#25AdventuresTo25Years is a salute to the people who and places that matter. As I celebrate my 25th
year this month in this beautiful world, I remember the most memorable
places, blissful memories, and amazing adventures that left an indelible
mark on my existence. Here's to more travels! See you on the road! :)
It was like
taking a free fall. Without knowing how high the jump is; without knowing
what’s waiting for you down there; without knowing when you would be pushed. It was just about embracing the leap along with the consequences it would bring.
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Rice Terraces of Sagada |
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That glorious sunrise up north |
Sagada pushed me
to my limits—out of my comfort zone, away from the familiar, and towards an
adventure that I soon realized was one of the greatest I have taken in my life
so far.
It was exhilarating; most of the time, maddening but I felt alive every
moment. My senses were heightened. I did things I never even knew I was capable
of: I traveled solo for the first time. I hiked with strangers along a pilapil
for two hours to see the famed Bomod-Ok Falls. I lay down in the middle of a zigzag
road. I witnessed a harvest thanksgiving ritual. I watched the sunrise so
closely at Kiltepan Viewpoint; I almost thought I could hold it. I did a
buwis-buhay cave spelunking in Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves. And another
buwis-buhay trek down Echo Valley to see the Hanging Coffins.
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Ninay chasing sunshine in Sagada! |
But
most importantly, right after that trip, I gained back my love for life. I
became confident and ready for the world again. The strangers I met during that
trip eventually became good friends as well.
I guess the
right word to describe my Sagada adventure would be liberating. Yes, it was
liberating as it could be.
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Hanging Coffins at Echo Valley |
So at this point, let me face my imaginary magic mirror and answer my #25AdventuresTo25Years questions (hahaha!):
When did you
take this trip? I went to Sagada on the eve of
my 23rd birthday month, on October 31, 2012, right before All Saints’ Day. I was heartbroken and alone. As spontaneous as
it could get, one afternoon I just booked a slot to join a tour going up north. The
next morning, several zigzags after with ten strangers-turned-travel-buddies-turned
friends, I found myself in Sagada.
What brought you
to Sagada? Spontaneity and the will to find
peace amidst the chaos that was happening in my life then. I believe that it
was the trip that I needed that time—a soulful getaway. And that was exactly
what I got, with new friends as bonus. Maybe this is where broken hearts really and must go.
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Undas in Sagada. Burying broken hearts. |
What
spots/places should not be missed when in Sagada? Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves. If you can’t do the Cave Connection, at
least try spelunking at Sumaguing Cave. Bomod-Ok Falls is worth the distance
and the tiring trek. Don’t forget to grab a bite at Yoghurt House, Lemon Pie
House, Bana's, and Pinikpikan House. If you're around during the time of rice pre-planting and harvest season, participate in the Begnas thanksgiving ritual.
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Begnas, a thanksgiving ritual for the pre-planting and harvest season |
What’s your most
memorable moment in Sagada? Seeing Bomod-Ok
Falls in its full glory after an almost two-hour hike under the sun was like
seeing a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It was refreshing. When I
reached the Falls, I felt accomplished—as if I could do anything and everything
from thereon. When it was time to leave,
I was the last one among our group to get up. I remember staring at the
trickles of pure water from the mountain for a good ten minutes before actually
walking away. I knew then that I may not see Bomod-Ok Falls again for a long
time so I had to say my proper goodbye to the place (ang arte! Haha!). I had to carve that
particular moment in my mind—just standing there and relishing in the goodness
of life.
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Traversing the way to Bomod-Ok falls with my new-found travel buddies. |
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Bomod-Ok Falls is worth it! |
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Trekking is more fun in Sagada! |
What lessons did
you learn from your Sagada adventure?
- The one thing
that would clear your mind is to just shut down everything and just go with the
flow. Even if it means being alone, it is okay. Even if you find yourself lost,
it is alright. Even if you are surrounded with the unfamiliar, settle and know
that things are okay. Things will be okay if you just give yourself time off—to
think… to wander… to smile… and to just breathe.
- Anything and everything is possible if you try hard enough. Four years ago, I would never even think of going
to Sagada. I remember telling one of my friends who was urging me to go there,
“Ikamamatay ko yan!” But you see, I survived Sagada! If you just give yourself
a chance, you might be even surprised what yourself can do. Whatever it may be,
just believe you can and just do it!
- Brokenhearted?
Lost? Don’t sit there and wallow in pity. Go out. Travel. Explore. Who knows,
you might find the medicine you need to get over and get up again at the other
end of that bus/airplane/boat ride.
- Travel really heals.
- Lahat ng magagandang bagay, kailangang pag-hirapan para maabot at marating. Enough said. :)
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Sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint |
There are many more stories to tell so watch out for my Sagada Travel Series. How about you, when was the last time you had a spontaneous trip? Have you been to Sagada? Share you experience in the comment box below and let's talk! :)
Interesting spot! Our spontaneous trips are usually closer to home since we have 4 schedules to consider. Love this destination. Great photos!
TumugonBurahinLucky you got to go, there was some fire when we went so we didn't get to see the falls but Food tripping in sagada itself was something to enjoy. I like your title too! Where do broken hearted and adventurers go ! Ibang klase ang tadhana :)
TumugonBurahinIt's nice that you're celebrating your 25th year with these kindnof adventures. I definitely want to see sagada in the future. After travelling around the world I realized how little I've seen in the Philippines. Thanks for sharing this.
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I think i need this one, im broken right now. depress also
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