Virtual English Tour Guiding : KALINGA Province

Summary

Join Hazel from Cityscape Travel on a journey through the Kalinga province, where you'll learn about local legends like the tragic tale of Luptiang and Manguanga, and the Sleeping Milky Mountain. Discover the story of Macli-ing Dulag, a hero who opposed the Chico River project. Experience the breathtaking views of the Kalinga Rice Terraces, and meet the last living mambabato, a traditional tattoo artist. This tour offers a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.

Takeaways

• 🌄 The tour begins in the Kalinga province with a focus on safety and the new normal regulations, emphasizing the acronym 'SAFE' for safety guidelines.
• 🚌 The bus number for the tour is 30, and the group is led by Hazel from Cityscape Travel.
• 🏞️ The tour features breathtaking views of mountain ridges, including Mount Patukan, Mount Mating-oy, and the locally known 'Sleeping Milky Mountain'.
• 🏔️ The legend of Luptiang and Manguanga, a tragic love story, is associated with the Sleeping Milky Mountain, adding cultural depth to the tour.
• 🛤️ The tour passes by the McLean Dulac Marker, commemorating a Kalinga hero known for his opposition to the Chico Riverdale Project.
• ⏰ A one to two-hour break is scheduled at a homestay with a view of the Kalinga Rice Terraces, showcasing the ancestral ingenuity of the Kalinga people.
• ☕ The homestay offers unlimited Kalinga coffee, allowing tourists to relax and enjoy the local flavor.
• 🖊️ A highlight of the tour is meeting the last living mambabato, a traditional tattoo artist who has inked headhunters and indigenous people.
• 🎭 The experience of getting tattooed by the mambabato is described as an honor and a humbling one, even if the tattoos are simple due to the artist's age.
• 🏞️ The tour concludes with a reflection on the beauty and cultural significance of the Kalinga province, encouraging tourists to cherish the experience.

Q & A

What does the acronym 'SAFES' stand for in the context of the tour's safety precautions?

SAFES stands for Synchronize, Always, Frequently, Ensure, and Sanitize. It is a mnemonic to help tourists remember the safety rules during the tour.

What is the significance of the mountain ridges visible during the tour?

The mountain ridges, including Mount Patukan, Mount Mating Oy, and Mount Mating, are significant as they are part of the Kalinga's landscape and have a local legend associated with them.

What is the legend of Luptiang and Manguanga, and how is it connected to the mountain ridges?

Luptiang and Manguanga are characters in a Kalinga legend where Luptiang, a maiden, dies of grief after her husband Manguanga is killed. The legend connects to the mountain ridges as Mount Mating is said to resemble Luptiang in her death, hence the name 'sleeping milky mountain'.

Who is Macli-ing Dulag and why is he significant in Kalinga's history?

Macli-ing Dulag was a prominent environmental activist from Kalinga who opposed the Chico River Dam project. He was assassinated under the Marcos regime, and his monument was a tribute to his efforts until it was demolished in 2021.

What is the purpose of the homestay break during the tour?

The homestay break allows tourists to rest and enjoy the serene view of the Kalinga rice terraces, which were carved by the ancestors of the Kalinga people with minimal equipment.

What is special about the Kalinga rice terraces mentioned in the tour?

The Kalinga rice terraces are special because they were built with minimal equipment and largely by hand by the ancestors of the Kalinga people, showcasing their engineering skills and cultural heritage.

Why is visiting the last living mambabato a highlight of the tour?

Visiting the last living mambabato is a highlight because it offers a unique cultural experience where tourists can witness traditional tattooing practices and learn about the indigenous people's history.

What should tourists expect from getting a tattoo from the mambabato?

Tourists should expect simple tattoos from the mambabato due to the influx of tourists and the artist's advanced age. The experience is more about the honor and humbling experience of receiving a tattoo from a legendary artist.

What is the significance of the tattooing experience in the context of the tour?

The tattooing experience is significant as it connects tourists to the indigenous culture and traditions of the Kalinga people, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their heritage.

How does the tour guide, Hazel, ensure the tourists' safety and enjoyment during the tour?

Hazel ensures tourists' safety by providing a first aid kit, reminding them of safety precautions, and setting up schedules for activities like tattooing. She also aims to enhance their enjoyment by highlighting the cultural and natural attractions of Kalinga.