Exploring Sagada, Mountain Province (Day 3) (We Said Goodbye)

     I thought I was dreaming. Or our professor was calling us?

    Well, I wasn't. My professor started calling all of us at 5 in the morning. We have to wake up that early so we can catch the first bus ride to Baguio. It's hard to catch another ride again in case we missed it, so we have to hurry. Gladly, everyone's packed and ready. We had our breakfast rush before leaving. I wanted to take photos of our house but thought better of it, remembering about the "experiences" that happened last night.
    Finally, we left, and thanked the house for our stay. Yeah, we thanked the house. We headed to the same girl who accommodated us during our first day, and we give her our thanks. My legs are still aching from our trip in the Sumaging Cave yesterday, and didn't get any better. Now, we have heavy bags that we carry on our shoulders.
    The sun is will rise in a few minutes now, and I looked at the winding road going back to where the bus dropped us. It's still a long way, and thinking how are we going to walk any farther with these heavy bags. The cold air is touching my face, and I'm afraid I might get this hypothermia for real now. Fortunately, a pick-up vehicle helped us and we placed our luggage there. That leaves us only one bag to carry, where all the important things are.
    The line of people going back to Manila is already long, and we're strategizing on how are we all getting in the bus. There had been trouble in the line, and some lady and her fiance were telling us that they were the first in line blah blah. Okay, fine. Later, we found out that we are not complete, and three of our classmates were already ahead. We have no idea where they were. Then they called us, to go to this place where the bus will come from, so we walked a little bit farther and found the bus. One of my classmates even took pictures for us during our last day.

    Finally, when we arrived at the reached the bus, we're glad that we're the first passengers! As I sat near the window, my eyes started to get droopy, but we saw the couple who were mad at us. We all looked at them and I think they're gonna explode any minute by now. But one of us advised that we should stop looking at them and act normal. Well, they get to ride on the bus, too, but they get to sit in the middle chair. HAHAHA! We just ignored them. 

   I'm still sleepy, but I kept my eyes peeled for the sunrise. When the bus turned, whoa! I'm seeing this magnificent view! Our professor said we are at the second peak, and look at the fog, dude. It's really cool that you could just say, 'wow!' Then the view changed to mountains and so on. At that moment, we took selfies again. After that, I finally dozed off to sleep. 

     I woke up when we already reached Baguio City. The cold weather didn't get any better. I feel like my insides are frozen. The travel back here was long 'coz I felt that I slept too long. When the bus dropped us, the same classmate of mine who lost her money almost lost her bag. Well, a passenger in our bus has the same bag as hers, so that passenger got the wrong bag. This time, my classmate cried. We searched the wrong bag for information, or any ID to call the person who took her bag. Fortunately, the bus conductor was able to run after the woman. When she reached the bus, she smiled and said sorry to our classmate and to all of us. But deep inside, we hated her for being such a fool for taking the

wrong bag. My classmate was still sobbing, and keep telling herself that the girl who mistakingly took her bag was stupid.

   Anyway, we arrived at Baguio during the noon, so we left our luggage in the other bus station going back to Manila, and went to SM Baguio. I told you that we love selfies, so here we go again. 

Hahaha! Just took a selfie in SM Baguio, a different background than all the SMs in Manila. HAHAHA!

     Our block separated in to small groups to find something to eat. As for our group, we ate at Mcdonalds, then we took a stroll in the mall. When we arrived in Baguio on our first day, we ate ice cream. Today when we arrived in Baguio, we ate ice cream again. Hahaha! By 3pm, we went back to the bus station of Victory Liner and bought souvenirs. I bought food and shirts again. Last-minute shopping for some of us.

    By 4pm, the bus left Baguio, and we're going back to reality again. Saying hello to all the articles and assignments at home! Great. When it's already sunset, I took silhouette shots. I was really enjoying this that I forgot to sleep. After two hours or so, we reached our first stopover. Most of my classmates were awake, but only a few were asleep. I didn't have any more photos because I'm saving the last bar in my battery. 

