Sagada Once More! (An Annual Trip in the Making?)

I had been to Sagada last December 26-29, 2010 with my college friends. The day I came home, I immediately felt the urge to return. I think every working individual needs to take a break from the busy world at least once a year and I believe Sagada would perfectly cater to that need. With its distinct coolness and calmness in the company of falcatta, this place is truly ideal for a much needed recharge, even soul-searching.

And return I did. I came back with different companions this time, high school friends, an officemate and her family, and Boots, of course. My high school friend was the one insistent on going and I tagged along. As much as I longed to perform soul searching in Sagada (which I was not able to do last year), we followed the same itinerary, only with slight changes.

No matter how relaxing the place is, in general, Sagada has a lot in store for adventurers and thrill-seekers like me. The caves of Lumiang and Sumaguing are spelunkers' paradise, with the majestic features matching the physical challenges that you had to accomplish (the guides are extremely supportive, though). While the rare experience to tread on the world renowned rice terraces on the trek to Bomod-ok Falls might be overwhelming to the eyes, it is nevertheless overwhelming for stamina and endurance, especially on the ascending way back.

During my first Sagada visit, I was only able to do the caving in Sumaguing Cave and not the 5-hour cave connection from Lumiang to Sumaguing Cave because our tour coordinator did not even ask us if we wanted to avail this option. For this year, although we availed the services of the same tour provider, I was glad that they asked, and Boots and I excitedly availed (though that means we had to separate from our group who settled for the caving in Sumaguing).

me and Boots and the others who did cave connection

This time around, we went to NFA-Aguian View Deck in Banaue (the view from the P 1000 bill), Lake Danum for the "sunset" (failed, of course), to Ganduyan Museum (with additional fee as donation), to Kiltepan for the "sunrise" (failed too, of course), and to Rock Inn Farm's Orange Orchard. These were the places that we were not able to cover during my first time there.

the view at NFA-Aguian View Deck in Banaue

having fun at Lake Danum

our class picture at Ganduyan Museum

"sunrise" viewing at Kiltepan

orange picking at Rock Inn Farm's orange orchard

And by the way, I was finally able to taste the much talked about lemon pie and lemon tea from the Lemon Pie House. Yum! We were also assigned to a different guesthouse, in Kanip-aw Pines View Lodge which has a great view of Echo Valley. And speaking of Echo Valley, I was able to go down to the Hanging Coffins this time. These were the new experiences I encountered during my second Sagada trip. The only thing that I was not able to experience this time around was the Sagada Grand Bonfire, because though it was December, too (we went on December 1-4), the Sagada Grand Bonfire is held every December 28.