Date: August 27-30, 2010
Buddies: Reno Tolentino, Rick Baculi, Mark Ballesteros, Chummy Chua, Roshel Esteron, Carisa Jose, Rochelle Fuertes, Richard Galido, Charity Galido
Day 0, August 27 (Friday)
My siblings Richard and Charity were all getting ready for our first outdoor trip together. We left the house early for the 10PM trip to Baguio. We arrived roughly 30 minutes before the trip and found Roshel and Carissa already on the station. Reno’s group was also in the station and we all are waiting for Chummy and then we’re all set on boarding. Chummy arrived just in time and we all boarded the bus, getting ready for a 5-6 hour trip.
Day 1, August 28 (Saturday)
We arrived early in Baguio at past 5am. We saw a jeepney and told the driver to drop us off in the bus station to Sagada. We don’t know how he got the message but he took us to the wrong bus station – we learned later it was going to Banaue. There was several drivers who offered us to take to Sagada by van but we felt it was way too expensive. We realized we haven’t told the driver earlier the name of the bus station itself. Lesson learned. We decided to walk towards central Baguio where the Sagada bus was. After around half an hour we finally reached Lizardo Bus station. We’re just on time as the bus was about to leave. Leaving around 7AM, we passed by the long and winding Halsema Highway. We had one short stop before finally getting off the bus. We thought we’re already in Sagada. We we’re told were just halfway the trip.
Due to a landslide, no vehicle can pass through the remaining part of the road going to Sagada. We we’re told to go down and pass by the rice fields and walk towards the bridge leading towards the “other half”. So down we go towards the rice fields. Exciting. Classic rural connection. 
Then on we go boarding the second bus. We reached Sagada before lunchtime. Looking around, there seems to be a mystical spark that surrounds the small town. The atmosphere was quiet, the kind of place you would want to unwind. Rustic and mystical Sagada!!! We spent our lunch at a nearby restaurant named Salt & Pepper (quite modern) and went to the tourist guide center to secure the guide services for the rest of our trip. The rest of the guide suggested we take the caving that afternoon and take the rest of the trip tomorrow. We thought it was not such a good idea since we kind of still feel the travel fatigue and have no energy for such a strenuous activity. So we took on the hanging coffins tour instead. Just a pinch of advice to fellow travelers – you need to weigh your options before agreeing to the suggestions of the guide, otherwise, just stick on to your original plans. After much discussion, we then proceeded to the “town” tour. Our guide, Kirky led us to the Episcopal church, the town’s cemetery, the Echo Valley where you can see the vastness of the forest and get a bird’s eye view of the coffins sprawling across rock walls and the famous Hanging coffins. 
It was a surreal experience seeing coffins literally hanging on to the rocks. For the local folk though it was more than just a tradition, it was more part of their being. We went on to the Underground river, not so fabulous though compared to that of Palawan’s. We crossed past the river and went up towards the main street. We spent roughly half an hour passing along fenced walk path and narrow trails towards Bokong falls (a.k.a. “Small falls”) and spent time taking pictures instead as we were running out of time. We hurriedly went back as some of us (especially the girls) felt something “eerie” and scary on our way towards the falls. I would rather consider it as “adventure” instead of actually making a big deal with it. But of course we cannot ignore the fact that there was something unusual with the place and the trail we took. We even discussed it on our way back to the inn. It was just something you cannot simply ignore but what the heck, it was still a good awakening…. Ehhhhh… me scared… After cleaning up, we ended up the day with a hearty dinner at Salt & Pepper with some local delicacy (though I did not eat).
Day 2, August 29 (Sunday)
We set off early and had our breakfast on the inn that we’re staying. Roughly past 9AM, we took off to our Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection tour. We specifically chose the Cave connection instead of just the Sumaguing cave because we thought that is where the adventure is. And true enough it was one hella of an adventure. We started off at Lumiang where we saw some coffins sprawling across the entrance of the cave. Our guide first oriented us on the do’s and don’ts inside the cave. After the meeting, they arranged the lamps and we then headed downhill towards a small opening. It was traffic. It was a small hole and only one person would fit in. I kind of like this adventure. We continued to descend around small rock openings until we reach one area where we need to hold on to the makeshift rope and slide down to reach a flat ground. We continued the exciting trail, a combination of somewhat a huge dance hall, a sudden drop, water source akin to that of the river, mini pool of water, downhill trek and small openings wherein you have to crawl and maneuver your way out. It was scary but exciting. Adventure rush again!
