Sabi nga sa isang article na nabasa ko, “A life lived slowly is a life well lived.”Ano raw? Need to read it again, trying to discover and grasp what’s on the author’s mind since it is quite impossible, in our present generation, to live slowly. People nowadays are always in a hurry. Kaya nga puro tayo “instant”- instant padala, instant noodles, instant load, instant money, instant barkada, instant asawa etc. But I must admit, tama sya, “A life lived slowly is a life well lived.” When we rush through life, we miss a lot of things- we miss expressions, we miss simple things in life, we miss flowers in bloom, we miss the beauty of sunrise/sunset, we miss moments and most of the time, we miss people. In this life, in this generation, we need to take a break from stressful life and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Once in awhile we need to slow down; after all, life is not all about race or competition but discovering and fulfilling our God-given purpose. And it is good to know that there is a place where we can enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and experience the simplicity of life, a place where we can pause and reflect on what really matters in life, a place called SAGADA.

It was in the middle of our busy lives when our group (around 10 people) decided to go to Baguio for 2011 Panagbenga festival. During the planning stage, I asked them if we can proceed to Sagada after the festival. Only two (2) of them said “yes.” Thus, before leaving Manila for Baguio, I asked my two other friends if they want to join us in Sagada (at least 5 kami hehe). After hearing a big “yes” from them, the rest is history…….

Sagada is also a rule breaker (sisihin ba ang Sagada? haha). I broke my own rule-- "Pag nakapag travel na ako sa isang place sa Pinas, hindi ko na babalikan para makarami/mapuntahan ko pa yung ibang lugar dito sa atin." Yes, I broke my own rule. I can't resist the beauty and tranquility of the place (and of course, the cool weather). Hindi lang si Mc Arthur ang nag "I shall return." In April 2017, I went back to Sagada with my two friends, both of them were first timers. Unlike my first visit in 2011, there is now (2017) direct trip to Sagada from Quezon City.

And the things we need to know in Sagada-- Upon arrival in Sagada, you need to register and pay tourism fee to the Tourism Office of Sagada.

For the tours you wanted to avail, just visit the SGGAI for tour guide/package. Mahirap magsarili sa Sagada especially if it is your first time to visit the place. Take note that there is a required number of tour guide depending on the number of guests/group members.

Next question is where to stay in Sagada? Well, it will depend on your preference. But for me, I highly recommend Residential Lodge of Sagada's beloved mother figure-- Tita Mary (Daoas). Super affordable yet comfortable place to stay in Sagada (with overflowing coffee)...

Photo ops with tita Mary in 2011 (left) and in 2017 (right).

Good morning Sagada.......

So, what are the places to see in Sagada? Let's see.......

If you want to fall[s] in love, you must visit the Bomod-ok falls. This falls is a gigantic waterfall in Banga-an, Sagada, Mountain Province. Bomod-ok is a Bontoc term meaning "big". The falls is said to be 200 meters high. It can be accessed through trekking via scenic rice paddies and native villages.

The Bomod-ok falls.......

Another place to visit is Sagada Weaving. Please take note that picture taking inside is not allowed.

Next in the list is the Echo Valley. This place is one of the most accessible tourist spots in Sagada. Just a short walk from poblacion (town). When you reach the place--- Isigaw mo na ang gusto mong isigaw.......

Please take note that you need a tour guide in going to this place...

Picture taking at the Echo Valley (after shouting _________________!!!.......)

Tinamaan ng kidlat.......

After mag-emo sa Echo Valley, you may go to the famous hanging coffins... Just be careful in going down as the place to walk is very steep.

From Echo Valley/Hanging Coffins, going back to the poblacion, you will pass through a cemetery...

One of the SAF 44 commandos was buried here at the Sagada Calvary Cemetery

In going back to poblacion (town), stop over muna at the St. Mary's Episcopal Church

on our way to Sumaging Cave.......

Sagada's popular spelunking site.... Sumaging Cave

Need to talk and prepare....... and the rest is history... hahaha

waiting for sunset at Danum Lake

The beauty of traveling? Seeing new places and meeting new faces...

"Sunsets are a reminder that every day will come to an end. And no matter how hard, or how trying, or how all-consuming that twenty-four-hour period might feel...every day can be as different as every sunset.” --Nicole Deese

with every sunset, there is a sunrise.... The two best places in Sagada to see the beautiful sunrise--

The Kiltepan Viewpoint

and the chilly sunrise at Sagada's Marlboro Country

Kalabanin man ng kapal ng ulap at hamog, pilit at patuloy pa rin sisikat ang araw, hudyat ng panibagong araw...panibagong pag-asa.

Another place to visit in Sagada is the Ganduyan museum. It is a small museum owned by the family of Sagada native, the late Christina Aben. The collection comprised of tribal artifacts of Ifugao culture--household earthenware, woven cloth, baskets, sculptures, jewelry and weapons. Picture taking is not allowed inside the museum..

court room in Sagada

Now, how about the food? Yes, the food...Where to eat in Sagada? Here's the list...

Pinikpikan comes from the Ilocano word, "pikpik" which means to hit repeatedly. Pinikpikan is a dish by the Ifugao in the Mountain Province. It is prepared by beating live chicken with a stick to induce internal bleeding. The beating bruises the chicken's flesh, bringing blood to its surface, which is said to improve the flavor after cooking. What I heard is that the preparation of pinikpikan is, in reality, a ritual being performed by Cordillera tribes.

Inside Salt & Pepper Snack House

Want a good breakfast/lunch/dinner? I highly recommend this Strawberry Cafe...

When I told the waitress, "Uy, may war 'te, nasa taas kasi yung red...." halatang nabigla sya but she wittingly answered, "mapapa guera po sa pagkain sa sarap ng pinikpikan burger."

Another good thing in visiting Sagada is that you can add side trips in Bontoc, Banaue and Baguio.