Must-Try in Sagada: Sagada Grand Bonfire

Sagada Grand Bonfire is a cultural night done every 28th of December in Sagada. This should not be mistaken for the usual bonfires in Sagada which could be done by anyone anytime of the year. This is Sagada Grand Bonfire, and by grand, I mean grand.

First of all, the bonfire itself was grand. It was huge.

the Sagada Grand Bonfire

Things to Do in Sagada: Learn in Sagada Pottery House

Sagada Pottery House

When it comes to arts and crafts, pottery is one of the fields Sagada is known for. Hence, a trip to the Sagada Pottery House is not to be missed when in Sagada.

Sites to Visit in Sagada: Echo Valley and the Hanging Coffins

Echo Valley, Sagada

Sagada is popularly known for its hanging coffins. The hanging coffins served as the traditional final resting place of the tribes. In present days, locals have the choice of whether to stick to the tradition or to be rested the conventional way. When we were there, someone from a week ago chose to be rested the traditional way, unfortunately, I wasn't able to have a close look since I had the choice, too, whether to go down near the hanging coffins or not. I chose not to. I saw that the trail was super steep and slippery, and after the agaw-eksena moment in Bomod-ok Falls, I was not prepared to take another risk with my never reliable Tribu sandals.

Sites to Visit in Sagada: Church of St. Mary the Virgin

Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Sagada

Trivia: In contrast to the Philippines' being majorly composed of Roman Catholics, Sagada is predominantly Protestant. This resulted from the American missionaries' idea of focusing on tribes since they were aware that it was far-fetched to compete with Roman Catholicism in majority of the Philippines.

Things to Do in Sagada: Trek to Bomod-ok Falls

Bomod-ok Falls, Sagada

I've been anxious about this day since the moment I saw the itinerary. I have never done a trek for four hours before. Besides, the fear of slipping in Sumaguing Cave the previous day was still fresh in my mind and I was not yet done cursing that Tribu sandals yet I had to deal with it again. I seriously thought about remaining in the inn while they trek Bomod-ok Falls but what the heck. I was already there so there's no turning back.

Things to Do in Sagada: Caving in Sumaguing Cave

Sumaguing Cave, Sagada

We were quite disappointed because we were never given an option to do the cave connection and was told on the spot that we would only do the normal caving. The organizer said that the time would not suffice if we were to pursue cave connection, so all we could do was have tantrums for a bit, and move on.

'Twas the Night After Christmas: A Sagada Newbie!

A friend suddenly wanted to go to Sagada and being the kaladkarin girl that I am, I said yes though I had little knowledge about the place. I've heard about its caves and I knew it was cold there but as for the accommodations and the proper outfit to wear, I had no idea. I even thought we would be setting up tents there!