Retracing My First Steps In The Philippines - Hapao, Ifugao (Cordilleras E10)

I WENT BACK TO WHERE I STARTED.
These were my "first steps" in the Philippines - my first hike, the first time (outside of Manila) I really explored the land that would become my home!
From Mayoyao, I travel across Ifugao to Hapao, in Hungduan. After crashing a wedding, I took an early morning walk across the rice terraces - sentimental!
Then a trip on a road I've never taken before to Buguias! A good few days!
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[@painter662]

I need to say thank you. You were my wife’s favorite blogger. You brought a sincere sense of humanity and kindness to your stories. She needed those. Her job was killing her, Literally. She loved your heart and your empathy. I need to say thank you for making her smile til the very end. Please keep up the effort. What you are doing does touch people very deeply. I am one of those people as well. Thank you for both of us.

[@KumanderDaot]

Oh man... this made me well up a bit. My biggest condolences to you, sir.

[@imeldaras6581]

With deepest sympathies

[@TheRocketrob3]

Sorry for your loss 😢I lost my young Filipina asawa in a tragic homicide two years ago

[@aminahforever4277]

Your Cordillera vlogs are stirring up mixed emotions. As a Baguio born Benguet woman, I feel sad that I did not spend quality time during my youth around those places. With the passing of time, the roads has become accessible, going around in a motorbike is ideal for the likes of your adventure and yes, I used to love eating Benguet Veggies but lately, I was told some farmers use too much pesticides. I stick to organic sayotes and it’s leaves whenever I visit home. The rice terraces are always awesome. Abatan is a meeting point where business do thrive, as people from nearby towns pass by that place to trade their harvest or buy food etc…most of the hotels are facing vegetation around Buguias, marketed as a scenic view😊You may be interested to document Benguet people burying their deceased family members within their own land. As you pass by Atok, flowers may be in bloom at the Northern blossoms Farm. Thank you KD, your videos are my entertainment after coming home from work.

[@cookiemurph8532]

Mighty Cordilleran civilization, really different from the rest of the Philippines.

[@melindadomingoburton7046]

Awesome

[@nemowei5553]

The mountains are the most beautiful places in the Philippines. Cold, fresh air and peaceful. Not like the hot and humid big cities and beaches.

[@reinnicolas8119]

Salute to you, KD 🫡 I admire your courage in exploring places such as the Mountain Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region. The passion in engaging yourself into the Filipino culture. I will not be surprised if one day I will see you in both houses of Congress receiving recognition just like your friend Kyle a.k.a. "Kulas." Keep it up! GOD bless on all your journeys.

[@arnoldeveretteguay5320]

Hungduan or called hapao is in ifugao. It is one of the municipality of ifugao

[@cayetanovillaroman57]

Becoming Filipino a.k.a. 'Kulas' and Kumander Daot have contrasting style of doing things, I would rather prefer Kumander D. on his very moving narration with historical information and background with his patented British accent just like the famous David Attenhauer a renowned documentary film maker. Kudos Mr. Anselm.

[@nenethmalang4655]

Good morning Kumander I just love all your vlogs and now this amazing Cordillera mountains.So lovable, watching them really makes me feel I'm there with no effort.My eyes filled with ❤on this place that is why I love this and so much thankful for bringing us there!More power Kumander Daot and take care and be safe always.Love you.More successful videos for you!!!!😊

[@ceciliarodriguez7184]

Please keep sharing with us your introspections as they also get us thinking. You are an inspiration KD.

[@esperanzagilpo2714]

Love the narrative and the views.May the mountains bring your spirit soaring to healthy life.keep safe.

[@edmendoza1501]

I watched some vlogs in Bali showing their version of rice terraces which is miniature compared to the real ones here in Ifugao,this vlog of KD shows the world where's the legit ones and carved into rice plantation and livelihood for the tribes and not for tourism purposes, thanks mate for leading us to the pathways and passages through the villages...the drone shots are epic.

[@aliasmarg8ta127]

1:39 That part of the country is so beautiful. So different from from the rest of the mainland. This is why it so hard to describe the Philippines in one sentence. 2:18 That is an awesome diskarte. How do they manage to build those tiered housing?

