SAGADA MOUNTAIN PROVINCE A DREAM COME TRUE

In the midst of the Cordillera Mountains in Mountain Province in the Philippines, there lays a small enchanting town called Sagada, it has always been one of my favorite destinations in the Philippines. Sagada is famous for being an ecotourism destination with its network of underground river systems and caves, pristine waterfalls, and picturesque views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Sagada is also one of the areas in the country known for coffee production, particularly for Arabica coffee and civet coffee, one of the rarest brews in the world. The town of Sagada has been the perfect destination for local and foreign backpackers looking for a quiet getaway from the busy metropolis. After countless of planning to visit Sagada I finally made it with my friends last April 16-18, 2014, we left Manila on the 15th of April midnight and arrived in Baguio on the 16th of April around 6:00am.

Baguio Victory Liner Terminal

We head straight to the bus terminal in Baguio that plies the Sagada route is at Dangwa Terminal which is about 10 minutes cab from Victory Liner Terminal, just inform the cab driver that you’re going to Sagada. Non air-conditioned buses Lizardo or GL Transit depart daily from 6AM to 1PM. We catch up the GL Transit 7:48am bus ride going to Sagada. Travel time from Baguio to Sagada is approximately 6 to 7 hours and we paid Php 220.00 for the fare ride. (Note fare may change without prior notice). Our drop off point is at Sagada Municipal Hall.

GL Transit Going to Sagada at Dangwa Terminal

Dangwa Terminal in Baguio City

Since it was a backpacker’s trip with my friends, we decided not to book a place to stay in Sagada while we were in Manila, because we wanted it to be more adventure and upon reading some blogs it is way cheaper to book there than book it in advance. The first Lodge we check out is the Residential Lodge I’d been reading good reviews about the place and the owner. I was hoping they still have vacancy because it was peak season and bingo; they have one room left good for 3 people with 2 bed and a bathroom with bathtub and heater inside the room at Php 250.00 per head. Very cheap hey! Finally I had the chance to meet the owner Mary Doas or Tita Mary to tourists visiting Sagada and stayed at her lodge, but we called her Mother or Mommy Mary. Her pension house is one of the famous inns in Sagada because of its homey atmosphere and the genuine hospitality that she effortlessly gives to her guests.

Residential Lodge is the Blue Building

I didn't know she was that kind until I stayed at her lodge, although it was hinted in the way she deal with guests inquiring about her pension house and upon reading some blogs about her. She help us find another place to stay since the availability of the room we rented is good for 2 days and we extended for another 1 day due to no buses travelling on Good Friday going back to Baguio. But unfortunately all rooms are book by group of tourist so we don't have a choice but to transfer. She made sure there's nothing for us to worry about, and finally she told us that we can still stay for another 1 night at her lodge because one booking got cancelled.

Late night talk with my friend Bhem Israel, Mommy Mary, and me.

After settling our things at Residential Lodge, we stayed for a few minutes to rest, change our clothes and soon head-out to eat lunch. We check out the famous Yoghurt House of Sagada since its few steps away from Residential Lodge. Yoghurt House is one of the go-to eating places in Sagada. I've heard from other other people who already went to Sagada that their homemade yoghurt were just the best in town.Yes it was! I ordered a full course meal, Roasted Pork, Vegetable Salad with Brown Rice. And for dessert the bestseller Banana Granola Strawberry Preserve. Prices at Yoghurt House ranges to Php 80.00 to 260.00 a little pricey hey! Well i understand why their food is pricey. Because Sagada is an exclusive mountain village very far from Manila and the price of commodity already hiked. We choose to eat on the upper floor where there is an available veranda overlooking the town.

Yoghurt House Sagada

Yoghurt House Roasted Pork, Vegetable Salad with Brown Rice (Php200.00)

Yoghurt House Banana Granola Strawberry Preserve. (Php100.00)

Yoghurt House 2nd floor and the view from the veranda.

