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.

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