Afternoon at Fang-orao
The mid-day rest after the climb at Mt Kofafey got us enough energy back to push for a few more treks around the terraces in the afternoon. I was accompanied by Norbs and Ogs to Fang-orao to see the village and observe some of the harvesters. We chanced upon a couple lady farmers who also invited us to try harvesting. I was just impressed on how resourceful they were in thinking of attaching a small blade between a couple of fingers to easily pick-out the stalk with the rice grains.
We proceeded further up, past the school and chanced upon a guy with his dog who introduced himself as a Batangueño who is now living here. He was gonna check on his rice paddies on the other side to see if they are ready for harvest a week after. He also guided us to a higher vantage point to a much better view of Favuyen. The golden brown and lively green inter-verse to a beautiful random pattern in the fields.
Breakfast with a View
Kunig was not his usual self. Sulking silently on the floor, as if ignoring us. Could he sense we were leaving? I would have stayed longer if I could especially with the view of a low cloud over the the rice terraces joining us for breakfast as a farewell treat. How long will Maligcong Rice Terraces be as special as this? Quiet, little to no tourist crowds and serene atmosphere. I wouldn’t know but for sure I would be back again, probably on a different season.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
