Ifugao is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Covering a total land area of 262;820 hectares; the province of Ifugao is located in a mountainous region characterized by rugged terrain; river valleys; and massive forests. Its capital is Lagawe and borders Benguet to the west; Mountain Province to the north; Isabela to the east; and Nueva Vizcaya to the south.

The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras and Banaue Rice Terraces are the main tourist attractions in the province. These 2000-year-old terraces were carved into the mountains; without the aid of machinery; to provide level steps where the native Ifugao people can plant rice. In 1995; they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ifugao culture revolves around rice; which is considered a prestige crop. There is an elaborate and complex array of rice culture feasts inextricably linked with taboos and intricate agricultural rites; from rice cultivation to rice consumption. Harvest season calls for grandiose thanksgiving feasts; while the concluding harvest rites 'tungo' or 'tungul' (the day of rest) entail a strict taboo of any agricultural work. Partaking of rice wine (bayah); rice cakes; and moma (a mixture of several herbs; powdered snail shell and betel nut/ arecoline: and acts as a chewing gum to the Ifugaos) is an indelible practice during the festivities and ritual activities.