Majestic Mountains of the Mountain Provinces

The Mountain Provinces, composed of Benguet, Bontoc, Ifugao, Kalinga and Apayao, are called such because of their majestic, mountain ranges that are not present in the plains of the lowlands. Some portions of Kalinga and Apayao are flatlands and some portions are composed of verdant mountains.

The highest peak is found in Benguet Province, and there were reports of hail rains during wet seasons. Understandably, it is the coldest part of the country. 

The flora and fauna are also incredible in these mountains. If a botanist would visit them, he would presumably find exotic plants.

The Kalinga Mountains are known to grow a variety of edible wild fruits. Wild berries, guavas, and bananas abound that one cannot go hungry. Waterfalls, fresh spring waters are also common occurrences.

Here are some pictures of the mountain ranges of the Mountain Provinces. 

All pictures are courtesy of Arvie Gaye Trinidad

Ethnic Costumes in Northern Philippines

Ethnic costumes are usually colorful and durable because they are usually hand woven. Although, there are several ethnic tribes in the Mountain Provinces, the ethnic costumes are still similar in their vivid colors and vibrancy.

The Igorot costumes, Bontoc costumes, Benguet costumes, and Kalinga costumes are made up of an array of bright red, green, and yellow colors. These colors are often designed in wavy patterns or attractive designs that bring out the best of the villages and tribes.

Here are some ethnic costumes found in Northern Philippines. Men in G-strings, and women in ‘ginamat’; the ordinary ‘dresses for the folk.

The DILG Provincial Director with his local counterpart in Tadian

Male Ethnic Costume-G string

Panagbenga, Baguio City

Pictures of DILG’s Provincial Director in Ayyoweng, Tadian

TADIAN, Mt. Province - These are pictures of DILG’s Provincial Director in Ayyoweng, Tadian. PD was mingling with the local folk. Congratulations, PD and team, for a job well done.

Pictures Panagbenga 2013 Festival, Baguio City - SLU Band and My Niece, Pheith Iena

All pictures featured here are courtesy of Maria Rosalina Persson and company during the recent Panagbenga Flower Festival.  

Ms. Persson is a Filipina from Kalinga, residing presently in Bangkok, Thailand with her family.

The Lead Banner

The Police Escorts

The Military

The Flute and Lyre Band of Lukban Elementary School

My Niece, Pheith Iena, an SLU majorette

Pheith Iena with the SLU Band

The SLU (My Alma Mater) Band- Go Louisians!

The SLU Band performing

The SLU Band

YOU MAY WANT TO WATCH THE YOUTUBE b>VIDEO OF THE KALINGA CONTINGENT HERE.

Pictures of Panagbenga Festival in Baguio, Philippines

All these pictures are courtesy of Paul Masillem, a civil engineer from Baguio City.

Image credit: Paul Masillem

Image credit: Paul Masillem

All Images courtesy of Paul Masillem

 

Taloctoc, Through the Eye of an Artist

I just described Taloctoc to this talented artist and he was able to capture the essence of the small village in the heart of the Kalinga mountains.

This was done by Eugene Andrade - a.k.a. suexox05 - an upcoming young artist; he's just 19, and a 3rd year Medical Technology college student. This was in 2010. Now, he is in 3rd year, pursuing medicine.

I know he'll go a long way in his passion. To view more of his work, visit his page at DeviantART