After 5 hours of spelunking inside the Cave Connections, I didn’t think we could even rest because we’ve still got a long day ahead! After the sunrise setting, we trekked all the way up to Pongas Falls!
It was hot and cold at the same time. I don’t know how nature is capable of doing that!
Trust me - more than half of the photos from the entire trip are group shots and individual shots. I just had to choose the best ones! Here’s Marc rock climbing up to the falls!
Then here’s me. Haha! Seems legit!
I already ate lunch after trekking up, but I ate again after an hour. That’s how tired and hungry I am! Haha!
Finally reached Pongas Falls. It was in between two mountains - and damn it was high and far looking at it from town.
The water was…. yup, you got it - extremely cold. =)) I can’t explain the feeling because it felt totally nice and fulfilling. I guess y’all should go there and experience it yourselves! Haha!
We went to Echo Valley after and shouted our way down the Hanging Coffins. I guess you could tell why - because it echoes. Haha! I wish I could check out what’s inside the coffins! Lol weirdo hahaha
After going to the Valley, we went to a Pottery place. Totally brings back a lot of memories from my first year in college. I miss pottery class!
At dahil may sunrise, syempre may sunset din! My readers know how much I love watching and taking pictures of the sunset. I just couldn’t miss the chance taking it above a beautiful view.
After everything we did, we set up a bonfire beside the lake. Since we didn’t get to order Pinikpikan, our tour guides made the dish for us! It was a funny night - I butt-spelled my entire name as a dare because I lost in one of our drinking games =))
I just had to. Sagada!
Day 3! Because it doesn’t stop there, we climbed Marlboro Country the next day. Hahaha! I don’t know what’s up with my friends, but we just pushed ourselves to the limit. We were literally at the top of the mountain, and this deserves a jump shot!
I ate this berry. Because yolo!
Stupid me forgot to charge the camera, so I only have a few shots of the view from above. Damn, I swear. The view is was so beautiful. The pull of gravity also proves how high I am. I’m in one with nature!
…and this deserves a jump shot as well! Yay for jump shots hahaha!
I couldn’t take pictures anymore because I was literally tired and I just can’t even carry my camera anymore. Puro ako “kuya, pabuhat” =)) After all that 3-day adventure, I just had one thing in mind that I had to buy from the place: an “I Survived Sagada” shirt. Here’s all of us wearing it, and here’s me. I look like a stuffed toy because I had three layers of shirt beneath that shirt haha! That’s all, and I guess this is also the highlight of my semester break. Told my friends that this trip deserves a part two. More trips to come!
By the way, ang dami kong bruises, grabe lang. Ibang klase. Hahaha!
Last week, I went to Sagada with my new UP friends that I just met this semester. It wasn’t in my sembreak plan to go, but why the hell not? I didn’t know what to expect - except that it’s going to be one hell of a ride on our way there. It was a 9-hour ride, and damn my butt did hurt. Haha! I didn’t think it would be an adventurous trip, because I’d always choose to food binge and sightsee. This one’s different though. It’s definitely exhausting, but totally fun!
Day 1! From Bontoc, this jeep greeted us and we rode on the top bunk! My friend Dhalal created the itinerary for this trip!
We ate at Salt and Pepper before going inside Lumiang Cave to Sumaging Cave. They call it the “Cave Connection”.
I’m ready - I think. Hahaha! Not really an active person, but I’m in. Had to take a picture of myself before and after entering the cave =)) Here are some of our photos inside the cave.
Shadow picture! That’s supposed to be “Sagada” hahaha!
I guest this is my after entering the cave photo =)) Pictures were taken by Kuya Daryll, the tour guide. I just have to commend on the photos - parang nasa studio lang kasi ‘yung lighting. Maybe I could be more resourceful by using a coal lamp next time I shoot.. Why not, right? Haha!
And this is all of us! From left to right: Harold, Mimi, Marc, Dette, me, and Dhalal! Pagod na kami huhu!
The water was extremely cold, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was invigorating! We still had to trek all the way up to exit the cave. My feet were about to give up on me, glad it didn’t. Haha!
We ate at the nearest restaurant near our house. Too bad they ran out of native chickens and we couldn’t order the famous Pinikpikan here in Sagada!
Beer is always a great choice of drink after a tiring day. Chilled out on the pub across the street and sang on the videoke. Hello to my favorite beer!
Day 2! I don’t know how I got up around 4am after a tiring day to watch the sun rise. The view was breathtaking - but I had to cover my face with my jacket because the temperature was too low and it hurts. Hahaha!
The Banawe Rice Terraces!
I love this view!
After waiting for Mr. Sun to rise, we rode on top bunk again on our way back to our house. Ang sakit ulit sa pwet, huhu! Wait up for my next post! ☺
Copper Refuge (by Pau Villanueva)
My usual Wednesday in school. Free cut for Art History - this is what I get. Haha! Credits to Jan and Pat for the photos! :)
Pau Villanueva graduated from St. Theresa's College, QC. She's now studying at the University of the Philippines Diliman, taking up Visual Communication course at the College of Fine Arts.
I take a lot of photos, and I talk too much. Works are mine unless specified!
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All photos © Pau Villanueva unless stated otherwise. Please do not use them without my permission. For inquiries and other concerns, please email them to pauvillanueva@yahoo.com
