SAGADA : OUR VICTORIOUS ADVENTURE (2016) PART 3

PART 03

After trekking to Bomod-ok Falls, we returned to the guest house to refresh and recharge for the afternoon town tour. We are headed to the historical sites of Sagada. 

It is always enriching to learn about the history of a certain place like Sagada and its people. I am amazed by the knowledge that my country is truly rich with dynamic cultures. Learning them from school books is way way different from seeing them in person from the historical sites to the people.  Appreciation is more profound when you see them with your very eyes, hear it with open ears, and feel it under your skin. All of your senses will perform their functions with real astonishment. I and mine did.

Let's tour the town!!!

SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH
ECHO VALLEY, HANGING COFFINS, LAKE DANUM, SUNSET VIEWING

This is Saint Mary the Virgin Church built by American Missionaries during the early 1900’s.The church was founded by the Reverend John Staunton who came to Sagada to spread the Christian faith to its local people. Sagada is a predominantly Protestant community, with over 90% of its population sharing the faith. (Photo by Alvin David)

The inside of the Church. (Photo by Alvin David)

The only thing that's left when the church was destroyed by the war. The bell (Kampana).

With Kuya Marlon giving an introduction about the beginning of the church and how it was founded by the missionaries up to how Sagada became a tourist's destination. This gathering circle with stone chairs is a place where the council of leaders meet to discuss and decide on important matters concerning the community or church. 

It's just so nice to wonder around. Surrounded by the proudly standing pine trees, the sound that the wind and trees create are just so enchanting to my ears. If only I brought a blanket, I would have fallen asleep under one of the trees. I hope my future children will still be able to see this beauty of Sagada. (Photo by Bebeloves 😏❄⛄)

And of course, our groupie! 🚐👍👯🌞

From here, we trekked to the Echo Valley and the Hanging Coffins.

Going to the Echo Valley we passed through this cemetery. One of the Fallen SAF 44 is buried here. Here, instead of lighting candles when visiting their loved ones, people bring woods and build fire on top of the tomb. 

Trekking to the Echo Valley. ❄❄❄☔

Here we are!!! Shout all you want and get an answer back! Hahaha! Yung mga may hinanakit na itinatago sa kaibuturan ng kanilang mga lamang loob, dito kayo magsusumigaw. Dito itangis ang lahat ng kinikimkim ng inyong puso. May Kuya sumigaw, at umalingawngaw talaga, "DUTERTE2016!!!" Hahaha!

Headed to the famous Hanging Coffins.

To be hanged here is like a status symbol, there are certain criteria. It is believed that the first coffin was hanged here in 1800's and most recent was in 2010 if I remember it right. The culture is very much alive. 🌙🌠🌟 (Photo by Alvin David)

SUNSET VIEWING, LAKE DANUM

Panoramic View of the Lake Danum, the yello-gold like body of water. ⛅⛅⛅

The spectators while waiting for the most awaited sunset. ⛅

Can we ever miss a groupie? Haha! Nah! Nevah! 😊😍😛

Missing you people 😉😊✈

Sun kissed. No filter. 

And the most waited... What a wonderful world! ❤🎧🎶 Sunset doesn't only end a day, it's a reminder of a new day to come.  (Perfectly captured by Alvin David)

Let us always be thankful to God for every sunset, not only for the sunrise. Life is beautiful, we just have to learn how to see it, not with our eyes but with our heart. As the Little Prince once said, "It is only through the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye..."  (Photo by Alvin David)

TO BE CONTINUED... (FINAL PART IN PROGRESS)




For the future travelers, I will be providing you the contact details of our Tour Coordinator, the ever humble, funny, kind and accommodating Kuya Marlon Tauli. Our tour package included round trip van transfer (Manila-Banaue/Sagada/Baguio-Manila), transfer to all tour sites, 3 days 2 nights accommodation at George Guest House (one of the famous guest houses in Sagada), 3 days full tours as per itinerary, all guide fees, all registration and entrance fees. Food is the only exclusion. You can contact Kuya Marlon at 0918-352-2579 or 0928-896-8056.