Ready or Not --Here I Come!

Remembering the Faithful Departed

July 30, 2008, 4:41 am (Excerpt from my Friendster Blog)
Filed under: Uncategorized

I was in grief for the past few days. Suffered the loss of a friend, Nong Manny, who died at the age of 32 because of multiple aneurism. Indeed, death is inevitable. It’s like a thief that robs you in the middle of the night. For some people, they fear death. Others welcome them just like a host entertaining an important visitor. A lot of us often say that at any rate, at any time and at a given circumstances, we are ready to face death and welcome it with arms wide open. But with a case like this, sometimes, the fear of death is most likely very traitorous. Who would have ever thought that a person as healthy and as lively as Nong Manny would die just like that.

The morning after our club’s vigil at the wake of Nong Manny, my eye bugs are terrible. Felt as if I’ve been crying for a century. I was shocked with the news of my co-teacher Ann, telling me of a tragedy that happened to one of our pupils. I couldn’t memorize the names of all my pupils but, when she mentioned about Patricia Kayle, I cried without even finding out what had happened. An innocent grade six pupil Patricia together with his older brother, Paul Kaydene, who also happened to be my former pupil and their youngest sister with their Mom, were trapped in their house on fire in the mid-morning of July 28. Their father was away from them during the incident and no one was saved in the burning house that caused them a very painful and tragic death. I was grasping for air. I couldn’t breath. My body shivers by the thought of it. I was still in denial. I was still hoping that maybe the news is not true. My sister who happens to be one of the closest friend of Patricia’s mom texted me and that confirmed everything. How can these be happening to a mother with three wonderful children dying a tragic death, whose husband was away for work? I couldn’t find correct answers to all my questions. I couldn’t even blame God for letting these things to happen. Maybe it is written in His hands. Maybe He has plans. Maybe He has His reasons. 

Yes, I can say, I’m afraid of death. I fear death because I have a lot of things to accomplish. I fear death because I’m not yet prepared. I fear death because I have so many plans and I haven’t reached my Personal Legend. I have a lot of things to pursue. But, what if one day, death would appear to me in the presence of a butterfly that would rest on my palm contentedly and ask me this question: “Are you ready?” Well, my
only reply would be: “Not yet. Not now”.

.

 We can never prognosticate the coming of death in our lives. It gives us no signs, no warnings, and just like the wind, it carries a certain message of affirmation that in death, we can perfectly say, we are at peace. No worries, just pure bliss.

 So while we are still aware of our breath, live life to the fullest and make each day as if it will be the last days of our lives.

Isabela

I Fell In Love With Isabela

April 21, 2009, 11:05 pm | Edit this
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It’s been a week since I got home from my longest travel up North. I’m now stuck in my crib, taking a sip of iced tea while the sounds of Bossa n’ Marley simply filled the air with ease and comfort. Man, how I missed my bed.. and my pillow.. the smell of familiar satin sheets brought joy to me when I lull myself to sleep and lie comfortably in my old cranky bed. Thoughts came flashing back at Camp Samal, Tumauini, Isabela where I spent five long nights attending the 6^th National Rover Moot of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. I can still recall how we (Aina and I) managed to pitch our tents in the camp area all by ourselves and turned our campsite into a very sophisticated haven. Yes, our life back in Isabela has put a great impact in our lives.. I have learned to conserve everything from batteries of flashlight, food, clothing and my God, even water.. hmmm.. I can proudly say I can take a bath even with just a little supply of it. hehehe

campsite at Camp Samal, Tumauini

Hmmm.. how did all these things happen? Thanks to our Field Scout Executive who backed out from this trip and now, am reaping the many benefits that should suppose to be for him. Lucky me! Hay, God is so good talaga..