Sorry for the curtain. :) 

And the electrical cables. :)

     Finally, my mom and sister fetched me along the way, and I was home by 12 midnight. I talked and talked and slept at 2 in the morning. The following day, I woke up during the afternoon and my whole body ached, but I was happy and finally, I was in my real house and I get to do my stuff. When I felt better, I ate, started uploading photos on the net and I finally began my article about our adventure in Sagada, Mountain Province. :) 

    --First of all, thank you for reading this adventure of ours. :D Our stay in Sagada for 3 days has taught us many things. We learned to survive by ourselves, observed teamwork and cooperation. I was glad while we stayed there, I felt like these people were my second family. We helped each other most of the time and strictly followed duties. Being a photojournalist is never easy. You get to travel on dangerous places, walk on slippery rocks while the cliff on your left says "I'll catch you", and smile though your body is aching. But it's fun because you get to experience all of these, and discover many things. Lastly, we get to feel like a real photo journalist. We feel like we're already working and dealing with different kinds of people. 

    This trip to Sagada was an extreme adventure for us, and we wish to come back in the future. The natives were nice and gave us a warm welcome. It's also one of the best experiences we had during our college life. Material things may be a good souvenir, but the memories were the best souvenir Sagada has ever given us. :) 

At home :) 

At the Echo Valley Park. :) 

At the Hanging Coffins in Sumaging Cave. :) 

Soon to be journalists and photojournalists. :)

A-205, AB Journalism, SY 2013-2014

Photojournalism and Event Coverage. :)
Thank you Sir Jimmy Oblena! :) 

Exploring Sagada, Mountain Province (Day 2, Part 2)

       It was a tiring afternoon for all of us as we got home. Finally, sweat trickled down on my face! I used to complain about the hot weather in Manila, but now I want fifty percent of that hot weather.
      We all went to our rooms to rest and check out the souvenirs we bought. Some charged the batteries of their cameras for the next adventure later. Others went down to help our professor cook our food for lunch. As for our group, we also went down to help clear and prepare the table. Well, our viand for that day is mixed vegetables. I forgot what those veggies are, but it tastesgreat. I didn't know our professor has great cooking skills.

      After eating, well, we're still the great dishwashers and others finished their duties. While we're through, our professor gave us a lot of time to rest. We cleaned ourselves, while others decided to take a nap. In our room upstairs, my friends and I took selfies to kill time.

Photo credits to Liwliwa Taclibon and Ian Magtira. :) 

       I can recall that rest time was like, two hours? We had that feeling that our adventure to the Hanging Coffins might be cancelled because it's already 3 in the afternoon. One of my classmates checked our professor downstairs and told us that he is sleeping. We just sighed and went back in taking selfies.
      Finally, after a few minutes, our professor called all of us to get ready. We hastily got up and hurried downstairs. Actually, we're all ready for an hour now, so there's nothing to rush. Our professor oriented us that it's gonna be a long walk from home, but it's fine with us. We're all here for adventure and experience anyway. We all said yes to him after that.

My blockmates and I really like selfies so we took one when we're out of our house.

       Great. A rainy afternoon and we have our cameras. Well, it was only drizzling, but some of my classmates hid their cameras under their shirts to avoid getting wet. I hope this drizzle will stay as a drizzle.

      So we walked down this long road, and passed by huge rocks. A creation of nature, we can all say. My classmate here asked me to take a picture of him as if he is carrying the world. Atlas inspired, perhaps?

That's him. And a photo bomber. :) 

     As we go along, we finally saw the Hanging Coffins from afar. We're almost there and we're separated by a cliff from were we are standing now. 

    We continued walking and passed by houses and saw this sign:

     We're nearing the Hanging Coffins! I'm so excited to see it! On our way there, we saw these strange plants on the sidewalk. I told myself to know the names of these plants when we get home in Manila. I wanted to ask the natives what were these called, but sadly, no one's around, so we just continued walking.

       Here we go again to the one-way passage. I never thought going in that cave was going to be as easy as this. The road is flat and I can run freely here. Oh well, I guess this isn't the challenge that I'm waiting for. Yet. 

       I realized that the photo above was my last one before entering the Sumaguing Cave. Hahaha! The challenge has arrived, and all the rocks are slippery while going down. It has given us an extra challenge since it had just rained. First I was surrounded by my friends but later on, I was second to the last. I was a real slowpoke, and my professor was waiting for us a few rocks below. I feel like the Biggest Loser. My friend took a picture of me on the way down. 

