In Nagacadan, Kiangan, Ifugao, the rice terraces were not green when we came. They were resting, and that turned out to be one of the most important things to see.

The article explores the seasonal cycle of the Ifugao rice terraces in Nagacadan, Kiangan, Ifugao, highlighting that the terraces are not merely picturesque landscapes but active farms that change with the seasons. When the author visited in October, the terraces were not the vibrant green typically seen in tourism materials but were resting after harvest, with some paddies brown and others being prepared for the next planting cycle. The terraces, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, require continuous maintenance by local farmers, including irrigation, terrace wall repairs, and passing down traditional knowledge. The article features Johntrey 'Dandan' Dinamling, a young local guide who grew up in the area and is learning to share his community's agricultural practices with visitors. Dandan, who paused his studies to help with farming, emphasizes that tourism should focus on connecting with people and understanding their culture, not just taking photos. The piece also describes the traditional Ifugao hospitality, including the welcoming song 'Itetem ta humgopak' (Put down the ladder so I can enter) and the importance of local food like bakkle, a rice cake wrapped in banana leaves. The mayor of Kiangan, Raldis Andrei Bulayungan, stresses that tourism should foster meaningful connections and cultural appreciation rather than mere sightseeing. The article concludes that the terraces' beauty lies not in their constant green state but in their living, working nature, reflecting the rhythm of farming and community life. The terraces will return to green as the planting season approaches, but for now, they are in a resting phase, much like the people who depend on them.

In Ifugao culture, especially in Kiangan, kolot is a rite of passage reserved for boys, typically around the age of seven, marking the symbolic shift from childhood to boyhood

A SOCIAL enterprise promoting indigenous weaving techniques in modern clothing is seeking help — they hope to raise between P5 million to P10 million, and it all hinges on one night: a benefit fashion show called Weave It to Life on July 27 at The Manila Hotel. Kandama, a social enterprise once located in Kiangan, […]

A SOCIAL enterprise promoting indigenous weaving techniques in modern clothing is seeking help — they hope to raise between P5 million to P10 million, and it all hinges on one night: a benefit fashion show called Weave It to Life on July 27 at The Manila Hotel. Kandama, a social enterprise once located in Kiangan, […]