraces in the heart of the village, an occurence that I wish to see and it is so remarkable! By the way, Maligcong is one of the best producer of glutinous rice or malagkit" in the country.

The "papattay".

Standing in front it and smiling.

My journey in Maligcong is not over yet I have to see the planting season on April when the terraces turns to green, and won't hesitate to return for the harvest season when it will turn to gold!

THANK YOU FOR READING!