Nestled in the mountains in the northern part of the Philippines' biggest island - Luzon, the rice terraces of Banaue and Sagada lie majestically as one of the most picturesque sites of the world. Once you set sights on these man-made wonders, you can't help but wonder how the native Ifugaos made those ladder-like farm carved on the mountainsides or how diligent these natives are.I had the opportunity, on the prodding of some close friends, to visit these awesome places up North in the Philippines. It was worth the trip as my other trips in some other parts of the world. It also made me realized how naturally beautiful the Philippines is.
From the world-renowned Banaue Rice Terraces (considered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO), to those long winding (almost scary) roads which will literally take your breath away, to the smiles of the colorful Ifugaos, to the beautiful waterfalls, the adventurous cave, the hanging coffins, and the slowness of life in that region made my vacation so memorable.
Just like how I recommend to my friends that one should at least once see the Pyramids in Eqypt, one should also make that trip to Banaue & Sagada --- where (as I told my niece, Syrille on our way home) native folks their created their stairways to heaven (rice terraces) and Mother Nature carved some waterways from heaven (waterfalls)... It is indeed a heavenly place...