Struggling for survival. That hand rail ends there. 

     My classmates were already far down below! Okay. I need to focus. My sweat is as cold as ice, but I am unfazed. There are times when I almost slipped and suddenly focused my gaze on the rocky cliff on my left. There are also times when I don't know how am I going to balance myself because my camera is heavy, and I'm also heavy. I looked down, and my classmates were also doing the hard way, since there is no easy way to carry our cameras. We have our own strategies to save our cameras and ourselves. I keep on telling myself that I need to save my camera at all costs.

Look at them go! That's my professor by the way. :) 

I'm too far!

      Finally! I reached the Hanging Coffins! It was really cool and amazing. All these coffins survived in many centuries, and look, it's still here, preserved by the natives. We all took our photos there, as a subject for our midterm plate. Of course, we also took our selfies for proof that we were once here. :)

I was here! :) I feel like I'm a demigod with my shirt labeled 'Camp Half-Blood'. :)

      Our professor said that these coffins were placed that way, because the natives believe that it is the fastest way to reach heaven. Amazing, right?

      I was wondering what is the meaning of this carved lizard in one of the coffins. At the end of the day, one of my classmates said that she asked a vendor in one of the stores about the meaning of the lizard. The shirts sold in stores also have this design. She said that it means "long life". Just like the lizard's tail, when it is cut, it grows again. 

     On our way back, or up, one of my classmates slipped. Fortunately, he held on to a rock for support. I felt that mini-heart attack. As usual, I was still the last one to go up. This time, I chose to be the last so I can have a clear background of the Hanging Coffins. Going up was way easy than going down. 

    When we're back on the flat road, I observed that both my legs were shaking from the climb up and down. We took photos once again, before going back in the town proper. This time, there were photo bombers included, and one of them is our professor.

Photo bombing level 99. :))

       The sun is already setting when we're about to reach our house. But before we get home, our professor said that we'll be eating in the Sagada Lemon Pie House. So, some of my classmates went in to ask for the price of the lemon pie. We waited along outside as they go along. I can't bear the pain in both of my legs, I feel like they're swelling. My friends and I found a place where we can sit.

      After a few minutes, my classmates went out laughing. We rushed to them as they came near us. When we asked why, she said, "Ubos na raw ang lemon pie sa Lemon Pie House. Hahaha!" I laughed on that one, too! We were dismayed, yes, but we just laughed on that matter. 

      Finally, when we're all home, we got to rest. I stretched my legs and massaged it. Nothing happened, so I just sat there and leaned on the wall in our room. Others lied down and breathed deeply. While I was looking at my shots, our professor made an announcement that no one will sleep, for we will have our dinner and for our other classmates who want to buy souvenirs.

     When I heard the stove being opened by my classmate, I told my other friends to go downstairs to help prepare the table. We all went straight to the living room to join our professor and our other friends. One of our classmates came out from the kitchen and told us that she's cooking the dinner for tonight as a treat for her birthday. We thanked her when she went back to the kitchen.

    We waited and shared stories to each other. The boys bought three bottles of sodas outside while the girls prepared the table when the food is being served. The dinner that my classmate cooked for tonight is spaghetti. When I took one spoonful, I realized that this spaghetti has a twist to its taste. I looked at the sauce on my plate and observed that corned beef was added to it. It tastes great, actually. Great idea for that classmate of mine. :) 

"THE EXPERIENCES"

       After a few minutes of sharing stories, some of my classmates decided to buy souvenirs. That was 7pm, I think? We relied on our cellphones there to check the time since there are no wall clocks in that house. My classmates brought flashlights as there were no lamp posts outside. We bid goodbye as they went out. As for my circle of friends, we stayed inside the house to take a bath and do the dishes. Actually, this is a very strategic way when there are more than 10 people in a house. Last night, our group had the chance to buy souvenirs, while those classmates of ours who went out tonight cleaned the house. But tonight, we own

the house. We own the bathroom so we can take a bath without rushing so much. Unfortunately, when they left, the lights went out. Again. 

