Ako si Camille Bagadiong: 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.