There are still a thousand and one reasons to visit Mayoyao

By Anthony A. Araos

The inclusion of Mount Amuyao as a major destination in Mayoyao has given tourists a thousand and one reasons to visit Mayoyao. An entirely different and unique setting amid God-given natural wonders create a more exciting experience for local and foreign tourists this Christmas season vacation. Expect more learning experiences here with local folks on their attitude and perspective of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mayoyao is a scenic town steeped in history, culture, nature, religion and destiny.
For a considerable period of time, Mayoyao has been known as a seat of rich cultural heritage. Town folks come together to proudly celebrate their culture and heritage. So it is equally important to point out that Mount Amuyao has a very special place in the town’s history and culture. Needless to say, Mount Amuyao is also the heart and soul of Mayoyao folks. To my mind, it is a must-see site for visitors.
Through my experiences working with those in the tourism industry in Metro Manila, I consistently come across the thoughts of certain significant developments affecting the country’s ever-rising stakes in this industry. For one, foreign tourists are spending more money and staying longer in the Philippines. This is good for the country. You can’t get better news than that.
For tourists who are considering a trip to Mayoyao, it simply means staying in the town for at last three days just to explore Mayoyao’s panoramic 27 villages. On the other hand, tourists are spending for their daily needs such as lodging, food and other provisions alone, subsequently resulting to higher revenues for the town. Establishments related to the tourism industry surely benefit. It opens the opportunities for creation of entrepreneurial activities to adopt and prevail in a competitive environment. Aside from showing the town’s attractiveness as a major destination in Ifugao, the tourism industry also contribute directly to job generation.
It is for this obvious reason that Mayoyao Hostel and other establishments should consider having Christmas staycation promotional packages. Such promos shall easily attract more travelers to Mayoyao. Mayoyao Hostel should give discount and complimentary items to guests. For short, it is time to dish out a rare Yuletide staycation promo- one that is simply hard to resist or ignore.
If you want to stay away from countless filthy places in the Philippines, then the place for you to explore is Mount Amuyao. So after enjoying the sight and cool water in waterfalls in Mayoyao it’s time for you to visit Mount Amuyao.
Imagine yourself as one of the mountain climbers on misty Mount Amuyao. Without a doubt, Mount Amuyao is also best for sightseeing, trekking and camping. Learned lessons on yesterday and today, nature, wisdom of life and even craziest things you never got to do in the name of love and happiness. Like loving deeply and loving truly. Who knows, you’ll find a way out here.
Enjoy sports events or activities, camping, hiking or meeting new friends in Mayoyao. While in Mayoyao take time to sample and appreciate homemade food items or delicacies too. Don’t you know that this is the best part of a vacation trip? Carefully consider your budget and time allotment while visiting the various attractions of Mayoyao. Imagine staying a bit longer in Mayoyao because of the extra cash at hand, and perhaps having a side trip to Aguinaldo or Alfonso Lista towns.
Mayoyao welcomes you to its rich culture. Visit Mayoyao this Christmas season, enrich your life and realize your dreams.
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Yoga started in India some 5,000 years back. There are many wonderful things about it. Yoga means union. It has been said that yoga is one of the six main schools of Hindu philosophy. While various postures, the yoga student learns to practice deep breathing. Deep breathing, properly done from the diaphragm, can encourage relaxation. If it is correctly done, both the stomach and chest expand during inhalation and recede during exhalation.
Along this line, and with the thought on the vitality of daily exercises in one’s life, may I also encourage readers to go into tai chi exercises, as popularized by Chinese folks.
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I recently met Juliet Binwag, head teacher of Balawis Elementry School in Banaue, Ifugao. I really treasured the moments, albeit short, of having a meaningful conversation with an educator who has the commitment to instill a genuine desire to be of service among public school teachers in this part of the country.
Balawis Elementary School is a typical government-operated learning institution in rural Philippines. It is blessed to have a head teacher like Mrs. Binwag who is dedicated, hardworking, caring and compassionate.
Much of her co-teachers’ vibrant confidence derives from the unique academe spirit that Mrs. Binwag has infused in the faculty circle—founded on camaraderie and teamwork.
Passion for education are the catchwords of the new breed of well-meaning educators in Ifugao. While there are many who are seeking a place in this club, making it into the list remains a hard task. It remains to be a preserve of a few. She easily made the grade. Undeniably, Mrs. Binwag is incredible—passionate and well-prepared for the job. Balawis Elementary School pupils are very blessed to know the wonders and sacrifices she is doing for them. To Mrs. Binwag: God bless and Mabuhay!
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It is hoped and prayed that the incoming members of the provincial board by 2019 are to genuinely pursue a pro-education, pro-teacher and pro-poor agenda. There is no denying that the quality of education at all levels in Ifugao’s 11 towns is deteriorating.