[@whatyourlifestyle998]

It is amazing if you track back over the same road or tracks and you always see something different ,because as you get older , you see things differently. I love going back to road I toured years ago and you see more.

[@chiskmosha3833]

Wonderful, wonderful content👍👍👍 Beautiful place, beautiful scenery😊😊

[@ExpatOnAdventure]

I appreciate your vlogs more and more. A beautiful journey both physical and mental. I have only begun my journey but have been many places here that I can only describe as spiritual and healing. More to come, headed north on Saturday from Mati. Your experience of this encourages me to see more and go farther. Inspired! Thank you!

[@KumanderDaot]

You're going to love the east coast road! All the best on your journey... The most important is just keep on going!

[@hildafelices845]

It's like a different country altogether. Thank you KD for sharing your travels with us, a truly awesome insight into places less travelled by many Filipinos, including myself. Lol!❤❤❤

[@clydeseaside345]

Another fantastic view of a fascinating area with history added to the mix-----Thank you Anselm, take care of yourself-----you know your limits

[@cesarvillegas9903]

Thank you for showing this to us. I hope someday you will make a comprehensive (documentary)video of this areas of the Philippines. Perfect drone shots!

[@mylahbarreto5265]

Glad you finally got to do this, can see how quickly anyone can fall in love with this country!

[@gg_Javier]

Another spectacular glimpse of the "road less traveled," Anselm/KD. You returning where you were 7 years ago reminds me of that famous Tagalog quote: "Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan hindi makakarating sa paroroonan." ... I'll leave it to you and others to offer the best translation. 😉

[@toshikomidorirussianblue]

Come on KumanderD, I miss montañosa home watching your beautiful mountainous footage with great music background as always 😢😹 Thanks lot for the showcase. We pray you and Kulas take your time and get good rest in between wherever you go. I hope one day you experience eating PATPATOK or WATWAT somewhere in Benguet. If you happen to crash someone's wedding, take the opportunity. Our Igorot cliche is "where there's smoke, there's food" because traditionally, all the villages are self-invited to join, whether it's a funeral or a wedding. But sometimes wedding these days, I guess, change over time with the invitation. Funny how you show the Catholic church and San Isidro private high school in Abatan Buguias. That's where most/some of us igorots kids alma mater were between Mankayan/Buguias municipalities...😅 "Abatan" is a Kankanaey of "meeting place" for general trading and public day markets to all mountain remote villagers. Ingat ho always for ya fam 😻

[@KumanderDaot]

Oh I always wondered what Abatan meant! Now I know! Thank you!

[@toshikomidorirussianblue]

@@KumanderDaot you're welcome! 😹

[@PeteEvangelista]

Kumander I admire you for making beautiful videos of our country and with honest and appreciative commentary....bravo.

[@joevergara1433]

Wonderful video with such awesome cinematography!!!!!

[@elenaquemada-fq2ho]

No mountain too high…no river too rough.. no ocean too deep.. no road too bumpy and rugged… when “Kumander Daot” do it..he endureth forever!.. and he is doing it here in the Philippines🇵🇭 more documentaries and travels to share..🎉

[@manuelaffonso2191]

Sounds like a ' Supremes' song. 🤣😅

[@outlawd1]

Such an amazing video I love the rice terraces absolutely incredible!

[@otrebtuazon177]

Nice drone shots of the cordilleras . WELL DONE KUMANDER DAOT!

[@guiamirasol8942]

What I love the most about you and your vlogs Kumander D is your heart. You truly speaks and makes your vlogs from your heart. Thank you. It makes me love the amazing variations in our country. It makes me love the Philippines over and over again. ❤❤❤

[@bebotvice4887]

I've seen these so many times from other vloggers but yours was amazing, Drone !!!that was it! Its magic shot😱Fantastic kumander daot

[@uncleJan1]

I love to watch your videos but especially these in and around the Mountain province. Maybe because I travelled there myself last year but your comments are part of that also. I can't wait to go there again in a May, this time together with my wife and vusit some of the places you've been. Thanks!!!

