Kitty's trip to Batad

I am in the process of moving some stuff from my old blog to my new one. I liked the format here better and it was a little easier to use. So...here they are! First off, I wanted to feature a piece that one of my best friends wrote. I so envy this girl because she has made it a point to see all these beautiful places in the Philippines. It's a rather long read... but oh-so-inspiring! Read on...

Lakad Batad
by Kitty Lupato

Old timers and newbies alike came together to once again experience another wonder of the Philippines. Anticipation was thick in the air as we loaded the bus, which would take us to Banawe, our pit stop before we headed out to the stone-packed terraces of Batad.

Early morning sunshine, fresh air and the cool breeze shot across our faces as we got off the bus and clambered on to the jeep that would take us to the appropriately named Half-Way House Restaurant in Banawe. A hearty breakfast was in order in preparation for the trek going toBatad. Chatter, laughter, bantering and more laughter filled the air, which was a prelude of the days to come.

Once inside and atop the jeep, we were off to the saddle point, our drop-off point for the start of the trek. As we snaked through the town proper of Banawe, houses and new buildings could be seen sprouting all around the terraces but as we neared the outskirts, mountain views, big sky and giant terraces began to pan out. As the roads got rougher, it was growing clear that we would be walking the rest of the way to the saddle point. About one-fourth of the way the jeep could not go any further so we all got down with our bags and with our spirits high we started to hike.

The hike was peppered with many stop-overs to appreciate the view, to regain strength and chatter some more. The path we trekked thru was inconsistent as some parts were cemented, most were strewn with rocks and mud and an occasional landslide appeared. The only consistent thing was that it was all uphill. Upon reaching the saddle point, a refreshment store was on hand to quench our thirst and rough-hewn benches to rest our weary legs. Anadded bonus was a spectacular view of the mountains hiding the terraces of Batad.

All ready for the last leg of the trek we started down the steep steps, which served as a short cut to bring us closer to our destination. We hiked on and rested whenever a waiting shed or souvenir shop popped up. Surrounding us as we hiked was the mountains, the rainforest and some terraces.

Coming out of the last turn of the trek, there before us loomed the grand terraces of Batad. Brown rice paddies carved upon a mountain centuries ago still stood proud and quiet and we the observers just stared in awe. The amazing backdrop would pleasantly accompany us for the rest of our stay.

We settled in at Hillside View Inn where we had a perfect view of the terraces. We unloaded our bags of the canned food required of us in preparation for our late lunch. The rest of us sat around the dining area, which had a commanding view of the terraces. Suddenly, it began to rain ...a steady downpour, which was a sure sign of blessings to come.

The rest of the day was spent bonding and getting to know the new faces of the group. Food was aplenty and of course the famous pizzas of Batad was not to be missed. Cellphone signals is unheard of, cold spring water was the norm to freshen up and electric insulated wires ran through the inn ready for a hydroelectric plant project being planned but the trusty light from a gas-powered lamp was still the means of brightness till 10 pm.
As the night wore on, boisterous laughter broke the still night as the group continued to chat away. The sweet voice of Maya, the in-house acoustic guest and daughter of the house, mellowed down the noise as she sang and strummed away on her guitar with only lyrics as her guide. Lights out was finally called and we all shuffled to our respective rooms to get much needed rest for the long day ahead.

We woke up to cloudy skies and fog covering the terraces but this did not deter our moods as we prepared for the exciting day ahead of us. Breakfast was served and as it progressed so did the weather. The skies began to clear and the terraces began to show themselves once again.

Last minute instructions given by our guide Orlando and a group prayer kicked off the start of the day. Donning our orange Lakad Batad shirts we started walking down the steps that would bring us to our first destination ... a hanging bridge. One by one we walked thru the edges of the rice paddies. Loose or jagged rocks, slippery paths and the water-filled paddies were the many obstacles we had to go thru as we inched closer to the hanging bridge. Though the path was rough, the breathtaking view of the giant terraces buoyed our spirits. Once we were getting closer to the bottom of the terraces another surprise came along, the complete view of the amphitheater-like terraces, which could not be seen from the inn. It was simply amazing and many photo-ops served as proof.

