craft

of cloudscapes and grasslands

We all woke up pretty early on our third day in Sagada. I am more of a sunset person but this much talked about sunrise in Sagada is worth getting out of bed as early as 4am. We finally arrived at a perfect-for-sunrise spot at past 5 in the morning. We may  not have trekked the famous Kiltepan viewpoint (because we took the wrong direction, my bad) but we had a special spot exclusively for us and the view is as magical as it is seen in most travel photos.

We also enjoyed the beautiful cloudscapes with a hot cup of coffee, thanks to the town mayor's hospitality :) His house has a perfect view of the Kiltepan sunrise. So lovely! Wondering how we got there? We had an emergency situation and luckily it's the most accessible and absolutely the best house to rescue us. 

After our coffee session at the mayor's house, we went back to trekking. Sans breakky, we walked for more than two hours to the Marlboro Country. We almost gave up as we didn't have enough energy to keep us going plus our map was not as detailed as we thought and it happened to be the only guide that we had. Nevertheless, after our push and pull moments, we finally decided to keep walking forward. We saw a lot pine trees first, then some high bushes next and and we finally made it! The green green grass of home! The calm Marlboro Country was waiting for us all along! The view is just... BREATHTAKING!



from bud to bloom

  

The vegetation along our trek to Marlboro Country



A bug's life



FROM photo-ops kind of trekking 
TO literally wandering 
TO pushing it some more
TO AT LAST, WE MADE IT!!!

After all the morning treks, we, for sure, deserved a big big breakfast! We also had some nap to restore our energy. As for our final afternoon in Sagada, we chose it to be a quiet one. We went to see some recommended cafes: Strawberry Cafe and Lemon Pie House. We capped it off with a light dinner at my favorite spot in Sagada, Gaia Cafe. :)

wander:

Kiltepan sunrise

Marlboro Country

Sagada cafes

wonder:

“If we know exactly where we're going, exactly how to get there,

and exactly what we'll see along the way, we won't learn anything.”

― M. Scott Peck

Day 1 of Sagada trip '13

Day 2 of Sagada trip '13

let's trek it slow

Rise and shine everyone! Sagada itinerary for Day 2 is on!

We started the day at around 6am to prep up for a trek date at 7am. We joined a group of six perky and funny school teachers for our 2-3-hour trek to Bomod-ok falls. We learned that this group often takes roadtrips and travels to different parts of the country together, planned or unplanned. They seem to be carefree and just enjoy the perks of being near retirement or retirement. Our trek was a bit of a challenge for them because of the up and down trails that they had to walk but they took the challenge and did it slowly but surely. Obviously, the generation gap was evident; nevertheless, our group (that's moi, Jed, Bong and Ate Juvilaine) and theirs are one in a big goal of trekking the mighty falls. 

This way to the falls. Our group paid 500 pesos for the trek guide plus 350 for the jeepney from the town center and back. We divided the total cost of 850 by 10, which then made us only pay 85 pesos each.
Thanks for this trek-in-a-big-group experience.

The all-so-natural water system

The vegetation

The view while trekking is so inspiring! Let's trek some more!

The main produce



Let's trek it like a pro! Yoh!



Finally, we reached the must-see Bumod-Ok falls. The energy that comes from the powerful rush of water is definitely amazing. We all felt so relieved and refreshed by merely standing next to the giant falls.

After enjoying the beautiful view and the cold splashes of water from the falls, we headed back to the town center. That's another hour or so of trekking for us. And the best way to beat the heat and quench our thirst is to eat halo-halo. Just like in Banawe, they serve bizarre ingredients here: macaroni and crackers. Unfortunately, I didn't give in to the Sagada-style halo-halo and preferred to enjoy this refreshment my way.

When we reached the town center,  everybody had lunch and prepared for the cave challenge. As I have already experienced the caving activities in Sagada, I chose to wait for the group at Gaia Cafe. I have been to this cafe before and I promised myself that when I come back, I should spend more time here and read some more books.

A lot of improvements have been made since the last time I was here. Nevertheless, the homey and quiet feel has never changed. Plus, the view of the rice terraces got even more and more beautiful.

Gaia Cafe and the beautiful view

It was raining when I was dropped off at the cafe. The sound of the raindrops plus
the chilly weather created a perfect moment to have a hot cup of coffee
and read a good book.

  

wander:

Bumod-Ok Falls

Gaia Cafe

wonder:

Day 1 of Sagada trip '13

livin' la vida LOCAL!

Do not believe anything only by hearsay.

Pack your bags and set off to find the truth yourself.

Just like what we did. The thrill of experiencing (?) the much-talked-about mysticism lasted for many weeks until we finally set foot on the island.

And indeed, what we knew about Siquijor is true. There are sorcerers here.

