10 things you need to do in SAGADA!
So this would be my first blog ever... and the first thing I thought of writing about was nothing else but my adventure in Sagada. Why? Read on.
Here's a link on how to get there by the way...
http://www.gobaguio.com/sagada/manila-to-sagada-via-banaue.html
1. BE AMAZED BY THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD...
Oh yes! I'm talking about Banaue Rice Terraces.
The route that is mostly taken going to Sagada would be the one that passes through the scenic Banaue rice terraces. And once you get a glimpse of it, there's no way you're going to Sagada without jumping out of your seat to at least get a decent picture with it!
It is simply breathtaking. Realizing that it was built BY hand, I respected the Ifugaos even more!
NOTE: ifugao by Christina Sianghio : The origin of the Ifugaos is derived from the term Ipugo which means “from the hill”.
4. Answer this... "HOW FAR COULD YOU GO?"
P.S
I would really love to hear from you!
-MP
APPETIZER
Sagada is a fifth class municipality in the province of Mountain Province,Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 11,244 people.
It is located 275 kilometers (171 mi) north of Manila (taking at least 12 to 15 hours by bus), 140 kilometers (87 mi) from Baguio, and it is adjacent to Bontoc, the provincial capital.
Sagada is famous for it's hanging coffins. This is a traditional way of burying people that is still utilized. Not everyone is qualified to be buried this way; among other things, one had to have been married and had grandchildren.
Popular activities include trekking, exploring both caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visiting historical sites, nature hikes, and participating in tribal celebrations. Guides can be found upon registration at the tourist-office in Sagada Proper (the main town) for a small fee.
Here's a link on how to get there by the way...
http://www.gobaguio.com/sagada/manila-to-sagada-via-banaue.html
MAIN COURSE
And so let's go straight to our topic... Why Sagada? Let me give you 10 things to do there, so you'll know why.1. BE AMAZED BY THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD...
Oh yes! I'm talking about Banaue Rice Terraces.
The route that is mostly taken going to Sagada would be the one that passes through the scenic Banaue rice terraces. And once you get a glimpse of it, there's no way you're going to Sagada without jumping out of your seat to at least get a decent picture with it!
It is simply breathtaking. Realizing that it was built BY hand, I respected the Ifugaos even more!
NOTE: ifugao by Christina Sianghio : The origin of the Ifugaos is derived from the term Ipugo which means “from the hill”.
 |
| My very own shot of the Banaue Rice Terraces. |
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| Keep in mind that it will take an ounce of courage to be able to get a picture like this. I myself was reluctant at first, but since my daughter was with me, I needed to look tough and do the job. The trail was slippery, and muddy too, one wrong step and its either you're in the rice field face down, OR down the cliff face up. :)
2. EAT LIKE A NATIVE.
I once read, that you can never tell that you've been truly in a place if you've never eaten like the natives. Makes sense right?
I totally agree with that statement, thus every time since then, whenever I take my time off to travel, I do my best to try their delicacies.
SALT AND PEPPER DINER is one of the most visited restaurants in Sagada. It's a small cozy place, where all of the furnitures are wood-carved and all of the food is cooked the "Ifugao" way. It reminded me of the old houses where I grew up. It was indeed relaxing.
Their food was great and very affordable. One meal cost around Php100-200 only. The only thing I did not like was that they served our food for almost after an hour. Seriously! But then, the sweet mangoes just made the waiting game worth it.
NOTE: ALL restaurants in Sagada serves after more than 30minutes. Mom and I agreed that it was their way of living... No Rush, Just Relaxed. So just a tip, do not wait until you're dying of hunger before hitting the restaurants. :)
  
3. BE A REAL-LIFE SPIDERMAN INSIDE THE SUMAGUING-LUMIANG CAVE CONNECTION.
You bet I'm joking?
Perhaps every Sagada adventure won't be complete if you would not visit these caves.