The last stretch to the bridge was endless cemented steep steps which was also the only way back up to our next destination. As we got closer, the steel hanging bridge showed itself as rushing water weaved its way around giant rocks beneath it. A refreshing break was sought aswe steadily walked across the bridge and hanged out. Most of the group sauntered on down beneath the bridge to get closer to the giant rocks being smashed upon by the rushing water. According to Orlando this bridge served as the access path to another village hidden well into the mountains.
Next up was the village of Batad. Getting there was another rigorous walk up countless steps and paddies. The village was a mish mash of steel structures and ancient wooden huts surrounded by the scenic terraces. As it was a Sunday, mass was being held at the church whichmost of the villagers were attending. Kids milled about outside and we visitors observed the way of life at the village. The stop was also the venue for refreshing drinks before we headed over to the highlight of the day ... Tappia Falls.

It was another ordeal getting to Tappia Falls as we hiked once again thru paddies, endless slippery steps and a rocky trail. On the way over, we met a range of people from young ones to senior citizens and a smattering of foreigners. We knew we were nearing the falls as we could hear the continuous crashing sound of rushing water. Nothing though would prepare us for the falls as it came into view ... a jaw-dropping scene as raging white water majestically rushed down in a steady angry flow amidst the greens and massive wall serving as its guide down to a gigantic pool it created. It was just simply beautiful.

A dip in the pool was another experience not to be missed as most of us gingerly walked barefoot on the rock-strewn shore towards it. Both feet in and suddenly stinging icy cold hit me. The water was terribly cold but it was a welcome reprieve from the hike. Screams were heard aseach of us got in to the water but as we slowly adjusted to the cold the water didn't seem that bad.

Lunch was ready and waiting as we got out of the pool brought over by one of the guides ... a very tasty wrap-around giant pita filled-bread ala shawarma-style minus the beef. As everybody had a fill of the scenery, the pool, the food and the company and many photo-ops later sadly it was time to get back. Memories tucked in we trudged on upward and left the magnificent falls behind us.

It was not home time yet for some of us as we were presented with another challenge ... getting up to the highest point of the terraces. As some members of the group were exhausted from hiking they opted to go back to the inn as for the rest of us, started the trek up to the highest point. It wasn't as hard getting up as cemented steps served as our guide up. Other members of the group who had already been to the highest point of Batad though told us that it was harder going up before because there were no cement steps and they were literally terrace-climbing, rock by rock with no safety harness. As each level brought us higher the view just kept getting better. The other group who opted to go back to the inn looked like tiny ants from our stance. Presented before us as we reached the highest point was a grand view of the water-filled terraces reflecting its surroundings, the busy village down below, the mountains surrounding the terraces and the big bright blue sky above us. It was totally breath-taking. We had the best seat in the house.

Tired but happy we had a perfect ending at Rita's pizza place munching away on piping hot delicious pizzas as we recapped the days' events. Smiling satisfied faces all around each armed with their personal stories and accomplishments.

Our last night in Batad was another merry-making night as we shared stories, laughter, food and music. The reverie lasted way past lights-out as our gracious host allowed us to bond some more but quietly after the 10 pm mark. It was a beautiful star-filled night sky and not to be outdone, the moon cast its light on the terraces outlining its structure giving it a glow.

Sunshine streamed thru our windows signifying a clear day. Only a few hours were left to enjoy the beauty of Batad as we would be leaving our haven for the past 2 days and go on back to the hustle and bustle of the city.
It was a truly wonderful trip as we enjoyed the beauty of nature as well as the camaraderie we created among friends. As we hiked on back, we began to lose sight of the grand terraces but never the less it will be forever imprinted in our memories and the thought that we can always come back. The trip gave us a natural high and made us ready to climb the terraces in our lives.