Philippines' Cordillera Hikes: Rice Terraces and Ridge Paths invites readers to step into the heart of the northern Philippine highlands, where mountains, rivers, and centuries-old rice terraces form a landscape both breathtaking and alive. Written in first-person narrative, this book follows the author's journey across Banaue, Batad, Mayoyao, Hapao, Sagada, Tinglayan, and the peaks of Mount Amuyao and Pulag, revealing not only the natural beauty of the Cordillera region but the rich cultural heritage of its indigenous communities.
Through challenging ridge trails, mist-filled valleys, and hidden waterfalls, readers encounter local farmers, elders, and guides who share their wisdom, traditions, and daily life intertwined with the land. The terraces, some more than 2,000 years old, are depicted not as static monuments but as living landscapes shaped by human effort, spirit, and the enduring rhythms of nature.
This book combines adventure, ecology, history, and cultural insight, offering practical guidance for hikers and travelers while celebrating the stories, rituals, and philosophies of the Cordillera people. It's a tribute to the enduring beauty of the Philippines' mountain heritage, and a guide to walking respectfully, observing keenly, and finding transformation along the trails.
