Benguet’s colorful way of keeping warm

A VISIT to Benguet province is an experience in living color. It is home to several tribes collectively known as Igorots, from the word “Ygolottes,” meaning mountain-dwellers. Red strawberries, red and green bell pepper, orange carrots, green and red tomatoes, and native sweet potatoes of varied colors dot the landscape.

Benguet’s hardworking farmers have made the province the country’s so-called “salad bowl,” producing tons of vegetables throughout the year, reaching most kitchens in Luzon. While nature has not always been kind to Benguet, the farmers plod on, surviving either on loans or sheer faith.

Every year, from January to March, Benguet’s temperature hovers near the single digit level, especially hours before dawn. Benguet’s residents fight the cold by by wearing several layers of clothes. But what is also eye-catching are the varied and colorful head gears they wear to battle the cold weather as they work. These pictures were taken recently in La Trinidad, the capital of Benguet.