Moma, Shamans & Cliff Coffins - The Mysteries Of North Luzon

When you are in North Luzon - home to some of the most spectacular rice terraces in the world at Banaue - the last thing you do is scrape away your excess lunch into the bin for in this part of the Philippines, rice is considered the sweat and blood of the land and your actions would be an insult to those who farmed it.

Rice as far as the eye can see!

Equally when the local shaman weaves his magic and summons up the spirits of his dead ancestors to ensure your safe journey home, somehow it would seem inappropriate to say anything less than 'hanaman', the ultimate thank you in local tribal lingo!

Perhaps it is these two examples that best sum up the Philippines, this country of contrasts.