c h i k k a
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2
PERFECT COMBINATION
“
In Maguindanao, I documented the
Tedurays — a minority group that calls the
Cotabato-Maguindanao area home — as
they reclaimed the Mt Firis Complex with
a memorable ritual atop a rocky outcrop.
With its religious and cultural importance,
the sound of gongs playing during the trek
and my own personal emotional state, it all
just came together.”
Be inspired by Estan Cabigas’ explorations,
as the seasoned photographer and traveler
shares what makes his favorite places tick
TEXT
CHARMAINE BAYLON
PHOTOS
ESTAN CABIGAS
ASK HIM
about his earliest travel memory,
and Estan Cabigas will tell you it’s riding
on his grandfather’s Impala as a kid.
“
It’s that ‘60s car with a wide body,
uncomfortable seats and flaring tails at
the back. We were headed to Boljoon,
near the southern tip of Cebu, where my
grandmother used to teach,” says the
photographer and travel blogger.
Cabigas has gone on many more trips
since then, starting at 14, when he first
traveled solo, to longer journeys in college
and as a field engineer. “Traveling as a
living came when I was commissioned
to shoot several Spanish colonial-era
churches around the country for a coffee
table book in 2006,” he says. Now he
chronicles his adventures in
com.
“
I’m into culture, architecture, food
and places with interesting stories as I
also do documentary-type photography.
Traveling has always been a passion,
and it is the discovery, new lessons and
experience of just going from point A to B
that keep me going.”
So where is he off to next? “In 2013,
there’s the week of the Ati-Atihan followed
by a 23-day sojourn to Malaysia and
Thailand.” But that will not take place
before he reveals his recommendations
and best jaunts right here.
This intrepid
traveler means
business
1
MUST COME HERE
“
One of the Babuyan Islands, Calayan is difficult to get to, but it's so worth it — the coves
and beaches are pristine. But because of its remoteness, few tourists have been there. You can
have the white-sand beaches all to yourself and climb Nagudungan Hill from which to view the
remarkable scenery. It's one of the best islands I’ve seen in the Philippines.”
The view from Nagudungan Hill
A Teduray woman
He
,
s on
a mission