Meet Emil, a smiley warlock ready to cast a spell on Heid? *wink*

Naah, he is actually our very accommodating and perky insider during this trip. We met him on the plane by chance and we clicked instantly because he is such a chatty kind of person. The exchanges we had during the one-hour flight seemed so relaxed and spontaneous. It was like we have known each other for many years already. So upon touchdown, the deal was sealed. We officially signed up for a local life experience in Siquijor courtesy of our instant travel buddy Emil. :) He created such an effective potion that we could only say "yes" to his generous offer. haha

Then, Emil introduced us to his two friends, Rachel and Ragi, and the cast for this mystic travel experience was completed. They are as chatty and funny as Emil is. We all felt like old friends, easily teasing and laughing and chatting most of the time. And since we had a prior deal with Emil, they were stuck with us for four days as well.

Heid and I felt sooo lucky! :)

Cambugahay falls

(Lazi, Siquijor)

We were having so much fun we completely forgot about taking photos.

Cambugahay falls is the first travel spot we ticked off our list. Here we found natural jacuzzi tubs, ready to soothe our tired muscles and relax our minds. There were a lot of tubs to choose from and each offered us excellent natural therapy. We enjoyed every bit of our day-spa also because our wonderful guides made sure we experience only the best. They even pulled some swinging vines so we could cross the cascading falls. And the best experience was when Heid and I almost drowned here (haha). Good thing was, we were not traumatized at all  and were even smiley while waving our hands for help.

Here's what Cambugahay Falls looks like.
(Thanks to Google image) ;)

The Old Enchanted Balete Tree

Next stop, the spooky looking balete tree. Adding to the creepiness of the island, this all so famous sanctuary of supernatural beings (according to folklores) is four centuries old. Spine-chilling? Indeed! But we remained so smiley! That's already expected.haha

Fishing villages

Emil also brought us to this fishing village where we found little kiddos having fun sunbathing. This spot is unexploited. The local vibe is so evident, which I love! :)




the tranquil water and the sea vessels

 We enjoyed a lot of motorcycle rides, pollution-free! Along the road, we saw the farm life of the locals as well and it was so refreshing! Emil also brought us to some other villages on the island and we met quite a lot of locals who are all very friendly and hospitable. :)

The happy riders

"What are you staring at?"

Happily relaxing! :)



Life's a beach!

We also had a lot of beach hopping. And this beach spot is one of the most beautiful I have seen in Siquijor. For our next trip, will surely love to go camping here :)

  

I love the beach and I can't deny it! haha

 Lazi Church

Lazi is our homebase during our trip in Siquijor. Luckily, one of the must-see churches is found here -- the Lazi church, which is just a stone's throw away from where we stayed.

Built in 1884 under the Augustinian Recollects, Lazi Church is a baroque church which has original retablos, coral stone facade and wooden floors with herringbone pattern. The church resembles a barn when viewed from afar but the intricate details from the facade to its interior indeed qualified it to the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage.

with our very nice hosts in Siquijor :)

wanders:

Cambugahay falls

The Old Enchanted Balete Tree

Fishing villages

Lazi Church
Siquijor beaches

(March 26-29, 2013)

wonder:

of mishaps and beautiful surprises

Bonjour everyone, meet my latest mishaps! haha

Despite the uncomfy and painful feeling I got myself into, I am glad that great people never left my side --> my lil bro (who took time to take me to the clinic), my mom, dad and big sis (for their moral support) and kuya RJ, the best cousin-doctor ever! Great friends also monitored my condition and cheered me on! I am so grateful :)

This week, I received presents from friends as well. Je suis heureuse! :)

Blissful me and so grateful! Merci beaucoup!

J'aime la vie with all the mishaps and joys!!!

summer blast!

Summer is officially over now that it's June. Then, I find myself dwelling in my "quarterlife crisis"/post-travel anxiety, which is definitely not good. Erase bad thoughts, Angela! Thinking about this year's summer blast is way better!! :)

A quick flashback:
(1) Cliffdiving @ Ariel's Point --> I was totally thrilled and injured (haha)!!
(2) Jumpshots @ Dambana ng Kagitingan --> A dream come true for me!
(3) The highest peak of Siquijor @ Mt. Bandilaan -->  360 degrees view of the whole island!
(4) The picture-perfect backdrop @ The Ruins --> Unplanned sidetrip it was!
(5) Trek-adventure @ Mt. Romelo --> Happy birthday to me! :)
(6) Impromptu roadtrip in La Union --> Spontaneity at its best!haha
(7) The lovely cloudscapes @ Marlboro Country --> Worth the long, unguided trek!
(8) Stoked moments in Baler --> Beach + Great Friends = perfect summer finale! :)