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.