Experience Sagada: A Promotional Video

A Promotional Video on the Commercialization and 

Culture Preservation of Sagada, Mt. Province

Click on the link to be redirected to the video hosting site:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=3773414375501

TARA NA SA SAGADA! J

Rites and Rituals: the Begnas Festival

The celebration of the Begnas Festival (c) thetravelingdork

The festivals of Sagada are among the most unique – they are rare opportunities that a traveler should not dare miss, indeed. Apart from its being conducive for outdoor activity, it is in their livelihood and history that the large role of active lifestyle is exemplified: as in their ritual-based festivals.

Men marching towards the dap-ay (c) pyrotensive

The Begnas, also referred to as Rice Ritual, is a tradition that is celebrated 3-4 times annually patterned on the cultural calendar of Sagada. The natives believe that through these rituals, they will be blessed with good harvest. Men, women, the young and the old are all clad in traditional Igorot tribal clothes, as they make their way to the Dap-ays, or cultural centers.

As the men march, they carry with them pieces of pork being as offerings. The Sagadan women, meanwhile, would fall in line to hand down their offerings from a person to another until they reach the center.

Physical activity, indeed, is a huge component of the cultural preservation of Sagada. It is not only evident in festivals such as the Begnas, but also in the geography of Sagada itself. The man-made terraces, the physics behind the hanging coffins, and a lot more.

The natives donned in the tradtional Igorot costume (c) pyrotensive

Ultimately, Sagada is a place where people could exercise an active lifestyle, both through outdoor activities that demand power and endurance, and through those that promote preservation of such an interesting culture.  

Sources:
http://thetravellingdork.com/2012/01/video-witnessing-the-begnas-ritual/

Wild Rapids: White Water Rafting

White water rafting is another famous outdoor sport in Sagada, since it is situated in the upper end of the Malitep tributary of the Chico River, which runs through the Cordillera and the Ilocos Ranges.

(c) the pinaysolobackpacker

Commercial rafting is done in the Chico River, while other rivers are available for expert kayakers. Unlike other commercial rafting rivers in the Philippines, the Chico River offers a more exciting experience since the rafting takes place in the uppermost sections of the river, high in the mountains, where the stronger current makes the water more demanding, more intense.  

Six sections of white water rafting are accessible to Sagada, each of them characterizes a certain degree of difficulty. White water season usually runs from late June to early January. J

White Water Rafting in Sagada (c) dutchpickle

Sabangan Run (Sabangan – Dantay)

-kayak water which offers an exceptional level of paddling for experienced kayakers who want to avoid extreme exposure and focus on a safe but challenging scenic run. Class 2 to 3+ rapids are nearly continuous throughout the roughly 9km.

Dantay Run (Dantay – Bontoc)

-commercial rafting; offers fun continuous class 3 boogie water with several standout rapids. The lower flows are for experienced kayakers.

Bontoc Run (Bontoc – Chico and Talubin Rivers Confluence)

-advanced section that offers numerous Class 4 rapids including Domay’s Drop, a 12 foot pour-over that is exciting even to international rafting veterans.

-raftable only in high water; technically demanding, demands light rafts and coordinated work from paddlers. (Kayakers will need a bombproof roll and solid technical skills.)

Chico River Rafting (c) Pueblo Philippines

Confluence Run (Chico and Talubin Confluence – Gawa)

-more consistent rafting than upstream sections; medium to high flows

-half-day section involves class 4 technical rapid

Gawa Run (Gawa – Brgy. Anabel)

-short but demanding section; offers class 4 rapids

Anabel Run

-tightly channeled bed

-comparable to Colorado’s Royal Gorge

-ideal progression of rapids (convenient flat water warm-up section to a mild class 2 section, to a long stretch of class 3 to 3+ water, and class 4 in the end.)

Sources:
http://www.saggas.net/2009/09/spelunking-attire.html
http://www.raftingphilippines.com/index.php?page=home&selectlanguage=eng&task=sagada

Cave Connections: Spelunking in Sagada

(c) thelongestwayhome

Anyone who is up to an outdoor challenge with a heightened level of difficulty must try exploring the Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection, the limestone caves of Sagada. Not only is it famous for the unique rock formations, defined stalactites, stalagmites, and columns that characterize its insides – unlike the caverns we know in common, this cave connection entails a challenge to the mind and body of a brave soul.