     My friends and I suddenly freaked out while doing the dishes,  but we didn't scream. Instead of freaking out, I laughed when my friend, who was taking a bath, suddenly went out of the bathroom and came running to us. She was laughing, too. Hahaha! Glad to see that she was through, and she has her clothes on. She told us that she's just fixing her stuff inside when the lights went out. One of the elder guys in our group has this big flashlight. We temporarily used it as a light bulb for we placed it in the table and faced it's light up in the ceiling. 

    The silence was eerie, so I decided to put on some music. I was brushing my teeth then, so my friend selected songs for us. Our professor was alone upstairs by the way, and the guy who took the flashlight said that he was talking to somebody on the phone.He was brave enough to be up there alone, huh. I can't do that. Anyway, as we wait for my classmate who took too much time in the bathroom, we were partying there as Bruno Mars' "Treasure" is being played. 

    When it's my turn, the lights suddenly went back. There goes the extreme cold water again. While I was inside, I was praying the Lord's Prayer many times. I thanked God that I finished taking a bath without the lights going out. When it's my friend's turn, the lights suddenly went out again. She took her phone from the table and played rock music inside while she's taking a bath. We all laughed outside. Hahaha!

     When we were all through taking a bath, we sat and waited for our classmates to come back. And the lights, too. We just talked about music, food and our adventure earlier. Not for long, I saw a tiny light coming from outside. I stared at the window, but it was gone. I felt scared because a knock followed suit. Our guy classmate opened the door and it was only my classmate. We sighed with relief as we saw her, but she doesn't seem fine. We asked her what happened to her, and she told us that she lost her money during the brown out. While we're talking, the lights suddenly went back, and we can clearly see her blank expression and worry over her face. She put her hands on her palms and breathed deeply. We consoled her, thinking how can we help her. 

    My other classmates rushed to the door as they looked for our classmate who lost her money. They did the same, and we decided to lend her money for tomorrow on the way home. 

    After that scenario, all of us went upstairs to prepare for bed and packed our things for tomorrow. Some of our roommates decided to sleep early, but we didn't feel like sleeping yet. We sat at the big space in the middle of the second floor where the others are.  We laughed, and joked and some of us even took a midnight snack. Some of the girls went downstairs to drink water, I guess, and decided to stay down for a while. Not for long, they all went upstairs because my girl classmate who cooked dinner for tonight, was scared from what had happened to her at the kitchen. She said she was alone drinking water while her 

companion went in the lavatory to pee. While she was drinking water, the chair in front of her moved by itself. I felt scared, too, but not much. I decided not to go downstairs anymore that night. She sat at my back and we comforted her. 

      Later, three of our boy classmates went downstairs. They were all downstairs when the lights went out once again. Two of them went back, and we asked where the other one is. They said that he's in the bathroom, and answered the call of nature. Both of them went back down again, and we laughed. When all of them went back upstairs, our classmate who was inside the bathroom was a bit pissed with his two companions for leaving him downstairs alone. But we were all laughing at the situation. Our girl classmate who was afraid earlier started smiling, but she doesn't look happy like the rest of us are. She just sat there and looked at her phone.

      While waiting for the lights to get back, we played something like 'guess the tune' and many similar games. Some of us listened to music, while others ate. I belonged to the group where my friends and I were looking like idiots guessing the tune to various songs. One of us even sent a message to her sister asking the title of a specific song lyrics. When the lights went back, I joined my other friends in the big room and accompanied our scared friend. We were making her laugh, and eventually, she looked fine, though

I can still feel that she's still afraid. We told her not to think about it, and take a sleep. We were all lying in bed by that time, and I'm glad that the bed is big enough for the three of us. Unfortunately, I can't sleep, so I talked all along until one of us fell asleep. I decided to play 4 pics 1 word with my scared friend to let go of her fear, but due to the extreme difficult level, she fell asleep. I felt better when she fell asleep. She lent me her phone, and I continued playing, though I just stared at it like an idiot.  

     Maybe it was only 10 minutes when we heard extreme loud footsteps going upstairs. The three of us bolted in bed and I rushed outside our room to check the commotion. I noticed that half of our block was terrified and shaking with fear. I checked the time, and it was almost 11 in the evening. My friends also got up from bed and checked everyone. Our professor was awakened by the loud footsteps created by my classmates. I asked my classmate who was not that scared about what happened and he told me the story.

