REDISCOVERED IN PUERTO GALERA

Last June 2008, the Single Professionals of Victory Fairview had a retreat in Puerto Galera. It is located in Oriental Mindoro which is a 4 hour travel from Manila. Dubbed as “Singles’ Rediscovered,” the retreat was a whole lot of fun, games and activities.

Bus Ride

We left Fairview at 7:00 am in the morning through a 38 seater bus. Since only 30 people were able to join, we still had more space for our bags and other stuff. We arrived in Batangas Port at around 10:00 am. Well, as we expected a beeline of people welcomed us at the terminal. Nonetheless, getting our boat tickets wasn’t really a problem because our contact at the resort helped us for early booking.

Boat Ride

The motorboat that carries around 100 people was running steadily above the water surface. Then few minutes later we found ourselves pointing and clicking our digital cameras toward every island we passed by. It was fun looking at those tiny islands on both sides of the boat.

White Beach

We reached the White Beach of Puerto Galera at 11:00 am. We eagerly strode upon the off-white sand though not as powdery as that of Boracay. It’s much better however compare to other beaches I’ve already been. We stayed at White Beach Lodge, a two-storey concrete inn that we found cheaper from the rest. P2,500 per room a day is already good for 4-5 persons. It has a big balcony on the second floor and a function hall in front.

Island Games

After lunch, we went to a nearby island about 15 minute boat ride. I forgot the name of the island but the sand is also white and powdery. Good thing about it was that our group was the only one in the island. It was like an exclusive place preferably reserved for us. So the game begins! First, we were divided into three groups and were asked to make our own cheering chant and dance presentation. We were given only 15 minutes to complete it. After few discussions, we came up with our own ideas and presented. Sad to say, some of us forgot the lyrics and the dance steps (including me, hehe!) so our group didn’t win.

The next game was more physical and difficult. Imagine, getting a peso coin from a bowl of flour using our mouth? Not only that, we took some catfish and transferred it to a small pan, dove a clue over the water, guessed the name of about 10 international flags and dug a puzzle underneath the sand. After arranging the puzzle, we still need to answer the riddle that was written on it. What a straining and mind-boggling game! You guessed it right, we were the last team to finish, hehe!

Afternoon Stroll

When we finished the game, we went to another island to swim and snorkel. But as for me, I chose to stay in our boat and chat with the boat drivers. Then we went back to the White Beach at 5pm. The afternoon sunset was dramatic and full of vibrant colors. Thanks to Ptr. Arnold for handling me his DSLR camera to take pictures of the winning team as they rode the banana boat, I also had the opportunity to take shots of the beautiful seascape.

Evening Fun

We assembled at the lodge’ function hall dressed with our luau costume. To our delight, a sumptuous dinner was served: Ensaladang talong, liempo and tinola with rice and fruits. Afterward, we had our praise and worship. Ptr. Arnold gave a short message and we were greatly encouraged to rediscover ourselves. As soon as the session was finished, we went out to the beach and took our photos, played the guitar and hang out at the beach’ food stalls.

Morning Walk

I woke up at 5pm and walked at the shore with Iya, Jecris and James. Iya was wearing a black shirt and a black batik pants and we were amused of the black dog following her.

Whenever she stops, the dog stops and whenever she walks, the dog also walks. Anyway, we had our quiet time at the big rock on the right end of the beach. The pink rays of the early morning sun filled our sight as we sat on the sand. When I opened my Bible, Psalm 91:1-2 caught my attention. It spoke clearly to me that I began to cry and pray.

Upon coming back to the lodge, I took my guitar and played some worship songs with my small group members: Babes, Karen, Stella and Irene. Ahh, it was really great praising God in the morning especially on the beach.

Breakfast was served when we entered the hall: tapa, hotdog, egg and fried rice. Then again we had our praise and worship and a message from Ptr. Arnold. We had a group discussion right after and shared more about ourselves.

Goodbye Puerto Galera!

After taking our lunch: chopseuy, chicken, rice and banana, we prepared ourselves to leave. But as we waited for the motor boat, we had more time to sing at the videoke inside the hall. Of course, everybody who loves to sing had their turn!

At 1:00 pm we started to leave. We really had fun together doing our activities and all of us got the chance to rediscover ourselves, find new friends and experience God's presence.

