Trip magazine vol 1 issue 2

online featured: MOUNTAIN PROVINCE | IFUGAO | BENGUET copy

issue 2

issue 2

SPELUNKING IN

SAGADA

MAJESTIC FALLS OF CORDILLERA

BENCAB MUSEUM

rica:

A CLIMBING ENTHUSIAST TS118 Let’s Explore

CORDILLERA

RC Flyers

Dark Room. More Fun in the

Philippines

SUMAGUING CAVE, SAGADA JohnLFundanoPHOTOGRAPHY

Highlights MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

IFUGAO

BENGUET

TRAVEL

LEISURE

LIFESTYLE

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28

34

36

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What was supposed to be just a “chill” climb turned out to be an eye opening experience for one climber.

Planning to go spelunking in Sagada?

Read about our team’s experience. You can definitely learn from it.

It takes two hours to get there, but Bomod-ok Falls’ serenity and tranquility will make you forget how tedious your trip is.

Check out Sagadians’ unique way of burying the dead. Well, they don’t actually “bury” them. This tradition shows how rich their culture is.

Just a few minutes away from the main This cascade of falling water in road, Lake Danum is a perfect place for Batad attracts not only local but those who want solitude and time off from also foreign tourists. the busy city.

SUMMIT SENSE

52

BENCAB MUSEUM Aside from appreciating art pieces, you can also spend time in a garden or dine in a cafe at this not so ordinary museum.

SAGADA CAVE CONNECTION

56

LA TRINIDAD Roses are red, and strawberries are, too.

You can get them at La Trinidad’s flower farm and strawberry farm.

BOMOD-OK FALLS

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BENGUET’S MOUNTAINS Mt. Pulag is not the only mountain that you can climb in Benguet. We’ve made a list of mountains that you can explore

HANGING COFFINS

62

HIGHLANDERS’ FOOD For an exciting food trip, try these exotic dishes that the highlands offer.

LAKE DANUM

68 TS118

Who says that toys are only for children?

A group of professionals has created an online community for people like them who spend their free time doing militarythemed dioramas, which feature vehicles, playsets, and toy figures.

TAPPIYA FALLS

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TRIP Q&A

Readers talk about their most memorable vacation.

TRIP MAGAZINE ISSUE 2

“Sooner or later we must

realize

there is no station,

no one place

to arrive at once

and for all.

The true joy of life is the

Jane Odulio Associate Editor

Karlo Cusi

Hurray for our second issue! Once again, our strength and endurance have been tested. We gladly left our comfort zones and went into the wild. We did something we haven’t done before, went somewhere we haven’t been to, and embraced every challenge that came our way like a pro. We will never forget the times when God sent help when we needed it most.

Our GPS failed, our car broke, and we lost our signal, but it’s amazing how help came in the middle of nowhere, at two o’clock in the morning! To Manong on that empty road, we are eternally grateful to you!

This issue is dedicated to people who are hungry for adventure and want to do something that makes their hearts come alive. If you are deliriously mad about traveling, this magazine is for you. If you are on a tight budget but want to relax, this magazine is for you. If you want to break the monotony of the city life and break free from traffic and pollution, this magazine is for you. If you are tired and sick of the negative news every day, this magazine is for you.

You deserve something beautiful. This terrifying world is not devoid of charms that make every waking moment memorable. Since the beginning, one of the things Adam was never allowed to do is to go out through the garden gate and explore the world beyond. You are free now. The gate is open for opportunities to see and enjoy beauty at its best. You are made for this.

What are you waiting for? Go out, pack your things, and bring your copy of Trip! Magazine. It’s really no fun if we do the travelling alone. Come and join us, Trippers!

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor-in-Chief

Dear Trippers,

- Robert J. Hastings

‘Til next issue!

Thanks,

Creative Director

John Fundano P.S. Thanks Jigs! :)

Staff Writer

Mary Rose Magcamit Published by PSR Media Network Inc.

Web Director

Elmer John Grande Executive Director

Ely Dela Cruz

PSR Media Network Inc. Unit 206, Heart of the City Condominium, Sgt. Esguerra Avenue corner Eugenio Lopez Street, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City Email: info@tripmagazine.ph, tripmagazineph@gmail.com Tel.: (632) 709 1016 www.tripmagazine.ph

Reproduction without written permission from PSR Media Network Inc. is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in this magazine are solely those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Trip Magazine. ©2013 by PSR Media Network Inc. All rights reserved.

featured contributors

Carlo

Dino Outdoor Artist Carlo is a soul found in the wild.

