The waterfall where the story began
The Longest Way Home just posted a picture of a rice worker from the Ifugao Rice Terraces in the Philippines. This inspired me to post a couple of photos from my own experiences traveling to Batad to see the amazing rice terraces.
The view from our guesthouse
While hiking to a waterfall down in the village I met some Philippine travelers from Manila. They invited me to a party that night at a bonfire. I gladly accepted although I was not looking forward to the rice wine.
In several other areas in Southeast Asia, I had been offered rice whisky, which was the worst alcohol I have ever tasted. Usually they were given to me in remote areas where access to beer and other liquor was not so easily obtained. The concoction got the job done, but it was horrid.
I was staying in an unbelievable guesthouse with an incredible view of the village and the rice terraces right from our front deck. There were two Australian girls staying there who were actually studying the rice field cultivation techniques. They were also going to this party and they took me down to the hut of one of the elders of the village.
Romeo – Our host for rice wine
His name was Romeo, and he was also a master at brewing rice whiskey. I took a seat in his comfy home and took a drink of the brown liquid. The rotgut brand of whisky I tried in other areas was clear, so I was hoping this would taste a little more palpable. It was actually quite delicious as Romeo had mixed some sugar in with the wine.
While sipping the wine we talked about the rice cultivation in the rice terraces. This was such a unique opportunity to learn a little bit more about the area that could never be gathered from reading a guide book. Romeo looks a little crazed in the pictures, but he was quite eloquent and spoke perfect English.
The two girls from Australia with Romeo
One of the tidbits I learned is the biggest threat to the rice cultivation outside of the weather is from rats. The girls told me they had learned that a lot of the old techniques that might seem like superstition were actually quite effective in keeping rats out of the fields. Many newer younger farmers eschewed these practices as old fashioned and were having problems with the rats. Sometimes there are reasons why the old ways are best.
Stay tuned,
TT
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As you know I love waterfalls and this one is beautiful. I have always been fascinated by rice cultivation for some reason. I think it has something to do with the terracing or compartmentalizing involved. It is an ancient technology that has not changed for thousands of years and I find that very interesting. I however would not think they would have so much a rat problem there because they do eat them right?
Robb714 recently posted..One Person Can Change The World
This sounds like a unique travel experience– and Romeo is clearly a character! I had homemade rice wine (whiskey would be more appropriate) and it tasted like gasoline. An acquired taste, I think.
LeslieTravel recently posted..Photos: Occupy Wall Street protest signs feature Reagan, Marx and free hugs
Agree with the old hands on some things..not everything has to change ..it doesn’t necessarily improve outcomes…
Cheers
Charles Higgins recently posted..MGM Grand major renovation project underway in Vegas
I am from the Philippines and Batad is just a few hours away from my hometown (Pangasinan), but i’ve never been there! I am planning to go next year when the weather is fine. It’s been raining hard here lately.
When did you go to the Philippines?
Micamyx|Senyorita recently posted..Dawel River Cruise in Dagupan City with Bloggers & Students
Wow, that is an AWESOME view! I think rice terraces are so beautiful.
Technosyncratic Travel recently posted..Monthly Travel Budget: Sept. 2011 (England, Malta, Germany)
rice terraces in batad, banaue and sagada are gorgeous!!!… ive tried rice wine before and i didnt life it though
too strong for me… seems like you had a blast in the Mountain Province 
I, too love waterfalls! Great photos here. Romeo looks like Geraldo Rivera-lol.
santafetraveler recently posted..Tidbits: Santa Fe Number 3 US travel destination, Harvest Festival and more
Great view from your inn. I also went there in the waterfalls before but I wasn’t able to swim coz the water then was very cold and I’m nursing a bit of a cold.
Marky recently posted..Kota Kinabalu Foodtrip
Looks like Romeo has had his share of rice wine! However, I love the terraces. I was always curious as to why they were designed like that so that’s good to know.
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Where in the world am I?
oh, how ironic! the rice terraces here in my own country are one of the few places i haven’t been to…
Gladys | ByahengBarok.com recently posted..Mug Log Series: Taiwan
This is so cool Ted! I have also never been to Batad. Hopefully, Romeo is still there when I go and visit. Looks like an interesting character.
Grace recently posted..Seven Ways to Travel Cheaply in Hanoi, Vietnam
Ted, i saw him last week! I told him that I saw his picture from Traveling Ted LOL.
will blog about it one of these days 
Micamyx|Senyorita recently posted..A Crazy, Sexy and Fun Travel Week with Alex!
i love the waterfalls and the view of the terraces from the guesthouse is really impressive.. be going there for sure..
rdsean recently posted..Hiking at Taman Negara