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

Sign of HOPE Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) Aftermath in Maybog, Baybay, City Leyte

Maybog, Baybay City, Leyte is one of the Barangays in Baybay City in the Province of Leyte an island province within Region VIII in the Eastern Visayas. Maybog is my beloved province, the place where I was born - grew up and the place close to my heart.

My province is one of the place that were hit by Super Typhoon Haiyan(Yolanda) in Leyte when it landfalls last November 8, 2013.

A week after with no communication with my family back home I finally had the chance to go home and check them. I was really saddened with what I saw in my beloved province. I felt like I was in another place, flattened homes, trees and other infrastructure, leaving people homeless and roofless including our house.

On my stay I asked my family and neighbors how it is feels likes during the day when Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hits on the ground. Everyone was telling me the same stories, they were terrified and thought it was the dooms day of the world. Some were hopeless especially the less fortunate ones who don’t know where to get funds to rebuild their homes and the ones waiting for the relief goods and helps from the government to come.

I can’t help felt sorry for them, if only I was rich I could have help them, since most of them were my relatives. I then have the monetary means to help them but I did share the foods I have brought for my family. It may not be enough to last for a week but it is enough to survive for a day and for them it’s a big help already.

It really broke my heart to find out, that they then get enough relief goods from the local government. Knowing that our Philippine Government did receives billions of money from other countries. Where it is now? For the last six days I was in my province they only had 3 times relief goods operation from the local government which includes 2-kilos of rice, a few can goods, noodles and coffee in sachet. Upon hearing from my neighbors, Baybay City Mayor did not declare the province in State of Calamity which I don’t know why and I’m still finding out if that is true or not.

Went home last November 16, 2013 and get back in Manila last November 22, 2013. Still no means of electricity in my province people get to recharge their phones and rechargeable flashlights to the municipal town of Baybay, Leyte or their neighboring Barangays with generators.

Hoping and praying that my barrio in Maybog Baybay City Leyte could get more help from the local government.

Maybog, Baybay City, Leyte Gym

                                   

Maybog Pentecost Church, infrastructure ruin only the chair left

Maybog road before clean up. Photos credit to Jaimilo Cabudbud

Maybog road before clean up. Photos credit to Jaimilo Cabudbud

A concrete house hit by Tornado.

House flattened by Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) and Trees.

Roofless house.

Roofless house.

Roofless house.

Originally in the middle there once a house. Washout from storm surge.

Flattened house from Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)

On my second day in Maybog I saw one remarkable sign that made me so happy and thankful that I saw it… the RAINBOW.

A rainbow for me symbolizes peace or a new beginning. It is also a sign of good luck and fortune is on its way. I believe that my province in Leyte would regain its life once again no means of Typhoon can defeat us Leyteños…Us Filipinos. 

It may seem hard for now but I know tomorrow everything will be okay. For God let things happened for a reason and eventually turns out to be the best. 

As the book of Genesis 9:16 (NIV) remind us that “Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."

A very long time ago, God could find only one honorable person, Noah. So God asked him to build a large boat and to load it with his family and pairs of every kind of bird and animal on earth. Then God sent rain for forty days and nights until the earth was covered with water in a great flood, and all the people and animals outside drowned - even the birds.

After the water dried up, Noah builds an altar and worshiped God, and God spoke to Noah and his sons. God promised that the earth and everything living on it would never again be destroyed by a flood.

Rainbows appear after mighty storms, when things look their worst. Just when the sky is darkest, out of heaven a rainbow appears. God first sent the rainbow to Noah, as a sign that his word is true. We see this story as evidence one more time of the grace and goodness of a God who makes solemn promises. And God gave us something to remind us of that solemn promise.

I carried on feeling much lighter and realizing that life is really beautiful after all in spite what happened. It all depends on our outlook and how we shape it up to make things better for ourselves and the people around us.

The rainbow had made my day. I realized the best thing about rainbows is that you see one when you are least expecting it. 

Whenever it rains and the sun shines, I hope to see this beautiful band of colors in the sky, and the sight of one never fails to cheer me up. :)

Do you know what each color in the rainbow means? I found something that explains it:

Red represents the blood Jesus shed for us.

Yellow is for God’s perfect light, the sun so bright.

Orange is coming from night into life with thru Jesus.

Green reminds us that God created the earth and trees. Like the grass in spring, it represents the new life we have in Jesus.

Blue represents the color of water. God created the oceans & seas, this meminds us of the baptism that identifies us with Jesus.

Black represents our sins and God’s darkest day.

Purple is for Jesus’ hours of sorrow, so we can gain the crown of life.

Pink is for our new tomorrows.

White represents God’s purity and the cleansing of our sins thru God’s grace.

"No matter how bad things may seem there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for. Thank you GOD!"

Related Blog Entry:

• My Experience Going Home to LEYTE : Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) Aftermath 

• My Family and Our House : Super Typhoon Haiyan Yolanda Aftermath 

Super Typhoon Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Yolanda, was one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, which devastated portions of Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, on November 8, 2013. It is the deadliest Philippine typhoon on record, killing at least 6,300 people in that country alone. Haiyan is also the strongest storm recorded at landfall, and unofficially the strongest typhoon ever recorded in terms of wind speed.-Wikipedia