"Gateway to the Cordilleras"
Baguio, is the seat of the Cordillera Administrative Region, which means that it is the government center. But prior to that, Baguio was always been known as the "Cordillera Gate way." It is the melting pot of the Cordillera natives, highland tribesmen (known collectively as "Igorots," a name hardly used these days anymore).
In recent years, many citizens from the lowland provinces of the Ilocos Region, Pangasinan and the rest of Central Luzon have come up in droves to take up residence in Baguio City because of its appealing climate, natural beauty and low cost of living. They now outnumber the high-landers and who are a shy and honest bunch and have driven them to the fringes of Baguio society.
More About the Highland Natives:
The Baguio Botanical Garden, which for a time was called the Igorot Village, showcases some native huts and products. One can enter these structures to catch a glimpse of tribal living.
The Kalingas feature the lightest colors and patterns in their weaves, while the Bontoc tribe's colors are dark and dramatic, befitting their nature as a warrior tribe.
The Ifugaos have the finest textures and are the greatest woodcarvers in the whole Cordillera area, with furniture art pieces that grace even the most sophisticated homes and offices in the Philippines.
The Ibalois are farmers and traders, thus considered as the most non-aggressive tribe because they engage mostly in commercial activities.
The Kankanaeys are miners and most adept at carving out mountain trails and tunnels, and of course, finding valuable minerals hidden deep inside the Cordillera Mountains.
But if you look closely, you can spot a highland native very easily via his facial features: relatively light skin, a squarish face, high cheekbones, almond eyes, a pink complexion and very straight dark hair, with broad shoulders and thick legs. The ladies are a much finer, comelier version of the men, usually slim and fine-boned. And you can spot them because they will usually address you in fluent English.
A canao is a socio-religious ritual celebration feast held during weddings, planting, harvest & and other occasions
Of course the old folks are much darker than their younger counterparts due to many years of working in the bright sunlight. Only they will wear their traditional dress every day nowadays, although when the young men and women are called to tribal assemblies, they gladly don the colors of their tribe with pride.
The different provinces of the Cordilleras are: Benguet (populated by the Ibaloi and Kankanaey tribes), Mountain Province (where Sagada is located), Kalinga (famous for the brightly colored hand woven products), Abra, Apayao, Ifugao (the best wood carvers in the Philippines plus the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces).
Cordillera Gateway:
While Baguio is a destination in itself, it is also a jump-off point for those exploring the other Cordillera provinces
There are multiple provincial bus trips daily to Bontoc, Sagada and Banaue from Baguio.
Baguio, an independent city that does not belong to any province, is located entirely within the boundaries of Benguet.
There are jeepney lines and taxis available from Baguio to La Trinidad Valley, Benguet's capital and the other areas surrounding the city (e.g. Itogon, Sablan, Tuba).
R e l a t e d A r t i c l e s
@ Baguio Insider
A d v e r t s & L i n k s
To get to these other provinces, public transportation is available from the city.
Soon, I hope to tell you more about each of the Cordillera provinces, the cultural heritage and their products, so please bookmark this page and visit the Baguio Insider blog. Come back soon!
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