[@vieltotoro3602]

That for sure I can relate to you Kumander Daot! I’ve been to that place and yeah one of my favorite places in the Philippines ❤

[@pauljayoma8403]

what an spectacular view and all the history and culture behind the eight wonder of the world.excellent vlog.

[@diDaN75]

I've visited Baguio but haven't been to the Mountain Provinces. Hagdan Palayan looks amazing and incredibly beautiful to watch. It radiates positive energy when you see it from a bird's-eye view. Great adventure!

[@mrclever384]

I love your being sentimental. I can fully relate with you KD. ❤❤❤

[@mrclever384]

I hope to meet you one day KD

[@juanitocacao8837]

That place is really Beautiful Mate... Love it.. plantation is awesome...Cheers K.D

[@RDLACHICA]

The Cordillera region is really a different thrill. Will never forget my brief stay there. Thanks for reminding me why.

[@FeliTongson]

Another very impressive vlog KD, love the stoned wall and green rice terraces and stunning landscape and hillside!!! I couldn’t help laughing when you said, I am losing my rice, not my marbles!!’ Ha ha ha!!’ Well done, Anselm, I believe you can work for Dept of Tourism in my native Philippines!!!’you are awesome with a great sense of humor and everything else ❤❤❤❤🥲💕💕💕💕

[@bemcorrales5358]

You're so right, mountains and nature are good for the soul ❤❤🙌🍀🙏⛰️🌿🦎🐦🌺🥀

[@luzcastaneda7966]

Hello, thank you for your adventures in the Mountain Provinces. I was born and raise in the city of Baguio. Yet I haven’t seen those places that you seen in mountain provinces, ohh poor me!!! I do appreciate your travels and sharing virtually everything about those places your are showing. A beautiful scenes, friendly people, mountains and rivers fruits and vegetables. Thanks for your blogs, stay safe always!

[@pinoytechspot91]

Cordillera mountains are really majestic, always watching your vlogs kumander D! Always stay safe

[@toothsayer21]

HI KD. So wonderful of u to retrace back ur 1st ttip yo the Philippines. So nice of the Mountain views. You kniw what u are msde for walking. Ups, downs the narrow road and steps. Wondersful travel Ambassador. I think google should hire u coz u go to places i think they've never been to.😂

[@franciscamanis2068]

From Buguias ako and everytime I go home for holiday I always make sure to visit my hometown for visit and enjoy the view. It's refreshing to be home in my birthplace Sinipsip Buguias, Benguet.

[@strawberryshortcakemitchell]

Love your vlogs Sir! Thanks for taking us along 💖🇵🇭

[@2bn2life62]

So beautiful I love it there...it was even more amazing to see a new package split open usually they are open proof

[@559260]

I have watched all of your vlogs and always looking forward for the next one. Your story telling and your videos makes me feel that I am at that place. Thank you!

[@margaritasun7908]

Just watching your vlog on those areas , from rice to vegetable terraces and the fog too, its healing to ones soul.

[@desireefitzgibbon9781]

Your videos are very cinematic, I love how you put them together. They're fantastic!! You've come a long way. Thanks for taking us with you on your journeys. Take care, always.

[@osiarap]

Amazing captures.

[@bryanjohnson7193]

Great blogs and adventure,and amazing scenery 👍

[@zoestar2673]

Hello Kumander D..welcome to Hapao. Thank you for visiting our small town. Your shots are amazing. I passed those vegetable terraces too, you're right, it is comforting and calming to watch them.

[@orlandonecesito4904]

I enjoyed watching you breathtaking adventure. It is a medicine for the soul.

[@jessiesantiago7994]

I enjoy this type of videos. You did it again. Awesome , very informative, and great cinematography. Thank you for continuing to show these cultural places that tourists rarely visit.

[@CP-sz8oj]

KD, much appreciate and love your perspectives and passion for our people’s diverse cultures through your vlogs. Really enjoy your fresh take on local tourism. All the best to you KD🎉

[@cestlavielife7305]

Nice vlog KD.Beautiful sceneries.

[@cathyjones1989]

It's so beautiful in the mountains with the rice fields. Lots of fresh air and nice people. Thank you Kumandar for sharing your journeys with us!