For the not physically active types, you do have a choice of going only halfway the cave and not proceed with the cave connection anymore.
Rule of thumb, the deeper you go inside, the stronger determination you need to get out. I must say that the cave connection would literally test you physically and for some, mentally. I, personally, was reluctant when they asked me to go inside a pitch dark hole that is as big as my head! I was like "you're kidding right?" Expect a lot of "ouch!", "oops!" and "brrrrr" inside... but never forget the "WOW!"
The cave connection not only made me realized how beautiful this world is... but made me thought how life is too short to be anything but thankful. It was simply WONDERFUL.
NOTE: Make sure your guide could speak the same dialect that you do. Remember that your life is in their hands.
I will be doing a separate blog for this one, because if I would be talking just about it, I might not be able to finish this particular blog in time... so stay tuned!
Written outside the cave:
"These caves are Kabunyan's gift for Sagadians and all lovers of beauty and nature. Remember, these wonders are millions of years old. Man was born only yesterday. We, therefore, have no right to destroy these legacies."
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I sincerely thought that the Cave Connection was the most exhausting activity here in Sagada... then I realized I was wrong.
A 2-hour trek should be made for you to reach the famous Bumod-ok Falls (big falls), it is a 200ft waterfalls with a crystal clear, ice-cold type of water running from the top. Did i mention that you need to walk another 2-hours to go back to the drop off zone? And that the trail is 45 degrees elevated? I seriously thought I would need a stretcher to go back!
The trek was no joke, since you'll be literally under the scorching heat of Mr. Sun for almost two hours. The good thing with it is that you do have a two hour bonding session with both your group and Mother Nature.
The trail was simply picture perfect. It was as if we where inside a 3D painting.
You just need the proper clothes for the trek, and enough things in your bag... again JUST ENOUGH. Towel, spare clothes and water are the few things you need. Don't mind bringing your gadgets, DSLRs or the likes anymore. I'm guilty about bringing too much and I really wish i did not.
Besides, you don't want to look like a tired camel in every picture right? :)
The trail was simply picture perfect. It was as if we where inside a 3D painting.
You just need the proper clothes for the trek, and enough things in your bag... again JUST ENOUGH. Towel, spare clothes and water are the few things you need. Don't mind bringing your gadgets, DSLRs or the likes anymore. I'm guilty about bringing too much and I really wish i did not.
Besides, you don't want to look like a tired camel in every picture right? :)
NOTE: DON'T forget to bring chocolate bars... it might just save you.
5. MEET THE QUEEN.
After the 2-hour trek, the Bumod-ok Falls would simply take all those muscle pains away.
Its beauty is indescribable. Seriously. It was like an oasis in the middle of the desert.
Its beauty is indescribable. Seriously. It was like an oasis in the middle of the desert.
The water was crystal clear and ice cold. Its all natural and our tour guide, even said that the water had healing effects. True or not, it simply swept me off my feet. As soon as I saw the falls, it took me a moment to just look at it and appreciate its beauty... a true Queen.
Without further a do we jumped and played like kids beneath it! It was fun and... ooh so relaxing. :)
6. LEMON PIE AND CIVET COFFEE
As I've written earlier, every traveler must try the delicacies of the place he's going to visit. One must enjoy, learn and respect not only the culture but the choices of food as well.
I'm not a lover of lemons. I do drink iced teas with lemons in but that's just it. On the other hand, I love drinking coffee. I always start my day with a cup of coffee, it wakes me up.
So while in Sagada, I asked the natives what could they recommend that I must try before heading back home. And the two answers I got was civet coffee and lemon pie. I almost said "Yey!" when i heard the word coffee but then i realized it was not the one I expected.
The Lemon Pie house was not just known for their lemon pies but also for its cozy set-up. The tables where set-up low and guests would be sitting on pillows. It was cute and homey, reminded me of the koreanovelas I love to watch.
