Manuroyta!

              Its almost summer and everyone seems excited to go to the beach or plunge into the pool.  I don't have any plans to go out this summer (except for our Ifugao trip that was planned ahead) but luckily for me, I was invited for a night stay in Antipolo.  Specifically, in Cattleya Resort located in   Colaique, Sitio Ibabaw, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City .               I've been to Antipolo several times and I know there are several resorts in this place but I believe I have not discovered all nor half of the list yet.               Cattleya is the place to be when it comes to getting a venue for big events: family reunion, wedding reception,  birthdays, homecomings and team building activities.  Its an exciting place to swim, sing and bond with friends and relatives.       ...

             Ramon Home Stay and Restaurant is one of the best accommodation that you will find in Batad, Ifugao .  I chose to stay here not only because it was highly recommended by a friend but I want to experience how it feels like to live in a typical 'bahay-kubo'.  The 'kubo' is made of nipa-hut, so, even at noon you will not feel the heat of the sun.  It is very cozy and comfortable.  It fits four to eight persons.  It has its own 'kalan', 'palayok' and 'sandok' (cooking utensils/materials) for guest who wanted to cook their own food in a primitive way.  Woods are also provided for free by the owner.  The place may look like a small house but it is wide inside, has a small window that we used to have a glimpse of Batad rice terraces in the morning (with the fog and dew all over it) and at night (when all we see are silhouette of the trees and eventually, darkness).      ...

             It all started when I laid my eyes to the black and white picture of Banaue Rice Terraces of my history book.  This was when I am still in primary school.  I was amazed how the terraces were maintained and how beautiful it became year after year.  Since then, its been my hidden desire to see the terraces in close range.             Last week, I was given a chance to visit two of the widest and famous terraces in the country: Banaue and Batad , both are located in Ifugao, Mountain Province.            Travelling to the northern part of Ifugao may seem risky for some because of the underdeveloped  infrastructure that has been featured in different website, several magazines and on TV.  I will not sugarcoat it, travelling to Ifugao, especially to Batad is definitely not a walk in the park experi...