weekendappetite

[weekendappetite]

A first timer in Sagada

"Where do broken hearts go nga ba talaga, Tita Whitney?"

I finally understood why Sagada is the answer to that question being the tagline of the famed Filipino indie film That Thing Called Tadhana. The small, idyllic city in the heart of Cordilleras offers healing in an instant, mending broken hearts. Don't get me wrong - I did not come with a broken one. There's just something about the place that can lift up weary spirits and make a person feel all will be alright in time.

What comes to mind when I hear Sagada are hanging coffins and cave connections. Spending three days and two nights in this tranquil town made us realize that it is so much more than its famous tourist attractions. Sagada has a lot to offer, and here I share a  first timer's experience.

Getting to Sagada

Leaving on the first of March is a great way to start celebrating my birth month. I would have left mid-February if only my vacation leaves were approved, because I read that the weather is cooler - temperature could go down as low as 7 °C. A week prior to our departure, I secured bus seats through Biyaheroes, an online bus booking platform that stands true to its promise of a hassle-free booking. I traveled with a small group of friends - Tony, Claire, and Mike. We took the Manila-Sagada route which costs Php720 (plus a Php72 booking fee charged by Biyaheroes). I did the same for our return to Manila. It's essential to have the confirmation voucher printed out already because they strictly implement a NO PRINTOUT, NO TICKET policy. The bus terminal under Coda Lines Corporation is located in Maryland, Cubao. The bus departed a little past 8PM, and after an eleven-hour ride with two stopovers in between, we arrived in the Sagada town proper around 7:15AM.

First Things First

It's important to register and settle the environmental fee first thing after arriving in Sagada, especially if you plan to tour later around the small city. You can pay for this fee at the Tourist Info Center for Php40. This is where you can also avail the tour packages and charter private transportation if needed. After settling this fee, you'll be given a receipt which will serve as your entry pass to do the tours, and a map of Sagada.

Day 1

After securing the receipt and map, we decided to grab breakfast near the town proper. Initially, we wanted to go to Strawberry Café, but we passed by this cute, homey restaurant just a few steps away from the Tourist Info Center. It's called the Masferre Country Inn and Restaurant.

We chose to seat outside in the balcony to get a good view of the Sagada sunshine and trees. We had the country farm breakfast plate which had mango slices, eggs, bacon, toast with jam and butter, served with a glass of fruit juice and coffee. I have to admit I got a little obsessed with the orange marmalade jam.

Where We Stayed

Our check-in time at the hotel wasn't until 2PM that day.  We already wanted to do the ecotrail adventure but obviously it wouldn't be wise to trek while carrying all our stuff, so one of the tour guides suggested that we leave our stuff first in our hotel's front desk. Tony suggested that we try to do an early check-in.

Coffee Heritage and Hostel is a coffee facility and hostel in the scenic highlands of Sagada. I found this place while browsing for accommodations through Booking.com. The upsell for me was the free breakfast. For a two night stay in a twin bunk bedroom priced at Php 3,300, I thought it was a bit expensive. According to several blogs, most accommodations in Sagada are priced below Php 750. When we got here, my God, just shut up and take my money! It was so beautiful and the view is priceless.