     He said that they were all downstairs chatting when they heard knocking on the door. I mentioned that door on our first day, it was adjacent to the one in the entryway. When you went out through that door, you'll see the fields. At first they decided to ignore it, and just continued talking. Later, they heard louder knocks and stared at each other, and still, they continued talking. Finally, it stopped, and they all felt better, but what happened next made them go upstairs altogether. There was a gap of minutes from the time the loud knocking stopped. What happened next is, there was a loud scratching on the door that sent goosebumps on their skin, and they all went upstairs. 

     I was glad for this classmate of mine for he was still able to tell us the whole story. Another guy classmate of mine leaned on the door and started crying. Our professor went out to check us, and told us that there really is "someone" else in that house we're at. My classmates on the other room who went to bed early, took a peek and closed the door again. 

    As for me, I called my classmates and I volunteered to pray the rosary. My classmate who was scared earlier that night joined us. I grabbed my prayer book and lead the rosary. We didn't turn off the lights that night. After praying we talked about other stuff in our room and decided to just wait for morning and don't sleep. But still, we fell asleep, and gladly, the fear that is stirring in my friends' faces disappeared and last thing I know, we all began snoring.

Exploring Sagada, Mountain Province (Day 2, Part 1)

          Last night, before we go to bed, my classmates and I said that we'll wake up early to catch the sunrise in Sagada. Unfortunately, sunrise had already passed when we woke up. As for me, I woke up at 7:00 am, and it was freezing cold, that my teeth was chattering and my skin created goosebumps.
        I noticed that some of my classmates already went to the market to buy food for breakfast, while others were still snoring, like my friend. While I was waking her up, I looked out the window and saw a thick layer of fog outside. My sadness about not catching sunrise was replaced by excitement when I saw the fog. Well, this wasn't just any ordinary fog. It was so low that it looks like the sky will touch the ground soon. It almost covered the roofs of nearby houses.
       I shook my friend excitedly, and she finally woke up. We carefully went outside our room to not step on our classmates who were still snoring under blankets. We gathered our cameras and fixed ourselves. As we went downstairs, I can hear my professor and some of my classmates talking. We greeted him a good morning as we prepare ourselves a hot choco.
       Last night, we had a problem with our cooked rice. My classmate told me to fix it while it's still cooking, and I added another cup of water. When it was served, the upper part of the rice was soft, but the lower part was hard. We don't have a rice cooker there, we just used a casserole.

      This morning, that same classmate of mine told me to cook our rice. So while I was waiting for my hot choco to get a little cooler, I started cooking our rice. When I was done, most of our classmates went down to join us. After a few minutes, we bid goodbye to our professor and to our other classmates who were still eating to go look at the view outside. I was a little nervous about my rice, so I left it cooking there. I just hoped it will turn out even. 

       So we went out, feeling the intense coldness of the morning. It was cloudy, foggy and a little bit gloomy, like a storm was fast approaching. I clutched my jacket closer to me as we go along. 

The early morning fog made me think that a storm was fast approaching, like it was ready to wash out the area.

      We walked farther from our house, until we end up in a field. It was wide and bountiful, just by looking at the greens. I mean, look at all the crops! Just standing there, overlooking the mountains, life was peaceful. The cold air touches your face and it makes you want to sleep again. Really, I forgot my problems for a while there.

Look at all the crops! 

Look at all the crops again! 

I forgot my problems for a while. :) 

We're in the middle of a rice field, taking shots. :)

          When we got back, I remembered my rice. My classmates were back from the market and were already preparing for breakfast. Some were waiting in line in the lavatory for bathing. While waiting, they sat and slept again. As for me, I went to check my rice. Well, it's already cooked. And yep, just by looking at it, I felt like I did a great job. It was even and soft as I touched it with a spatula. My friend who told me to cook the rice, was pleased that we finally cooked the rice right. I was proud of myself, too. Hahaha.
         Our breakfast for that day was corned beef with potatoes and margarine, cooked by my other classmate. It smelled really great that our stomachs suddenly growled. When it was served, we prayed first before we ate.

