Hello Steemit!
I am back 
This is my first time to share my travel experience.
At this stage of my life I always see to it that I make good use of my days experiencing the fullness of life.
Recently, I had the privilege to join the Indigen team together with our Sir Chief Larrimar Tia and some volunteer leaders (thanks to Rey Obejas for responding to my request to join the group). My companions were all members of the Indigen Foundation (www.indigen.foundation) whom I met personally for the first time.
We visited the Ifugao province in the northern part of the Philippines to connect with the Indigenous group of people in the area.
The area we visited was the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces . It is popularly known as the Stairway to the Sky. This was also declared as a National Treasure by the Philippine government. During my days in the elementary, we were taught that the Banaue Rice Terraces was considered one of the wonders of the world.
It was indeed a once in a lifetime experience to visit this world wonder Banaue Rice Terraces.
Upon arrival at Banaue, we ate breakfast at a Las Vegas Lodge & Restaurant courtesy of our dear Sir Chief. After filling our tummies and regaining energy, we started our tour and enjoyed the scenic spot. Actually the trip was not only for pleasure but the group was connecting with the right people for the Indigen Outreach program for the Indigenous people. I will share the outreach program on my next blog.
Here are some photos.
Photo credits: Rey Obejas
Banaue view point
I wanted to take more photos of the terraces when Sir Chief told me to wait until we get to the place where we were staying for the night.
We stayed at Hiwang Village native houses in Banaue. We got to experience how the Igorots lived! Indeed this place is magnificent!
It was a struggle for a senior citizen like me to go up to our hut which was located at the topmost portion of the property. But when I reached the top, I thought that I hit the jackpot upon seeing this awesome breathtaking view of the Banaue Rice Terraces! I could not believe what my eyes saw in an almost 360 degree view! It's one of nature's great wonders! Before, I can only admire this in pictures but now, I am here feeling the cold breeze, breathing the fresh air and enriching my sight with the real thing!
View from the east side of our huts
Hiwang native houses
Panoramic view from our hut at Hiwang Village.
At night our group gathered for some bonding moments sharing our stories and gaining insights from our beloved Sir Chief. When we put off the lights we noticed that we were engulfed with fog, no wonder it became colder!
What amazed me most...there were some fireflies beaming their twinkling lights flying over the bush and some leaves! Heavenly! It has been decades since I last saw some fireflies.
I woke up early to see a glimpse of the sunrise but unfortunately we were facing west so when I checked on the east side, the sun was hidden behind the mountains.
This is the best photo I can share of my sunrise view.
Still enjoying morning breeze and fog, I again took more photos to document my experience here in Banaue.
The early risers: Nerissa, Cathy, Rey and me
One of the highlights of this trip was the "awarding" of our Indigen coin and 1g gold nugget for Gold account holders plus a mug bonus. Thank you Sir Chief for this opportunity.
Getting my share with Indigen Foundation Sir Chief Larrimar Tia
I hope I have shared my short adventure here. More stories coming up on my next blog.
Photos shared on this content where taken using Vivo 1714 except when indicated with proper accreditation.