Going back to our menu, I was surprised by the lemon pie we ordered for only Php 25. Not only was it affordable, it was also yummy! Unlike the other lemon pies I tasted before, their version was just perfect to taste. It was neither sour nor sweet. Now I know why it was a top hit for the natives and tourists as well.
I ordered chicken curry as my main dish, and like the lemon pie it was also good! It was served with vegetables on the side which was sweet and fresh.
My next assignment was the Civet Coffee. What makes this coffee different is that an Asian Palm civet literally ate and defecated the seeds of the coffee berries before we drink it. Get the picture?
It will cost you Php 200 to have a small cup of it, pretty much like an espresso cup. I was not able to have a taste of it because just the smell of it made me say No. It had a different odor that was just disturbing for me that I decided not to have one. Though my friend said it tasted just the normal brewed coffee the smell did call his attention as well. So... Maybe next time. :)
7. STARBUCKS IN THE MOUNTAINS.
After putting Civet coffee in this blog, you might be wondering if there is any decent coffee shop like Starbucks in Sagada, right? Besides, a good way to warm up on a cold mountain breeze will always be a good brewed coffee.
Sorry to say but the nearest Starbucks I believe would be in Baguio. But the good news is Sagada has its own version of it namely Sagada brew.
Sagada brew is a coffee shop that has a menu of not just coffee and cakes but sandwiches and rice too. My favorite was their version of Chocolate Lava cake which I must say the best I've tasted so far! I'm a chocolate fan and this one really got me. Its cake was perfectly moist and the chocolate lava was just oozing from inside.
The coffee shop also serves beer at night, thus a little feast before heading home is a sure hit.
8. WEAVE LIKE A PRO.
A traveller in general will always bring something home. Be it a cheap souvenir or an expensive wall decor, we tend to buy things that would remind us about the adventure we had.
Here, other than T-shirts with a print "I survived Sagada", the most common items are woven bags or hand-made dreamcatchers.
Their scattered all over the place, but it would be best to buy in Weaving stores. Not only could you get it for a discounted price, but you will also see how it was made.
After visiting the weaving house, I am sure that you'll remember Sagada whenever you see a woven item.
9. SHOUT FOR JOY!
One of the bravest thing in the world a person could do is to shout his heart's desires. And echo valley is the best place for that.
Natives told us that if your voices bounces back to you, whatever you wished or said to the mountains will come true. It is your way of shouting out to the Gods your hearts plea. My daughter shouted "ang taba ni mommy!" (Mommy is fat!)... Thank God it did not echoed back. hahaha.
10. PLAYGROUND OF THE GODS
And last but not the least, after engaging to all the activities the place could offer, the sunrise in Kiltepan Viewpoint is a must experience.
It is a 30-minute drive away from the mainland. Expect a lot of bumps on your way up and make sure to go as early as you can. The sun won't wait for you that long.
Once in the viewpoint, the rest is history. I was in awe when I saw the sky, the sun... everything. It was the perfect definition of God's love to mankind.
And perhaps this was my favorite.
So there goes the top 10 things I suggest you do when you visit Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines.
There are other places you could go to like the Museum, St. Mary's church and Orange Farm where you could pick fresh oranges.
I highly recommend that you at least spend 3days when going there because the place could offer so much that a shorter stay might just not be enough.
I would like to thank JCE Travel and Tours for taking care of us for the whole trip.
As I've written earlier, every traveler must try the delicacies of the place he's going to visit. One must enjoy, learn and respect not only the culture but the choices of food as well.
I'm not a lover of lemons. I do drink iced teas with lemons in but that's just it. On the other hand, I love drinking coffee. I always start my day with a cup of coffee, it wakes me up.
So while in Sagada, I asked the natives what could they recommend that I must try before heading back home. And the two answers I got was civet coffee and lemon pie. I almost said "Yey!" when i heard the word coffee but then i realized it was not the one I expected.
The Lemon Pie house was not just known for their lemon pies but also for its cozy set-up. The tables where set-up low and guests would be sitting on pillows. It was cute and homey, reminded me of the koreanovelas I love to watch.
