Bontoc locals turn to ‘kalatek’ ritual to chase away biting cold

Record-making cold is being felt in parts of northern Luzon this week.

In Baguio, the temperature dropped to 7.3 degrees Celsius, and in neighboring Benguet, frost has formed over crops in farms.

Baguio is experiencing the lowest recorded temperatures in two decades, according to PAGASA.

To fight the cold, locals in Bontoc, Mountain Province have turned to the ritual "kalatek," GMA News' Susan Enriquez reported on Balitanghali on Friday.

The town elders have gathered around a bonfire and offered rice wine with prayer to chase away the cloud that they believe brings the cold.

Metro Manila has been experiencing a similarly nippy weather, which could last for another week. —Aya Tantiangco/KG, GMA News