[@bevrogers1412]

Beautiful mountainscapes! So peaceful and lush green 😊. You are right, there is something so soothing to the soul surrounded by such beauty. Same travels, KD!

[@rafaelmanueljr]

@kumanderdaot , the road from hungduan going to tinoc was an existing spanish footrail, since the inclination angle is good so they dont have to plan another route so they just did road widening following the same trail path.

[@KumanderDaot]

That's really interesting to know!

[@mariegracesumbrado300]

Not to skipping ads is my way of helping u KD,housewife as of the moment 😊 keep it up😊

[@bemcorrales5358]

Love your vlogs KD, it's very adventurous, it's like I'm there with you 😮❤ wow, amazing places and wondrous terraces, GRABE ❤ Keep safe and God bless always 🙏🍀😊

[@JonathanMagistrado-yg1gr]

best content ever!truly amazing content creator.goodluck always on your journey...

[@rafaelmanueljr]

@KD go visit mt kalugong area in la trinidad, nice view to have breakfast and coffee

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

You really are in the sticks. Lol way out in the province. So beautiful and slow paced. Peaceful 👍😎

[@melaimoncatar]

Hello po! Your vlogs are just awesome. 🎉😊 Oy rice is life Raba! 😂

[@haroldgarcia20]

Majestic Sceneries! Philippines is amazing.

[@saidiebasilio1324]

nice adventure KD, it's good to take a dip on that hotspring after half an hour walk am missing it already and that "BAYAH" ricewine which is serve on special occasions.

[@zoestar2673]

Its about time to go home Inamka 😂😂😂

[@darlingdenez116]

Never been to those places, thanks for sharing❤

[@JacksonFamily]

Yeah , be yourself and enjoy life!

[@darrellbrixey5341]

Awesome video Kumander

[@minafepudan1736]

with so many videos around the net, thus isvthe first one that gave me a glimpse of the beauty of that place. and how different the life of the people from that upland. ❤️thank you

[@motoridersadventure2731]

Loved your video...miss hiking those places....thanks for showing this kumander Daot...remind me of my hiking days on thus places

[@angeparker4795]

Hey KD! Tita Emies daughter here :) So glad you enjoyed my mums company and our home! If you’re ever in Bali hit me up!

[@KumanderDaot]

Tita Emie is awesome! All the best there in Bali!

[@divinenavalta679]

Awesome video kumander daot!👏👍

[@quosette6653]

Very nice, good film making, good job,👏👏👏

[@melindadomingoburton7046]

I feel my spirit free watching this video.

[@jundelingon9487]

Commdar I hardly comment on vlogs,,but your constant s are amazing and from the heart . Godbless

[@shinxified]

"Kind of like our lives--we start off; we go somewhere! We step back; we go somewhere else. And when we return, we have that knowledge and that experience, so we can just keep on going."--👨‍🔧💭Kumander Daot 🏍💨(on continuing down the road) Awwwe, Kumander D! ❤❤❤ you totally got me sentimental, too!🥲 though i've only reached as far as the terraces in Maligcong sometime long ago, it just feels like you have also brought me back with you in your steps out there! And wow, JUST WOW, Kumander D!🤩 You just make me wanna take much good care of my 40ish self better now (so i may perhaps reach 88 and not wanna be dead?) haha, that was rly hilarious 😆 and still be able to do more, and if God pleases--take the same steps as you have also taken! That'll be my dream for now! Thank you for igniting the fire for me to go on..much love! Amping pirmi, our Kumander Daot!❤--Xx

[@regjones518]

The David Attenborough of Davao manages to Find the most interesting places time and time again.

[@viviian4595]

Thank you for coming into our place in Hungduan, IFUGAO. 🩷

[@Mr.bergstv]

I salute u kumander.. and i really enjoy watching ur videos❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@arnoldeveretteguay5320]

Welcome to hungduan my friend.

[@AresGodofWar]

The natural setting is spectacular. Too bad the buildings are just hulking boxes.

[@yllen6152]

Your such a good man, you can adjust to different culture in the Philippines.

[@tinaraphael9783]

You are outstanding KD places never seen before .