And as I recall, we left Kalibo last Tuesday, 14^th of April and arrived in Manila at 3:00 then proceeded at the Florida Bus Terminal in Sampaloc, boarded the bus at 7pm and arrived at Isabela the following day. It’s indeed a long travel, my butt ached and for a moment, I wanted to simply just stand and avoid having contact with chairs. Hehehe. We were greeted by hospitable rover scouts and pointed the area where we can pitch our tents.. And then, along came the rover scouts from Mandaluyong – the NSTP Team of Rizal Technological Univerity boys who adopted us and extended their generosity in letting us share a part of their camp area where we had pitch our tent. Huh, gentlemen are still abundant these days. These seven strong rover scouts of RTU made us feel so comfortable with them, as if we’ve been friends for so long, no hung-ups, no worries, nothing to be afraid of.. They’re all warm, and friendly, and generous.. an epitome of true scouts. Should I mention their names? huh..  (Sir Nick-(husband of Lloyd’s cousin whom I recently found out after a long talk) Sir Alex, Sir Ton, Sir Fred, Sir Renan, Echo, Zaldy, Christian and of course, Ralph –the latter’s really a cool guy. I must admit I was fascinated with his super great sense of humor that could simply move mountains, turns dead into a living creature and experience not even a single dull moment with him.. plus, he’s a hunk too!) Hmmmm, I guess I can afford to talk to him till wee hours in the morning without getting sleepy, and If I’m asked whom I wish to talk to if stuck in an elevator for one day or even for a week, well I guess it would probably be him. Hehehe

Rizal Technological University Rover Scouts - Mandaluyong

We participated in various in-camp activities, tried rappelling with Sir Victor Reyes, Sir Jerry Rubrico and the BFP Nueva Vizcaya Team as my tutors. ….Huh, I have uttered numerous prayers for all the Saints, begging for my safety while I was doing the “rappelling” thing. Thank God, I have cheated death. Hehehe  And because of my curiousity, I even tried Rope and Log Crossing and became a Spider Woman for a couple of minutes in the Samal Adventure Trek with Aina as my personal photographer.  Hehe yeah, sounds cool.

 I got chicken-hearted when I was offered to try the white water rafting at Cagayan River, I’ve wanted to do it but I got scared. Instead, I settled in helping the RTU boys in the raft making. Huh, lashings and lashings.. Knot-tying was just a piece of cake for me..

And how can I miss this special activity.. the Airsoft Challenge. I was given a lecture demonstration as to the safety rules and regulations and the proper way of playing it.. I was on the verge of really doing it but, my knees melted when I saw other scouts aching for a very painful shot.. well, you can’t blame me if I backed out, I’ve got good legs to protect to and a lovely face to attend to.. hehe Again, I got chicken-hearted and entertained myself simply by watching them play with great spirit of cooperation, unity and teamwork.. whew, I was so green with envy.. but at least, I was able to wear the gears, hold the airsoft gun and managed to give the best pose ever.. hehe picture-picture..

And for community immersion where rover scouts and roverettes are expected to render community service in various barangays, I suggested and designed a special activity relevant to community immersion where we (just Aina and I) explored the St. Mathias Church in Tumauini built in 1973 with a unique cylindrical belfry. Hired Kuya Roni, the tricycle driver who kept us company, drove us to Ilagan City where the famous “World’s Biggest Butaka” (Rocking Chair) which was featured in the Guiness Book of Record that stood 11 feet high and weighs 2,368 kilos. With a tricycle fare of 300php back and forth, we managed to explore all the must-see places in the Region of Cagayan Valley. So many places to see yet so little time.. We reached the campsite at 7Pm and indulged ourselves with a cold bottle of SanMig light back at Dona Juana, a not-so-high-end bar situated at the town proper of Tumauini. See? There’s a lot more to do than community immersions..

The nights spent at the campsite are so exciting.. I missed the sound of cicadas, the chirping of birds and frogs’ crackle.. It sounded like music to my ears and took me higher even than Bob Marley. We nourished our social life at the camp with the BSP National Office forerunners and big men who invited us to join them for two consecutive nights, courtesy of Sir Victor= our new found friend, as they exude with great pride in singing their national anthem which rocked the whole campsite by singing “My Way”. Not to mention the long talks and funny chit-chats with the RTU boys especially with Ralph, under the shady tree, beside our tent, with the camping lantern that stood before us and my lovely hammock that served as living witness to two souls connected by unexpected circumstances ..  ano daw?! Hehehe

But every beginning has an end, and every hello has its corresponding goodbye. The day before we break camp, the RTU boys, (four of them are true blue residents of Isabela) invited us (again,just Aina and myself) to join them to attend lunch at a particular wedding –(a cousin of Sir Alex and Sir Nick) We devoured sumptuous food and the residents treated us as presidential candidates..  ate as if it was our last meal. Hehe They drove us back home at our campsite, bid us goodbye, thanked us for the many memories and they proceeded to Cabagan, the next town from Tumauini.. Parting with him,.. este, with them pala brings sadness into our hearts but, life has to move on..

