Baguio bound
10:30 a.m
10:30 a.m
my sister arrived a couple of hours early at the victory bus terminal for our scheduled 12:00 noon trip to Baguio. she was so stressed out that we got there early. I was relaxed as always, she's hot and I'm the cool medium that's why we gel perfectly lol. since I hate waiting in vain and the weather is not so friendly (it drizzled a bit) I decided to go take a walk. I went to 711 (just outside the terminal) to buy us some snacks for our trip and Zagu (pearl milk tea) to cool down. my sister suggested we go as a chance passenger because she couldn't endure waiting, I said no way 'cuz I want to take advantage of my assigned seat since it'll be a long trip. on the bus, I finished watching this movie called 'death sentence' top-billed by Kevin Bacon then slept all throughout the second movie. I haven't slept because I went straight home after work then off to the bus terminal. when I woke up its hours past noontime and Barry Manilow, Paul McCartney, and Elton john's DVD is playing back to back oh my, I should've just slept geez.
7:00 pm
the bus dropped us off in front of our house and our mom was already waiting for us. as soon as we're settled, we called our dog Brandon (he's our four-year-old German shepherd) since he hasn't seen us in ages. Brandon took his toy ball and I'm glad he still remember us. when we got up to the second floor we saw jack! we missed our beloved housemate Jacko! (my elder sister's long coat chihuahua/shitzu dog) he did not recognize us at first so he barked like hell but then as soon as he recognized us, he never left our side lol. dinner--our mom cooked pork chops. nothing beats home cooked food.
*DAY 2
it's our birthday! so we woke up as early as 5:00 AM and my mom's been waiting for the church bell. we heard mass at the church of St. Mary the Virgin and the language was in their native Ilokano and partly English. I did not understand a thing of course but it's ok. we offered thanksgiving prayers for arriving in Sagada safe and sound and of course for allowing to celebrate our birthday with our parents which do not get to do very often anymore.
The SMV ground is surrounded by greeneries and tall pine trees. few walks from the church you'll find the centennial marker. it's a huge bell indicating that Sagada has been around since the 19th century, awesome.
breakfast. I love breakfast.
we had breakfast at Masferre, it's this cute looking restaurant few walks away from the municipal hall. no picture taking allowed (but if you have mobile phones, no worries as long as you don't use flash. make it as discreet as possible. the walls are adorned by pictures of tribe natives which is possibly the reason why they do encourage picture taking, to preserve what needs to be preserved.
my mom tried their sandwich and the french fries was delish. our dad had this Filipino dish something whilst my twin sister and I tried their country farm meal and the serving was huge. it's like they sliced the whole loaf and divided it into four. their country farm meal consists of lettuce, tomatoes, a couple of sunny side up eggs and big chunks of butter and it only cost Php460 for us all (4 people). we were stuffed. it was another gastronomic experience having dined at Masferre.
past 2:00 pm
back to the guest house.
we started transferring photos both from our mom's digicam and our mobile phones to our laptop went busy editing the pictures for hours. it rained again late in the aftie, the rain invited melancholy. the fog began to blanket Sagada. as soon as the rain stopped our mom and dad dropped by at Masferre again to get us some pancit stir (fried vermicelli noodles) and ice cream for our birthday yey! we're heading back to Baguio tomorrow so our mom decided that we settle our bill tonight and we even got another discount. Our final bill went down to Php1,500 since we did not take long. it was just three days and a couple of nights for Php3,000. although room rates are subject to change depending on the season of course.
7:00 pm
the bus dropped us off in front of our house and our mom was already waiting for us. as soon as we're settled, we called our dog Brandon (he's our four-year-old German shepherd) since he hasn't seen us in ages. Brandon took his toy ball and I'm glad he still remember us. when we got up to the second floor we saw jack! we missed our beloved housemate Jacko! (my elder sister's long coat chihuahua/shitzu dog) he did not recognize us at first so he barked like hell but then as soon as he recognized us, he never left our side lol. dinner--our mom cooked pork chops. nothing beats home cooked food.
Sagada aDvEnTuRe...
