Foodie: Sagada's Yoghurt House

A lot of people don't like yogurt because of the sour taste and the icky feelings it gives after eating it,  even though they know that it's very healthy. Kimi told me that Sagada has there own popular home made yogurt and since I'm used to the commercial one (Nestle Yogurt), I was excited to have a taste of it. When we got to Sagada, we finally had the chance to try it out. On the right is there famous yogurt house near the municipal hall. It does not only serve yogurt but also a wide variety of meal from breakfast to dinner and anything in between. It was after dinner so all we have room for in our stomach was desserts. When we got inside, we saw a group of people eating with this huge bones on their table and wondering what it was. We sat a few tables away from them then had a look on the menu. My mom is not a fan of yogurt so Kimi and I are the one's who ordered yogurt. Kimi got the banana and strawberry jam and I got the banana with granola.

Banana and Strawberry Jam

Banana and granola

My mom ordered some of their home made cookies and a cup of coffee. While we wait for our orders, I looked around the parlor and it kinda have a very ethnic environment with all the wooden sculptures. I think I even saw a head of an animal hanging on the wall, not sure it's a cow or something. A few minutes later our order arrive. Of course we took some pictures first before we dig in. I took a taste first of the yogurt first and it was exactly what a yogurt would taste ..... sour , but the difference is that you can also feel the creaminess of it (kind a like a heavy cream). For me, the yogurt itself is too sour to eat as it is. So I tried another spoon with the granola, the granola's are just toasted perfectly with a hint of sweetness, eating it together with the yogurt definetly lessen the sour taste. Then I tasted it with the banana, then altogether. I looked at Kimi and she seems enjoying it too. Took a taste of her strawberry jam and it was a perfect combination. Told her I like her yogurt more than mine. When all the granola and banana gone, I couldn't finish the remaining yogurt not because it is too sour, but also the creaminess of it over powered my taste buds, So I gave it to Kimi (can't remember if she was able to finish it.)

All in all, our experience with their yogurt was great. We will definetly try it again when we go back there.

I have fallen for/in Sagada: The feelings

Last June 2011, 3 of my closest friend in the office decided to have a trip in Baguio. Just a 2 days, 1 night stay only since we can't be gone too long in the office. Immediately after returning here in Manila. Kimi told me that she wanted to go to Sagada the next time we have a trip. I asked her where it is, and she told me that it's a 6 hours bus ride from Baguio. At first I was skeptical about the idea, 6 hours more from Baguio is a bit far. But after all the things that's been going on with our lives, I agreed to come with her. For 6 months we've looked forward to our trip. And Kimi carefully researched about Sagada on what is the cheapest and the best way we can enjoy it.

January this year, the week had finally come. We we're more excited than before and we couldn't contain ourselves anymore. Day of travel, we started our adventure from the Victory Liner Pasay Terminal. I say, deciding to take the Deluxe bus is one  the best decision I made. Arriving 2 hours early from a usual bus ride, we immediately made our way to the Bus terminal that leaves for Sagada. The possibility that awaits us there is running through our mind during the 6 hours ride. We were speechless with all the wonderful scenery that we've witnessed on our way to Sagada. But little did we know, that adventure is only a part of what will be left in our hearts by the beautiful province of Sagada.

When we've finally arrived at our inn, we only rested for a while and had some brunch. With the idea of adventure still on our mind, we got ready for the hiking tour. Our original guide was Mr. Jake, but he decided to let James also known as Awingan to be our guide because he's not feeling well. Awingan shaked our hands and smiled. Our first stop was the "Burial Cave" where we saw some old coffins that were made by their ancestors. Next stop was the "Sumaging Cave", where in we had our first time experience of what they called Spelunking. Awingan explained the things that were in cave as we make our way deep down. Helping us in every way as he can, holding our hands :) , giving us pep talk as we pass a difficult obstacles and making some side jokes. Too bad for him, nababara ko yung ibang punch line niya. hehehe. Going inside the Sumaging cave is one of the best experienced we ever had. As we returned to our inn, I can feel in my legs the pain it went through during our Spelunking but I did not mind.

