As Luis and Tito venture deeper into the jungle, they arrive at a breathtaking sight - the Ifugao Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tito explains to Luis that the Ifugao people have been cultivating the terraces for over 2,000 years, using ancient techniques to transform the steep mountains into productive farmland.
As they walk along the terraces, Luis notices that the Ifugao people have built an intricate system of canals and stone walls to irrigate the rice paddies. Tito explains that the Ifugao people believe that the rice terraces are a living entity, and that they have a symbiotic relationship with the land. They carefully cultivate and maintain the terraces to ensure that they produce a bountiful harvest.
Luis and Tito are invited to visit a nearby Ifugao village, where they are greeted warmly by the villagers. The village elder, a wise and dignified man, tells them the story of the creation of the rice terraces.
According to the legend, the Ifugao people were once suffering from a severe drought. The gods took pity on them and sent a giant serpent to create a system of terraced fields that would capture the rainwater and irrigate the crops. The serpent worked tirelessly for seven years, carving the terraces into the mountain slopes with its powerful body.
The elder tells Luis that the Ifugao people see the rice terraces as a sacred gift from the gods, and that they are responsible for protecting and preserving the land for future generations.
As they prepare to leave the village, Luis is struck by the beauty and simplicity of the Ifugao way of life. He realizes that the Ifugao people have developed a deep respect and understanding of the natural world, and that their traditional practices offer valuable lessons for modern society.
On their way back to the jungle, Luis and Tito encounter a group of tigmoar, fearsome creatures that are known to attack humans. Using his newfound powers as a babaylan, Luis summons a powerful gust of wind to blow the tigmoar away, saving himself and Tito from harm.
As they continue their journey, Luis reflects on the lessons he has learned from the Ifugao people - the importance of sustainability, respect for nature, and the power of tradition. He realizes that the world he has entered is not just a fantastical realm of magic and adventure, but also a rich and vibrant culture with much to teach him.