*DAY 01
Saturday, 26 April
Sagada bound
Sagada bound
5:00 am
up early because we need to drop off our sister to the University for her bar exams review. We got there before 7 am then took a cab to get to the bus terminal bound to Sagada. we first headed off to the Sunshine bus station but we were told their buses are only bound to Bontoc, not Sagada. so, we immediately went to the Dangwa bus station (as per our research online, Lizardo bus is the only bus company bound to Sagada from Baguio. to make the long story short, our dad booked the 9:30 a.m. trip since he wants us to sit close to the door and the driver's seat. I hate sitting at the far end part of the bus neither. Lizardo buses are not air-conditioned by the way so don't expect too much. we shared the bus ride with hens and what-have-you which we seriously didn't mind.
fare: P220/head, for senior citizens P182.
up early because we need to drop off our sister to the University for her bar exams review. We got there before 7 am then took a cab to get to the bus terminal bound to Sagada. we first headed off to the Sunshine bus station but we were told their buses are only bound to Bontoc, not Sagada. so, we immediately went to the Dangwa bus station (as per our research online, Lizardo bus is the only bus company bound to Sagada from Baguio. to make the long story short, our dad booked the 9:30 a.m. trip since he wants us to sit close to the door and the driver's seat. I hate sitting at the far end part of the bus neither. Lizardo buses are not air-conditioned by the way so don't expect too much. we shared the bus ride with hens and what-have-you which we seriously didn't mind.
fare: P220/head, for senior citizens P182.
ALONG AND WINDING ROAD.
it was a long trip and I'm not kidding. brace yourself for the road is really winding and I meant it literally. Along the way I saw lots of rice & vegetable terraces as if crafted by nature, pine trees, infinite rocky and narrow roads. the long and winding road went on for six grueling hours from Baguio. what can I say? it was a heart-racing drive. nevertheless, we reached Sagada safe and sound. I told my sister there's always a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. we set foot in Sagada finally. many thanks as well to the very skilled Lizardo bus driver. kudos man for taking us to our destination safely amidst the epic terrain.
it was a long trip and I'm not kidding. brace yourself for the road is really winding and I meant it literally. Along the way I saw lots of rice & vegetable terraces as if crafted by nature, pine trees, infinite rocky and narrow roads. the long and winding road went on for six grueling hours from Baguio. what can I say? it was a heart-racing drive. nevertheless, we reached Sagada safe and sound. I told my sister there's always a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. we set foot in Sagada finally. many thanks as well to the very skilled Lizardo bus driver. kudos man for taking us to our destination safely amidst the epic terrain.
3:30 pm past:
the bus terminal is just in front of the gundayan museum by the way because they don't have official bus terminals, no ticket reservations neither because you pay for your trip upfront. I thought the weather would be twice colder than Baguio, but it wasn't. however, it's an advantage if you've been to Baguio because the weather in Sagada is pretty much the same, Sagada though is colder in the morning. Sagada is a small town, very rural. there were few tourists the whole time we were there and it's always drizzling, it only subsides past four in the afternoon.
the bus terminal is just in front of the gundayan museum by the way because they don't have official bus terminals, no ticket reservations neither because you pay for your trip upfront. I thought the weather would be twice colder than Baguio, but it wasn't. however, it's an advantage if you've been to Baguio because the weather in Sagada is pretty much the same, Sagada though is colder in the morning. Sagada is a small town, very rural. there were few tourists the whole time we were there and it's always drizzling, it only subsides past four in the afternoon.
GUNDAYAN MUSEUM.
unfortunately, we weren't able to visit the Gundayan Museum because we're so excited to go to the infamous Yoghurt House. anyways, in case you're interested to visit the museum, the entrance fee is P25/person. it was a small museum though.
unfortunately, we weren't able to visit the Gundayan Museum because we're so excited to go to the infamous Yoghurt House. anyways, in case you're interested to visit the museum, the entrance fee is P25/person. it was a small museum though.
SAGADA GUEST HOUSE.
we checked in at the nearest lodge available. we originally planned to go to the log cabin but due to time constraints (it's drizzling when we arrived), we checked in at the Sagada guest house instead and took their last room left. they didn't look fully booked though so I was surprised they don't have any other rooms left when we arrived, business as usual. The rate was originally Php1,875. for a room with four beds (1 master bedroom, 3 single beds), own toilet and bath, kitchen and cable tv. it was a nice room. the kitchen is complete with cutlery: plates, spoon & fork, cooking utensils and gas stove. we also got the room with the view of the mountains and from the lodge, you'll see the SMV church, hospital, and the fruit stalls. we haggled from Php1,875 down to Php1,600, not bad right?