Going back to our menu, I was surprised by the lemon pie we ordered for only Php 25. Not only was it affordable, it was also yummy! Unlike the other lemon pies I tasted before, their version was just perfect to taste. It was neither sour nor sweet. Now I know why it was a top hit for the natives and tourists as well.
I ordered chicken curry as my main dish, and like the lemon pie it was also good! It was served with vegetables on the side which was sweet and fresh.
My next assignment was the Civet Coffee. What makes this coffee different is that an Asian Palm civet literally ate and defecated the seeds of the coffee berries before we drink it. Get the picture?
It will cost you Php 200 to have a small cup of it, pretty much like an espresso cup. I was not able to have a taste of it because just the smell of it made me say No. It had a different odor that was just disturbing for me that I decided not to have one. Though my friend said it tasted just the normal brewed coffee the smell did call his attention as well. So... Maybe next time. :)
7. STARBUCKS IN THE MOUNTAINS.
After putting Civet coffee in this blog, you might be wondering if there is any decent coffee shop like Starbucks in Sagada, right? Besides, a good way to warm up on a cold mountain breeze will always be a good brewed coffee.
Sorry to say but the nearest Starbucks I believe would be in Baguio. But the good news is Sagada has its own version of it namely Sagada brew.
Sagada brew is a coffee shop that has a menu of not just coffee and cakes but sandwiches and rice too. My favorite was their version of Chocolate Lava cake which I must say the best I've tasted so far! I'm a chocolate fan and this one really got me. Its cake was perfectly moist and the chocolate lava was just oozing from inside.
The coffee shop also serves beer at night, thus a little feast before heading home is a sure hit.
8. WEAVE LIKE A PRO.
A traveller in general will always bring something home. Be it a cheap souvenir or an expensive wall decor, we tend to buy things that would remind us about the adventure we had.
Here, other than T-shirts with a print "I survived Sagada", the most common items are woven bags or hand-made dreamcatchers.
Their scattered all over the place, but it would be best to buy in Weaving stores. Not only could you get it for a discounted price, but you will also see how it was made.
After visiting the weaving house, I am sure that you'll remember Sagada whenever you see a woven item.
9. SHOUT FOR JOY!
One of the bravest thing in the world a person could do is to shout his heart's desires. And echo valley is the best place for that.
Natives told us that if your voices bounces back to you, whatever you wished or said to the mountains will come true. It is your way of shouting out to the Gods your hearts plea. My daughter shouted "ang taba ni mommy!" (Mommy is fat!)... Thank God it did not echoed back. hahaha.
10. PLAYGROUND OF THE GODS
And last but not the least, after engaging to all the activities the place could offer, the sunrise in Kiltepan Viewpoint is a must experience.
It is a 30-minute drive away from the mainland. Expect a lot of bumps on your way up and make sure to go as early as you can. The sun won't wait for you that long.
Once in the viewpoint, the rest is history. I was in awe when I saw the sky, the sun... everything. It was the perfect definition of God's love to mankind.
And perhaps this was my favorite.
"We didn’t really learn any of Sagada‘s history or cultural facts about the sunrise in Kiltepan viewpoint. It was not something to be read or analyzed, it was to be felt and to be experienced. An awe-inspiring one, from a Power that raised the sun with His hand." -letsgosago
DESSERT
So there goes the top 10 things I suggest you do when you visit Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines.
There are other places you could go to like the Museum, St. Mary's church and Orange Farm where you could pick fresh oranges.
I highly recommend that you at least spend 3days when going there because the place could offer so much that a shorter stay might just not be enough.
I would like to thank JCE Travel and Tours for taking care of us for the whole trip.
Thank you for reading and I do hope you enjoyed it!
Until my next blog... love love love!
P.S
I would really love to hear from you!
-MP
KUDOS. Cheers to your next blogs!
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