 With our backpacks on, we headed to Tuguegarao City - the Capital and the Regional Center of Cagayan, 45 minutes drive from Tumauini, dropped by at St. Peter & Paul Cathedral and filled our empty stomach at Jollibee and then boarded the bus at the Victory Liner Terminal by 7PM, arrived Manila at 10:30 the following day.. well, ever wondered what we did while on the bus? Sleep,eat,sleep.. hehehe

We spent the remaining days sleeping, regaining our lost strength and then exhibited marathon skills in trying to keep up with a fast-paced city life the next morning, shopped at SM mall of Asia.

With empty heart.. and empty wallets.. we took the flight back home..

I have enjoyed every single moment spent at Isabela, I have gained so many friends, but I was hoping I could find a lover,too.. hehehe not meant. Just kidding.. I was able to experience the joy of meeting new places and new faces.. conquered fears.. sailed with the spontaneity of events.. lived my life as if my last.. learned new things and learned Ibanag words, helped the scouting movement by creating better scouts simply by being one..

Yes, I fell in love with Isabela. And I will continue to fall in love with her ‘till my gray-hair days.

Mabbalo Tani Kamu, People of Isabela…

 

Remembering Manny

(Retrieved from my Friendster Blog)

July 30, 2008, 4:38 am | Edit this

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In memory of Nong Manny De Asis

..it’s 11:05 and just as I have finished writing this poem for Nong Manny, I was disturbed by a text from Nong Chrency telling the group to continue praying for him. So, I paused for while and prayed. I haven’t finished reciting my prayer when I suddenly heard my phone beeped again and this time, it’s from Nong Chrency again, telling us that Nong Manny didn’t make it. I cried. He’s too young to die.. he has so many plans for his children. The last time I saw him was when I was at the farm checking our ruined badminton court caused by typhoon “Frank”. He was with his third son, Matt when he arrived, checking also our second home.. the Atiatihan Badminton Court. He was so eager to play badminton but the sadness in his eyes dominated his entire facial expression. “Paano na lang daw ang mga poker pips?” he smiled and chuckled that despite what happened to the court, naiisip pa rin niya ang badminton at poker. His world revolved around with the people he loves.. his family and friends.. and of course, the love for badminton and poker.

       Nong Manny has been a good friend to us.. though at times, we were disturbed by his interruption between our games when he would just appear inside the court and offer his unsolicited advise about how to execute the shots correctly.. (Harun eoman si Nong Manny with his fancy moves and deceiving shots)

       Nong Manny has his own distinctive badminton fashion style.. We hardly see him wearing badminton shorts. Instead, he always wear jogging pants without t-shirt or a plain white sando which he thinks very comfortable for him when playing. He’s been our team leader for the Red Feather Shuttlers during our team-tie competition and just recently, we were declared champion. I can see the look on his face how happy he was. It was an achievement for him being the man on the lead.  I can still recall the time when he asked me for a favor to write a welcome speech for his eldest daughter Shayne for her Moving Up Exercises in Aklan College. I never hesitated and worked on it instantly. He was so happy the next day when Shayne had memorized the speech I gave him and thanked me.. To quote his words, he told me, “Riz, salamat sa paggawa mo ng speech para kay Shayne. Madali niyang na-memorize yun. Matalino kasi yung anak ko, buti na lang hindi nagmana sa akin”.. I told him, “Nong Manny, buti lang talaga di nagmana si shayne sayo no?” and then we both ended up laughing. He even requested me to look for declamation pieces for Shayne for he wants her daughter to join in the declamation contest in the near future.