Yoghurt House Menu

After eating at Yoghurt House we went to SAGGAS or Sagada Genuine Guide's Association Inc. Where you can ask for a tour guide and tour activities for the day. Prices at Saggas depends on which tourist spots you would want to go. For Kiltepan Sunrise tour guide cost Php 400.00 and if you want to hire a van/car its another Php 500.00. Too expensive especially if your a small group. My friend and I were able to get a guide outside Saggas. His knows everything about Sagada, very patient (he end-up to be my photographer), and most of all he did not take advantage on us. His price is just right especially for small groups and backpackers like us. We hike Kiltepan Peak with him as our tour guide at Php 500.0 with a transportation. He took good care with us, especially on our spelunking at Lumiang and Sumaging cave connection. His name is Kuya Mark and you can reach him at 0947-475-2782. Just tell him you were referred by me.

Outside Saggas Office and the Maps of Sagada's Tourist Spots.

Since it was too late for us to go hiking and spelunking that day, we end-up exploring Sagada's town proper. We went to Saint Joseph Resthouse boasts to its strategic location within the heart of the famed, beautiful and peaceful town of Sagada. The place, amidst the towering pine trees has a commanding view of the rice terraces and villages surrounding the town. Saint Joseph Resthouse is managed and operated by Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines; Philippine Episcopal Church. So many beautiful flowers in the garden and we enjoyed taking pictures on that place.

Saint Joseph Resthous

Saint Joseph Resthouse

Saint Joseph Resthouse

Next we went down and take a walk at the Angelican Church of St. Mary the Virgin. It is the oldest church in the Cordillera region. Located at the Episcopalian Mission Compound, it was consecrated on December 8, 1921. You can see the mixture of foreign and indigenous design. Behind the Church's compound is the St. Mary's Highschool and Sagada's zipline.

The SMV Parish Center

The Church

The Parish Wheel

Me and my friend Bhem taking a walk at the area.

St. Mary Highschool's soccer field

Walking is a fun thing to do in Sagada, while we walk around the Town we were mesmerized by the natural beauty all around us. It is not even tiresome for the cold climate that keep us moving. After our stroll at the Town of Sagada we head back to our inn and check out Strawberry Cafe for dinner, a small restaurant at the back of Residential Lodge and call it a day. Saves our energy for the next day tour at Kiltepan Peak and spelunking at Lumiang and Sumaging cave connection.

Thank you for reading. :)

Related blog entry about Sagada:

• MY SAGADA ITINERARY
• HOW TO GET TO SAGADA
• ADVENTURE IN SAGADA: SPELUNKING LUMIANG AND SUMAGUING CAVE CONNECTION
• SAGADA : KILTEPAN PEAK

MY SAGADA ITINERARY

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES/ITINERARY TO SAGADA

April 15, 2014 
10:00 PM VICTORY LINER CUBAO
                 683 Edsa, Cubao Quezon City 

April 16, 2014

5:00 AM VICTORY LINER BAGUIO TERMINAL

6:00 AM BAGUIO SAGADA TERMINAL in DANGWA

• It is advisable to travel no later than 12 midnight so that you can reach the first trip bus bound for Sagada at 6AM. The bus terminal in Baguio that plies the Sagada route is at Dangwa terminal which is about 10 minutes cab from Victory Liner Terminal inform the cab driver that your going to Sagada. Non air-conditioned buses (Lizardo or GL Transit) to Sagada depart daily from 6AM to 1PM. Travel time from Baguio to Sagada could take 6 to 7 hours and fare should be PHP220. Drop off point would be at Sagada Municipal Hall. (NOTE: FARE MIGHT NOT BE ACCURATE NA.) 

12:00 NN SAGADA Municipal Hall 
       Find a place to stay. 

1:00 PM LUNCH 

1:30 PM SAGADA Municipal Tourism for Registration proceed to SAGGAS Office

• Will asked list of tours and guides (for cheaper cost so we can joint group of tours especially for caving and hiking). 

