• Life Lately

    {Life Lately} When in Banaue-Sagada-Baguio

    February 12, 2017

    I rarely talk about what happened to me lately. Since, I am running out of ideas again for blog posts. Here I am starting this Life Lately series. I hope I will be able to keep up this series.

    Last week is filled with Banaue-Sagada-Baguio travels with my officemates/friends/travel buddies to celebrate Ma’am Kath’s birthday.

    I experienced a lot of firsts on this trip.

    I had my first travel disappointment. On this trip, I planned to take boyfriend. Bags were packed and travel package/fees had been paid. And boy, boyfriend became suddenly sick and can no longer come. Php 2,360 is such a waste of money. Bye bye Php 2,360!

    Spelunking Sumaguing Cave was not that fun either. I had put so much effort into slipping our way down on the rocks. I should have worn sturdier sandals instead of the one I was wearing. But, it was a pretty first and probably my last caving experience.

    Our trek to Bomok-Od Falls was one of a kind. I pushed myself up to my limit for the first time. The payoff was not so great, but the experience is awesome. There were lots of tourists trying to get their photos everywhere. We cannot get a nicer view of the falls with lots people around.

    Read: {Lessons Learned} Trekking Bomok-Od Falls

    We surprised Ma’am Kath with a little unprepared birthday celebration. It was quite an impromptu— another first. But it was successful.

    I have not seen much of Sagada on our visit. I still have lots of things to strike out in my {Random Things} To Do in Sagada. I hope I can visit Sagada again anytime soon.

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  • Life Lately

    {Lessons Learned} Trekking Bomok-Od Falls

    February 8, 2017

    Our trip to Bomok-Od Falls in Sagada made me realize that I am not really into trekking, hiking, mountaineering or any that involves long walks. That trip will be the first and last. I was not aware that it is a two-hour hike going to the falls and another two hours going back.

    Yes, I pushed myself to my limits, both physically and mentally. Going down to the falls is hard, heading back is even harder. I felt the tightness on my legs on every step. Though, I wanted to give up but I did not. My determination to reach the destination and complete the hike was little stronger.

    On this trek, I have learned a lot of lessons in life.

    You do not need a lot of material things in life.

    Just walking stick, and comfortable foot wear and you are good to go. I relied mostly on the walking stick on my way down. I would not imagine myself walking without it. Thank you, walking stick!

    All possessions are temporary. The most beautiful things in life are the people, places and experiences.

    Water is life.

    I never realized the need for this until I started trekking. Water is important. It brings extra energy to keep us going and maintain sanity.

    You cannot live alone; you need people to go on.

    I almost gave up on my way down. I cannot feel my feet anymore. What I feel is the tightness on my legs. But my friends cheered for me.

    As long as there is at least one person who cares, I will not give up the fight.

    Keep moving one step at a time.

    No matter how fast/slow you are going, as long as you progress, you will reach your destination.

    In the end, it will all be worth it.

    Is it worth it? Nah! The payoff was not so great but the experience is awesome. It is the experience we wanted in the first place. The week after was a week of pain relievers.

    Every life lived to the fullest is an adventure and also a lesson.

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  • Random

    {Random} Things To Do in Sagada

    January 28, 2017

    I have collected a few interesting and more unusual tips from travelers/bloggers/vloggers who have been in Sagada. Let us see if we can strike out as many as we can as we enjoy the cold weather, pine trees, and scenic views on our trip this coming February.

    Are 3 days long enough to see all the major sights? Let us see.

    1. Bike to Besao and witness the sunset
    2. Buy the best bread in Sagada at Masferre Inn
    3. Climb the walls of Echo Valley
    4. Conquer Mt. Ampacao and revel in the outstanding view once atop it
    5. Enjoy the Lemon Flavored Pie and Tea at Sagada Lemon Pie House
    6. Enjoy the privacy of your place at Villa D’ Familia
    7. Experience Heaven on Earth at Kiltepan View Point
    8. Explore Sumaging Cave or do the connection and traverse to Lumiang Cave
    9. Freeze in the icy-cold water of Bomod-ok Falls
    10. Get to know the locals and fellow travelers
    11. Go orange picking at Rock Inn
    12. Go shopping at either Sagada Weaving or Ganduyan Store.
    13. Gobble the fantastic yogurt at Yogurt House
    14. Hangout at the Basketball court near St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
    15. Learn the stories behind the peculiar burial tradition
    16. Pay a visit to the Pottery workshop
    17. Pick up some Sagada coffee at 18 Days Coffee Roasters
    18. Play board or card games or relax beside the fireplace
    19. Raft the Chico River from Dantay to Bontoc
    20. Read a book while enjoying a cup of coffee
    21. Ride top load (the roof of) a jeepney
    22. See the Hanging Coffins up close
    23. Stay at Mapia-aw Pensione and enjoy the stunning view from your room or balcony
    24. Trek to the Bomod-ok Falls
    25. Try itag, a cured meat similar to a slab of bacon, unsliced
    26. Try the Saturday Night Buffet or Pork Tenderloin specialty in Log Cabin
    27. Visit the Cemetery and Calvary Hill
    28. Wake up early and bike to Marlboro Country to try to catch a glimpse of the wild horses
    29. Walk along the Rice Terraces of Sagada
    30. Walk around town, visit the market, especially on a Saturday, it’s market day
    31. Witness the product of the local’s creativity at Ganduyan Museum

    Updated (February 7, 2017) I think I need to go back to Sagada. I still have lots of items to strike out. 15 out of 31 is bad. It is not half past 31.

    Credits: Ma’am Kath for pictures

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