During our first night in Mayoyao, we had the opportunity to have dinner with the town’s Mayor and local officials including the Tourism Office. It was such an enriching experience to be able to converse with the locals about their food, customs, and traditions.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the local cuisine. We got the chance to also try some of Mayoyao’s local dishes. I noticed that the food in Mayoyao just relies on natural or organic ingredients. The taste is so simple yet delicious too because of the quality of the ingredients.
Of course, after eating, the conversation continued. And what a great way to do than a bottle of rice wine, right? Each table was offered with Pfajah, the native rice wine of Ifugao. I must admit that I was a little bit excited to try Pfajah.
Our dinner
Mayoyao native dance presentation.
Tasting Pfajah
According to the locals, Pfajah is not just a usual beverage or a drink, it’s an important part of the Mayoyao culture as this is often used during rituals and celebrations. Pfajah is also a great way to welcome guests. Just like what we experienced.
Curious about its taste and how it differed from other rice wines in the Philippines, I poured myself a cup of Pfajah and took a sip. The experience was pleasantly surprising. Unlike some native wines that can be overpowering or sour, Pfajah was mild yet flavorful, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of tastiness. In Tagalog, it’s manamis-namis.”
Despite reminders from my fellow bloggers to take it slow, I found myself enjoying the unique flavor profile of Pfajah and couldn’t resist pouring another glass.
In the end, our encounter with Pfajah was not just a tasting experience but a glimpse into the rich Mayoyao food and culture. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable moments are found in the simplest of pleasures – like sharing a bottle of Pfajah with newfound friends in the heart of Mayoyao.
READ THE BLOG POST: 10 Best Things to Do in Mayoyao, Ifugao
How to get to Mayoyao, Ifugao
Do you want to try Pfajah? Well, here’s a quick guide on how to go to Mayoyao. There are ample public transportation if you’re coming from Manila or Baguio.
To go to Mayoyao, you can go through Lagawe (Ifugao), Santiago City (Isabela) or Solano (Nueva Vizcaya). Here are the updated schedules do buses, and vans from these locations going to Mayoyao.
From Lagawe to Mayoyao
Bus Departure at 3:00 PM
Van Departure at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
From Solano, Nueva Vizcaya to Mayoyao
8:00 AM
Departure from Santiago, Isabela to Mayoyao
7:00 AM – Van
8:00 AM – Bus
11:00 AM – Bus
1:00 PM – Van
3:00 PM – Bus
4:00 PM – Van
