Travel: The Sagada Saga; The hangging coffins, lemon pie, and SUNrise in Kiltepan Viewpoint

After the ultimate power trekking from Bomod'ok Falls, our adventure was not yet done.

We had a quick bath near the information center. We proceed to our next itinerary. The famous hanging coffins and the echo valley.

Before we proceed to the echo valley, we had a quick stop in Sagada Weaving. This place is known for its man's ingenuity. All the bags, accessories, clothes and etc are all handcrafts. Inside the weaving center, they are using the manual weaving, were it requires skills, patience, and creativity.

When we reached our next destination, we have to wait our tour guide in echo valley. While waiting for him, we finally had a chance to taste the Sagada's famous halo-halo. Why is it famous? It is because of one the ingredient is not typical one; which is the macaroni. This was also featured in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.

There was a scarcity of halo-halo there, because of its popularity. What we did, we shared 2 cups of halo-halo for our group, just to experience it. I think it costs 25 pesos per cup. Its affordable one.

The echo valley and the hanging coffins....

Good to know that we have a tour guide in our entire adventure in Sagada. They're not only just to guide us in every adventure that we experienced, but to know them better (Igorots). 

The hanging coffins is one of the top tourist spot in Sagada. Visiting this old burial site requires a short trekking. Haiisst, another trekking! We've been doing that the entire day. Anyway, but one thing more interesting is you will have to pass by an American influenced cemetery which is located on a hilltop called Echo Valley.

We enjoyed shouting in the echo valley; our tour guide shouted "Ang Pogi ko!!!" and we answered "WEHHH" LOL! 

According to kuya Jay...
The hanging coffins are usually in groups, some neatly piled, others randomly stacked. All found in places seemingly impossible to reach. Places that can be touched only by mother nature. The higher the coffin; the closer to heaven.  He also added, if some Filipinos are quite terrified in dead person, here, we're not terrified, because we believe this is a good omen for us. If a person is drop by a liquid from the dead body, it is a good luck; it means there are instances that you are going to save from death or any accident. (Kung sa inyo, kinakatakutan ang mga patay, dito sa amin, hindi. Kasi, dito ay pinag-aagawan namin ang patay. Ang paniniwala namin, kapag natuluan kami ng kahit anung likido mula sa patay, suwerte iyon! Hindi suwerte sa pera, pero sa ibang bagay, tulad na lang ng kaligtasan sa mga sakuna).

Actually, listening to their story is quite amazing. I truly respect their tradition, because this is the only thing that they could pass to the nest generation. 

We were not able to go nearer to the site, because a heavy rain is coming, so we stopped for a while inside the church, until we were able to go back to our van. 

We also had a chance to buy a pasalubong which we enjoyed most. 

The Lemon Pie....
Another reason why you should visit Sagada, it is because of its famous another delicacy; the lemon pie. Before we ended our night in Sagada, we had a chance to taste the lemon pie. It was more relaxing when tasting the lemon pie and a good conversation that we shared among the group. We invited kuya Mon to share with us this delicacy.

Kiltepan Viewoint: A breathless sunrise
It was aournd 4 am when we have our breakfast. One of our itinerary was the sunrise in Kiltepan view point. Before we reach the place, our group decided to ride on the top of jeep, this is the so-called 'top loader,' everyone was screaming because we felt that this is the craziest ride we experienced in our entire life. This kind of ride that has no harness of any safety protection on the top of the jeep. You have to trust the iron bars on the top.

We might wake the people who were still sleeping that time, because our shout was so scandalous. Neverthesless it was a great experience.

When we reached the place, this is the magnificent sunrise that I ever watched. Just a perfect one.

Our van as expertly zigzagging along the treacherous roads of the Mountain Province. Enchanting views of lush terraces masterfully carved on the sides of mountains, swaying pine trees, manicured vegetable lawns, and stilted wooden houses distracted our attention from the fact that we were venturing on our way, only inches away from falling off cliffs. Thankfully, our driver was skillful enough  to maneuver our van out of harm’s way.

My contemplation....