Yogurt HOUSE.
we were starving. so, as soon as we're all set we took a few walks downhill from the guest house and started looking for the Yoghurt House because we heard so much about the place.
from the Sagada guest house, turn right and take the road downhill. once you walk past this place called The Green House, few walk away you'll find the Yoghurt House! House wasn't lit so we asked first if the place is open and it was so we were handed the menu and ordered our meal. the place was very cozy, from the Igorot woven tapestry adorning the ceiling down to the beautiful lanterns. they also have a fireplace and pocketbooks for sale. I loved the photos of the town locals, it says so much about Sagada's history. I even take a look at their guest book which happened to be filled with writings/comments already. my parents had chop suey (Filipino dish with cabbage, red bell pepper, carrots, etc) whilst ham sandwich and their famous yogurt for me and my sister (we tasted their strawberry flavored Yoghurt) it was tasteful really. the yogurt was a pure and organic, very healthy treat. if am not mistaken, it just cost around P60. food cost is ranging from Php50-120. their prices were reasonable though.
from the Sagada guest house, turn right and take the road downhill. once you walk past this place called The Green House, few walk away you'll find the Yoghurt House! House wasn't lit so we asked first if the place is open and it was so we were handed the menu and ordered our meal. the place was very cozy, from the Igorot woven tapestry adorning the ceiling down to the beautiful lanterns. they also have a fireplace and pocketbooks for sale. I loved the photos of the town locals, it says so much about Sagada's history. I even take a look at their guest book which happened to be filled with writings/comments already. my parents had chop suey (Filipino dish with cabbage, red bell pepper, carrots, etc) whilst ham sandwich and their famous yogurt for me and my sister (we tasted their strawberry flavored Yoghurt) it was tasteful really. the yogurt was a pure and organic, very healthy treat. if am not mistaken, it just cost around P60. food cost is ranging from Php50-120. their prices were reasonable though.
SOUVENIR SHOPS.
I bought myself this ethnic sling bag for Php130 originally P150 (you can always haggle) the items cost a little touristy but it's ok since you knew they're originally from Sagada. shirts may cost from Php200-300 roughly. honestly, souvenir items are cheaper in Baguio lol.
past 7:00 PM
off to slumberland. people in Sagada sleep early (and I mean as early as 6pm) and as soon as the lights are off, Sagada turns into a ghost town. everything is pitched black hadn't for the street light nearby.
off to slumberland. people in Sagada sleep early (and I mean as early as 6pm) and as soon as the lights are off, Sagada turns into a ghost town. everything is pitched black hadn't for the street light nearby.
*DAY 2
Sunday, 27 April
ST. MARY'S CHURCH (SMV Parish).
it's our birthday! so we woke up as early as 5:00 AM and my mom's been waiting for the church bell. we heard mass at the church of St. Mary the Virgin and the language was in their native Ilokano and partly English. I did not understand a thing of course but it's ok. we offered thanksgiving prayers for arriving in Sagada safe and sound and of course for allowing to celebrate our birthday with our parents which do not get to do very often anymore.
The SMV ground is surrounded by greeneries and tall pine trees. few walks from the church you'll find the centennial marker. it's a huge bell indicating that Sagada has been around since the 19th century, awesome.
MASFERRE COUNTRY INN & RESTO.
breakfast. I love breakfast.
we had breakfast at Masferre, it's this cute looking restaurant few walks away from the municipal hall. no picture taking allowed (but if you have mobile phones, no worries as long as you don't use flash. make it as discreet as possible. the walls are adorned by pictures of tribe natives which is possibly the reason why they do encourage picture taking, to preserve what needs to be preserved.my mom tried their sandwich and the french fries was delish. our dad had this Filipino dish something whilst my twin sister and I tried their country farm meal and the serving was huge. it's like they sliced the whole loaf and divided it into four. their country farm meal consists of lettuce, tomatoes, a couple of sunny side up eggs and big chunks of butter and it only cost Php460 for us all (4 people). we were stuffed. it was another gastronomic experience having dined at Masferre.
SAGADA MUNICIPAL HALL.
we inquired at the municipal hall regarding our plans of visiting the echo valley and the hanging coffins. surprisingly there's a fee depending on where you're headed and if you need a tourist guide. for a group of 4 people that'll cost P400 (P100/head) if it's just sightseeing and not get inside the caves. we agreed and paid Php40 (as pre-payment) then the full Php400 once we get back to the municipal hall. well, our research did not say anything about paying a fee for sightseeing though lol. anyways, no worries, as long as the whole experience will be safe. by the way, in case you're pretty tired of walking after hiking down the woods towards the underground caves and burial grounds, your guide could send out a vehicle which is just one text message away to pick you up for Php250 even if it'll just take 10-20 minutes away by foot. funny how it's still considerably cheap I guess especially to foreigners.
ECHO VALLEY & THE HANGING COFFINS.
