4 BATAD BANAUE: "GO LOCAL" AT RAMON HOMESTAY AND RESTAURANT

“Going Local”, that is Mang Ramon’s promised for tourists visiting Batad. I thought it is just simple words used for advertisement purposes and has no meaning at all. However they have exceeded the expectation of these two words. They are dedicated to provide unforgettable experiences for visiting tourists. They really mean it!

After nine freaking hours of long ride and nearly two hours of trekking down to the village, we reached Ramon Homestay. We already have a reservation prior to our visit because it is expected of more visitors coming for a long holiday break.  

In drowsy mood, we were welcomed by the owner himself Mang Ramon Binalit and greeted us with smiles on his face. Though the feeling is weary, it was replaced with a positive vibe. He brought us to one of the Nipa Huts. Ramon Homestay has 5 traditional Nipa Huts, one of which where Mang Ramon was born – a century old Nipa Hut built by his ancestors and he is preserving it for the benefit of visitors like us.

This traditional hut is very simple made of woods and roof is made of weaved cogon grass. Mang Ramon chose not to install any electric wires going to Nipa Hut not to avoid possible fire but to preserve its original customs. Outside Nipa hut, it looks like it won’t fit more people yet when you get inside it can actually accommodate up to 10 people. No nails being used to build this house and it has fireplace inside. We arrived sleepy heads so we decided to just take rest and sleep the rest of the afternoon.

We woke around 6PM and had dinner. Mang Ramon was there handy, greeting and talking to visitors. Everyone stayed at the dining area taking supper and talking to other visitors and making friends. Some were drinking cold beers and rice wine waiting for the Christmas Eve.

Mang Ramon and his nephew prepared for bonfire. He said he normally do this because he wanted everyone feel at home by knowing and talking to each other. He wanted to initiate the talking and everyone will have to introduce. He said that bonfire is their tradition back in the old days living in cold place. They used this so that the neighborhood gathers and share their story for a day activity. After we hosted ourselves he started sharing how this place built and the story behind the glorious Rice Terraces.

We greeted each other a Merry Merry Christmas when the clock touched 12 MN. It was really pleasure celebrating Christmas in a tranquil place away from heavy traffic. We went back to our huts when everybody feels sleepy and needed rest. 

We woke up the next day coming from a good sleep. Everyone was busy preparing for breakfast while some chatting over a hot cup of coffee. I decided to join locals picking the dried rice seeds and crushing it. The traditional way of processing wheat into rice grains for cooking. It really like immersion-ish and everyone is game of doing it.

When the food is ready, it’s about time to eat and have a huge carbo-load for the activity on that day going to the Rice Terraces and visiting the Tappiyah Falls which require time and effort. The food there is organic with a touch of local taste. They serve Chicken and Pork, Breakfast menu, Salad and short orders.

There is no signal there but some time you can get it when you keep your phone hanging just like on the picture. The guide also told us that latest phone won’t get signal only cheap phones. I don’t know if this is true. Anyway when in homestay there’s nothing much to do except looking at the Rice Terraces however it is a perfect time to emboss your social responsibility to other people by playing card games, dama, chess, or even a simple talk.

For me, it’s a perfect place to stay if you need peace. No phone signal and you are totally detached from the outside world which I guess pretty awesome. You don’t need to think much. It’s the best time to relax your mind. 

Aside from affordable rates and delicious meal, people here are really friendly and will treat you as part of the family. They’ll be asking you from time to time if everything okay and they will ask you as well if you wish to try helping them with their daily activity. It’s complete experience with Ifugao culture. Indeed, Ramon Homestay is the perfect place to stay because of such activity. Bonfire is one of the highlights where you can ask everything with your curiosity.

RAMON NATIVE HOMESTAY EXPERIENCE:
● Traditional Ifugao story-telling with bonfire.
● Local Rice Wine Making
● Native Coffee Lessons
● Wood Carving Lessons
● Rice Pounding
● Dressing Up in Native Costume

RAMON NATIVE HOMESTAY AND RESTAURANT

Batad, Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines 3601

Contact: 0916-9848380 look for Irene Binalit (this is the number to call for booking)

Email: bireneann@yahoo.com / ramon_binalit@yahoo.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RamonsHomestay/info?tab=overview
You can also book online via Agoda.

You can also contact Leemas Panhon (Mang Ramon's Nephew) at 0935-980-7939. He will be your guide and will pick you up at the Banaue Tourism Center.