On our second day, our first stop was the Pongas Falls, unfortunately we did not make it to the exact falls because the way is too steep. Regardless of our failure, our way through the falls was an awesome trip as it is. We got to see their own rice terraces and beautiful scenery. We even got see some of the locals. Walking along the side of the rice terraces was a bit slippery, good thing our oh so helpful guide Awingan was there to our rescue. He holds our hand as we walk across the terraces one by one. (that soft and tight grip that assuring me that I'll never fall simply made everything okay). He was more assistive with my mom and kimi kasi pareho kaliwa paa nila. They are more prone to slipping. There was one this one crossing na may gap sa daan. On  Awingan's funny side, he just leaned back on the stone, smiled as if he's saying "kaya mo na yan" and just watched me cross it. I think I remember him saying na mabilis daw ako. I don't really know if he meant mabilis ako matuto, or kaya ko sarili ko, or mabagal ako maglakad dahil lagi ako asa likod. But regardless, I'm still happy that na hindi niya kami pinabayaan. After our lunch we headed to the Sagada Weaving, Pottery and supposedly the museum but it was close. Our last stop was Danum Lake and since it was still early to get back to our inn. Awingan suggested if we wanted to wait for the sunset. And I'm a sucker for a beautiful sunset, we all agreed to wait for it. While waiting for the sun down, Awingan decided to make a bonfire to keep us warm. The spot was perfect. Also we decided to invite him for a beer later after the tours. I was scared to ask him because he might say no, so I forced Kimi to do the deed. As we watch the sunset, I heard the sound of the wind as it blows the leaves of the trees. For a moment there, I realized I was still, not thinking about anything. And there and then, my love for Sagada became deeper. After dinner we got lucky to have a bonfire with the guide at the back of a pinikpikan house. There we had a history talk from Kuya Gustavio, I'm not really sure if that was his real name because he was drunk already. Awingan was a bit quiet I was hoping he'll be the one to do all the talking and stuff, but I guess not. Kimi was starting to get drunk so we decided to go back and have a rest.

Our last day. Yes it was with a heavy heart to say that we're about to go home. The driver of the van who is also the guide picked us up at 5:00 AM to watch the Sunrise. We were waiting for Awingan but he did not come. To be honest, I was sad because I won't be able to him on our last day. On top on the mountain still thinking about Awingan not being there, my last day could have been ruined. But the other guy said, Andyan si Awingan sumunod. I looked up and heard a motobike drive away and saw Awingan. (by now you would have guess that for me, he's not just a guide ). I was so happy to see that he is there. Although he didn't talk to us, a smile is enough. Watching the sunrise was really really awesome and I realized that standing on top of a mountain gave me fear of heights.

We had breakfast on the Rock Inn and I noticed that Awingan is more quieter than usual. While waiting for the food, I decided to step out and have a looked around, kimi followed to take some shots and did Awingan. As I looked at him, overwhelmed with the thing I'm feeling, I decided to talk to kimi about it. I told her, "gusto mo ba yung guide natin?" and she said "yes. Actually may crush nga ako sa kanya." I laugh and I told her, "kilala na nga kita." Because I can see it in her eyes the she also liked him. I told her that "kulang na lang magkadugtong bituka natin.". Then we went inside to have our breakfast. As we leave the Rock Inn, I opened the door and told kimi and mom thank you for coming balik po sila. Turned my head towards Awingan and saw him smiling. That smile was the one thing I'll never forget from him. As they drop us off our inn, he's only farewell words was "happy trip". And that made me really sad. As we wait for the bust to depart. Kimi and I talked about our adventure in Sagada and about Awingan. We were both hoping that he would come by to say goodbye. But he didn't come. We we're both sad leaving Sagada and not being able to say goodbye to him.

A week have passed now, we still talked about Sagada and most especially him. We even have this thing called "na-aawing" na naman tayo everytime we talk. So yeah, thank you Awingan for giving us a wonderful time in Sagada, for showing us more than it's beauty but also the heart of it. We're hoping to see you again as our guide.

