This 2-days 1-night Lower Bauko Tour Expo conducted by the Municipal Tourism Office of Bauko had a registration fee of Php 350.00, and that already included all the meals and snacks for the duration, tour coordination (guides and other fees) and ground transportation within the area. Exclusions were transportation to and from La Trinidad (or any point of origin) and meals outside of the 2 days and 1 night itinerary. Personally, I think I spent less than Php1,000.00 for this entire adventure. The cheapest I spent on a trek/hike.
On the night we spent by the Anam-am Airfield, there was a community integration or program, where the locals performed traditional cultural dances for us. Below are photos taken by Joseph Licdan of the performance of the local kids; by that time, I was already too exhausted to even think about taking pictures (yes, that happens, too).
The Lepas Fiesta the next day took me back to those small-town fiestas in my hometown of Kapangan, when I was a kid and, on my school vacations, my grandma would drag me to all the way to Labueg to celebrate the fiesta. My memories were mainly comprised of me munching on sweet potatoes, ice buko, and walking the looooooong way from Labueg to my Grandma’s home. And vice versa. Who knew I’d enjoy walking long stretches when I grow older?
It was during this trip that I developed an appreciation for monopod, or selfie stick. I honestly thought they were ridiculous at first, when I see other people whip them out and take photos of themselves… but then my friend brought one with her, and I actually thought it was kind of fun. I don’t see myself doing it (at least, not yet) myself, but I’m open to the idea. 🙂
So here’s me taking a photo of Joseph and Remy….
…who are also taking a photo of us.
On our way to Bagnen Oriente, we passed by members of the community assembling for the opening parade of its Lepas Fiesta. We also met with some of the participants as we were headed to the school.
Like this pair, obviously from the sitio of Maleta. What a good-looking pair.
We finally arrived at the school, where the program will be held. The whole name of the celebration is “Lepas Di e-Padugan”.
Shortly after we had breakfast, the participants of the parade finally arrived, grouped according to sitios and barangays. They were led by the newly-crowned Mr. and Ms. Padugan… and look, it’s the beautiful lass we met on the road earlier!
What followed was a series of cultural dances and performances. We weren’t able to watch the whole thing, because we had to leave for the summit assault for Mt. Polis. We later came back in time for lunch, with the whole community.
Looking at the above photos, I find it highly commendable how, at such young ages, the kids are being exposed to their culture, instead of letting social and mass media overshadow it. Granted, the place has not yet been fully invaded by social and mass media, but I can see that they are serious about keeping their cultural identity intact. Seeing an infant dressed in native woven cloth made me smile. Cordillera, indeed, is culturally rich, and it is the type of wealth that will not be easily lost.
Here’s another “local” who joined us. And, oh, I am so not kidding when I say this, but EVEN THEIR DOGS ARE FRIENDLY. I swear, we came across so many dogs, but none of them were hostile. I don’t think any of them even barked at this group of ragtag strangers. They just look at us, or asleep and dead to the world.
It would be remiss of me not to express my appreciation to the communities that we passed by, spent time with, and even shared a meal with. They were all so friendly, welcoming, and accommodating.
In closing, I would like to thank the Municipal Tourism Office of Bauko for taking care of us throughout the activity. The guides were very friendly and approachable, so I sensed no awkwardness at all. Also the local residents of Bauko, who made us feel welcome, as if we were one of their own. Thank you for letting us take part in your celebration, and for allowing us to witness the beauty of your hometown. To Joseph, Mark, and Lorie, who let me leech their photos for posting. Well, I did not ask for permission from the latter two, but thank you for not hitting me over the head. Yet.
And to my companions during the activity! Woot woot! SALA-SALAMAT!! I didn’t know half of you before this trek, but that didn’t seem to matter, and for that, I am thankful.
I always say that much of what makes an experience truly worthwhile is the company. I can honestly say this was one of the best companies I’ve spent time with in an outdoor activity. I hope to be able to join up with you guys again. Another mountain to climb, another fiesta to crash?
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