Ifugao

Despite several attempts by the Spanish to conquer and convert the Ifugaos, they were defeated every time by native Ifugao warriors. The province generally remained outside Spanish colonial rule until 1830 when the Spanish established a presence and created a military district in 1841 which was abandoned then later re-established. What area the Spaniards did control of Ifugao, then known as Kiangan, was administered as part of Nueva Vizcaya. Under American rule, Ifugao became a sub-province of the old Mountain Province in 1908. In WWII, the Japanese established a base in Kiangan. When the American forces landed on Luzon, General Yamashita and his forces retreated to Ifugao. After a fierce attack from American forces and Filipino guerrillas, Yamashita and his army of 16,000 men surrendered on September 3, 1945, in Kiangan. On June 18, 1966, the Ifugao province was created from the old Mountain Province.

Banaue

The word Banaue comes from Banawor, a swift flying bird at night that lived in the oldest part of the town. The Spaniards mispronounced this as Banaue, which became the name of the town. Banaue is located in the northwest corner of Ifugao. It is most well known for the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Banaue Town Proper

Some of the buildings in and around the area of Banaue town proper. (June 2003)

The nature of the multi-storey buildings is a way of compensating for steep slopes. (June 2003)

A somewhat unsafe-looking bridge spanning a small ravine within the town proper. (June 2003)

A steep drop into a river running through the bottom of the ravine lies beneath the bridge. (June 2003)

Just outside the town proper is the Matanglag bronzesmith. Using only crude and almost primitive hand tools, the bronzesmith supplies numerous souvenir stores. (June 2003)

Bangaan

Heading towards Bangaan by road. Rice terraces are common scenery throughout Banaue. (June 2003)

More typical Banaue scenery and more rice terraces. (June 2003)

Still on the road with Bangaan now visible. (June 2003)

Bangaan is a village surrounded by rice terraces. (June 2003)

Heading towards Bangaan by foot as there is no other way to reach the village. (June 2003)

Trying out a standard Ifugao outfit while taking a break on the downhill trek to Bangaan. (June 2003)

At a souvenir store in Bangaan. Many Ifugao arts and crafts can be seen on display here. (June 2003)

It is inside these Ifugao huts where a family will cook during the day and sleep during the night. There is also space within for storage, such as for crops. (June 2003)

Ifugao huts made from more modern materials. In the event that the upper part should slip and fall, wooden notches on the legs prevent a fall to the ground. (June 2003)

In this space, an Ifugao hut may have once stood as stone marker behind the space is in memory of an entire deceased family. (June 2003)

Looking into an Ifugao hut. Although not visible, a fire was burning in the stove. The small wooden blocks in the background could be firewood. (June 2003)

Guihob Natural Swimming Pool

The Guihob natural swimming pool. Described as "a perfect place for those who prefer a cool and refreshing swim." (June 2003)

Banaue Viewpoint

Banaue Viewpoint provides a great view of the Banaue Rice Terraces which took 2,000 - 3,000 years to build. Built with only primitive tools. (June 2003)

The Banaue Rice Terraces are also known as the Stairway to the Sky and the Eighth Wonder of the World. (June 2003)

The Banaue Rice Terraces also appear on the reverse side of the PHP 1,000 bill. (June 2003)

An elderly Igorot dressed in her native clothing at the Banaue Viewpoint. (June 2003)

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