Place: White Beach, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Travel Date: June 13-14, 2008

Budget: Php 2,200.00

SAGADA ESCAPADE

Our rented van almost protested as it ran through the curvy rough road and dangerous cliff. It was our first time to travel to Sagada and what we only had in our hands was a map. I actually organized the trip and eight of my friends decided to be part of it (after so many times of convincing, LOL!). We opted for Manila-Baguio-Sagada route and were surprised of the nice scenery along the way. We nearly got lost however if not with the help of the friendly Igorots down the road. After an eight-hour tiresome journey from Baguio, we were captivated by the beauty of Sagada. It’s like a hidden paradise with so many interesting places to explore. We arrived at 12:00nn and immediately registered at the municipal hall. Some of us felt dizzy and hungry after a long ride so we took a quick lunch at St. Joseph’s Restaurant. The famous mountain tea and pork with rice indeed relieved me of a stomach pain. We then checked-in at Sagada Guest House which is just a few meters away from the plaza. The cold weather added to our excitement, so we took our bonnet, jacket and mittens then spent the whole afternoon roaming around the town proper. We visited the Sagada Weaving, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and the town plaza. The next day was in fact the “real” adventure as we began exploring the most visited spots.

Sumaging Cave
The adventure of entering Sumaging Cave was one of the most challenging things I've ever done. We almost gave up when we reached the entrance because the pathway was very steep. If you have a heart problem, you have to think twice before trying this adventure. Fortunately our friendly tour guides were there to help us in climbing up and down. We tried spelunking inside the cave and when we reached the dead end, we pushed our way to the small entrance in between of the huge lime stone. Inside, we saw a water pool so our group enjoyed taking a plunge. After getting wet, our guide took us to the other side of the cave where we saw different rock formations. The Igorots actually put a name on these lime stones, the Queen's Bath Tub, the King's Curtain, the Elephant and Pregnant Woman. Glad I had my camera! Thanks to our guide who took the burden of carrying it for me. It was really a great place and great experience!

Sagada Burial Cave

Another thing that anyone shouldn't miss in Sagada is the burial cave. I really admire the Igorots for preserving the burial cave left by their ancestors. It already surpassed numerous earthquakes but it's still there. First, we wondered why the wooden caskets are so small, and then we found out later from our tour guide that the bodies of the dead were actually in their fetal position when they were buried.

Echo Valley

A few meters away from the plaza is a place called Echo Valley where the hanging coffins can also be seen at the other side. It was called "echo valley" because if someone shouts a word, it will echo a couple of times. My friends and I tried it and we ended up shouting on top of our lungs any word that came to our mind.

Calvary Hill

Before reaching the Echo Valley, we first passed through a place called 'The Calvary Hill'. It is a local cemetery situated on a hilltop surrounded with pine trees. As we took a look, I just noticed that most of the tombs have a salamander logo painted on top. Well sad to say, I forgot to ask our guide about it.

Bomod-ok Falls

The following morning, we explored Bomod-ok Falls which is also called the ‘Big Falls.’ It took us almost one hour trekking down. We passed through rice paddies, deep cliff and narrow terrain. After awhile we saw houses built of galvanized iron. This concept made our group argue with each other along the way, so we asked our tour guide. He explained that due to cold weather, they use galvanized iron to warm the people inside the house through the help of the sun. Well, that made cleared. Then we saw the people of the community, kids playing, mothers nursing their babies and elders doing their favorite past time of the day, chewing the dark red thing called ‘nganga.’ Most of us complained about the tiring and long hike. But as soon as we reached the falls, we were all excited to swim! However, because of the strong current of water, we didn’t get near the falls. We just stayed behind to enjoy the scenery. After taking a bath, we decided to leave but it took us twice the effort in going back. Whew! Indeed, this kind of adventure is a test of strength and endurance.

In the afternoon, we left Sagada. I just felt a little bit sad that we haven’t got a chance to explore all the places. Three days is not really enough to explore the whole town. Anyway, I promised myself to come back and stay at least for a week. On our way back home, we took the Bontoc-Banaue-Manila route and had the opportunity to see the Banaue Rice Terraces at the Viewpoint Deck.

My Sagada trip as a whole was truly full of fun and adventure. Hmm, as of the moment, I’m thinking of arranging another trip, would you like to join?