We had our 'selfie' with our viand for that morning. Hahaha!

There goes my rice. Hahaha! My classmate fried it and added margarine and corned beef. :)

         After eating, we went to our usual duties. Others cleaned the table, while we wash the dishes. There are some who were running to the lavatory to.. you know. Some went up the stairs to fix their things, while others stayed outside and took pictures and 'selfies'. When we were all done, our professor announced that we'll be going to the Echo Valley Park after an hour or so. So while waiting for that, we took pictures and shared stories with each other. 

My beloved friends and our block. :)) 

Smile! :) 

One of my classmates suggested to show a fierce look. Our professor took these photos.

Stolen shots by our classmates and friends. :) 

My buddies! :) 

I seriously love this photo. :) Photo credits to Ayshea Perucho. :) 

         When we were all done preparing, our professor led us to the Echo Valley Park. It was a bit far from our house, but we just walked to get there. Before reaching Echo Valley Park, one will see a parish center first, then a basketball court. On that day, the Etag festival was celebrated. "Etag" means "preserved pork meat". I took pictures there, and I saw this bell. It was enclosed in bars and it was placed in the center of town. I was about to look for someone to ask to, but I was left alone by our group. Fortunately, I saw my classmates from far away, and I headed to them. 

On our way to the Echo Valley Park. :)

There are lots of stalls here, and it is often crowded 'til night time for shoppers.

A crowd watching a team of basketball players exchange shots. 

This is the Parish Center that I saw.

This is the Sagada Church Bell. :)) I've decided to search the details about it when I get home. 

          On my right, there were these stalls everywhere, each crowded with people. While on my left, stood a church. I didn't get a chance to get inside, as our group is already moving. I just took pictures of it and moved along. Most of my classmates were taking pictures on a mini-park beside the church. When I came, they motioned me to join them in taking pictures. 

This is the church. :) 

:) 

Historical landmarks are often visited like this church. We we're still under the American regime in the year 1904, right? 

There are lots of food stalls around. I can feel the fiesta going on around here. 

Well, this soccer field looks like an arena in the Hunger Games, so I told my classmate to pose like she's ready for battle.

               Not for long, our professor all called us because we were about to reach the entrance to the Echo Valley Park. As we walked, I saw this stall, that seems isolated from the other stalls. It is found at the foot of the entrance to the said park. It is really crowded, and there were many people there, twice the number of people found in the food stalls. I stretched my neck to check, and I saw books, lots of them! There were also magazines like the National Geographic, Discovery and Reader's Digest. Song hits were also available there, and coloring books for kids. I am so tempted to buy already because all items only costs 35 php each! I grabbed four magazines and paid it instantly.

There are items that only costs 5 php! HAHAHA =))

The entrance to the Echo Valley Park. :) 

           Finally, we're entering the Echo Valley Park. The road was a little bit rocky and it was hard to walk. We passed by a cemetery, but I didn't take a picture of it. Well, we read the names and we found out that this is where the indigenous tribes bury their loved ones. We passed quietly, until we reached a one-way road. Did I mention that if you're not careful, you can fall on a cliff on your right? It was really hard to pass through, especially when people were going the opposite way.

The one-way road to the Echo Valley Park. :) Cliff on the other side. 

Scary rocky cliff on our right!

          I carefully walked on the narrow road until we reached the part where your echoes can be heard. My classmates and I shouted individually, and we laughed ourselves out. I smiled, thinking that we've gone back to being kids for just a while. We laughed when my classmate shouted and someone replied. Not for long we went back, another struggle, and I buzzed along with the crowd of shoppers in the little book stall.

Our block in the Echo Valley Park. :)

         My friends went straight ahead to the other stalls to look for souvenirs. Other bought ice cream and shirts. For me, I bought a belt which only costs a hundred pesos. I didn't buy much souvenirs today for I have bought souvenirs the night before. I bought shirts, key chains, wallets and a bag. I need to save my money because I'll be buying food souvenirs on our last day.

         Finally, our professor called us and told us to be back home for we will eat our lunch, and after a few hours, we will be visiting the Sagada Hanging Coffins. :)