Cagayan – Traveling Journo Ph

IN PHOTOS: The Indigenous People of Palaui Island, Cagayan

Published on October 7, 2018May 12, 2020 by Euden ValdezLeave a comment

Text and Photos By Euden Valdez

IN our archipelago of 7,641 islands, there live indigenous peoples (IP) of distinct ethnicity and languages. In fact, there are about 80 ethno-linguistic groups, each with their own distinct culture, traditions and heritage.

To bring understanding, appreciation and respect toward IPs, October has been proclaimed as the National Indigenous Peoples Month in the Philippines. Every year during the IP Month, their unique identities and their ways of life are celebrated all over the country. Dayaw Festival, lead by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, is one such celebration, which the province of Capiz is hosting this year.

Traveling Journo Ph is one in honoring and recognizing our fellow IPs this month.

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VIRTUAL TOUR: A Closer Look at Cape Engaño in Palaui Island

Published on June 30, 2018May 12, 2020 by Euden ValdezLeave a comment

Text and Photos By Euden Valdez

FOR over a century, Cape Engaño has been a reminder of a lost time atop its hill of solace in Palaui Island. Built from 1888 to 1892, the lighthouse and its architecture is a testament to the Spanish colonization in the Philippines.

Now in ruins, Cape Engaño has surpassed its original purpose by becoming an iconic tourist destination in Cagayan province, Luzon. It invites visitors and travelers from around the Philippines to take that arduous trip to Palaui Island in Sta. Ana municipality.

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Palaui Island’s Best Accommodation is at Home with the Agta

Published on May 8, 2018May 13, 2020 by Euden ValdezLeave a comment

Text and Photos by Euden Valdez

TECHNOLY has transformed the ways people travel nowadays. Take for example the rise of online booking apps, which has made private properties accessible as accommodation instead of the more expensive hotels and resorts.

But even before the rise of AirBnb and the likes, home-staying has been preferred by nomads, backpackers and budget travelers. They arrive at a destination without accommodation and hope and pray there is a host willing to accept them under their roofs. Why do this? Not just because it is cheaper but also because it allows them to know their destination better through its people and their ways of life.

While this concept is taking the backseat, it remains to be practiced by RAK Ph Mountaineers, an outdoor-advocacy movement in support sustainable and ethical tourism. In March, RAK (meaning Random Act of Kindness) went to Palaui Island in Cagayan province not only as ordinary tourists but also as guests of the Agta tribe of Punta Verde. We were billeted at the household of Erick Agcaoili and his family, a warm and welcoming bunch.

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