2:00 PM On-wards schedule tentative to be discuss in Sagada.

Here are the Top things to do and see in Sagada:-) Source: Google

• Spelunking | Cave connection Sumaging to Lumiang. The entire cave connection could take approximately 5 hours. Every activity in Sagada, a guide is required and this can be booked at the SAGGAS office.
• Trek to Bomod-ok Falls. 
• SAGADA Rice Terraces.
• Sunrise viewing at Kiltepan Viewpoint
• Trek Pongas Falls. This is the newest attraction in Sagada. 
• Camping at lake danum or Mt. Ampacao 
• Walking tour at Sagada town (museum, pottery, weaving, Episcopal Parish, Sagada Weaving) I'm thinking of doing this on our last day in Sagada. 
• Up close with the burial caves and hanging coffins. 
• Food porn (Yoghurt House, Lemon Pie House, Log Cabin, Pinikpikan, etc) 
• Top loading! (Riding on top ng jeep ) I REALLY WANT TO TRY THIS :) 

Unfortunately we weren't able to follow the time in this itinerary because we did not able to ride the 10:00pm Victory Liner bus going to Baguio, because it was peak season and we don't have ticket reservation. Please note that if its peak-season please reserve your ticket in advance. We boarded the 1:00 am bus ride going to Baguio and arrived in Baguio around 6:30 am then head straight to Dangwa terminal werein busses going to Sagada are located. We catch up the 7:48 am bus and arrived in Sagada around 3:30 in the afternoon. We may not follow the time on this itinerary but then this helps us, as guide on what to do in Sagada. :)

Where to stay in Sagada: 

Source:www.visitsagada.com

• Residential Lodge - This establishment covers the bases as far as comfort is concerned. The rooms in the basement are quite spacious and at just 200-300 pesos per night, the rates are quite competitive compared the other inns in the area. The team of Visit Sagada can be quite biased when it comes to this verdict (we have stayed here almost 20 times over the past 6 years) but we have never been let down. Location-wise, it’s very close to good restaurants in town and is just a few paces away from the SAGGAS office. Due to the popularity of this place however, it can get quite hard to get a room. The common areas are good places to make new friends and travel companions. You can make reservations by calling Mary Daoas +639196728744. Residential Lodge has rooms that has private toilet and bath as well as rooms that share a communal toilet. For larger groups, you can probably ask for use of the kitchen should you want to cook your own meals instead of eating out. There is also complimentary coffee at the receiving area as well as a wifi service that is very reasonably-priced. 
• Rock Inn - is about 2 km away from the center of the town and even has its private driveway. This makes the lodge relatively remote – perfect for honeymooners and those who want peace and quiet. In terms of interiors, Rock Inn is possibly the best designed hostel in town. Aside from the great building, Rock Inn also boasts of having an orange orchard that visitors can pick fruits from for a very small fee.
• George Guest House-George was built roughly along the time that Residential Lodge also came into existence. They have three buildings – one on the main road and two buildings on top of a hill down the road (these buildings are called George Extension). Aside from being a guest house, this establishment also has a small restaurant right next to the front desk. They also deliver to the extension buildings for no extra charge.
• Kanip-Aw Lodge-One lodge that has been gaining a lot of buzz over the past few years has been Kanip-aw lodge. This establishment enjoys having been built on a great perch that overlooks vast pine forests and rock formations