My first glimpse of Sagada was a vision I will not soon forget. Enchanting panoramas of jagged limestone cliffs, newly plowed rice terraces and lush rolling fields blending beautifully under the perfect blue sky. Tall, verdant pine trees, whose branches swayed to the rhythm of the winds, flanked the roads on both sides. Humble shacks and modest houses clinging to the edges of mountains. Locals selling their goods of freshly harvested vegetables and fruits. I have heard so many great things about Sagada and true enough the place exudes a certain charm.

My heart beats with anticipation as the van finally came to stop. Sagada, after all, is one of my dream destinations and having the chance to finally come to this place is considered a blessing.

END

Travel: The Sagada Saga: Power Trekking to Bomod'ok Falls

The Power Trekking....

It was our second day in Sagada, our next activity was the POWER TREKKING to Bomod'ok Falls. 

There are two falls located in Sagada; the Bomod'ok and Pongas Falls. 

Bomod'ok Falls

Pongas Falls

The story begins, when it was already 9am when we departed our inn bound to Bomod'ok falls. In the information center, our tour guide Kuya Cogs was waiting for us. From there, he gave as an advise; the things we need to bring, such as food, water, cameras, and the stick. It would be very difficult, if we bring lot of things down to the falls. 

Our power trekking was about 1.5 hours down to the waterfalls. When we were on our quarter trail going to our destination, Kuya Cogs told us that Bomod'ok falls is located at the back of that mountain. What???!!! Are you serious??? Why it is so far?? We're not yet recovered on what we have done in the cave connection activity yesterday. But, another challenge rise!

At the back of that mountain, where Bomod'ok Falls is located.

picture taking 

Since the views are pretty awesome I never noticed how far it was or how long we have been walking. Before we reached the rice terraces, there is a small village in the middle of our trekking. From their, we had a quick rest, for me it was a relief one, because I already feel the body pain and exhaustion. But, I do not have any option to back out, because, I'm already on it.

What I also found relaxing during the trek, despite the heat of the sun, are the visuals. You just have to constantly remind yourself that you are walking along the rice terraces, which are products of man’s ingenuity. And it’s really amazing to think that something this grand were all created by human hands and is still present until today. It’s a sight that you can only appreciate in its full while you’re there so make sure to take some stops to admire the place.

Regarding the rice paddies, the view is still breathtaking. And take note it is for your eyes only. So, I took many pictures I want.

The Falls.....

Once we heard the "pagaspas ng tubig" it means we're 15 percent nearer to the Falls. When I first saw it, I realized that my exhaustion was useless, because Bomod'ok falls is quite magnificent. My eyes were widely opened because of the amazement. The water is highly fresh and clean, straight from the mountain. Bomod'ok falls is  the main source of their water. If you will observe, there is a long tube in the top of the falls; thus this is their source of their basic necessity.

We had our lunch beside the falls. Actually, I've lost my appetite, because my exhaustion was dominated my mind. Nevetheless, I take my lunch pack and enjoyed the scenery of nature.

Thanks to our other travel buddies, who lend us 105 pesos just to buy their ice buko which was selling by the children there. After a while,we decided to swim in the basin of the waterfalls.

Seeing the tempting natural pool of Bomod-Ok, the group decided to take a dip in the icy water. I went down slowly, inching every part of my body on the chilly water hoping that I could get used to the cold slowly before I totally submerge myself. I think, were about 10-20 mintues had a dip in the water. Because we cannot tolerate the cold water.

The Lesson....

I vividly remember the experiences that we truly enjoy in Sagada. Muscles were truly much aching and bodies were tired. We were about to go back to our van. Going back, it would take 2 hours, I did not expect that, for me it was so difficult to go back. I remember, I was the weakest link among the group. Every step I take, was priceless. The only thing that I truly trust was the stick "tungkod" that I had from the beginning of the trekking.

Inside the cave, the thing that I truly trust was the rope, here, the stick. This time around, I was breathing fine and my legs were nowhere near the point of giving up. It was a good feeling to know that this time, I was able to conquer this challenge.