In Asipulo, Banaue, Hingyon, Hungduan, Kiangan, Mayoyao and Tinoc, I easily observed a common problem among school children. This is a longstanding problem most probably being faced by many others in Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Lagawe and Lamut. In marginalized communities with high indigenous people’s (IPs) populations, the distance from school and indifference to girls’ education are clearly unfavorable to females. Mind you, distances at most are indeed unthinkable.
If there is one Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) committee that has served as the literal and metaphorical sanctuary or laboratory for all stakeholders of learning in the province, it is the Committee on Education and Public Information. This is where every concern of the education sector is thrown for so-called “appropriate action.” Will the next chairman of the aforementioned committee build on the initiatives or actions of principals, head teachers, students and PTA (Parents Teachers Association) officers to address numerous problems of the education sector? Are the next chairman, vice chairman and members are to act as genuine stakeholders, partners or agents of change? Are they committed to investing in training staff members to boost their capacity for integrating education issues? To the last query, chances are they’ll say Yes! For heaven’s sake, please stop the practice of changing your office personnel every three months!
Over the last decade, we have heard more than ever the Department of Education’s slogan of “Education for All!” Yet, the dropout rates in public schools are alarmingly high. I had a conversation with the principal of Cudog Elementary School (in Lagawe) and I sadly learned the extent of the problem out here. I went to another public school in Lamut town and was equally shocked to find out a similar problem.
Classrooms and other facilities are dilapidated and antiquated. Where are all those pledges and pronouncements of highly-placed Ifugao government officials to take good care of the same? Had they invested in repairing or constructing new classrooms, libraries or canteens it would have been a wiser move instead of utilizing vital and largely scarce funds for floats during the Gotad festivity.
A determined effort to improve the quality of education in Ifugao then is the only way out of all these woes.
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After winning a gold medal in the last Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet in Bangued, Abra, some of the toughest challenges are the ones you can’t believe are happening.
I don’t seem to understand why a good number of gold, silver and bronze medalists who represented Ifugao in this prestigious meet are still unable to receive their so-called cash incentives as provided for in the Sports Incentives Code (authored primarily by then Board Member Samson Atluna) of the province. Youthful athletes’ interest to engage in sports and represent Ifugao in prestige-laden competitions such as the CARAA and Palarong Pambansa (National Games) are waning each second. Now they complained about long and rigorous training and huge expenses incurred therein and pretty soon it’ll be no big deal for them to represent Ifugao since all they got were praises and commendations from the powers-that-be. The aforementioned law says a gold medalist is entitled to Php 3,000 cash award. Unfortunately, four months after the Abra edition of the CARAA there’s still no cash award to the champion-athlete. This isn’t what I thought it would be. Board Member Clemente Bongtiwon, who is also a distinguished educator, said the officialdom could do more than giving them left and right commendations. The Ifugao government, he said, should give them cash awards immediately. Well said! Rather than train hard, play well and bring home honors to Ifugao, it is pushing young and promising athletes away from sports as they see no justification for further taking part in these all-important competitions. Some say “help is coming soon and so just wait.” Wait for ten, 30 or 50 years? The young athletes will be the ones to worry about waiting till eternity. And they’ll all just do fine. Hahaha! The explanation is surely not appropriate and unthinkable, to say the least. But, Filipinos are fond of “palusot” (excuses). It may not sit well with their parents, teachers and principals. Enough of alibis and excuses! That means saying goodbye to the practice of downplaying and underestimating our youth.
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A tip for success: Seize the opportunity to gain momentum. In any undertaking, this is so important in order to attain one’s goal. For instance, in school after getting a high mark in an assignment and you were asked to submit a research paper. By all means, don’t just submit one for the sake of giving one. Submit a well-researched paper. Keep up the excellent work! A grade of 1 is far better than 1.5 or 1.75. At the University of the Philippines, the nation’s premier learning institution, students are inculcated the value of excellence. Chinese students are taught that they are second to none.
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For our food delights corner: It is time to satisfy your big appetite at lunch time with grilled tuna belly, pork barbecue (asado), mushroom and potato omelet, seafood soup and fried rice (Yang Chow style). The main fish course is excellent with a delicious garlic sauce. Quite a nutritious and heavy lunch indeed at the table for your loved ones and so have fun and enjoy it each second. Don’t forget to pray for the blessings. For God is splendid! I beg to disagree, God is not stupid! Think about it, the Almighty Creator gave you the opportunity to have a hearty and uplifting dining experience right at the comforts of your home. Be grateful at all times!
For appetizers and dessert: strawberry cake, avocado and chilled orange juice
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Finally, here some food for thoughts for our readers: “The Constitution promises liberty to all within its reach, a liberty that includes certain specific rights that allow persons, within a lawful realm, to define and express their identity.” The late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia
“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh, she shall be called woman for she was taken from man.” Gen. 2:23**