Place: Sagada, Mt. Province

Travel Time: Oct. 24-26, 2003 / Oct. 31- Nov. 2, 2005

Budget: Php 3,500.00

MAGNIFICENT BATAD

It’s indeed a long travel from Manila going to Banaue, Ifugao, home of the world-famous rice terraces. Imagine sitting in a bus for at least 8 to 9 hours? But for me and my friend Eds who are both adventure-seekers, it really doesn’t matter though. We took the Victory Liner bus from Kamuning, Quezon City, a single trip that leaves for Banaue at 10:45 p.m. daily.­ At around 7:00 a.m. of the following day, we arrived in our destination. We were full of excitement, but we learned that there was a landslide a week before so our bus that was supposed to have a last stop at the Banaue Hotel couldn't pass through the narrow road. The only option was to take a shuttle or a tricycle to bring us to the town proper. We opted for a tricycle and dropped by at the information center near the marketplace. After a lot of questions and answers with the man at the information on how to reach Batad, we decided to take another tricycle going to Batad junction before setting off for a bumpy ride. After Batad junction we took a passenger jeepney up to Batad Saddle Point where we began our journey going down to the small village. Since there’s no other mode of transportation getting there, a trek is a must for someone who wants to see the magnificent rice terraces.

On the Way Down

Along the way, we were greeted by wild trees, wild flowers, clamorous crickets and fresh air which filled our lungs. After a few meters of walking, we passed by a group of men who struggled in pulling down a big dark gray native pig. I found out that the pig will be slaughtered later for the celebration of someone who died in their community, a tradition they are practicing since hundred years ago. Exhausted and thirsty, I rested for awhile and drank water from my bottle. Suddenly I heard someone shouting at me, “The pig is right behind you!” Without hesitation, I dragged myself down to the slippery trail as I heard the thundering footsteps of the pig getting closer and closer towards me. I kept on running to catch up for Eds who already went ahead of me until we reached a small hut selling cold drinks. I sighed in relief! Thank God, the men were able to tie up the pig before it even catches me, or else my body would be thrown away somewhere down the cliff.

Batad Rice Terraces

After 45 minutes of trekking along the curvy, narrow and rugged pathway, a marvelous amphitheater-shaped rice terraces filled my sight. I just found myself mesmerized by the great scenery. Can this be real? Can this be God’s creation? But before forgetting everything else, I pulled out my digital camera inside my backpack and took a lot of pictures. Eds and I stayed at the Hillside Inn where there’s a great panoramic view of the small community situated in the middle of the green rice terraces below. Our room in the second floor has a single bed which is good for two persons and a small glass window overlooking the beautiful landscape. Aside from the two pillows and blankets, there were no other things we could see inside the room. Its simplicity reflects the simple life of the owner and the people surrounding the neighborhood. After inhaling the clean air to relieve our

exhausted bodies, we felt a certain amount of hunger. We realized it was already half past eleven in the morning and we desperately need to take our lunch. Fortunately, the inn has a restaurant at the ground floor where we can order food from their menu.

Tappia Falls
After lunch Eds and I slept for at least one hour so we could gain enough energy in hiking down to the Tappia Falls, a must-see 32 feet waterfall hidden at the foot of the mountain. Another 45 minutes trek going downhill was more dangerous and rugged compared to our previous hike from the saddle point. Joey and his girlfriend Neg, a couple we met at the inn, walked down carefully ahead of me and Eds together with our two tour guides. The six of us encountered many unstable pathways caused by landslides and walking carelessly at the side of the paddy fields will certainly lead someone off-balance and fall at the nearby cliff. After the bumpy uphill and downhill terrain, finally we reached the vibrant waterfall as if serenading us with the gushing sound of its flowing crystal-clear water. I would have jumped over to the inviting stream if I didn’t realize how freezing the water was, otherwise I would have experienced hypothermia going back to our lodging house. As a result, nobody among us ever dared to swim on the icy cold water. We just satisfied ourselves by soaking our feet at the wet ground and taking our photos with the big falls as a background.

The afternoon rain shower began to shove us away from the serene place where only the chirping of the birds and the sound of the running water could be heard. In the distance, we saw a great cluster of dark clouds above that gradually covered the mountains like canopies. Our group decided to leave at once but the ordeal of our journey going back has been doubled. It was more difficult because we need all our energy and endurance to go uphill. However, we managed to go up one step at a time to continue our hike. As we moved higher, we felt the extreme throbbing of muscles in our legs so we ended up crawling upon the bumpy track and dangerous terrain we passed by. I stopped for a few moments as my heart was already pounding with exhaustion. My dry throat was dreadfully panting for water and my lower body was aching in pain. Even my small towel and pink sleeveless blouse were drenched in sweat. When we got to a small store, we immediately bought some cold drinks to ease our thirst. At last, we were almost half on our journey going back!