I was able to contemplate on some things which was probably the main turnaround for me. It wasn’t an eye-opener of sorts, but it made me realize that there are some tough challenges in life that will really test your strength and wil-power. It will be a tough battle and you may not be a hundred percent ready for it, but you will push through and survive and become stronger because of it. When the time comes that you are faced with a similar challenge, you are more ready to beat the battle.

The last step was priceless!!!

Travel: The Sagada Saga; The hangging coffins, lemon pie, and SUNrise in Kiltepan Viewpoint

Travel: The Sagada Saga; Cave Connection experience

It was early lunch when we reached the proper town of Sagada, Mountain Province. To visit Sagada, is one of my lists to visit. However, I did not expect that this 2013 that I will be going to visit this place.

According kay pareng Wiki:

Sagada is a small town in the mountain province of Luzon in the Philippines. Many visit for its cool and refreshing climate, beautiful caves and hanging coffins as well as the serene mountains. Take enough cash with you, when you visit it. There is no ATM there. 

It would take 14 hours of land travel to reach this place. When we arrived at Canaway Inn, we had our quick rest and lunch in Salt and Pepper. I highly appreciate the ambiance of Salt and Pepper Restaurant, though the price of the food there is quite cozy. But, you would sense the magnificent work of art of Cordillera region. 

One of itinerary is to experience the Cave Connection activity but this is an optional activity. Our tour guide Kuya Jay and his team was our guide inside Sumaging and Lumiag Cave. There is a rule, once you go through, there's no way to back out. It was  a great challenge for me and to my travel buddies. 

Well I was quite terrified to enter to a cave, because it is my first time to try this adventure. We did not have any plans to go through this cave, because it was an optional activity. But then, here we are. Lumiang Cave, as they've described it, involved a lot of crawling through small spaces, and some underwater submersion, with the whole Cave Connection experience lasting for about 4 to 5 hours. 

I was a little beat scared what if I'm going to run out oxygen inside the cave? Though I thank my travel buddies, because everyone was our strength. 

The moment we entered the cave, I felt certain that we made the right choice of not choosing the Cave Connection. We were all spelunking newbies and Sumaguing and Lumiang Cave were pretty challenging in itself. We went down holes and slopes that looked impossibly difficult to get to and we went back up using ropes and stuff. I swear, it was a weekend when we all put our girl scout and boys scout rappelling skills into really good use. Also, I found out that we all had instant smiles when a camera was in front of us, despite the difficulty of the situation. 

It looked really dark and scary at first, but once the tour guides lit up the lamps, we got to really appreciate the beauty that nature has created.  It was amazing how light just makes all the difference. The amazing thing is, after everything, bat dung will not, in the slightest bit, get in the way of the joy of surviving this beautiful cave.

There are different rock formation, that I highly appreciate. In Palawan, you will not be able to touch nor feel the rocks, because our trail is the river. However, here, it is magnificent. I appreciate the coldness inside the cave. 

The first part was not that slippery, it is dry, until it became slippery.  Each part of the journey to middle earth was a challenge, and all the time we were like "We're really going down there?!?!" and "I can't do that!" or "kuya, you can't possibly lift me while standing in that position" or "I don't wanna die yet, Kuyaaaaaa!" I tell you, we were overreacting, because the tour guides showed us that the impossible IS possible and that we can achieve great things. :)) Also, no one died!

According to them "tapak-tapakan niyo na sila, huwag lang ang kanilang pagkalalaki!" LOL! A lot of photos were taken by the tour guides, and these people are honest people. I entrust to them my valuable things, then they gave it back to me.  


We had our best shots inside the cave and I think we did a great JOB! 

It takes mighty knees and determination to go survive this kind of adventure. I'm happy to say that we survived these activity. 

Muscles aching and bodies tired and not forgetting the natural "aircon" in Sagada) we all slept incredibly well that night.

***I acknowledged GAFA for their Great And Affordable Adventure and  Kuya Mon***

http://www.gafatours.com/

Travel: Sagada Saga:  Power Trekking to Bomod'ok Falls