Conquering Sagada: Trekking to Bomod-Ok Falls (4.22.11)

the group before the trek

THE BIG FALLS

Second day, 22nd of April 2011 and we're about to start another breathtaking stay in Sagada. The group planned to stretch our legs and trek our way to Bomod-ok Falls a.k.a. the BIG FALLS. This spot is as popular as the Sumaguing Cave and it's something no one can afford to miss if you're in Sagada. They say its a day-long trek so we prepared some munchies and packed lunch to outlive the day. We left the inn at around 7am and head up to Banga-an, the drop-off point of the trek.

at a shed, after downtrekking 200 steps... 1800 to go!

As it starts, we're bound to a downhill of steps which is surprisingly cemented. Our guide said it was around 2,000 steps downward followed by a one and half kilometer terraces traverse before we can reach the falls itself. 

 
The view as we trekked down was really SUPERB. One will have an up close and personal view of the rice stalks as it swayed with the occasional blowing of the wind. We then passed through a village named Fidelisan wherein we paid P10 each as environmental fee.  It was worth it coz  it funded  the cemented pathways that  slithers through the terraces up to few meters before the falls. The trek down took us 2 hrs and its really tiring though… we're all thinking how much more if we head back! wheewww! But i guezz, those lots of pix taking along the trail helped us retain our strength.

  

Then finally... the beauty of a hidden paradise started to unfold as we approached. The actual falls is really BEAUTIFUL and BREATHTAKING nonetheless that the trek to it is equally amazing. Our guide informed us that the falls itself provide the whole town of Sagada some of their water supply. Few water pipes were constructed atop the falls that run through channels that enroute to some of their villages. No wonder, the waterfalls wasn't that big during our visit, added the fact that it was summer.

Upon arrival, we rested for awhile and prepared ourselves for a cold dip… I meant, REALLY A COLD ONE! As if you’re swimming in an iced-water! But I guezz, my falls adventure would not be complete if I don’t dare to plunge… and there was I! =) Swimming in an icy cold water made my bones really shivers. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t attempt to even go to the deeper parts. The cold could tire you easily and all the shivering could make it hard for you to make efficient strokes across the water. But it was worth the experience, I really took time to enjoy and take pleasure on the beauty the falls offers.

 

We had our lunch at the falls and have some bonding. We even clambered ourselves to the other side and enjoy the view in it. That bluish-green water... massive rocks... and an unending water plunge, whoooaaah! It really made my day.

After few hours, we need to trek back. Our guide instructed us to take another route, a rather easier one that would pass along AGUID village. It was expectedly more exhausting coz it was mosstttttly uphill. We even stopped a lot of times and breathe our hearts out.  But despite it, we were amazed on green rice stalks dancing with the occasional blowing of wind and seeing that throughout the trek made it such a wonderful experience and was really worth all the pounds that we shed off!

After two hours, we finally reached the top and head our way to some sort of.... CULTURAL and FOOD TRIPPING! That's up next... =)

Conquering Sagada: Sumaguing Cave Spelunking (4.21.11)

THE BAT CAVE!

From the Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins... we're bound next to the Bat Cave!!! Yipee, wishing to meet Batman and Robin! heheh.... Kidding aside, our next stop was the Sumaguing Cave or aptly  called the BIG CAVE. Am a bit nervous coz i've heard we have to go down for about 163 meters deep. Whoaaah! I can do that and I will let my daredevil spirit took charge! AJA!!!

Last 2009, the Lonely Plant (the world's best selling travel guide publication) listed this cave as one of the best adventure travel destination. And mind you, it is the only Philippine entry that time. And my itchy feet  is so very eager to try it by myself. 

ADRENALINE-FILLED 

 

At around 3:00 in the afternoon, we're all lineup for registration, all were kinda excited and nervous. Since we're a group of ten, they have assigned us two guides.  They brought a large lamp and knowingly lead us downward. Gosh, in a few minutes were about to commence one of our adrenaline-filled adventure.  