Photos

Foodie: Cold Pie with a Warm Touch

Visiting Sagada in Mountain Province definetly started my year the way I want it to be. Full of adventure and people that will bring me inspiration. Foods that I will always remember that nowhere else can be found. Kimi told me about their popular "Lemon Pie". I told her that I'm not fan of any kinds of Lemon but I said I'll still try it. With days of hiking, climbing and lot's of walking. On our third day we finally had the time to look for it. We looked for every souvenir shop who might be selling a lemon pie but we cannot find any. And since it is our third day, It was with a heavy heart to admit that we were leaving the wonderful place of Sagada. On our way to the bus terminal, I was thinking what food to bring for my officemates and lemon pie would have been perfect. So, we arrived at around 10 AM in the terminal and the conductor informed us that the bus will be leaving later at 1pm. So it means we have a lot more time to reminisce and look around the municipal. I asked them if they want ice cream because I remember Awingan eating a drumstick after our tour. Inside their cooperative store, I saw this pies sitting inside a windowed cabinet then I ask if that was their lemon pie. They said yes and the other is an "orange pie". I said to myself, perfect. Because with all the oranges around Sagada, for sure they have some specialty made out of it.

Lemon Pie

Orange Pie

So I told Kimi that they have some lemon and orange pies. I ordered a slice of lemon because were not sure how it will taste. (it's kinda like a taste test.) I took a bite, it was exactly what I thought it would taste. Like lemon. (means sour). The yellow filling is the lemon custartd, the white one is a soft meringue. All in all it was okay, but for me who isn't a fan of lemon, a taste would be enough. My mom took a bite too then had the same reaction. Kimi on the other hand who loves sour and everything else. Enjoyed eating the rest of the pie. After tasting it, I immediately ordered the orange one. I took a bite, had a funny face (just to tease my mom), and said that it tasted like orange. With a bitter, orangey taste, it is something I could definetly enjoy eating. My mom took a bite then made an icky funny taste. LOL. Kimi tasted it and said the she likes the lemon better. I said I like these one.  The yellow custartd is the orange flavored one, and the white is also a soft meringue.

If you're planning to visit Sagada, make sure you taste there hometown foods. I also had a chance to taste their home town dish which is Pinikpikan, but for I now I wouldn't make any comment about that because I haven't tasted the authentic one yet.

Bonfire with the Locals

After eating dinner and before ordering the booze. I went back with my mom to our room to get my iTouch and sneak the cigar from my bag and went back to the Pinikpikan House were I left Kimi with Awingan.

After ordering a few bottles which Kimi put downs like water, Awingan invited us to a bonfire at the back of the restaurant. There, we met some of the locals who are also tour guides during the day. I was never a heavy beer drinker so I let Kimi and Awingan drink all they can. One of the locals who is kinda like the leader of their organization named Gustavio (I think that is his name.... ???) told us about some history of Sagada and some local stories. Since I'm a big fan of horror and ghost stories, I did not hesitate to ask him if they had some. But he told me they never believed in ghost but instead believe that if they felt something, it is part of their natural surroundings and what if it is a presence, they never considered it a ghost because it was once one of them. Could be their relatives or a close friend.

Kimi is starting to get drunk, so she was brave enough to ask somethings to the locals and a paper and a pen. Kimi wants to throw all her misery to the fire so she wrote it all in a paper, humoring her, I did the same thing since I was also feeling like a mess during that time. After she throw her paper into the fire a spooky thing happened, the smoke suddenly just blown to her face, then she stood and moved to another spot but the smoke followed her again... guest her misery does not want to leave her yet :p

A moments later, one of the local tried to hit on me .. o_0 .... yes he did. He asked where we were staying and if he could come by later. Good thing a new group of tourist came, so we had an excuse to go back to our room. I do not want to be rude because were on a different place.

Foodie: Pinikpikan

One of the authentic dish of Sagada is the "Pinikpikan", which in my understanding could also be called "battered chicken". We got the chance to eat this dish when we invite "Awingan" to have beer with us later since it is our last night. He told us that instead of hanging out at the Salt and Pepper for dinner and booze, he told us to try the Pinikpikan House instead and have a drink after. Kimi and I both agreed and told my mom where were having dinner. 