       Nong Manny was good father to his children. Pag naglambing mga anak niya, kahit kating-kati na mga paa niya sa paglalaro ng badminton at kahit mga kamay niya namamanhid dahil di nakakahawak ng poker chips, di talaga umaalis ng bahay yan.. He’s also a loving husband to his wife. Siguro bumabawi dahil sa pag-iintindi sa kanya sa mga gabing wala siya sa bahay nila. He’s also a good friend to all of us. Lagi lang nakatawa na parang walang problema sa buhay. Nakukuha niya pang tumawa kahit minsan, nahihirapan na.  And now, he’s gone. Wala nang mangungulit sa amin. Wala na

kaming makikita na nagsusuot ng jogging pants na walang tshirt habang naglalaro ng badminton. Wala na ring magyaya ng poker sa kalagitnaan ng tahimik na gabi. Nakaka-miss ang higad.. Higad kasi ang tawag ni Sandy sa kanya.. He left us with so many memories to cherish and treasure. He’s been a brother and a friend to me. A “brother” in every sense of the word. Kapatid. ‘yun ang lagi niyang sinasabi. I hope one day, one of his children will follow what he started and will continue his dreams of reaching into the finals for badminton games. Yun na lang kasi di pa niya nararanasan, ang mag-champion sa level C.

         Nong Manny, wherever you are, just go with the light. We will always remember the happy times we spent together as one family in Atiatihan Badminton Club. For sure, we will miss you.. Medyo nauna ka lang sa amin pero lahat tayo magkikita-kita din sa huli. Pakisabi ke San Pedro na i-assign ka niya sa mas malaking lugar kung saan pwede ka mag-request ng badminton court. Yayain mo na rin ang mga angels diyan to play poker with you para di ka malungkot.. Wag ka mag-alala, Nong Manny, di namin pababayaan ang mag-ina mo.. Maghahanap pa din ako ng declamation piece para kay Shayne.   

           May your soul rest in peace. Amen. +

We will Miss You, Manoy! Rest in Peace with thy God’s Embrace +

Para kay Nong Manny (tag pagbisita namon kana sa ICU it Provincial Hospital)

July 30, 2008, 4:19 am | Edit this
Filed under: Uncategorized

Raze m. Ignacio

26 july 2008

09:45 pm

Hay,alin eon?

Bangon dikaron nong..

Kapangaean mo baea si Pacman?

Uwa’t laban nga inde pag-atrasan..

Baskuga ing buot

Ag suk-ean si kamatayan

Pangayo it bulig sa Kusog nga Ginhalinan

Iya kami gatao it suporta

sa among pagpangamuyo,

imong kaeuwasan, among ginapangayo..

Inde magpaeu-ya, di gid magpabaya

Ro imong pamilya, ikaw ginapalangga

Piniinuha ro imong mga unga

Imong asawa, ikaw eang pirme ginauna..

Ayaw gid magbuhi sa imong ginhawa

Ro imong pagmayad, duyon kamon makapasadya..

Manoy..

Kaya mo ron..

Ro tunog it poker chips, ikaw pagapukawon,

Ro poker table hato, haum eon.

Ro mizuno nga sapatos, ready eon suksukon

Biskan uwa kita it court, mahampang ta gihapon..

Siin mo ginbutang ing racket?

Agud sa pagpa-gut ag pag-ilis it grip..

Bangon eon dikaron,

May team-tie pa kitang paaeabuton..

Team leader ka pa baea namon,

Dasigang pamayad, red feather shuttlers eoman do
ma-champion..

Manoy,

Mahae ka namon..

Kaya mo ron.. kaya mo ron..

My Sagada Experience

Sagada - Awesome Nature. Ancient Culture. Heavenly Place. Lovely people.

I first heard of Sagada and its regal beauty when it was featured in iWitness – a documentary program aired in GMA Channel 7 hosted by Howie Severino. I was really captured by its panoramic view down the valley, magnificent and dramatic rock formations, rich culture and its people. From then on, it has always been a dream for me to visit the place. Sagada topped the list of my dream travel destinations in the Philippines and just recently, two weeks ago, I can say it with conviction that it is indeed a paradise on earth. With my backpack on, together with my Ati-atihan Badminton Club family, we decided to leave our comfort zone and tried to discover what lies beneath the mystifying beauty of Sagada.