 

As we went down the cave's mouth, we were greeted by masses of bats and steep terrain of darkness. Good thing, it was Holy Week and a lot of adventurers were in there. Easy as it may seem, but its not...  its not a walk-in-the-park instant and our guide told us that the first part is quite hard. It involves butt scratching, and thigh aching. We're on line steeping down on a slippery, sharp stones, on which we have no choice but to crawl, smell and touch the newly poofed bat dung. It was a choice whether you touch it or fall down and end up in heaven, lolz. 

The second part as they say is pleasurable. The cave's magnificent chambers started to unfold. I WAS REALLY IN AWE upon seeing its what so called KING'S CURTAIN and other limestone formation.

The temperature were so cold and the stones have flowing water in it and there's a few water-dipping pools. Having simple astonishment was just an understatement upon reaching the bottom.  Had our photos, dip a bit and enjoyed the ice-cold water it offers.

As we stayed at the bottom, we were all mesmerized by the beauty hidden meters deep of Sagada. Our guide told us that this cave served as refuge of old Filipinos during the World War II. And there were a lot of caves here interconnecting with each other, passing from one route to another. That was why, cave connection is also part of the adventures in Sagada.

my favorite, the KING's CURTAIN

  

the group

   

Reality strike after few minutes and we had to go back. Since our strength were a bit renewed, we easily trailed our way upward.  There was even a part wherein we had to climb a knotted rope. It was really a daredevil experience for all of us. And there we were, after almost four grueling hours, we finally reached the top. 

But for me, despite this daredevil adventure is an achievement I will never forget, it's something I can be  proud of.  

I CAME OUT OF THE BIG CAVE ALIVE! =) 
and Here's my reward, hehe!

I CAME... I SAW... AND I CONQUERED! =)

Conquering Sagada: Hanging Coffins, Echo Valley & Lumiang Cave (4.21.11)

If you are looking for a different kind of vacation, SAGADA IS THE PLACE TO BE. I always dreamt of visiting the place ever since I’ve heard of it. It is a 5th class municipality in the province of Mountain Province and located 275 km. north of Manila and 140 km. from Baguio. It became popular as destinations of foreign adventurers coz it features caves that can be explored… an interesting hike along an underground river… waterfalls and pool to cool off in after a day of exploring, chilly air, a quiet serenity and of course… yummy food offered by the locals along the place.

sea of clouds along the way

 

I’ve been there just a month ago and I’m already eager to go back. I’m from Batangas who is used with the waves and the sands… and the scourging heat of summer made me look for some sort of mountains and cool climate. So when I finally had the means and the time, the road finally took me to Sagada. I joined a tour group together with my bro and cuzs! And that was it, after 12 hours of butt-aching ride from Manila (including the 4-hour zigzag), I’ve been embraced by an untouched beauty thereafter.
 
As we arrived, the group settled in a homestay and get ourselves ready  on touring around. We opted to see ST.  MARY'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CALVARY HILL, hike along the ECHO VALLEY, the famous HANGING COFFINS and the LUMIANG CAVE as our first tour spots.

The Wheel

The Old Bell (1921)

The old bell welcomed us as we tour around. They say that this bell is used during the Tirad Pass century ago and carried up to here by the wheel which also can be found along the church's vicinity.

Also, we have learned that the town of Sagada is predominantly episcopalian which is quite unique, to think that most of the towns in the Philippines are predominantly catholic.

St. Mary's Episcopal Church

one of Echo Valley's rock formation

   As we went along, we reached the so-called Calvary Hill and Echo Valley. I even shouted a few times to test whether it echoed or not... and surprisingly, IT DID lolz! Here, one must get ready to walk, hike and climb beside ravines… ravines and ravines. My knees even shaked once in a while, good thing the urge of pix taking dominate my system. 

the Calvary Hill

hanging coffins

After few minutes of grueling steps downward, we finally reached the famous Hanging Coffins. They said that those were remains of Igorots who had higher rank and served their tribe as leaders and considered heroes. Of course, had my own share of a photograph.

