in her comfortable shoes

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Travel Vlog: Singapore

Sharing you my recent trip in the Lion City with my friends. We are still on a Coldplay high. We couldn't resist not seeing Chris Martin live. Dreams do come true, really!

Hello Everyone! It's good to be back. It's been really a long time since the last time I post something on this blog. My work keeps me busy and finally here I am ready to share to you my recent trip to Taipei. This year, I promised myself that I'm going to spend more time exploring the world and start my own adventures. So, this time around I tried what other travel bloggers do - travel vlog. I hope you enjoy it.

Sagada Adventures

The storm never bothered us to explore Sagada. At first I was hesitant to cancel my trip (because my leave wasn't approved and eventually ratified in a short notice). In the long run, I went crazy. There's a reason for me to go on, and so my adventures begun.

The place Sagada was not unfamiliar to me. I mean I've read some blogs featuring that place even the blockbuster movie "That thing called tadhana" was not showing. But thanks to this movie, I was moved not just with story but also with the place.

When is the best time to go? "Anytime when it isn't raining so much. " With so much anticipation, we figure to have a hate-and-love relationship with the weather. However we are so lucky enough to experience this fun filled adventure.

The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin. This church is famous for its rose petals stained glass.

Sumaguing Cave. Is arguably the best known attraction of Sagada. Caving is one of the more exciting and unique experiences that visitors can do in town. There are various cave systems and routes but Sumaguing gets the most traffic because of its big chambers and notable rock formations. As one would expect, it is pitch black in the deeper parts of the cave (the guide will be carrying a lamp) and you will be heavily reliant on your guide for directions and the proper foot holds. You may choose to do the “simple caving” which is a in-and-out course through Sumaguing. It could take from two to three hours to finish the entire route.

Our tour guide Kuya (I literally forgot his name), who is very serious at first but eventually share his funny side. He asked us some trivia regarding the cave and I was like; are you serious right now?

A multi-chambered cave with awesome stalagmite and stalactite formations, this cave is a topnotch destination for both budding and professional spelunkers.

And yes, we did it!!! Spelunkers.

Pongas Falls. Pongas Falls is the newest discovered attraction in Sagada. One can choose whether to do the river trekking or use the mountain trail. River trekking takes about 2hours with minor bouldering and rope segments. Mountain trail is much easier.

After we did our spelunking activity, we decided to trek in Pongas Falls. It starts with a 5kms travel to the southern part of sagada (SUYO), 1kms hike going to the village and a kilometer more of hike by the river going to the Water falls. Alright, let's go!

Rice Terraces of Ankileng, Southern Sagada.

The trek will pass through this bridge.

I'm the king of the world. Finally, on top!

Mt. Kiltepan. I don't mind waking up in the wee hours just to see the beautiful peak of Mt. Kiltepan. The Kiltepan peak is the best area to await for the sunrise in Sagada. Giving you a view of the Kiltepan Rice Terraces from below having standing on a ravine at 1640 meters above sea level, one can see how the sun rises slowly filling up the skies with an awesome play of light over the farther mountains of the Cordilleras while sea of clouds slowly drifts away from caressing the valley below.

And again, we are hoping that Mr. Sun will come out but the rain continuously pouring.

Sa hindi inaaasahang
Pagtatagpo ng mga mundo
May minsan lang na nagdugtong,
Damang dama na ang ugong nito.

Di pa ba sapat ang sakit at lahat
Na hinding hindi ko ipararanas sa'yo
Ibinubunyag ka ng iyong matang
Sumisigaw ng pag-sinta.

Imagine waking up to a place where the glorious sunrise radiates above the sea of clouds and then, the heaven opens up to reveal the details of the glassy rice terraces below. It may sound so surreal that this will surely remind you of the “hugot” moment straight from that “Tadhana” movie, but to tell you honestly, this place actually exists.

Ba't di pa sabihin
Ang hindi mo maamin
Ipauubaya na lang ba 'to sa hangin
'Wag mo ikatakot
Ang bulong ng damdamin mo
Naririto ako't nakikinig sa'yo

Our jump shot in Mt. Kiltepan.

Eco Valley. The Echo Valley of Sagada is one of the best place to see hanging coffins in the Philippines. The location is not too far from the town center and requires a short hike. It is said that the valley is shaped like a large megaphone therefore making any sound echoes and vibrate across the valley thus the name “Echo” valley.

The easiest approach towards Echo Valley is by passing thru the church grounds of St. Mary, then continue all the way to the Angelican Cemetery until you see the hanging coffins across the opposite side of the valley.

Sagada Cemetery

Sad to say we were not able to get a closer look at the Hanging Coffins because it's raining so hard and our tour guide demanded not to go down - it's too steep and dangerous.

The process of putting the graves up by the cliffs is fairly simple. They make scaffolds first, drill holes on the rock face then lift up the coffins and place it there comfortably. Some noticed that the coffins are fairly small, that is because body is placed in the fetal position. They believe that people should pass through this world the same way they got in. Some graves have chairs, these are the “Death Chairs” where the dead was left sitting for a while before the funeral. People would not use them so they hang them along with the coffins. As to why they are placed high on the cliffs? One reason is to avoid animal scavengers desecrating the body or thieves stealing their belongings. The other reason is that they believe that the spirits would rise up easily from there than being buried six feet underground. (via www.ironwulf.net)

Taking a last shot @ Echo Valley before the rain decided to drop.

ATS

Gone for the weekend: ILO-ILO CITY

In its glory days, Iloilo City was called to be the Queen City of the South. It was the last Spanish-colonial capital of the Philippines when Manila surrendered to the United States of America. You’ll see remnants of its splendid past standing proudly amidst the bustling and chaotic streets of Iloilo today.

“I am Iloilo” is a statement that embodies what Iloilo is all about – its rich history and culture, heritage houses and mansions, majestic river, colorful festival, warm people, sumptuous cuisine, grand churches and breathtaking country side.

HISTORICAL SITES

Miag-ao Church

Completed in 1797, the church is famous for the artistic sculptural relief caved on its façade. In 1993, the church was designated as one of the best example of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines and included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Inside Miag-ao Church

Molo Church

A Gothic renaissance church made of coral rock. The church which is also referred to as the “Church of Women” because of the statues of women saints that decorate its pillars.

Jaro Cathedral Belfry

One of the few freestanding bell towers in the country.

TASTE THEIR FOOD


Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant One of the top ten best restaurants in Iloilo City. Try the native lechon manok and the fresh talaba are to die for!!!


So i guess everybody is debating on who offers the best version of the authentic la paz batchoy in town. Well, I tried Deco's it's appealing, simple and uncomplicated.