Journey along Halsema Highway (Philippine Pali)

Last day of 3D/2N Trip (Dec 21, 2015)

Going down to Baguio from Sagada via Halsema Highway. It is not the Baguio City that excites us most for this last of trip but the "Philippone Pali" or the Marker of Highest point of Philippine Highway system 7,400 feet above sea level which can be found along Halsema Highway, One of the deadliest road in the world with the picturesque scenery at Cattubo, Atok Benguet.

the famous marker

picturesque scenery

I haven't get the chance to get down and explore this place 2 years ago, the first time I went there because I was on a bus ride commuting going home; so it is another first time experience :)
We know that it is a 6-7 hours of road trip but what makes it difficult is the abrupt rainfall, since it is named as one of the deadliest road; we're a bit scared every time there is a blind curve, landslide area, zero visibility due to fog and a cliff beside us. But despite of these circumstances I can't deny that risk comes with great reward. Yes, it is a risky road but the view is pretty amazing. Just like what everybody says "It is not about the destination but its the Journey" and in our situation it was indeed true. We're traveling to Baguio but it is not Baguio City that gives us the feeling of satisfaction but the indescribable beauty of mountain ranges and the sea of clouds. A green, blue and white paradise that gives a great feeling of relief and a promising tomorrow.
We had our stop over and lunch to one the small eatery along the way, I just don't know the exact name of place and the location but they serve local dishes of the cordillera region. After that break long journey again you can really sing "a long winding road" and; when we finally reached the Philippine Pali It is now best time to sing "believe it or not I'm walking on air, I never thought I could feel so freeeee"♪♫♪ Yes, that's what I felt upon setting my foot on the ground on this place. I just can't explain the hype that everyone has while imagining that we were somewhere in the land of Nevada or Utah because the good landscape lies in front of us. we can't help but do the mandatory jump shot to express how glad we are to be in this place. I guess photos will show what am I talking about.

pwede ka talaga mag-emote

group shot

can't help but do jump shot

awesome background

posing for friendship goal shot

Another part of the list was done and were down to our final destination, the Baguio City. We arrived at strawberry farm around 4pm and since it is not harvesting time we just roam around the area, buy some pasalubongs and strawberry icecream. There's nothing to expect more to this last part of the trip since most of us used to be in baguio for how many times. So we just consumed our energy and did not tour around city as we saw how tourist flocked and were tired to get down to take pictures because of the congested traffic within the city. So that's the end of the trip and another long road trip again.


I find this 3d/2n trip a not so ideal trip for everyone but convenient for our group.And it fits so much with our busy schedules. first thing is the weather; it seems like we've been battling with rainfall/typhoon all throughout this journey. second is the schedule, it's almost Christmas time that every road is busy, traffic can be found anywhere, people are catching up at every corner of the restaurants and we are all rushing to an office works before and after the trip. But What's good about this is the season itself, it is the time of the year when you can really feel the cold breeze and we will not slammed with flocked of tourist to every destination. It may sound crazy but it's worth of every nerve chilling trek we had.


I also want to mention again the ever wonderful "Road Trip" for another one of kind experience. For taking good care us during the whole trip and securing our safety before pushing through an activity. check this link for other services they offer for every travel adventure you need.   https://www.facebook.com/letsroadtrip?fref=ts

SAGADA (A second shot)

2nd day of 3D/2N Trip (Dec 20, 2015)

"I left a piece of my heart in this small town called Sagada" That's what I'm always telling my friends when they asked me why do i want to go back to Sagada. And I think going back there before Christmas is a priceless gift for myself. After a day spent in Banaue We head off to Sagada via Bontoc; I can feel all the thrills in me thinking that I'll be able to have a second glimpse of where my heart felt home. It seems like the weather give in to our request and the sun comes out as we travel and got our feet step into Sagada. It was a feeling of Rekindling those days when I'm seeking a peace of mind and this town gives so much of what I need. 

scenic view along the way

the road to Sagada

So much for Hugot feels; First thing we do is to check in at Lodge Labanet. A newly built lodge in Sagada near the Municipal Office. It was a homey and cozy place to stay with good room spaces, hot & cold bath and clean facilities; next thing to do is to fill in our hungry stomach at the lodge's restaurant. It's quite disappointing that it took them an hour or over an hour for some to serve our orders, but the food were of good taste though.

Cordillera's best (Pinikpikan)

view from our room

So much for that coz' were running out of time to enlist all we planned for the day. We moved to our Spelunking activity; We opted not do cave connection since the rain has just stopped and it was late do that one. 4pm when we arrived at Lumiang cave (Burial cave) and as I've seen it 2 years ago it is never a doubt that they maintain the place. Of course short history telling and photo ops then proceed to our next destination which is the famous Sumaguing cave.

trail to Lumiang cave

Burial Cave

view before going to the caves

picturesque scenery

I know for sure that I'll get to appreciate more of this cave coz' I'm not into connection this time, spelunking focused more on the grandeur rock formations. Being in the large group to enter the cave, we were with 3 guides. Story telling, crawling, sliding, lifting, duck walk and dipping with cold flowing waters. This cave never fails to amazed everyone of us. from the beautiful formations to refreshing cold waters. Another reminder for everyone; make sure to follow guides instructions they know the details how to survive with this activity.
It was 7pm when we got out of the cave and there's nothing else to explore since the dark skies take its place. We just take a bath and search for some restaurant to have our dinner.

stairway going down Sumaguing cave

Dipping into cold waters

Elephant?

find the Princess :)

Mandatory group shot

Curtains!

Sagada Brew! that's where we targeted to have our dinner coz we wanted to reward ourselves with the Sagada's brewed coffee and it was indeed a great night of celebrating what we have surpassed for 2 days with a sip of coffee and sumptuous dishes from this restaurant. What makes night more delightful is the friendly people from Sagada. It feels like home away from home; with the entertaining staff from restaurant we never feel bored for waiting for our orders but it doesn't take long for them to serve our foods and that's how our night ended.

Furry baby along the way

looking for the restaurant

Sagada's Brewed Coffee

Sumptuous dish

For our last activity in Sagada and last day of tour we had to wake 4am and get our way to Kiltepan peak for sunrise viewing. I wasn't able to witness the majestic sunrise and sea of clouds the first I went there so I'm hoping that it wasn't the same situation now. It was already 5:45am and all the people there were waiting but the sun didn't show up until 6am. there were sea of clouds but it's not that magical since the gold lining from the sun was not in action but still it's a great view for all of us. Next thing to do is to get breakfast and be ready for another long road trip to Halsema highway down to Baguio City.

My Uncle with my cousin

It's my second time in Sagada but this small town welcomes me like the first time. More and more reason to be excited to what's next to discover, new people to meet and appreciating the simplicity of life by having a peaceful ambiance like this. I haven't seen the most from what this place has to offer and that make me believed that I'm going back. Never a doubt why people who seek silence, soul searching and adventure thriller wants to get there as it offers everything you need without going into luxury kind of travel. This humble small town in Mt. Province will always have a part in my heart and I know for many of its visitors too. This is the real kind of experience of disconnecting from your daily dilemmas and renewing one's soul through energy of nature.



see the last day of our trip next to this post.


Photo credits: Lucille Taperla and Jhudy Abarico