Pinikpikan with brown rice

The reason why I called it "battered chicken" is, what they do they just beat the chicken to death. They don't slit the throat or even bother to drain the blood of the chicken. They want the blood to cloth on the arteries throughout the whole body, does giving it the authentic taste. It looks like a "nilagang chicken" because of the vegetable is comes with, but it has more oil floating on top of the soup (maybe it's because of the blood in the chicken). Now for the taste test. I watch kimi have a sip first before I try it. She said it was fine if you're adventurous when it comes to food. It was my turn to taste because my mom wanted me to taste it first before she does. Took a sip on a spoon..... and it tasted weird. I've never tasted anything like it. The broth was the one that tasted weird, but the chicken itself tasted ok though. It has a piece of pork to lessen the taste of chicken broth. My mom tasted it and she went "eeeeewwwww"..... she ordered another food which is an omelet. She gave her pinikpikan to kimi, and I just ate my chicken avoiding the broth. For those who have taste for something unusual, then you should try it. 

After eating, we ordered some booze. :)

The Sunset

Now, this part is the most intimate experience I had in Sagada. Yes, intimate emotion is what I mean. No words can explain what I felt. Well, words could be available but it's not enough. I have always been a sucker a beautiful sunset. Sometimes it even makes me cry because of too much beauty. 

Nag eemo si guide

Mountain view

It was starting to get cold, so James decided to make a bonfire ..... under a tree!!

My mom getting jiggy with the bonfire

Over looking Lake Danum

My mom is looking for something.... what..??

 Almost ....

While I was waiting for the sunset, I was trying to reflect on things that was happening in my life. About work, family and love. During my deep thoughts I realize, I was not moving at all. I was so lost in thought that all I could here was the wind blowing the leaves of the trees. There and then, I found peace like I have never felt before. This is what get away truly means. And there, I have fallen in love with the mountains of Sagada.

Clouds rolling in

Sunset

After the Sunset, we called it a Day. Then had a wonderful after night hang out.

Lake Danum

After visiting the Echo Valley, we were supposed to visit the Sagada Musuem but since it's a sunday, it was close. Kuya Jake drove us to Lake Danum also known as the Lake Water. But stopping first to the Sagada Pottery .... which also has no one around because it's a sunday. But we got to snoop around the crafting area, being careful not to break any pots.

Lake Danum

My mom loves to pose when I take a picture

Kimi feeling emo (-_\\) ... with the cows

There will like at least 6 wild cows in there.

One of the most beautiful thing I have ever seen,
even if it's small

After sitting a few hours on the grass. James told us if we wanted to wait for the sunset. I asked them if they wanted too, they said yes so we all agreed to wait for it.

Echo Valley

After stopping by the St. Mary's Church , we continued walking towards Echo Valley .

Going up some stairs

After walking a few minutes, we came across their cementery.

Notice: This Area is Restricted for graves

Sssshhh....

.......... good thing it was early afternoon

James told us that during the All souls day, instead of putting candles in front of every grave, they make a bonfire from special wood that grows around Sagada. James also told us that the wood emits a kind scent unlike any other normal burning wood.

The Hanging Coffins

We finally reached the valley after a few minutes of long walk. We even came across some of the tourist on our way there. James demonstrated to us why it was called the Echo Valley. By it's name, it practically explains everything.

Kimi is thinking what to shout out

James shouting on the edge

James told us that during their burial ritual where they hang the coffins on the side of the mountain, no women is allowed during the procession. Only men can join the entire ritual and the women is left to watch on the top side of the mountain. Where we were standing. We asked James why it was like that, he told us that it has been practice long ago.

Wild Strawberry

As we walked back to the center of the town, James noticed a wild strawberry hanging on the bush.

St. Mary's Church

After visiting the Sagada Weaving, Kuya Jake drop us off at the center of the town to visit the Echo Valley. On our way to Echo Valley, we passed first the St. Mary's Church. 

Central Town - Basketball Court

A huge old bell sitting at the center of the town

Benches and tables to hang out. Some old folks
hanging around

Some kind of wheel

The St. Mary's Church

inside - The Altar

We were not able to enter the church because it was padlocked outside. So we just peeked through the holes of the gate and extend our arms to get some shots inside.