We never failed to miss opportunities of taking great shots of the view inside. I was getting more excited and at the same time a bit concerned with my 2 siblings who were with me. My brother who can be more daring than me would sometimes do his own way than what was planned or said. He can be so hard-headed sometimes. I both gave my brother and sister trail foods and lamps to use whenever they need it and oriented them of being prepared all the time. My sister who is more obedient might be a little scared of the adventure as she is not the outdoor type. But she managed to conquer her fears along the way. I was so proud of both of them. Though I was a little uneasy on having them on this trip, I really wanted them to experience the thrill of adventure and having to commune with nature. After more than an hour of traversing the cave, we reached the detour part of the tour. It was the end of Lumiang cave. The group can either decide to exit the cave or continue with the cave connection via Sumaguing or Crystal Cave. Chummy and I decided we’d push through with the cave connection. We told them we can split the group into two. Chummy, Rick, my brother Richard and I decided we’d push through with the connection. I was a bit worried for my sister but Reno and the rest are with her so I just trusted my instincts. We’re already there and we can’t ignore the temptation of adventure and exploration. After the split-up we then carefully walked through the tricky descent trail of Sumaguing. It was dark and narrow afterwards. Lots of tricky path where you have to walk barefoot and be submerged in waist-deep super cold cave water, like it was just taken from the freezer. Next stop was a small pool where our guide maneuvered & led us one by one. It was not easy. We have to hold on to the rope and make our way to a safe and flat surface. Then a thought suddenly popped out of my mind. What if, for some reason, there was a raging water from the inside and runs towards us. We will surely be swept away. A sudden terror swept over my body. O God let us all be safe. The small opening, narrow path, total darkness, icy cold water, meters below the ground --- it was all such an uncomforting combination. But having travelled to places and climbed mountains made me immune to dangers and terrors. That is because I knew behind those terrors and struggles, there is “a pot of gold” as the old adage would always say. I knew that when we reached the so-called Cathedral, it will be worth the struggles. And so after nearly an hour of the same icy cold-darkness-narrow path ordeal, we finally has an oh-my-goodness sigh! It was indescribably amazing!!!! 
The Cathedral was like a big curtain towering before us. How could this sight be not worth the struggle???? For like half-a-minute, we stood there, just staring at how awesome the cave was. Mini rice terraces. Huge curtains of stalagmites. Big wow! 
Chummy, Rick, my brother Richard and I were equally stricken by how beautiful the sight was. Our guide advised us to remove the slippers which was way better to feel the total cave experience. He was right. Barefoot and charged up, we moved to bigger and taller stalagmites, this time we either climb or crawl… Now, it was getting more exciting. Moving from the lower deck of the cave to the upper part have two options --- climbing through the cathedral around 5-7 meters high by vertically walking on it (just like the action movies where the protagonist would walk on the building as if walking on walk path) OR take the longer route which was way safer. But of course, we would choose the more challenging one – walking on the cathedral. It was superrrrr fun!!!!! Yeah this is what you call adventure!!!! We spent another half an hour reaching the detour where we need to put back our slippers and walk a little bit more to reach the mouth of the cave. Just before we had our final stretch, our guide asked us if we wanted to take the Crystal Cave which he said was also visually appealing but much more difficult than what we had earlier. We decided we had enough fun and can always come back for it. And so off we go for the last stretch of this wonderful cave connection adventure. We’re just so happy we finally reached the mouth of the cave and glad we all came out safe and sound. After that, we then had our late lunch near the place we we’re staying in. After resting, together with the rest of the group we headed towards the “Big Falls” which they call Bomod-ok falls. Before getting there, we are greeted with the rustic view of small rice terraces and vast rice field. It was a welcome treat for us!
I personally felt nostalgic in places like these because it would always remind you of the simple life, the fresh air and the laidback living. After passing through rice fields, we then reach the Big Falls. Oh yes, it was literally big and scary too!!!! Its force and power overwhelmed me. For one, you cannot come close to it because you’ll be carried away by its force. We decided to just swim around the sides to avoid any untoward incident. We never stayed long as the sun started to set. 
We arrived at the hotel just in time for the dinner. This time, we went to another restaurant along the major road, just a walking distance from our hotel. Dinner was all about how we enjoyed the cave, falls and the whole of Sagada. It’s rustic experience is something that would make you forget all the worries in the city. We then decided to continue the “celebration” on our hotel where 3 Koreans started joining us. (We think they kind of bored that night). We started playing some games and things began to be so noisy that the owner has to go down (we were in the basement room) and warned us of other visitors. What a night!!!!
Day 3, August 30 (Monday)
We got up early for the special breakfast we requested and to negotiate for our transportation back to Banaue. So roughly past 9am, we left Sagada. We stopped by one of the view decks to see the famed Rice Terraces. Though it was beautiful, we kind of felt sad that there are houses around the area and it becomes some kind of an eye-sore to the once-beautiful Banaue Rice Terraces. I think we all ( not just the government) should preserve and maintain what was once included in the 7 Wonders of the World. Though a bit disappointed, I’m still kind of amazed by how the farmers are able to form such wonder. Amazing human creation!!!!
After spending sometime on the view deck, we then go to bus stations to secure tickets. It wasn’t easy at first. There were few tickets left so we had to jump from one station to another. We thought of actually getting our tickets when we were still in Sagada but we’re not yet sure what time we’d arrived in Banaue. After a few more tries, we’re glad we got reserved tickets back to Manila. While waiting for our trip which is hours away, we took some stroll along Banaue and got ourselves ready for another long trip by a well-deserved lunch. Around past 6pm, we left Banaue and arrived in Manila roughly around 6am (was a really long trip). Overall it was a fun trip, no, much more fun. Sagada to me is a hidden paradise, one place you would want to come back over and over again.