Residential Lodge and Rock Inn are two of my option on where to stay in Sagada. I know Ms. Mary and Bang of Rock-Inn I spoke to them (via phone) and booked to them many times but due to bad weather I always got my reservation cancelled. Good thing it was a last minute plans with my friends for Holy Week long vacation and we decided to hit it off in Sagada. On our way up to Sagada we meet this lady in the bus and was referring us to Misty Lodge. My friend Bhem talk to her but I told my friend, lets check it out Residential Lodge. (So Bias^^) They are my first choice, been reading good reviews about them and there price are very reasonable especially for backpackers like us. And Rock-inn is my second choice, good reviews and location but a little pricey, so Residential Lodge it is. We are so lucky they had one room left, good for 3 person with 2 beds, with restroom and a heater at Php250.00 per head. PS...I know this might sound weird but in Sagada, they have an ordinance that no wearing of shorts and we dont know why, and we still wear our shorts though (no choice we pack mostly shorts) :)

Hope this itinerary helps you on your trip or plans going to Sagada. Goodluck!

PS. if your going to Sagada please bring your own towel and tissue mostly inns and lodges there don't provide. 

Thank you for reading.

All the best,

Tine :)

Spelunking at Lumiang and Sumaging cave connection. 

Related blog entry about Sagada:

• SAGADA MOUNTAIN PROVINCE A DREAM COME TRUE
• HOW TO GET TO SAGADA
• ADVENTURE IN SAGADA: SPELUNKING LUMIANG AND SUMAGUING CAVE CONNECTION
• SAGADA : KILTEPAN PEAK

My Korean Language Class Experience at Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

To start with, I am a huge fan of Korean Dramas from Winter Sonata to Full House until now. I guess my fascinations with Korean Drama’s influence me into learning their language. I remember 5-6 years ago I started learning the language through self study I bought countless of books and asked some Korean friends and my cousin who’s base in Korea. Until early late last year I was like; I wanted to do something, I want to learn something “new” in life because my life is all about work, house, church on Sunday, family and friends. But my friends were having life of their own too. Some are happily married and some are going back to school and the idea of going back to school sink in, but I can’t go back to schooling like the normal college student. And so I thought why not pursue my long overdue Korean language self studies? Why not enroll in Korean school where I can interact with native Korean teacher? And so I asked my co-worker Rose Antonio or B-1 as I fondly called her, where her best-friend studied Korean language then, and she said it’s at KCCP or KoreanCultural Center in the Philippines. I check KCC’s schedule and bingo!, before 2013 formally ends I made sure that January 3, 2014 is in my schedule. I need to go online and registered my slot for Korean language online application.

On that day I registered my name for Basic Korean and Elementary-1. Then I found out that Basic Korean is for student with no background in Korean language and I’m like “ehh I know a little of Korean na eh why enroll it pa right?” (Yabang ko eh no! hehe) and so I took up Elementary 1. 

January 13, 2014 our first day of school start we were 31 students then. I was feeling so nervous when we started because I think I’m the only one in the class who don’t know how to read the Hangul Alphabet. I was like OMG!!! Feeling so awkward! I don’t know what the hell was going on. And I was kinda boastful pa about not taking Basic Korean ha!ha!ha! Yeah I did study Korean but not the Hangul alphabet more on basic daily conversation and a few Korean vocabularies. 

Hangul or Korean Alphabet 

I was telling my family and co worker I’m going to quit Korean elementary 1 it is too advanced for me. I should have taken Basic Korean then. Haha But then they encourage me to continue taking it and enjoy every lesson.

As the weeks goes by I found out that learning a new foreign language is never been easy. It is a long and slow process that takes a lot of time, effort and patience. And KOREAN is one of the hardest language to learn. It is also considered to be one of the most efficient alphabets in the world and has garnered unanimous praise from language experts for its scientific design and excellence. Hangul was created under King Sejong of Joseon Dynasty (1932-1910). The creation of Korean Alphabet was truly a remarkable accomplishment. Creating consonants based on a person’s speech organs and vowels based on the shapes of the sky, land, and man was truly a revolutionary and unprecedented process. They adhered to the principle that human sounds and all universal phenomena are all based on Yin-Yang (positive-negative) and Ohaeng (the primary elements; metal, wood, water, fire and earth). Because of my Korean fascination I end up naming one of our recent Accessories Collection for Beatriz . I named it YIN-YANG Viaje Del Sol, a tassel necklace with agate stones in brass dipped in 24K gold.