Batad Village

As we continued with our trek, our guide Adrian decided to take me and Eds to the heart of the village. We went down to a community of over nine hundred people to see their way of life. There are already concrete houses in the area but a number of native Ifugao houses are still there, which means they are still trying to preserve what they have inherited from their forefathers. Among the said dwellings, two churches are also in the vicinity, the red-painted structure with a cross above is a Presbyterian Church while the green one is a Catholic Church. As we explored more of the village, we saw a group of men having a drinking session at the house of a dead community member. And aha, the native pig that ran after me earlier was tied up with a rope under the tree waiting for his turn to be butchered. What a poor animal, he must be killed for the delight of the people who would eat his meat afterward. We moved on and not far away was an elderly woman vigorously pounding rice on her wooden tools to have something to eat for dinner. She fervently agreed when I requested to take her picture while doing her chore. The people are undeniably friendly and hospitable, willing to start a conversation anytime. No electricity, no means of transportation, no modern appliances to use in their everyday living, yet I still covet of the simple, stress-free life they have. I could even see the contentment on their faces as they greeted us with a smile.

My wrist watch ticked at 5:45 p.m. and the whole surrounding was getting darker with the rain threatening to pour down. We hurried up but we paused for a few minutes to take some photos of the green stair-like rice fields. As soon as we entered the lodging house, the heavy rain fell. The cold evening breeze started to chill our exhausted bodies so we so ordered food from the menu that would warm our empty stomach. In our pleasure, we had a good meal that evening, a plate of hot plain rice and a bowl of steaming soup with tasty boiled chicken and crunchy vegetables. After savoring the food, we had a great chat with the owner of the inn, a cheerful, slender elderly lady in her 60’s and a barangay chairwoman of the village herself. She was so eager to share with us a lot of information about the locals, the place and even the story of her own family. A supposedly short minute of conversation lasted for almost an hour until we felt a sudden urge to go upstairs to sleep.

We woke up the next morning with great eagerness as we looked at the yellow-green rice fields being kissed by the early morning sunlight. I immediately launched my digital camera to begin another photo shoot. The colors and shadows in the morning are much different so I took the chance of getting a lot of pictures before leaving the place. After a couple of point and shoot, we finally decided to go up to the Saddle Point to start our journey back home. The couple we met at the inn joined me and Eds so the four of us traveled together in going to Banaue town proper to take the bus bound for Manila.

Hiwang View Deck and Native House Inn

When we reached Banaue at about 11:30 am, we took our quick lunch near the public market. Then we all agreed to visit the Hiwang View Deck and Native House Inn while waiting for our 5:00 pm bus ride to Manila. Hiwang is a 15-minute ride from the town proper and fortunately, we were able to rent a tricycle for a cheaper price. The place is truly amazing as it is situated at about 4,500 feet above sea level, surrounded with colorful flowers and pine trees. At the far right is a view of the Hapao Rice Terraces and at the other side is the Banaue Rice Terraces. There are also 6 native huts that can accommodate 4 persons each for just around P300 per head. I remembered the first time I stayed there two years ago. The only light that we had at night was a fluorescent bulb at the door entrance with a detachable bamboo stair. Inside the hut was just a big candle to light the whole room. I asked the caretaker why there was no electricity inside the hut. And she convincingly said, “We want you to experience the real life of a Native Ifugao.” Well, that satisfied me but it was really creepy looking at some dark curved images hanging on the side wall not to mention the small square ash pan in the middle floor that made my sleep uneasy. However, it was a fulfilling stay since we were surrounded by a thick fog in the morning, a moment I’ve never been experienced before.

After a few hours of taking pictures, we went down to Banaue View Point Deck and bought some pasalubongs before leaving for Manila. My Batad adventure was truly a memorable one. I met nice people along the way and experienced the Ifugao’s peaceful life… and of course, I was able to capture the serenity of the place through my camera, which I think was one of the most important parts of this journey.

Place: Batad, Banaue, Ifugao

Travel Date: June 10-11, 2007

Budget: Php 3,000.00