We left Kalibo International airport last 13th of May 2011 and decided to wait for some of our friends at the SM Mall of Asia. We proceeded at St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City - our meeting place, and boarded the bus at around 8:30 in the evening. All 16 of us were really excited for the long road trip to our final destination. We left Manila at exactly 8:58 PM and have ourselves entertained with sceneries along the way. Others managed to sleep while I settled satisfying my hungry stomach munching KFC Bacon and Cheese Twister and amusing myself with good Old Bob's music. 

We had several pit stops and took the chance to empty our bladders. Comfort rooms were flooded with people from the bus trying to unload their excess baggage. You just have to prepare a five-peso coin to be able to use it or else, you’d be peeing elsewhere. And because of the very long journey and butt-aching ride, we felt hungry from time to time so we need to refill our empty stomach and devour carbo-loaded food just enough to give us energy for the rest of the trip. Our last stop-over was the Municipality of Bontoc - Maxi’s hometown, he’s the one in charged booking our bus tickets and guest house reservation, offered to be our local guide slash security officer. We had a thirty-minute break while the bus waits for other passengers headed for Sagada. We grabbed the opportunity to visit Maxi’s house just across the bus stop and found Mama Lourdes waiting for us with native delicacies prepared on the table.

(Taken on a narrow trail going to Maxi's place at Bontoc, Mountain Province)

Along the road, our eyes feasted on the luscious green rice fields of the famous rice terraces. Pine trees were scattered all over the place which stood proudly, its leaves gently swaying, inviting and telling us that our trip will be soon be rewarded for we are just 15 minutes away from the place we’ve always dreamed of. We were all excited and I can hardly breathe.

We arrived in Sagada at 11:48 in the morning of May 14 and it took us exactly 13 hours and 38 minutes. Whew, it was indeed a long trip!

We freshened ourselves when we arrived at our guest house – Alfredo’s Inn and Restaurant, situated across the municipal town hall and public market. We were welcomed with warm greetings from the guesthouse staff including the owner, Odale who happens to be Maxi’s friend and the granddaughter of a former Congressman in the province. The guesthouse was named after the latter and has been operating since time immemorial. The sign that captivated me at the entrance of the doorstep of the guesthouse was “Umali Kayo” which means “Tuloy Po Kayo” (Come in!)

Alredo's Inn - This is where we stayed at Php250 per head. We occupied the  entire 3rd floor.

After settling in our respective rooms, we decided to divide responsibilities in preparing for our lunch. Jo, the treasurer of the group collected 300 pesos each for our food allowance for the whole duration of our two-day stay. I was the one in-charge of the marketing while I kept the companies of Maxi, Abs, Athan, Santa and Japs. We were lucky that we arrived in Sagada on a Saturday morning because it was their market day. Our eyes were bleeding with abundant fresh vegetables displayed along the street that cost thrice as low as what were sold in supermarkets around Aklan. 

Saturday Morning - Market Day in Sagada

Farmers took pride in trying to convince us to buy their harvested products. We can’t even choose what to buy for there are many varieties to choose from. Finally, we decided to buy some broccolis, cauliflowers, lots of carrots, cabbages and other things needed for chop suey, We bought two kilos of pork for adobo and a kilo of fish freshly delivered from Dagupan. Our baskets were filled with fruits and vegetables which gave us a hard time carrying it. Mads Diday – whom was considered “Mother Earth of the group” prepared a sumptuous lunch for all of us which we devoured like hungry wolves. Hehe

We rested for awhile and prepared to explore Sagada in the afternoon. We registered at the Municipal Town Hall which is a pre-requisite for all tourists coming there. One cannot trek or explore Sagada without experienced and trained guides so as not to meet accidents along the way. This also means promoting tourism and will help the local guides earn a living. Jackson, a member of Sagada Environmental Guides Association (SEGA) was recommended to us by Maxi’s cousin - Leswid (a SEGA guide also who failed to join us because of his work that time) helped us through the day by touring us around. We paid Php20 each for environmental fee.