We were accompanied by a female tourist guide. it was a 40 min walk to echo valley. we found out that the reason why it was called as such it was because once you shout you'll hear an echo lol (of course) from echo valley you'll see the hanging coffins as well. we passed by a cemetery which was eerie of course. so also avoided taking pictures to pay respect to the people long buried there. I picked some flowers and my dad told us not to because those flowers belong to the cemetery and never pick a flower from places inhabited by deceased people. oops sorry! so, I returned the flowers back afterward.
BURIAL CAVE.
another long walk from echo valley.
we passed by st. mary's school and this huge field, we were told then that it was a short cut to get to the burial cave. the view was priceless on our way to the burial cave. some of the visitors even laughed out loud and had fun while taking pictures at the cave surrounded by century-old coffins. we just took photos and I even slipped since the mud was pretty slippery due to the water dripping from the caves. our dad got so nervous that he forbid us to go any closer to the tombs. my legs were shaking because it was a long walk down the cave and we're not aware it's gonna be mountain climbing! I thought I'm gonna collapse at first because my vision is getting cloudy so we decided to rest for few minutes. lesson learned, make sure to bring bottled water, wear comfy clothes and do some warm up first before you go on hiking lol. we were so tired no matter how cold it was. in the end, we decided to ask for a vehicle to pick us up. total cost P650; P400 for the tourist guide, P250 for the vehicle. it was awesome though. I was just so damn tired.
we passed by st. mary's school and this huge field, we were told then that it was a short cut to get to the burial cave. the view was priceless on our way to the burial cave. some of the visitors even laughed out loud and had fun while taking pictures at the cave surrounded by century-old coffins. we just took photos and I even slipped since the mud was pretty slippery due to the water dripping from the caves. our dad got so nervous that he forbid us to go any closer to the tombs. my legs were shaking because it was a long walk down the cave and we're not aware it's gonna be mountain climbing! I thought I'm gonna collapse at first because my vision is getting cloudy so we decided to rest for few minutes. lesson learned, make sure to bring bottled water, wear comfy clothes and do some warm up first before you go on hiking lol. we were so tired no matter how cold it was. in the end, we decided to ask for a vehicle to pick us up. total cost P650; P400 for the tourist guide, P250 for the vehicle. it was awesome though. I was just so damn tired.
past 2:00 pm
back to the guest house.
we started transferring photos both from our mom's digicam and our mobile phones to our laptop went busy editing the pictures for hours. it rained again late in the aftie, the rain invited melancholy. the fog began to blanket Sagada. as soon as the rain stopped our mom and dad dropped by at Masferre again to get us some pancit stir (fried vermicelli noodles) and ice cream for our birthday yey! we're heading back to Baguio tomorrow so our mom decided that we settle our bill tonight and we even got another discount. Our final bill went down to Php1,500 since we did not take long. it was just three days and a couple of nights for Php3,000. although room rates are subject to change depending on the season of course.
things to remember...
- no atm machines in sagada.
- they don't accept credit cards, in short, make sure you bring enough cash.
- the nearest city is Baguio which is 6 hours away.
- expect rough roads.
- people are majority natives, Ilocano, little Tagalog and English are the major languages spoken in sagada.
- there's cable tv, fortunately (limited channels)
- internet access--as I walked uphill headed to st. joseph's I found computer shops with wifi.
- Lizardo is the only bus company in Sagada the rest are jeepneys.
- the bus bound to Baguio departs as early as 5:00 am. ticket reservations not needed cuz you pay as you go.
*DAY 3
Monday, 29 Apr
back to Baguio.
back to Baguio.
we woke up as early as 3:30 am and the town is still pitch black. our mom prepared us coffee, we did not eat anything since we're trying to catch the 5am Lizardo bus bound to Baguio. if the bus is scheduled to leave at 5am they will leave on the dot.
9:30 AM
stopover
the bus stopped somewhere in Atok, Benguet for a lunch break. we never slept the entire trip, we enjoyed seeing the endless vegetable and fruit terraces along the way.
before 11:00 AM
Baguio at last. We had lunch at the nearest fast food joint around. it's a sunny day. our mom prepared spaghetti for dinner for some post birthday bash.
9:30 AM
stopover
the bus stopped somewhere in Atok, Benguet for a lunch break. we never slept the entire trip, we enjoyed seeing the endless vegetable and fruit terraces along the way.
before 11:00 AM
Baguio at last. We had lunch at the nearest fast food joint around. it's a sunny day. our mom prepared spaghetti for dinner for some post birthday bash.
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