En route: Sagada

I first learned about Banaue Rice Terraces when I was in Grade School. As I go through the pages of my History Book, I told myself, that one day, I will make this dream into reality. And today, I'm living the dream...one with the nature, one with the world..

It was indeed my childhood dream to be in the place where people can't say nothing but good words and all praises.That's Sagada. Located in Mountain Province, Sagada is considered to be as Philippines' best kept secret...

Flashing back during my childhood years, i only knew Sagada and the famous Banaue Rice Terraces because of our History books. And yes, when it comes to History subject,specially when the topic is about Historic landmarks, i really lend both my ears to my teachers as if I'm eavesdropping.

Now that i have grown up (literally and figuratively), and have traveled here and there, Baguio, Bolinao, Zambales, Boracay, Mindoro, Batangas, Sagada seems to have been very "mailap" at me.... It's like "Pangarap ka na lang" feeling.

Few years ago, i started researching about Sagada. It's proximity, people and anything related to it. How to get there, and how long will it take to get there are just some of the things i learned from blogs, blogs and blogs. my eagerness to visit Sagada can no longer be denied. I never denied it anyway...

So i asked around if friends are interested to go to Sagada. Finally a friend of mine Rowena May Gumapac invited me to go with her along with friends to Sagada. She went out of her busy schedule to contact www.travelfactor.org for reservations. P4,995 for 3 days and 2 nights was all worth it.

February 22, 2013.The moment we've been waiting for has finally arrived.We went to Ohayami Bus Station in Sampaloc, Manila to catch the trip to Banaue at 9pm. There were 2 stops by the way. One in San Miguel, Bulacan and another one in Nueva Vizcaya. We took the Manila - Banaue - Sagada Route which said to have been the most convenient route instead of the one in Halsema Highway, from Baguio which is by the way the 3rd scariest highway in the world that's according to Travel and Leisure Online.

It was around 8am when we reached Banaue, Ifugao. We had our breakfast at Hidden Valley Restaurant to prep up ourselves for yet another 3 hour jeepney ride from Banaue to Sagada. But of course we also took our time to catch the famous Banaue Rice Terraces and that of what we see in 1,000 peso bill.

That 1000 Peso Bill

We reached Sagada at late lunch time... We were served with sumptuous dishes at Alibama Inn, our official hostel for the next 3 days and 2 nights...

Official Hostel

with May, Marce, Lawrence, Jesly, the author and Jos

Then after we freshened up, we went to Bomod-ok Falls. It took us an hour and a half of trekking, walking at the terraces just to get to the majestic falls. It's kinda tiring but it's worth the pain..

with Travel Factor's Peter (extreme left) watching us while we were taking pictures

Jesly, Joss, Lawrence, Weng, Mars and me

 

picture break

The majestic Bomod-ok Falls

After the long and tiring but very rewarding trekking/walking along the rices terraces, we invited the cold weather and invaded the dream land in preparation for the next challenge: spelunking at Sumaguing Cave.

Spelunking /spiˈləNGkiNG/: the hobby or practice of exploring caves

We braved ourselves for another action/adventure on our Day 2 in Sagada. After witnessing the sunrise at Kiltepan Peak, we went back to our Hostel for some breakfast and geared up for "The" experience of a lifetime. 

Before we entered the Sumaguing Cave, we were first greeted by dozens of coffins at the Lumiang Cave. One scenic spot you shouldn't miss. An opportunity, indeed. 

You have just seen an action-packed adventure in Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves in Sagada. We have captured hundreds of pictures but I chose to post some of the best for your entertainment.. :)

We treated ourselves with one hefty dinner that really satisfied our cravings...then we went to sleep for yet another day.... Sagada Day Tour...

Out Tour Guide made some few reminders about what and what not to do in Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins and other places

Echo Valley

You may also read Trip Advisor's review about what they have to say about this Heavenly Place...

You may have to do a lot of stretching though before you go to any of these exciting places within Sagada. Your Strength and stamina is very much needed as most places that we visited requires walking, trekking and all that jazz.... whew! kapagod indeed. :)

That is The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in Sagada,Mountain Province Philippines...  Most people in this town are Anglicans. That does not mean though that Sagada is not a Christian town... Yes it is. Sagada is a mission town of the Episcopal Church and according to wiki.... 

Marce, Jesly and Lawrence

Sagada Lemon Pie House is famous for its very own Lemon Pie (of course hahaha) and other delicacies. They also serve breakfast. Their official website tells you more on what they can offer you...

and here's Lawrence doing the demo...

Sagada Weaving House is a Home to Sagada's best woven materials from bags, shoes, women clothings to blankets... Please take note that ALL (I have to capitalize it to give emphasis to its meaning) of their materials are delicately made made through manual weaving.... nice! Get to know more about Sagada Weaving here.

To celebrate our last night in Sagada, we toured around the area and decided to dine at Salt and Pepper Diner...

Poor Traveler's website gives you its blow-by-blow review of what to expect about this cozy restaurant. I find their roasted chicken salty...that's all I have to say. But the overall experience was awesome though...

I actually didn't mind the long hours of travel just to get to this majestic place... It's all worth it. And to travel with my travel buddies buddies are truly amazing experience... They are the ones whom I want to share my future travel experience with...  Until our next trip guys! :)

P.S

* please bring extra blanket as it gets cold at night, especially around midnight when everyone was snoring. :)
* don't forget to bring extra extension cord for your cellphone and other gadget charging needs, there may be instances that the room that may have assigned to you can only accommodate 2 outlets...

Sagada, Mountain Province... conquered.