Learning Korean is so hard but what it makes it worth it and fun are my classmates and my uber patient, understanding and pretty Teacher Shin Dawon. Ending this class with so many lessons learned not just the language, tradition and culture but to each and everyone I meet at KCC especially the ones I become close with and the annoying classmate as we fondly call him. hehehe. I will forever treasure all the fun I had with them. The gossips, our dine outs, and our group talks inside or outside the classroom.

I am happy and proud to myself ending this journey. I may not be the lucky six who passed this course but what’s important for me is that in the end of this class I know how to say 안녕하세요 ha!ha!ha just kidding , I know now how to read, write and speak a little in Korean. I learned lot of new Korean vocabularies that are useful, and learning the informal and formal forms of Korean grammar which is very important to know.

Elementary Korean 1 is an intensive course that runs for eleven weeks, with a total of 72 hours. The course aims to improve the students understanding of basic Korean grammar, vocabulary and Korean culture. Four critical skills such as reading, listening, writing and speaking will be integrated in each session. For those who are interested in learning Korean Language you can check Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines website and facebook page. 

Sharing you some photos of my Elementary-1C class.

My reward!!! :) 

"I've learned that good-byes will always hurt, pictures will never replace having been there, memories good and bad will bring tears, and words can never replace feelings. Missing my Teacher and Classmates the most in this experience"-Tine Cordero




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MANILA FAME INTERNATIONAL MARCH 2014

Manila FAME is the country’s premiere design and lifestyle event that showcases export-quality products such as furniture and furnishings, holiday gifts and décor, garments, and fashion accessories crafted in the Philippines for the global market. It is held twice a year and organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry. My boss Carissa Cruz Evangelista is one of the featured Designer under Manila Wear Program curated by renowned International Filipino Designer and CEO of Natori Co. Ms. Josie Natori.

Beatriz Accessories Matahari Collection

Yours Truly at Manila Wear

with Ms. Josie Natori

Missing my Parents on Christmas Day

CHRISTMAS is the most celebrated month of the year, its the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year. Christmas time is a good time, a kind, forgiving, charitable time and for most of all a time celebrated with family.

Someone asked me; Have you had a good Christmas season so far??? I stop and think… Yes I had, way back 2008, when I went home to spend the holidays with my parents.

It has been 4 years since my mother Nanay Oping (+July16, 2009) passed away and a year ago, since my father Tatay Junior (+October 15, 2012) died. I can’t help being emotional. I am missing my parents so much not just on Christmas but almost everyday of my life. And when someone asked me if; what I want for Christmas, I answered them back, that if God would grant me one wish this Christmas I would wish to have it spent with my parents.

Life without them is so hard; looking at the world around me, knowing they will never be a part of it again . When I was a child it was such a comfort to know they were always there for me. And though my needs have changed since then, my feelings have not, I still relied on both of them, for so many things that only parents can give. When I need advice I feel I can count on them to help me put things in their proper perspective. When I have good news, I always want to share it with them and when things are not going so well. I know you'll make things better just by listening, caring, and understanding like you always do. That's why no matter how grown up I may be, I'm still wishing they were here right next to me. But there are things in life that way beyond my control. I am happy to know now that they are now pain free in heaven.

I thanked God everyday for the blessing of being born to these two remarkable people. I will always be grateful for being blessed with their love, faith, and nurturing. Having a parents like them while growing up was the greatest gift and biggest advantage anyone could ever have given me. It is because of the confidence and values that you instilled in me that made me who I am today. I thanked them for shaping me into a person who I like and am proud to be. Thank you for letting me believes that I could be whoever I wanted to be, do whatever I wanted to do, there were no limitations except my drive, ambition and creativity.