When James told "jump", my mom actually jumped -_-

After the short brief visit to the church and some old history talk from James (which I am having a hard time to remember), we continued to walk.

Sagada Weaving

After lunch, kuya Jake (our driver/tour guide too) and James picked us up at the inn for the rest of the tour. Our first stop is the Sagada Weaving.

Sagada Weaving

We entered the botique first to have a look around of their finish products. The first thing that I saw, was this bags hanging on the wall. And I'm sucker for bags, especially body bags. I immediately walk towards it and looked on everything that was hanging. Of course, I bought one!!

My body bag souvenir

Then James took us to the working area where they weave manually with the weaving machine.

Busy yung dalawa ....

Weaving Machine

James explained to us how the weaving process is done. Honestly, it's not easy. The weavers will need to be quick and focus to what they are doing.

Foodie: Salt and Pepper

After our tiring hike and trekking at the Pongas falls , we headed back to our inn to rest for awhile and went back outside to look for a place to eat for lunch. We were discussing what food to eat and what place we should try out. When we had our dessert at the yoghurt house , there was as restaurant on top it named Salt and Pepper. We all decided to try it out and have a look.

My mom and Kimi ordered the Roasted Chicken that was salted and peppered.

I ordered the Roasted Chicken with Rosermary Herbs

I know they both look the same but the taste is different and it was awesome. The salted and peppered roasted chicken tasted great, the chicken was roasted fine and the seasoning is just perfect. Same as the roasted chicken with rosemary herbs, you can taste the earthy taste of the herbs that goes so well with the chicken. Both comes with a freshly cooked vegetables that was grown around Sagada. The next time I visit Sagada, I'll most likely to go back there and have a try of there other dishes.

Trekking at Pongas Falls

We started our second day of adventure by hiking and trekking to Pongas Falls. On our way to the drop off going to Pongas, our eyes was already amazed by the sight we have seen.

Clouds resting on top of the mountain, covering most of it

Drop off point to Pongas Falls

Since it's our second day, we came more prepared for hiking. Except for Kimi. hehehe, she was wearing long jeans and a rubber shoes. :)

This will be our crossing

Bridge Crossing

Kimi scared of the Bridge

Walking across the terraces

Walking across the terraces of Sagada was truly something. As we feasted our eyes to the wonderful scenery, I felt that somehow, we were able to experience how a day to day living is up in the mountains. Just a little .... 

Follow or else ... 

When we arrived to one of the barangays, I couldn't help myself into taking a picture of this notice. "To all Tourist, This way to the barangay hall... Please Register" as it points to the left. At first, James just passed by it, but my mom told him about the sign so we went to the barangay hall to register. It cost us Php30 per tourist. After signing to the log book, we immediately left and went back to walking.

If you see a falls, imagine what we have to
walk ... more

Along the side of terrace, a narrow walk
way with a steep drop.

Kimi's first muddy encounter :)

Oh my, what a view <3

After all the walking, trekking and hiking for more than an hour, we have encountered a very tremendous obstacles that neither the three of us can handle. We were very near the falls when a very very narrow walk way, with a very very steep drop and huge rock sticking out on the side of the mountain making us very worried if we can make it safely without the help of any rope, we decided not go. Yes, another obstacle that we think will put us into a serious danger with a wrong step. James just took a picture of the falls from a distant so we can have a little souvenir. 

We were so close

Mini falls below the falls

After taking a breath, we walk back to the drop off, but only after a few steps,

Kimi did this. Washed her shoes on one of the irrigation system of the terraces, both her shoes are very muddy because she keeps slipping whenever we walk on somewhere muddy. When we reached the barangay again, we asked James we if can wash our feet somewhere before we go to the  drop off. We stopped on one of this house with a pig farm beside their house. While waiting for Kimi to be done, the owner offered us a some green bananas. Well, it looked like it still need some days to be eaten, but it was tasty like a fresh ripe banana, which is.

After the trekking, we went back to the inn, had some rest and lunch and continued with the tour.