SAGADA EXPERIENCE: A WORTHFUL SAGA

THE SAGA BEGINS...

A famous tourist destination in Northern Luzon, Sagada is dreamed of by city escapees, nature trippers, adventurous travelers and everyone else. The mountain town of Mountain Province really has a lot to offer- well sculpted mountains, fantastic falls, rattling caves, marvelous lakes, astounding culture and more.     

MT. ARAYAT: THE LONE MOUNTAIN

From the highways of Pampanga, one can hardly resist the tempting splendor of Mt. Arayat. The 1,026 meter high mountain is known to be an extinct volcano. It has no eruption record.

Another unguided solo climb. Due to rebel infestation, I decided not to push through my planned Mt. Arayat trek but a day-stay in Luzon is a sheer waste without doing any adventure.

BENGUET MUMMIES: A PERFECT "DAY OF THE DEAD" ENCOUNTER

Also known as Kabayan Mummies, Fire Mummies or Ibaloi Mummies, the mummies of Benguet are preserved in the caves of its grand mountains. These are said to be similar to the Inca Mummies of Peru. These were originally well-preserved in Timbak Cave, Bangao Cave, Tenongchol Cave, Naapay and Opdas by the ancient member of the Ibaloi Tribe (Igorot). 

Benguet Mummification, however, was discontinued during the Spanish era. In early 1900s, the mummies were rediscovered. Many were stolen then and later, recovered.

THE ENCHANTED MT. MAKILING

The inactive volcano in Laguna rises 1,090 meters ASL. It has no record of eruption. It is a home to diverse flora and fauna. It resembles to a form of a woman reclining. More interestingly, it is well known for the mythical Mariang Makiling.

The day after my twin climb to Mt. Batulao and Taal Volcano, I was again headed to summit this beautiful mountain. Unlike my other solo climbs this was truly a challenge to solo trekker like me. Yes, I trekked really solo. I had no guide.

THE LITTLE ACTIVE TAAL VOLCANO

Tagged as the smallest active in the world, Taal Volcano towers only 311 meters ASL. It is beautifully situated in Taal Lake, Batangas. It has erupted violently in the past claiming thousands of lives. Up to now, PHIVOLCS has recorded occasional seismic unrest accounted to this little mound.

Right after my half-day trek to Mt. Batulao, I headed back to Tagaytay and planned how to make use the second half of the day. When I made up my mind, I proceeded to Talisay, Batangas to summit the little Taal Volcano.

THE STEEP MT. BATULAO

Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas is just 811 MASL. Yes, it’s just a small mountain. A 2-hour trek is enough to reach its summit. But 2 hours is never enough to feel and savor the wonders of this mountain.

This mountain shocked every mountaineer when it claimed a climber’s (or a picnicker’s) life early 2012. That was actually the first time I heard of this mountain. And I was really curious about it. Known to be very steep and rocky, a mountain lover like me was really challenged to  experience its tricky trails.