God sent you to me as a special gift from above. To teach me life's lesson and shower me with your love, I will always remember their beautiful and smiling faces. In my heart you will always have a special place. You are the truest friend I have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon me; when adversity takes the place of prosperity, when friends who rejoice with me in sunshine desert me, when trouble thickens around me, still will you cling to me and endeavor by your kindness precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness and cause peace to return to my hearts.

I LOVE and MISS you both everyday single day!

"Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes, by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and sisters, aunts and cousins, comrades and friends but only one MOTHER and FATHER in the whole world."

Related post:

• Remembering My Mother on her 64th Birthday
• Happy Father's Day in Heaven Tatay!
• Remembering Father on His 1st Year Death Anniversary

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Fashion: Black Minimalist Look

When I think of chunky in fashion, the first thing comes to my mind is "CHUNKY" accessories or jewelry. Chunky statement pieces are designed to be focal point for an outfit. If I could be an accessories. I'd definitely be a chunky. I'm a Chunky person when it comes to fashion and style. I LOVE the big, colorful, fun pieces of Chunky lookin accessories.

But sometimes its nice to change things up with dainty "MINIMALIST" pieces. Great for everyday wear and warmer months. Minimalist pieces is good when your weigh down by chunky accessories or you just need a break from chunkiness and try something new. 

Check out my Minimalist in Black look for Au Courant Holiday Day Sale at  The Proscenium Lounge, Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati.

#OOTD or Out of the Day:
Earrings and Necklace from my closet
Black Onyx Ring Gold and Gold Infinity Bracelet from Beatriz Accessories
Black Dress from American Rag Clothing
Shoes from my closet

"The most important thing to remember is that you can wear all the greatest clothes, the greatest shoes and accessories, but you've got to have a good spirit on the inside. That's what's really going to make you look like you're ready to rock the world!. "— Alicia Keys

A Province Life

Have no idea my niece was taking photos of me when I was climbing the coconut tree. I know! Shocking at it is for everyone but this is something I’m not ashamed off. I grew up in the Province of Maybog, Baybay City, Leyte and this is quite normal for me growing up. My good friend Madelyn Lumba and I used to be like this back in the days, climbing coconut or fruit trees in the mountain were our pastime during weekends.

My life in the city is different from my life in the province. Here in the City I am surrounded with people from all folks of life, busy streets, traffic, pollution's, many malls and fashion. I am thankful to work in a firm where I get updates from latest fashion trends, style and accessories and working with up and coming Filipino designers and artisans.

Me and my Boss Carissa Cruz Evangelista at Criselda Lontok 30th Fashion Gala at fairmont Hotel Makati City.

For almost 5 years working in the fashion industry I have to dress-up and attend some fashion gala or events. Maintaining an image in fashion industry is very important especially if you’re socializing with people and if some friends and family are looking up to your fashion sense and style. I Love Fashion, no doubt about that but at times I’m getting tired of dressing up and putting make up on. 

Me and my Fashion Designer best-friend Kath Conde and Drew Galia Panganiban at Preview Fashion Ball 2013 in Hyve The Fort. 

That’s why when I’m in the province I do the things that I love, things that I enjoyed and do growing up. 

I love being in the province quite, fresh air, and people won’t care about fashion. They’re genuinely happy and contented with what they have. Enjoy a good talk under the moon at night or being outside under a blue warm sky, and hanging out with love ones after each meal. Province will always be the best place for me to rest when I feel so tired with the busy lights of the city.

#ootd at Work 

I love living in the City but I will always be a Province girl at heart. And when I get old or retired I would love to live in the countryside.

mode of transportation in our City of Baybay, Leyte. We called this "Pot-pot".

How about you, what are the things you loved and missed about living in the Province? And if you were to choose; Living in the City or in the Province? 

Sunset in my province. Maybog, Baybay, Leyte.

" When you finally go back to your old hometown, you find it wasn't the old home missed but your childhood "- Rose Antonio