[@lornaramirez6567]

its nice being yourself no pressure i love the view its a shame ive never seen this places but thru you looks ive known them take care kumander d

[@dhawkr.3678]

Kumander Daot, the gifted vlogger.

[@mr.holdenschannel9861]

Very nice presentation as always. When you reach 88 years, KD, you will still be doing this - you will be in Balabac island chasing crocodiles or in Y'Ami island waiting for your coconut crab lunch. Take care of yourself man.

[@enricoavenido2718]

That's why i love watching your vlog KD...it's all original showcase KD Vlog...serious and yet with a twist of daotness.... really enjoy watching it..power on ....safe travels bro....

[@juliuspalamos7863]

😮 what a wonderful place nice vegetable farm

[@diDaN75]

Farmers encounter challenges when retrieving their harvest from elevated and cliff-side fields, but their ability to improvise equipment for this task is truly impressive. 😆

[@floranteguron3513]

Amazing documentary/vlog once again, KD. The Cordies (comprise 6 provinces, I think) is stunning. The mountains and valleys, the windy roads curved on the sides of the mountains, and misty environments feel like u r transported to a place other than the Philippines. It's totally awesome 👌. I love d part where an 88-year-old man working on d side of the cliff: KD: When I'm 88, I want to be up there, too Lady: I want to be dead at 88 KD: lmao 🤣 Me: lmao 🤣 as well, thanks for the laugh sir

[@eagleofthenorthmacroexcell6843]

and they walk up and down those terraces just to go the river for a deep into the hot water.

[@christopherturco197]

Tita is hilarious saying "I want to be dead at 88." 🤣🤣🤣

[@victoriacavero829]

Thank you dong KD for bringing us in Ifugao, awesome

[@moscow487]

may home town ifugao! Yhe beating of the gongs wanna rock on like an eagle open wings and dance gracefully 😊thank you kumander Daot😮 enjoy your stay there..nothing to worry people in the community kind😊

[@joeaby71]

Welcome back yo the cordilleras, its like you are playing hide and seek with Colas, or like chasing each other.

[@agatth]

you really love the Cordilleras kumander

[@jmomandia]

Instructive vlogs with real life lessons from KD. 😊

[@mkito1796]

Climb up Mount Amuyao from the Shangrila of the Mountain Province, Barlig.

[@ianpadernal7530]

Amazing journey ❤ keep safe mate!

[@mariaangelinabatallones292]

It is a Mass wedding. It also happens in other places in the country sponsored by the local government.

[@shinkiem6725]

Not really a mass wedding. Weddings in these parts are a town affair, where everyone is invited.

[@gleenatrillo5390]

So fresh environment out there.

[@rogeliobolanos5138]

I think Kumander daot falls in love with the view and culture of ifugao. It's natural to for them but please don't fall in their steep rough road cliffs .

[@besket4182]

Wow Kumander soo sooo sooo nice view...

[@rubenromero9437]

always watching your show kumander daot❤

[@SlowedByCinnamxn]

Hope the ride was beautiful 😻

[@AkilezNewEngland]

The Mountain Province is still under rated for Tourism. A lot of tourists are still interested in Beaches. I wish the Department of Tourism will promote Camping, Climbing and Hiking. The Sierra Madre is still unexplored. Thanks for this wonderful Vlog Sir Daot. Ifugao was formerly known as a part of the old Mountain Province. It was created as an independent province on June 18, 1966 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4695, otherwise known as the Division Law of Mountain Province.

[@arnoldeveretteguay5320]

Hungduan ifugao po yan. Isang municipality ng ifugao.

[@viviian4595]

That's not Mountain province. It's in Ifugao. A part of Cordillera. Was already mentioned in the video.

[@eagleofthenorthmacroexcell6843]

@@viviian4595 Cordillera was once called Mountain Province. Dyan galing yong kantang "Montanyosa"

[@AkilezNewEngland]

@@eagleofthenorthmacroexcell6843 salamat po.

[@AkilezNewEngland]

@@viviian4595 Mountain Province is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Its capital is Bontoc. Mountain Province was formerly referred to as Mountain in some foreign references. The name is usually shortened by locals to Mt. Province.