“For three hours, you will scale limestone rock faces, rappel down ledges of cave rock, wade and even swim through bodies of water and crawl through narrow crevasses to witness fascinating rock formations that nature has artfully sculpted through thousands of years” (Espina, n.d.).

Lumiang Cave (C) soloflightEd

LUMIANG CAVE

As in any other cave, the muddy steps, rocky and slippery trails, and bat guanos are the obstacles the adventurer has to conquer, yet with the Lumiang Cave, there’s more to our stereotypical conception of a cave adventure. J

Part of the experience is dipping the body into several pools of ice cold water in order to transfer from a point to another. It is not unlikely for people to be diagnosed with hypothermia after submerging themselves to such chilly water, thus, to finish the connection, the amateur spelunker has to do a lot of physical preparation; either by taking really cold showers or gathering first-hand inquiries.

Lumiang burial grounds (c) Robx Bautista

No one is advised to enter the Lumiang Cave, the entrance which formerly served as the Sagadans’ burial ground, without a tourist guide. The adventure is initiated by a prayer, after which, adventurers have to crawl through really narrow holes and climb through seemingly unbearable passages.

Narrow passage at Lumiang Cave (c) pyrotensive

The activity thus requires a lot of stretching and major physical training. The lack of it, according to a previous adventurer’s account, made his legs shake and knees wobble due to force and stress. The passage, meanwhile, takes only one person at a time. Because it is necessary to cross pools of 8 meters deep, spelunkers need to be anchored with ropes. But the physical exhaustion is in the end, or halfway rather, with the view of the big rice granary formation. J

SUMAGUING CAVE

Sumaguing cave (c) Agnes Manalo

The Sumaguing cave is more frequently visited than Lumiang, since its relatively easier level of difficulty. Unlike in Lumiang, where mostly experienced spelunkers are brave enough to take the challenge, Sumaguing accommodates people of all kinds and ages, including natives, foreigners, children and senior citizens. It is easier to tread because people just have to slide or walk around rock formations and water pools; there were no risks of crawling through narrow holes.

The cave connection adventure can last for about four to six hours. Not even the exit from the cave would signify the finish line, for outside are more steps of stairs that would lead the spelunkers to their hired jeepneys.

“Despite the seemingly dangerous and physically-taxing maneuvers required for spelunking in Sagada, major injuries are rare and most travelers only come out covered with mud" (Espina, n.d.).

Rappelling @ Sumaguing (c) Robx Bautista

While most people think that it is such a risky endeavor to delve into these caves, they hinder themselves from discovering such an untainted nature’s gift. It may leave anyone exhausted at the end of the day, yet nothing beats the fulfillment people can get from uncovering the splendor of the secluded, like these caves.

Cave connection? The challenge must be accepted. :D





WHAT TO WEAR (c) SAGGAS

Upper body:
· Body fit shirts
· Sleeveless Tops
Preferably easy dry!

Lower body:
· Leggings or tights or spandex
Because it gives the lower body easy movement and flexibility
It creates a secondary skin to the legs, reducing the risk of getting scratches
Easily dries up when wet, keeping the body warm
Maintains a lovely figure of yourself!

Tip: In selecting spandex, choose the more sturdy ones since rocks and surfaces are sharp enough to easily tear them off.

Other opts:
· Short pants or jogging pants
· Cycling shorts or trunks for men

Footwear:
· Water shoe
For good grip (it adapts to the contour of the rock), and is of easy dry material

Other options:
· Flip-flops
Easy carry! There are other parts of the cave that would require people to walk barefooted
· Croc or clogged type slippers
Can keep the feet free from scratches

Accessories:
Gloves and headlamps!