Fact: Long before, there used to be only one Guides Association but because of individual differences and opposite point of views, they split into two. The original guides association (SEGA) is located at the Municipal Town Hall while the other group, the Saggada Genuine Guides Association (SaGGas) is situated down the road near the Yoghurt House. Both groups have trained and experienced guides so it doesn’t really matter which group you chose. They share the same purpose and that is to guide and keep their visitors free from harm or accidents while staying in Sagada.

As we head off to Echo Valley, we can’t help but get excited. We passed though St. Mary the Virgin Church and St. Mary’s Cemetery. With my boisterous laugh and over-excitement, I shouted so loud to test whether the place  is perfect for propagating echoes since it was named Echo Valley but Jackson, the guide whom I fondly calls “Jackie”, ssssshd me and reminded to tone down my voice so as not to disturb the spirits around. I told myself that I won’t be having a hard time trekking or climbing or hiking the trails since I was trained to do that in my career as a scout leader. The only thing that fears me most is how to be able to shut my mouth when I get too excited about something. Hehe I just can’t help it. (My best pal Abs would often tell me that I have swallowed a microphone!) I think the rest would agree to it. 

Woooohooooo!!!!

The Trek to Echo Valley

The trails in Echo Valley were easy but for “Nang Toto – the “Big Mama” of the group who happens to be a really huge woman in her forty’s, find it so difficult. She fell several times along the slippery trails and has a total number of five times sliding and rolling with her shoulder bag on. Her brother “Onoy” – Mads’ hubby helped her all throughout the trek by carrying her shoulder bag and herself, too. Hehe We took a few hours of wandering, exploring and appreciating Sagada’s picturesque sceneries at the valley. We were fascinated by the Hanging Coffins – a burial practice long time ago where people hang and stack coffins along the cliffs. I just can’t believe that a few years ago, I was watching these scenes on TV and now, just a few meters away from it, there I stood in bewilderment that I was actually there, witnessing a breathtaking view and enthralling a very rich culture which still exists in our country. It’s like living in the present moment while surrounded with scenes from the past. I just can’t describe my feelings. 

That's me! Praying that the spirits won't be disturbed! hehehe

According to the guide, there are three cave openings there but we chose to walk through the tunnel of the underground river. It didn’t scare me at first for I have prepared a headlamp so as my other companions. Maxi and Jackie lighted the lamp and led the way. Abs and I were positioned at the last and that’s when they started calling us Swipers instead of Sweepers. Along the tunnel, there was a huge rock which served as an obstacle in trying to proceed to the other end. One must climb over this huge thing or choose to swim on the other side. I find it difficult for the three teen-age girls (Nicole, Shane and Aljunette) since the rock is too steep and slippery. What’s more difficult is that Big Mama can’t carry herself up so one of our companion who happens to be a swimmer, guided her and took the other way where the water runs up to a shoulder-high level. Thank God she knows how to float so she was able to reach the other end. After we surpassed that great obstruction, we came to realized how dangerous it had been for all of us. We’re just thankful that no one got hurt and that we were all safe.

Whooooah, This is L-I-F-E!

What a relief! Photo taken after all of us have crossed the huge rock inside the underground river.

When we reached the other end of the tunnel, we continued river trekking and this excites me more. It was raining that time so all of us were cold and freezing. We headed to Bokong Falls or commonly known as the Small Falls. Some of my friends took the chance to dive and enjoy its cool water while I preferred puffin’ a cig and contented watching them swim like ducks. (I must admit, and this is our secret – I don’t know how to swim!)

The Bokong Falls - looks like a painting with a little extra on the side.

As we head home, we passed through a plantation of green bell peppers and we’re all amazed how it grew so big. If those were green apples, I would have picked one and munch it along the trail. 

