UP NORTH: SAGADA

From Manila (10PM) to Banaue (7AM) to Sagada (2PM) cost a little over P600 plus some meals.

Day One: Almost iced cold. Checked in at George Guesthouse, P200 per day per person. Recharged ourselves with banana-chocolate shortcake, banana-strawberry yoghurt, and carbonara of Yoghurt House. The shortcake is a must-try. Lasted the tough four-hour cave connection from Lumiang Burial Cave to Sumaging Cave, both of which are impressive spots (including the precarious descend and climb) by the way. Treated ourselves with a passable dinner at Masferre's Country Inn and Restaurant. Then, warmed the night with a few shots of Matador Brandy. And that was just day one.

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Woke up at 6AM. Sampled Bilig Cafe for breakfast, Cafe Igorota for lunch, and Alfredo's Cabin for dinner.

Day Two. Chilled. Endured the two-hour walk across rice terraces to Bomod-ok Falls. Dipped into the chilling water of the falls afterwards. Walked another two hours back, treated ourselves with the local ice cream, then back to George to snooze. After a couple of hours, refreshed ourselves to visit St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Then, experimented our way to the Echo Valley. And yes, it echoed (but all valleys do, right?). Encountered an ornithologist there, patiently observing the birds in the valley (perhaps our yelling disturbed the scene). Ended our day 2 itinerary buying souvenirs.

Day Three. End of the trail. Left Sagada around 7AM. Chose Baguio route for add-ons. Savored Cafe by the Ruins for lunch. Bought lots of vegetables. Burned CDs on the bus. Home by 11PM.

And my shirt says : I survived Sagada. ;-)