Abra, Kalinga and Apayao

Paradise Philippines Information Blog Features: Abra, Kalinga and Apayao

Mountainous Abra is the home of the Itneg or Tingguian cultural group, who were once well-known for their indigenous weaves which made use of native dyes. Nowadays, the province is also home to numerous Ilocano settlers. Much of Abra's landscape is ruggedly mountainous, as the region is already part of the vast Cordillera chain.

The capital of Bangued has a cathedral (built 1722) and Victory Park atop Casamata Hill, which has fine views. In San Quintin is the so-called Footprint of Angalo, said to be that of a legendary giant. Pidigan has brick church ruins, while in Tayum is the Abra Museum, which has interesting relics. Natural dyeing, a native industry, has been revived in Peñarrubia, where dyes are derived from local plants.

The newly-separated provinces of Kalinga and Apayao are home to forests, mountain ranges, waterfalls, winding rivers and rice terraces as well as the Kalinga and Isneg communities. It's been said that when the two provinces were still one, the geographical boundaries resembled a profile of a former president. In Kalinga is the Chico River Valley with Mount Manting-oy, known as Sleeping Beauty due to its resemblance to a reclining woman. In Apayao is the Apayao River (which is ideal for whitewater rafting), the Agamatan wildlife sanctuary, and the church ruins of Pudtol.

Cordillera Paradise

Paradise Philippines Information Blog features: Cordillera

The mighty Cordillera mountain ranges are home to diverse cultural minorities and some of the Paradise Philippines' most beautiful landscapes. Ifugao is known for its Banaue Rice Terraces. Considered as the eight wonder of the world, the terraces are believed to be over 2,000 years old. However, many are in danger of being abandoned since younger Ifugaos have been lured to other, more financially-rewarding occupations.

The Banaue Museum houses a collection of Ifugao artifacts, while Taman Village near the Viewpoint is a good place to buy arts and crafts. Other panoramic terraces can be found in Batad, Hungduan, Hapao, Kiangan and Mayoyao.

In the capital of Lagawe are the multi-chambered Natoban and Bintacan Caves. The War Memorial Shrine in Kiangan recalls World War II battles in the area. Hungduan is the site of the last stand of the infamous Japanese Imperial Army figure, General Yamashita.

Mountain Province is the traditional home of the Bontoc Igorots. Its best-kept secret is Sagada, an astonishingly beautiful community of pine forests, mist-covered slopes, stone-walled terraces, limestone outcrops, burial caves and tribal culture. Its famous hanging coffins can be found in nearby cliffs.

The road to capital of Bontoc features dense forest and terraces planted to rice and vegetables. The Bontoc Museum has excellent cultural collections. Other attractions include pine and oak forests on Mount Data; rice terraces in Natonin and Maglicong (the latter set in natural amphitheater); and hotsprings in Mainit.

Useful Land Transport Information

Here are the Paradise Philippines useful land transport information (please be aware that the information below changes without notice e.g. telephone, telefax, address and mobile phone numbers).

BUS COMPANIES

Here are the Paradise Philippines Bus Companies:

ALLADIN TRANSIT
Address: Cayco St., Sampaloc, Manila
Telephone Number (No.) (02)7819168
Destinations: Cagayan Valley

AUTOBUS TRANSPORT SYSTEMS
Address: Dimasalang cor. Laong Laan Sts., Sampaloc, Manila
Telephone Numbers (No.) (02)7358098 • Telefax (02)7432227
Destinations: Baguio City, Laoag City, Cagayan Valley, Dagupan City, Ifugao, Kalinga and Isabela

BALIWAG TRANSIT
Address: 2nd Ave., Kalookan City
Telephone Numbers (No.) (02)3634478 or 4331 • Telefax (02)3657886
Address: 33 EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City
New York-EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City
Telephone Numbers (No.) (02)9123343 • (02)9129131 or 32 • (02)9123361
Address: Tutuban Central Station, Divisoria, Manila
Destinations: Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Cagayan, Tarlac and Pampanga

BLTB Co.
Address: 3 BLTB Bus Compound, EDSA, Pasay City
Telephone Number (No.) (02)8335508
Address: Ali Mall I, Cubao, Quezon City
Telephone Number (No.) (02)9131525 or 26
Destinations: Laguna, Batangas, Quezon and Bicol Region

DAGUPAN BUS LINES
Address: New York St. cor. EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City
Telephone Number (No.) (02)7272330 or 2287
Destinations: Pangasinan and Baguio City

DANGWA TRANCO
Address: 832 Aurora Blvd. cor. Driod St. Cubao, Quezon City
Telephone Number (No.) (02)4101991
Address: 1600 Dimasalang St., Sampaloc, Manila
Telephone Number (No.) (02)7312879
Destinations: Baguio City, Ifugao and Kalinga

To be continued....