Sagada Weekend: From Home to Home

It has been ten months since I last had a glimpse of Sagada. Ten months, though it seemed like years , even eternity. As the agony of terribly missing the place was becoming unbearable, I couldn’t help but follow my heart’s will. I decided to go back to Sagada. After ten months, I was back in Sagada. Walking along its road decorated with flowers and pine trees. The abrupt decision came to me early evening of Friday, October 14th. Hoping to catch the last trip... Read More

Photoblog: Sagada’s Festival of Lights

Every first day of November, Sagadians gather at the cemetery to remember their departed loved ones. But instead of lighting traditional candles, they use woods of old pine trees locally called “saeng“, a flammable wood from old pine trees, to create bonfires on the graves of their departed. They call it “panag-apoy”, a tradition long been practiced in Sagada, Mountain Province. Shortly after the mass has ended, Sagadians proceed to the nearby cemetery to light their... Read More

Sagada Favorite: Yoghurt House

A Sagada trip will never be complete without a moment at Yoghurt House. For years this decent and cozy restaurant has been synonymous with great food experience in this remote town, thus establishing itself as one of Sagada’s landmarks. Mama Sagada I’m coming home! Situated a few meters from the Municipal Hall, on the boundary of Barangay Poblacion and Dagdag, along the road leading to the Sumaguing and  Lumiang Caves, Yogurt House invites everyone to experience... Read More

Ten Things To Do in Sagada (for Newbies)

It is not a secret that I love Sagada, in fact I have been to the Philippines’ version of Shangri-La six times already since 2008. This highland town of temperate weather, lovely people and good food, is also one of the best places in the Philippines to experience culture, nature and adventure. Surprisingly, the place remains unknown to many, so for those who are clueless of Sagada but planning to visit the place soon, it would be best to go there with all the surprises... Read More

Panag-apoy: Sagada’s Festival of Light

At sundown, the cemetery appears to be a town drowning in fire. Every first of November, Sagadians gather at the cemetery to remember their departed loved ones. But instead of lighting traditional candles, they use woods of old pine trees locally called “saeng“, a flammable wood from old pine trees, to create bonfires on the graves of their departed. They call it “panag-apoy”, a tradition long been practiced in Sagada, Mountain Province. “Panag-apoy” a Kankana-ey... Read More

A Walk to Lake Danum

In one of my trips to Sagada, I happened to explore one of its landmarks on my own, by foot. Without an itinerary in mind and a group to join with, I just walked one morning to an uphill road. I passed by the elementary school, the Sagada Pottery and followed the road leading to Besao. I realized that I was heading to Lake Danum, and after an hour walk to an almost empty road, I reached the lake. Road to Lake Danum - straight ahead is Besao, to the left is Lake Danum Located... Read More

A Day in Sagada: Fishing, Pot Making and Remembering the Departed with Bonfires

I was all alone the last time I went to Sagada. It was the All Souls’ Day break of 2008, a very spontaneous decision to explore Sagada by myself. I left Manila at 10 in the evening of the Halloween and took the 11 hour Cable Tour bus to Bontoc. I reached Sagada before noon and went to Residential Lodge, my home in Sagada. I am an adopted son of Sagada by the way (so as Benj and Jeff of VisitSagada). Tita Mary, owner of Residential Lodge, is my parent up there. She already... Read More

Sagada Tours: Rate Guide

Holy week is fast approaching and it is the busiest season for Sagada. To help those planning their Sagada trips, here is the updated Standard Rate Guide as of March 2009. CAVE CONNECTION: Lumiang to Sumaguing Cave No. of Guests Guide Fee Number of Guides 1 800 1 2 800 1 3 1,200 1 4 and above 400 per person BASIC CAVING: Sumaguing Cave No. of Guests Guide Fee Number of Guides 1 to 4 500 1 5 600 1 6 to 9 1,000 2 10 1,200 2 11 to 14 1,700 3 15 1,800 3 16... Read More