Sources: http://thetravellingdork.com/2011/12/surviving-sagadas-cave-connection-in-bright-pink-tights/

http://goseasia.about.com/od/philippinestopattractions/a/sagada.htm
http://www.saggas.net/2009/09/spelunking-attire.html

Trekking and Exploring Waterfalls

BOMOD-OK FALLS

Fidelisan, Sagada (c) Feona Imperial

One popular activity one should not miss when visiting Sagada is trekking. As part of our class’s field trip itinerary, we trekked to Bomod-ok Falls.

How to get there!

Bomod-ok Falls is a 20-minute jeepney ride from Poblacion to the basketball court (drop-off point) in Banga-an. Usually, the adventurers are accompanied by tour guides. 

The trek begins in a basketball court inBanga-an, the entry point to the villages surrounding the Bomod-ok falls. Unlike some other terraces, such trek is made easier through the concrete pathways or ‘pilapil’ built across the maze-like plan of the terraces.

Rice Terraces (c) Feona Imperial

Fidelisan (c) pasyalera.com

It involves passing through not only constructed pathways but climbing uphill and crossing to small bodies of water too.  

The whole trek requires endurance since it can last for almost 4 hours. The time and effort, however, is easily overcome by the picturesque scenery of the expanse of the mountains one can view all throughout the trek. 

(c) Feona Imperial

@ Bomod-ok Falls (c) Gio Mari Marcial

(c) pasyalera.com

Weary hikers can also enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water of Bomod-ok Falls. According to some guides and adventurers, visitors may trace where the water comes from only to find out a picnic grove. :)

Must haves:

* Comfortable and light clothing

* Comfortable and light shoes/ trekking shoes is better

* Walking stick

* Sunblock!

* Bandana

* Cap

* Water

* Money (for restroom purposes)

* Camera

BOKONG FALLS

It may not be as vast as that of Bomod-ok, but it gives an equal extraordinary experience. Situated in the outskirts of the central barangay of Patay, Bokong Falls or Small Falls is characterized by a deeper (20-ft) circular pool at the center.

(c) sagada-igorot.blogspot.com

(c) SAGGAS

"The pool basin as well as the precipice is constantly carved out of solid rock, the result of the continuous beating of the water as pushed downstream." It's beauty is accentuated by the view of the man-made terraces on it footpath. 


Compared to Bomod-ok, the water in Bokong Falls is less cold and is tolerable. There are no shower areas nor dressing rooms though, so hikers ought to change clothes either in waiting sheds or just let them dry. 

(c) lawstude.net

Also, it is relatively easy to hike up Bokong; no need for a guide unlike in Bomod-ok. The hike is even advisable to children. Nevertheless, much care should be observed when in the vicinity since the water level is known to drop dramatically from the periphery.

Sources:

http://sagada-igorot.blogspot.com/2009/11/sagada-waterfalls.html
http://www.visitsagada.com/2008/04/22/tour-bokong-falls-small-falls/

Tara na sa Sagada!

Located 275 km North of Metro Manila, Sagada, whose former name is Ganduyan, is a 5^th class municipality situated in Mountain Province. The place is famed for its “hanging coffins”, rice terraces, caves, waterfalls, and the tribal rituals that perpetuate until today.    

Sagada, Mountain Province  Although frequented by foreign and local tourists for its food heritage, interesting culture, and mountainous nature, Sagada has managed to preserve its authenticity through years. Up to this day, Sagada is admired for the absence of noise and pollution it maintains. It is indeed a tranquil paradise for anyone who simply wants to enjoy the picturesque scenery, study its unique culture, join in the rituals of is natives, or commune with the beauty of such a wonderful slice of nature.

Echo Valley, Sagada, Mt. Province (c) Feona Imperial

Despite its fame in both the national and global context, Sagada has well-kept its appeal as an ecotourism destination. There are no massive hotels nor blaring discos, or anything else that would disturb the people’s traditional way of life. Besides its distinction as conservative and simplistic in nature, Sagada is patronized by backpackers for the various ecological and outdoor activities it has to offer. 

Popular activities that entail an active lifestyle include trekking, caving, exploring waterfalls, bonfire, spelunking, white water rafting, picnics, rappelling, visiting historical sites, nature hikes, participating in tribal celebrations, or simply walking. :)

Bomod-ok waterfall, Sagada (c) travel-philippines.com