BETEL NUT: While visiting Mountain Province — to see the hanging coffins of Sagada — I was baffled by signs reading “no spitting of momma”. My first thought was to wonder who on earth would spit at their momma? And particularly in such a public place. It was only later that I discovered that in… Full Story »
hanging coffins
Visiting the legendary Hanging Coffins of Sagada’s Igorrot people
Being fond of the strange and unusual, I headed to Sagada in Mountain Province in search of the legendary hanging coffins of the Igorrot tribe. These are an indigenous people who were once headhunters so fierce that the Spanish and even the Japanese refused to mess with them. Eventually, however, Uncle Sam dropped in and… Full Story »
A history of building: The Seven Man-made Wonders of the Philippines
Without question, the Philippines is best known for its natural wonders, ranging from towering volcanoes to pristine coral reefs. While the country can’t boast anything truly monumental like the Pyramids of Giza or Mount Rushmore, it does have its fair share of remarkable constructions. Here is our pick of the seven man-made wonders of the Philippines: Banaue… Full Story »
Wonders of the Philippines: The hanging coffins of Sagada
Since time immemorial, the people of Sagada have followed a unique and bizarre burial ritual. Instead of burying their relatives in the ground, they squash their bodies into tiny coffins and hang them off a cliff. Traditionally, the elderly carve their own coffins out of hollow logs. Of course, if they’re too weak or ill, a… Full Story »
Sagada reopens Balangagan burial cave with new access road
Read more: The hanging coffins of Sagada The town of Sagada has reopened the Cave of Balangagan. Located just a few kilometers from one of the most famous attractions in Sagada – Sumaguing Cave – the cavern is the deepest in the Philippines. A new road is also being built to make the tourist attraction more accessible. Provincial representatvie Maximo Dalog… Full Story »
