Around 8am, we stopped for breakfast at Rancho, a restaurant with a really good view and good coffee. I was grateful for the warm food on that foggy morning.
The road trip itself is already a treat. Each curve of the road reveals a picturesque scene with the addition of the clouds rolling gently on the mountainsides. We were lucky it did not rain that day although it drizzled early on.
We reached Poblacion, Kabayan by taking the road that diverts from the road to Mt. Pulag. It was around 11am by that time and we had our first stop at Kabayan Weaving. We had a family friend who requested lemon oil which was only sold in Kabayan Weaving shop. At first, we weren't sure if it was the correct place as it looked like a house instead of a shop. Entering the second floor affirmed us that we were at the right place.
Quite similar to Sagada weaving, their products were mainly bags, cellphone bags and coin purses. Being in the mother store, we knew prices was lower than if sold elsewhere so we immediately bought items. As for the lemon oil, they had ran out of stock. Luckily, Mrs. Pili was bound to Baguio that day and we can get lemon oil from her when we reach home since she still had stock there. We got curious how they were able to make the lemon oil (as it was a weaving shop) and the owner was more than willing to show us their machine.
Mrs. Pili, explained the process from the proper time of gathering the lemon grasses and then the cooking time. It usually takes them around 3 hours to finish 400 kg of grass which could make approximately 2 liters of oil. Aside from that, the water which comes out of the distilling apparatus can be used for bathing. The old women of the community get the water for free which they found effective to cure cough and fever when added to their bath. It really seems to be effective although no laboratory studies was made.
Our next stop was at the Municipal Hall where my mom was to ask permission from the mayor to conduct her study there. The people we spoke with were super friendly. They smiled a lot and they helped us in what my mom needed. We just missed the mayor by minutes as he was bound to Baguio for a meeting in Makati. Anyhow, my mom was still able to conduct her interviews and got her papers' signed. I was awed by the process they had at the municipal office. They had banners outside explaining the to-dos about the processing of permits, documents, etc and the person in-charge. Also, they had a list of people and their contact numbers posted outside their offices. I saw an award for the mayor of simplifying the business permit process which shows a really good governance. They really wanted to make their transactions convenient for the people.
And the best thing was, the coffee at the waiting area was free. It wasn't 3-in-1 coffee, it was pure, aromatic, bitterless Benguet coffee. One of the best I tasted so far.
And the best thing was, the coffee at the waiting area was free. It wasn't 3-in-1 coffee, it was pure, aromatic, bitterless Benguet coffee. One of the best I tasted so far.
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| mayor's office with friendly staff |
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| free coffee at the municipal hall |
Next and final stop of our one-day trip was the National Museum which showcases the Ibaloi culture and the mummification. And yes, they have an actual mummy in the museum.
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| an actual mummy |
On the road back to Baguio, I was pondering on the place and how charming it was. The Poblacion was surrounded with mountains with a waterfall in one side. It was visible at the school near the Muncipal Hall. Just imagine having a waterfall seemingly at your own backyard. The place was peaceful, so far from the noisy, polluted city.
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| falls in view from the school's grounds |
It was also endearing to me as I get to know more of my roots as a half Ibaloi. Ibalois are usually shy people but not in Kabayan. Hopefully, I'll be able to come back when my mom goes mummy visiting.
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| steep road towards kabayan |
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