Peoples of the Mountains is a beautifully presented chronicle of Jacob Maentz' interactions with some of the Igorots tribes of the Cordilleras. Check his photos and article at Jacob Images. 

Butbut Kalinga Woman by Jacob Maentz

Jacob is a freelance travel, culture and documentary photographer based in the Philippines.  His passion lies in creating images that communicate a strong sense of place and cultural awareness in unique, challenging situations.  His photographs often reflect his background in conservation and explore issues related to the human condition and natural world. Jacob’s dedication to visual storytelling is enhanced by his love for travel and cultural exchange.  Travel is something Jacob grew up with as a young boy and his time in Latin America during college is where he discovered his passion for the camera.  In 2003, he was brought to the Philippines when he joined the United States Peace Corps and returned a few years later to start a professional career in photography.

Jacob works primarily as a freelance photographer. He has been commissioned by corporations, private organizations, universities and independent writers and his images have appeared on everything from TV commercials to magazine and book covers. Most of his travel and documentary work is currently represented by Corbis Images. If you would like to discuss your upcoming photo needs with Jacob please feel free to contact him here.

When not working on photo assignments, Jacob can be found volunteering his time with conservation organizations and local NGO’s.  He is married with two children and currently resides in Cebu City, Philippines.



One thousand five hundred meters above sea level, Igorot villages lie in a sprawl of lush forests, pine thickets and rice terraces. This photo by Storm Crypt of the Banaue Rice Terraces represents the hardiness of the Igorots - from the Ifugaos to the Bontocs to the Ibalois and the Kankanaeys - who, through the centuries have skillfully carved the mountains with primitive equipments, leaving a legacy that's beyond the engineering prowess of our generation.

The culture of the Philippines has been greatly influenced by the migrants that have come to this island nation throughout time. Most of the people that call themselves Filipinos actually descend from Austonesian tribes that most likely migrated from Taiwan to the Philippines thousands of years ago. It is suspected that the first Filipinos were related to the Ami Tribe.

Igorot Woman, originally uploaded by jaeWALK.

Women of the Igorot stock are by nature sturdy and hardworking as shown by each life line etched in this lady's face. In this photo, Jeremy Villasis beautifully captured the essence of what being an Igorot woman means to us, meek and mild yet brawny and strong willed. This portrait reflects a lady who has seen good days in the tough cold mountains of the Cordilleras.