Longing Back To Benguet

By Author: Rich Quiambao
Total Articles: 15
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The cold and frosty mornings of New York, although certainly a charm in itself with its wafting smells of bialys and bagels, only really serves to remind me of home- the Benguet province. Even in the Philippines, my province holds a special place in my heart, and I long to go back to the smells of cold mornings, dews and long walks in the mountainous but friendly region.

Sometimes, when you are far away and for far too long from a familiar place, you get to appreciate all the simple things you have had before. In Benguet, strawberry picking is normal, a good ol' time for tourists. But for me who is been aching to go back, picking up the ripest fruits in its freshest state and eating them right in your own backyard sounds just about heaven.

In La Trinidad Valley, I miss the rows upon rows of strawberry patches with red berries ripe and dewy in the morning. Maybe I'll bring some cereal and milk! The best area to head onto with a basket are the inner farms, where the patches have not been over picked.

These chilly days there, and any day is good to go to a hot spring. I heard the Trese Resort in Itogon Valley ...
... is a perfect spot. My aunt recommends this place as a very relaxing and therapeutic resort in the mountains. I am sure other tourists will come to this place to balance out the chills in their body. It is the perfect ending to travel destinations.

I'm not much of a hiking person, but for a former local, traveling on trails and climbing parts of mountains is pretty normal. Still dozens and dozens of hikers, backpackers and mountaineers flock to Benguet. Mt. Pulag is mountaineering gem here, the second largest mountain in the Philippines with a unique terrain of mossy grasslands and green forests in the middle. It has the unique characteristic of changing colors in the seasons. When this was pointed out to me, it was only then that I recognized that it was true! Its like Ayer's Rock and the deep shades of the Grand Canyon.

Literally dozens of trails here, discovered or undiscovered, are available for tourists and sightseers. The Ambangeg trail and the Akiki trail for example, are two of the most famous and accessible ones.

Th sacred burial sites are also not to be missed. When I get back, I will properly pay my respects to our ancestors, who have inherited and cultivated the land from long ago. Tourists are also welcome, those who are in awe of ancient cultures and caves. Long ago, tribes used these caves to protect the remains of their loved ones and considered them the entrance to the afterlife. These caves are a great travel destination.

Since my Benguet is a basket of produce and fresh picks, I am quite excited to go back to the trading post. The trading post is the weekly, even daily gathering of farmers, sellers and produce bidders in the province. Lots of tourists also take a look at the place, especially the ones going back to Manila. It s quite a rush to have some fantastic finds and bargains with fruits and vegetables.

In Benguet life is simple and cozy. An exciting life isn't too far away, since Baguio City is smack in the middle. But for a nature trip to the fullest, there is nothing like home.

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