I had a chance to visit the most populous town in Mountain Province, Bauko. It was a great opportunity to be invited by Rolly Magpayo together with Cherry Madriaga, a photographer friends from Digital Photographer Philippines forum. I think the most exciting part here was I'm with a new set of travel companion. It was our first time to be with each other on this kind of trip and i enjoyed being with them because I was able to gain more insight into a place and share travel experiences with them, this is exactly what travel companion provides..and I'm happy with it. ^_^
Bauko was created as a regular municipality in 1911 and it is the 4th class municipality in the province of Mountain Province, Philippines and subdivided into 22 barangays, divided into the upper and lower areas. Getting there takes 12hours from Manila and 6hours if coming from Baguio. One of the famous resident is the late Marky Cielo, the first known Igorot-actor in Philippine showbiz. He is notable for his win in the reality talent competiton StarStruck (March 12, 2006).
Rolly and I left Manila at around 11:45pm going to Baguio via Deluxe bus of Victory Liner and arrives 4:30am. We waited and meet Cherry at the Terminal then we proceed to Slaughter's House to catch the 7am last trip of bus going to Bauko. Were lucky enough that we got the three last seats of the bus. It took us 6 hours from Baguio including two stop-over.
We stayed at the house of Rolly's friend, It is a two-story house, more modern than the tradional Igorot houses. When we arrived there were many people around the house and they were busy preparing for the next day wedding of Rolly's friend.
There were pigs and cows that has been butchered as there were tremendous numbers of people expected to be around during the celebration. The relatives and some friends share their helping hands to do all the cooking, serving and all that what was to be done.
It was a great experience for me since it was my first time to witness a traditional with slightly modern-like wedding of Igorot. The celebration last for about 2 days. It was not just for direct relatives and friends, almost the whole community was welcomed to join, and as a custom, they have to be hosted and food was distributed to people who came in because they need to be fed as well, at the same time, those people was generous enough to gave money or gifts to the couple.
Celebration includes the traditional wedding dance of couple by the used of Gong, food was served in different menu of pork and beef as a main dish, macaroni salad for dessert, and tons of rice wine.
How to Get there:
1 Take Victory Liner Bus bound to Baguio (6 hours travel time), departs every hour.
2. Take a bus at the Slaughters house in Baguio bound to Otucan Sur(6 hours travel time), departs 6am and 7am.
Thanks to Rolly for inviting us to this trip. Cheers! ^_^
