That Place Called Sagada

"Where do broken hearts go?" It seems this is the place. Since the movie That Thing Called Tadhana, this has become the sanctuary of broken hearts. 

One with nature; the most beautiful.

I wanna go to Sagada, said my soul sister. I know her heart was going through some situation, and without thinking about it, I said I'll go with you. She hasn't watched the movie which proved, by the way, that Sagada is some sort of nest for the wounded, the where to of searching souls.

HOW TO GET TO SAGADA:

1.) Before you get to Sagada, you have to get to Baguio first. There are two bus stations in Cubao. One is Victory Liner, and the other is Dagupan Bus. Victory Liner is the better bus with wifi but you have to reserve or buy ticket early if you do not want to be lining up in a long queue and having to compromise your tight schedule or itinerary. We didn't want that, so we transferred instead to Dagupan Bus where there was no line and we got boarded instantly.

Travel time from Cubao to Baguio: 6 hours 

Fare: P445 (May 2015)

2.) You would want to rest in Baguio because it will take another 6 hours to get to Sagada. 

I  am nocturnal, and to a lovelier night I seek for a cup of coffee. There is this cafe, Kaffee Klatsch, which soulful people shouldn't miss. This is the setting: unique comfy couches and seats, cool crowd, live acoustics, dimmed lights, barkada talks, alcohols, blends and coffees, and all sorts of coziness. This is a perfect spot for a chill night.

Kaffee Klatsch

3.) Off to Sagada. The earliest trip is 6am but if the bus gets loaded even before 6, they will go.

Travel Time  from Baguio to Sagada: 6 hours

Fare: P220, P180 for students (May 2015)

The road to Sagada is quite narrow and the altitude from up there is unbelievable, but the scene is stunning.

See that white line? That's the road we've passed! And so are those mountains we've crossed.

Rice Terraces

What struck me are the few houses erected at the mountains. I wonder what kind of civilization the residents have up there, but it is a life I would always dream of living. There is this part of me that reserves love for nature and the simple life. I tell myself, someday I will live up there. I'll be one with nature - closer to the earth and away from the city.

Just a short story: 

There was this group of foreigners with a Filipino tour guide who were passengers of the same bus we were in. At some point they've gotten tired of sitting and they wanted to stop over. One foreigner was saying stop, stoooop as a prank when suddenly at the hype of things, a guy spoke and said STOOOP. YOU SLAVE, STOP! I looked at them to confirm who was it who said the offensive line, and to my dismay it was the Filipino tour guide. How cool did he think he was when he said that? We gave him that " you shut that mouth" look which he took so childishly he began mouthing some jokes about racism and it being the reality. My friend and I were at the verge of confronting that messed up guy and at the 3rd strike we would have, but he didn't hit the last strike and we calmed our nerves. He's the fool who thinks he's cool.

Going on...

We have crossed several mountains until finally and before the sun set, we arrived at the humble town of Sagada. Tourists, many of which were foreigners, were walking in slippers, wearing shorts and sleeveless tops, and just feeling home in that small community.

Down Town

4.) We slept at Lodge Labanet (P250/head). We were five and we were given this room with 3 full sized beds and a restroom. You can also try Salt & Pepper (P300/head) which is better than Lodge Labanet.

That's Lodge Labanet and my friend Marc :)

We had enough time for one activity that afternoon we arrived, so we went to this tour assistance center. Honestly though, we were only expecting a beautiful view of the sunrise and the clouds from Mt. Kiltepan not knowing that they offer several activities such as trekking, caving, water rafting, and some sight seeing. We chose caving the long-course.

CAVE CONNECTION (P600/group package) - Spelunking

It was about 2pm and the rain started falling hard. Rain or shine, we only had 2 days. Gosh we were so adventurous! There was a 30-minute walk before we reached the cave. The activity was called "Cave Connection" as we entered in one cave and exited through another. We were told it would take 3 hours. That's it, that's the orientation to an unexpected deadly caving. Just one wrong step and you might slip to your doom, down to the dark and rocky ground of that hefty cave.  I was feeling brave not until the last challenge where we had to climb up a towering and edgy stone wall through stepping on motorcycle tires tied together with a rope. Those tires were thin and torn, and anytime I might fall. It's the exit and it's the only way out. In intense fear I faked a cry and finally showed some vulnerability. I heard strangers say "kaya mo yan ate!"  I went on until I reached the top. WHEW! #NeverAgain #BuwisBuhay

But do not fear! We survived, I'm sure you will. It is not so scary but it's not so safe. Definitely not for parents. 

There, I have oriented you. Now to the limelight of this activity: It is an experience you will never forget, which you will always look back to and ask I did that? I survived? Yeah! You will enjoy this activity and see nice rock formations inside, dipping your tired feet and legs in a clear and cold water and sliding in precious lime stones. 

See that guy? See how big the cave is? It's edgy and dark too!

And ropes to hold on to

Somewhere in the middle of the cave

My lovely friends! <3

The cool and clear water inside the cave

MT. KILTEPAN (P1,000 group package with Trekking and walk to the falls)

This is it, the highlight of the adventure. We went early to Mt. Kiltepan at around 4:30 in the morning to catch the sunrise. It was a 15-minute drive from the town. We were the second group that arrived and so we got the best spot. I was so glad there was a store up there and they had coffee for sale. It was so nice to sip a cup of joe on top of a mountain during the wee hour of the morning. I loved how the cold air and the hot vapor from my coffee blew through my face.

Unfortunately, it was foggy and we didn't witness the sun rise. We were a bit disappointed but come 6:30am, the sky shined so bright and the sun was radiant like a sparkling diamond. With the clouds below us and all the people in awe, it was the rightful "picture perfect" moment. Everyone had their own poses to be captured; everyone was happy.

Lord, we thank you for this gift.

Panoramic

One of my favorite photos. We have that "Twilight" vibe ahuh?

Friendship goals achieved!

This is my sissy <3

TREKKING

Now this one was also intense. We didn't receive the memo! But of course it was definitely fulfilling and ultimately fun!  

Hold on tight!

Born for adventures. Naturally good at it.

This was quite a struggle

Don't forget to bring a monopod for a group shot! 

Way to the Underground River

Inside the Underground River. We didn't have slippers and we didn't want our shoes to get wet so we tried walking on with our barefoot. Nope, it hurt. So bring slippers! It is another 30-minute walk and it's knee-deep. It was so dark as well. Glad we didn't venture this route, I bet it is creepy in there. 

5.) Heading back to Baguio. Just a tip, have your name listed for the bus trip early so you'll have a reservation.  It was a long wait for us. Their last trip is at 1pm.

Default rice

Lovely flowers everywhere!

Love nature

Hanging Coffins

The Anglican Church

Reminders:
1) Wear comfortable clothes.
2) For the cave connection, wear trekking sandals or slippers that are not slippery.
3) For trekking, wear rubber shoes but bring slippers which you will use at the underground river.
4) When caving, do not bring so much stuff, or do not bring any at all except your camera.
5) Bring water!
6) Keep safe and eat a lot to store energy, you'll be needing much of it :)


Sagada, I will see you again.