We finally reached the main road leading though Masferre Photos and stopped over Sagada Weaving which is known for its famous woven cloth made into backpacks, bags, pouches and other stuffs. By the way, I bought my Sagada map there for 30Php. As we were approaching near our guesthouse, we passed through St. Theodore’s Hospital. Jackie told us that there are only two people confined there at the moment. Ayos no?! People in Sagada live longer and doesn’t get sick often because they’re surrounded with fresh air and lots of vegetables to eat, less pollution and processed food, no tricycles whatsoever so people here walk a lot – enough to stretch those muscles and live active. He even added that during peak season where tourists from all over the country flock to Sagada and all the Inns and Guesthouses were fully booked, this hospital opens its doors and so guests can stay here. Whew, I can imagine myself sleeping in one of those hospital beds while on vacation. Sounds interesting, huh?

We arrived at Alfredo’s very exhausted. Our first day in Sagada was indeed a tiring experience yet quite worth it. I was then fuelled with enthusiasm with what will happen the next day. After dinner, we tried their rice wine or tapuy which we bought at 150php per bottle. The taste is kind of sour, bitter and sweet, really an unfamiliar taste. The smell is similar to vinegar but it somehow tastes good for me. (I guess I have taken a lot of shots already so it doesn’t concern me much whether it tastes good or not) It was really cold that night. Perfect for chillaxin’ under the reggae moon. We talked about our experiences at the Echo Valley and the Underground River. We finished the two bottles of tapuy but we were not yet sleepy so we (Maxi, Abs, Tito Fern, Athan, Jack and I) decided to continue our chillaxin’mode at a nearby bar. Curfews are observed here at 9:00 PM even long before but the guide told us that it’s okay to be out at the streets until 12midnight provided that we shouldn’t bother those who were already asleep and refrain from loud noises. We passed through Sagada Pine Café where foreigners occupied most of the tables so we switched to Kimchi Bar. We were lucky to have a vacant table at the center and ordered a few bottles of cold lights. 

That's me at the middle - the only rose among the thorns, beerguzzling with  the barakos..

The conversation was kinda interesting and we all exploded into laughters – soft and stealthy laughs in the fear of sleeping through the municipal jail if we get caught distracting the rest of people in the community. Hehe We were all tipsy and ended the night with a big Zzzzzzzz. Rose wasn’t able to get a good sleep because she found my snoring so disturbing. (Sssssh, another secret – I really snore that much when I’m tired. It has always been my problem since I was a kid and until now, I’m still trying to find a solution to it. Help me please?!)

Early morning walk going through the Soccer Field.

I woke up the following day with a heavy head. It must have been the hang-over or was it the over-hang? Oh well, whatever! I decided to go for a jog but my running shoes weren’t dry yet from yesterday’s river trekking so I opted for a walk down the road and invigorated myself with some fresh air and some cool scents of Sagada pine trees. I brought with me my camera and started clicking all sorts of things that captured me instantaneously. 
There were dogs all over the place and I was thankful they were all harmless, except for the fact that they bark and howl so loud that really frightened me to death. By the time I reached the guesthouse, Emi was now awake so she decided to join me and had a few walks along St. Mary’s Church up to the soccer field. We then head back to the guesthouse to prepare breakfast. It was my turn to do the cooking and showed them some skills I have mastered while watching Iron Chef. Cheesy Egg Omellette + Dried Fish + Pork Adobo(from last night’s dish) + Hot Coffee + Rice = One Happy Meal. 

What’s next on the list? Ahah! The trek to Bomod-Ok Falls or the Big Falls. Everyone got excited though some of them hesitated to join especially the kids for they were suffering from muscle aches but eventually they prepared their things and decided to come with us except for Big Mama. She was still in a state of shock from yesterday’s trek. Abs and I were fully geared up as we head to our hired jeep which will take us to Banga-an – the jump-off point to Bomod-ok Falls. Maxi’s cousin, Leswid was able to join us that day. The hired jeep charged us Php600 for the roundtrip fare. The trek going to the Big Falls was easy because the trails were cemented pathways. It took us 1 – ½ hours trekking under the hot raging sun while we enjoyed taking pictures of Sagada rice terraces and its scenic views. I almost thought I was Judy Ann Santos in her movie “Don’t give up on us” with Piolo. Hehe 

Rollin' Rollin Rollin' - Chew, Spit and Eeeeew! 

