Rough Groove

E Masferre: A Tribute to the Philippine Cordillera, 1999

“A photographer with remarkable foresight, Masferre understood that change is inevitable. So, with his camera, his eye and his heart, he kept the Cordillera’s proud, ancient soul visible and timeless amidst the changes.”
- Felice Sta. Maria, from Eduardo Masferre’s Timeless Images of Cordillera Life Ways as printed at the back of the book.

This book showcases photographs that Eduardo Masferre took from 1936 – 1954 in different parts of the Cordillera, in effect, recording the different facets of his mother’s people’s lives, ways, culture and rituals. The 50 photos are grouped into 5 sections: agriculture, village life, rituals and portraits and shows a very rare image that now is very much seldom seen, or might have forever changed with the encroachment of modern technology and outside influence.

Available at the Masferre Country Inn and Restaurant for P1,500 in Sagada. Pricey but definitely worth it as the 1988 coffee table book is out of print.