Sagada: I’ll be going back and see you again

Sagada is getting popular and I don’t wonder. The first time I set my feet in Sagada and walk across the calm and quiet street, I knew I’ll have my best moments and will surely treasure it. It was the first goose bumps; I know I’ll fall in love with this place.

On our way to Sagada is breathtaking. The air I breathe is relaxing, reminiscing makes me smile. I can’t take my eyes out from the passenger window, every angle and scenery I’m seeing is art. Those mountain capes, rice terraces, roadside waterfalls, flowers; all were like structured to its finest.  

First glimpse of the town, it was calm and silent, I do not know what to expect but it’s different from what I’ve seen before, it’s catching my attention, I am hyped and excited to explore more.

We met SAGGAS guides and they were cool and bubbly. We were welcomed with silent laughs and smiles. Another guide we meet was Raffy, a big brown dog and he guided us along our Echo Valley tour. We are getting there, full of stories, traditions, beliefs, cultures and realization.

Then it’s a test of strength and bravery, Cave connection. From Lumiang Cave to Sumaging Cave, it was dark and cold, though you may feel some sweat; it was a totally diverse experience, it’s a different world, a test of courage and strength while you’re in the never-ending exploration. It’s a beauty hidden and waiting to be explored. 

We tried Pinikpikan, and other local delicacies, it’s mouth-watering and tempting. We wanted to see more, feel more and explore more but we need to go back to Manila, I know there’s a lot I left behind and dreaming of visiting again. River trekking in Pongas Falls, the sunrise at Kiltepan, the Ganduyan Museum, Orange picking, mountain climbing and more, I’ve been there once but I want to witness more. That’s Sagada.

I travel a lot, and among those places that I’ve been. It was Sagada that I’m looking forward seeing again. And you would too...  

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Visit: Surviving Sagada

Sagada Finally

So then, like what I’ve said from my Banaue Experience, we headed to Sagada early morning. It’s 4am and we already getting ready to catch up 5am bus going to Benguet pero 7am na wala paring ung bus. A van driver offered us getting to Sagada at 2k. Hmmnn, so go na kami maka alis lang. Before that, we checked Kenji at his place (The Japanese solo traveler) if he has plans going Sagada and he decided to come with us. So 5 of us rented the van straight to Sagada.

The view while we are on our way is breathtaking. Wala na ako nasabi kung hindi Wow. For first timers, now I realized bakit ang daming pumupunta ng Sagada. Ang linis, ang sarap ng hangin, ang ganda. Basta. It’s so green and artistic. Parang artwork lahat ng pananim. Pati damo may flowers. It’s really a place that you can be proud of.

Town of Benguet. Hindi na kami nakababa dito so hanggang tanaw nalang, we are almost there.

First glimpse of Sagada.

Parang Sims lang, really a small community. Then I remember the map I saw from the net. Ganung ganun siya, the place is quiet and serene. We stayed at George annex kasi full na ung sa main. Kenji was able to find a place to stay in George annex. Afterwards, we headed immediately to SAGGAS to coordinate the tour. Kenji decided to take his rest.

We eat first and then get ready to start the tour. We met Kehvin our tour guide and Raffy,the doggie tour guide. Kehvin told us that Raffy really get along with the tourists. Sumasama daw talaga siya. And maybe because he felt that we really like him the first time we saw him sumama si Raffy sa Echo valley tour namin. Raffy seems very popular, sayang hindi naming na meet yung owner niya.

Leftmost is Kehvin, our tour guide in Sagada. He was able to share Sagada's cultures and practices. And a good photographer.

On our way to Echo Valley, we saw the Church bell and the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, a vibrant Episcopal parish. We were able to attend mass and wonder why it’s a bit strange, after researching back home, that’s the time we realized the meaning of “Episcopal”. It has similar approach but a lot different in Catholic Church in some aspects. Di kasi nag babasa. Hehe!

The piece of wood act as a candle.

Raffy was making sure we are on the right track. Medyo out of focus ako that day kasi I want Raffy to go back, anlayo kaya so feeling ko nag eeffort lang siya. Haha! Going back, It's Echo valley because you'll hear echos when you shout. Sarap sumigaw ng sumigaw kaso I felt disturbing the quietness of the place.

Finally at the Hanging Coffin, it’s weird to see but then after Kehvin discussed the reason why it was there and how it was brought there by the locals, I was amazed. Kehvin told that elders believe that it would be easier for the souls to get to heaven being hanged on these rocks so it would be near, than buried down.

Tired, not yet. After Echo valley Tour we headed to give Cave Connection a shot. Another must try in Sagada. We get ready and headed to Lumiang Burial Cave, Kehvin brought another tour guide to assist us then our spelunking adventure begins.

To be visible on my next post. :)