We stayed there for minutes and recovered our hearts out and get ready to hike up and enroute ourselves to Lumiang Cave. 

coffins at Lumiang Cave

Lumiang Cave is a burial cave. A lot of coffins can be viewed at the entrance. These coffins were made from large pine trees and remains were fitted inside in fetal position. Also, this cave is the entrance if you want to try the cave connection, adventurers got inside of this cave and went out on the other cave, the Sumaguing Cave.

can't help to fool around, lolz

Mind you, better get a comfy shoes and get your muscles ready if you’re planning to try this by yourself.

So there was I, my first half-day stay in SAGADA!!! Am wondering what's in-store for me next?!! =)

Easter with PADRE PIO (4.24.11)

If you want to keep still and be quiet amidst the clamor of the city life… I have this one place in mind, the Shrine of Padre Pio in Libis. Last Easter, I’ve been spending time with my cousin in Quezon City and we have decided to visit the shrine. It’s my first time on his shrine so am getting ready for my wish (*wink, guess I’ve been good so I deserved one, hehe). 

I have known the life of Padre Pio for quite a long time. He is the mystic, confessor and the stigmatic saint who shares the five wounds of our Lord’s Passion. Wounds appeared on his body making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Church.

On my way to the vicinity, I immediately appreciate its clean and simple façade. My cuz told me it was some sort of a replica of the church where Padre Pio has carried out his mission - the Church of Our Lady of Grace in San Giovanni, Rotondo, Italy. It is as if you’ve been and feel that you’re in the real chapel in Italy. Same structure and ambiance.

The chapel is a sanctuary indeed. Upon entering, I WAS IN AWE ON HOW BEAUTIFUL THE INTERIOR IS! In fact it is too grand to be called a chapel. It can accommodate around 500 church-goers at one time. On the side were pictures and testimonials of Padre Pio’s devotees and how remarkable person he is. 

Near our pews on the left annex we’re the Calandra Room. The room is a small area enclosed with sliding glass doors. This room was constructed especially for families with small children and babies, and is made to be almost soundproof to avoid distraction of the church-goers who seek silence and solemnity in the chapel. The built-in speakers in the Calandra room allows adults seated in the area to still hear the homily of the priest, and the sliding glass doors permit them to receive Holy Communion in the main chapel. On that time, we’ve seen Julius Babao and Kristine Bersola (with their kids), known devotees of Padre Pio. 

As I went around, I came to a patio (an outdoor area behind the chapel) which houses the statue of St. Pio, as well as the candle-lighting stands wherein you can offer your prayers to St. Pio. The life-size Statue of St. Pio was replicated from a photo taken soon after he received the visible stigmata, and the wounds on both hands are emphasized in its intricate design. Also erected here is the statue of the crucified scourged Jesus Christ. On the other side is a gift shop. It provides devotees a variety of St. Pio items such as novenas, rosaries, medallions, statues, reading materials, and other religious items sold at reasonable prices. The novenas available are translated into Filipino and the different local dialects, as well as Mandarin and Spanish.

We also came to the prayer room with an extended candle-lighting room. The somberness of the room in fact made me had some goosebumps. It is so sacred that even the faintest prayer can be heard by the human ear.

At the back is the Garden Angel Aviary. A small outdoor area that houses a collection of Guardian Angel figurines and live birds. Have some photo ops here with my brother and cuz.

 

And that was it… had my visit to St. Pio and I even promise Him I’ll be back. My Easter had been a memorable one... had my own share of celebrating God’s magnificent power and be thankful for all the blessings He had showered on us… and will always deluge on us! As what Padre Pio always says HOPE, PRAY AND DON’T WORRY! Godbless everyone! =)

PRAYER TO ST. PIO OF PIETRELCINA

Most blessed and beloved Saint Pio, you were chosen to glorify the crucified Jesus Christ through the visible wounds of the Cross that you bore for 50 years. And like our Lord Jesus, you demonstrated your great love by sharing the many gifts bestowed upon you – especially the gift of intercession.

Because of your great friendship with the Lord, He responds to your requests and blesses those who you bless. I now add my prayer to the many prayers offered to you every day by those who seek your help to obtain healings and consolations, earthly and spiritual blessings, and peace for body, mind and soul.

In your loving kindness, please bless my loved ones and me, and intercede for these special requests… (Mention your intentions)

In your great love, Saint Pio, please continue to pray with us and for us. Amen.