Thirsty and tired, we had to take a five-minute break at a certain area which they call Dap-ay – this is where the  people in the village gather for meetings, rituals and other activities. We met a couple of elders there chewing momma – a combination of apog or lime, buyo, bark of a particular tree (I don’t have any idea of what tree it was) rolled into a leaf. These are called nga-nga by the locals whom they chew hard enough to get the juice and then they have to spit it out. Out of my curiosity, I tried chewing one and boy, it was disgusting. It tasted like a soil seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper. I can’t describe the aftertaste. Mads Diday and Jo also tried and after the chewing and spitting, they’ve gone obviously mad. We all laughed crazily.  

Refreshed and Renewed!

A few minutes away from the falls, we stopped by at a hanging bridge and took a shot of a really implausible view although our legs were shaking heavily. Click! Finally, we were really amazed when we saw the falls situated at the edge of the valley. It was really one of the largest falls here in the Philippines. The water drops approximately 20 feet high and it’s so cold that you’d be having strange doubts whether to plunge in or just stare at it. I was captivated by its magic. The view was divine. And even though I can’t swim, I still managed to stay in the water for a couple of minutes and did a lot of photo shoot. Haha Leaving Bomod-ok Falls gave me a heavy heart for I have enjoyed every moment spent there. 

Tired from endless trekking. I need WATER please!!

We (Maxi, Jackie, Abs, Jo, Athan and I) took the route going back to the main road by traversing through rice terraces (this is what I really wanted and the rest seconded – we’re all up for an extra challenge!) while the rest headed back using the easy route. It’s a complicated trail because it requires a lot of balancing act. One wrong step and then you’ll end up rolling and falling down the valley just like Humpty Dumpty. Lucky if you’re still alive. I ran out of water supply and King Sun continued to radiate more that it made me really thirsty.  Jackie walked so fast being the lead man followed by Maxi that they never seemed to notice how tired my legs were. I was perspiring like hell and Maxi gave me some of his water. The trails were endless but the view is fabulous. Before we reached the main road where the jeepney driver waited for us, we stopped over at a certain store and refreshed ourselves with ice cold coke. For me, that was best coke I have ever tasted in my whole life. Haha While waiting for the rest of the pack, we fooled around with the kids there selling ice candy. Breathtaking experience of a lifetime!

          The rain started to fall in the afternoon as we head off to our next destination and the main event of the course – Spelunking at Sumaguing Cave. We were all freezing in the cold but afterwards, the rain took mercy on us and decided to stop. With headlamps on, we went down the step that led us to the entrance of the cave. The caverns are seemingly inviting as they appear to be in large number – each with corresponding rock formations – uncanny and impressive.
  

Sumaguing Spelunking - Superb!!!

There we saw the “King’s Curtain”, the “Porn Cave” shaped us vagina, the “Rice Granary”, the “Dancing Hall” and a lot more. There were several fascinating chambers and the steps were too slippery. A part of Sumaguing Cave was the “Tunnel” wherein one must have to crawl to pass though its trail to reach on the other end. Abs and I wanted to go and try it but we were running out of time. It’s past 6PM already and some of our companions started to worry since it’s getting dark outside (we still have to catch an open store to buy pasalubong) so we left the cave with happy smiles on our faces. Each one trying to brag about their personal experiences – a story to be told when we reach home. As for me, it was indeed an experience of a lifetime. Truly, I was really glad that I was able experience the joy of being there, the laughter shared with my friends in all activities from sun-up to sun-down, the insights learned from ancient culture, the enjoyment of interacting among the locals, the pure bliss I felt to be one with nature, the gratefulness I felt for God’s infinite blessing to mankind and for giving me a reason to exist in this world and be a living witness to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. And when I grow old, I’ll always look back to the days spent in Sagada. Peter Pan once said that to be able to fly, you should think of a happy thought. So don’t wonder why I’m flying, Sagada thoughts made me do so. 

"Beyond those troubled hills of the north
Lies my hope all laden with pine
Amidst the soft and silken touch
Of morning mist I lay my pr'yer b'fore thy shrine

My pr'yers to Thee my love dressed in green,
My paradise unforeseen
My thanks to Thee who spawned my love
Sagada, Sagada will always be mine"
----Sagada Folk Song