Russ

Ellosso Guest Lay-Out Artist

Miccah

Doctolero Strategy Planner She creates mixtapes, shoots surfers, and nosedives every now and then.

Venus

Vitales Professor and Guidance Counselor Her trip activities consist of driving motorcycle and visiting the world of the unknown. She believes in God, ghost, and life after death.

Kim

Maxie

Aechelle Aiza

Maxie believes that Ninja turtles exist.

This person loves to run Her fave trip destinations every time she feels le- are Boracay and Singapore, but she’s dreaming thargic. to be in Paris.

Geranta Chief Medical Technologist/Freelance Photographer, Percussionist

P. Dumuk Professor

Odulio Manuel Nurse

Precious Liz BaĂąas Medical Student

Irish

Cuyos Rocker

Her trip activities consist She believes in living life of learning/experiencing in simplicity, rock and roll, new cultures, food, dia- and just being awesome! lects, languages, diving (if possible), and climbing mountains

rica COVER

You may know Rica Peralejo as an actress and TV host. She started

in the hit youth-oriented variety show Ang TV in the early ‘90s. She was with Aga Mulach in the sitcoms Oki Doki Doc and OK Fine Whatever, and for a time she was with the ASAP and Umagang Kay Ganda gang. But do you know that there’s more to this lady than being talented and pretty?

Rica, born Regina Carla, married Joe Bonifacio, a preacher, in 2009. If you seldom see her on screen nowadays, that’s because she has been accompanying her husband on mission trips. Though busy spreading the word of God, the couple still manages to go on travel adventures. Rica, for us, is a perfect Trip Magazine ambassador!

We had an interview with Rica, and here’s how it went: What’s your current state of mind?

All for God’s Kingdom and glory.

How do you describe yourself?

Adventurous or aggressive, spontaneous, and realistic.

What are your favorite activities?

Walking, running, swimming, and hiking.

Have you always been sporty? How do you keep yourself fit?

I’ve always been malikot, not necessarily sporty. I think I’m fit because I never stop moving. And of course, I eat the right kind of food. (Which I really have to do more because I am just too lazy to eat!)

When did you start mountain climbing?

First was back in 2006, which was Mt. Pulag.

What’s the best thing about climbing?

For me, it is the revelations I get about my own physical and mental ability to overcome that which I would not be able to had I not subjected myself through such hardship.

08 10

Rica with husband Joe in Bicol

How is your husband supporting you on this activity?

Haha! My husband is not into mountains at all, but because he knows I love it, he willingly climbs and hikes with me. Well, the nice thing about my husband is that he is so fit. He runs like crazy, and, unlike me, he barely gets totally wasted or tired hiking up any mountain. Both his cardio and muscle power are extremely good!

What’s the most recent mountain you climbed?

Mt. Batulao.

What’s your best hike ever?

It’s hard to say because every mountain is different. Sometimes nga, the same mountain is different on another day’s hike! But since I have to answer, I would say Mt. Kinabalu and Mt. Bulusan. Mt. Kinabalu was where I truly discovered that climbing a mountain is not only about the condition of the body but also about the condition of the mind. I had to reason a lot if only to weather the physical challenges. Hiking Mt. Bulusan was more physical. I was not prepared to use my upper body, but alas! We had no clear trail. We literally had to hang onto cogons to get to the top. (And had to slide through them going down.)

What are three things on your bucket list?

Travel Antarctica, hike Mt. Everest, and live somewhere else in the world for a bout a year or two (perhaps Africa or Europe/U.K. or Russia).

What is your favorite destination in the Philippines?

I am not qualified to answer this question yet as I have not seen Batanes and have not explored Ilocos yet. If I answer now, it would rather be limited and limiting!

Where is your dream destination?

Antarctica talaga.

What’s in your survival kit?

Water and the hope and word of God.

Who is the real Rica?

I don’t know, too. For sure though, she isn’t the old one who tries to cater to the demands of the world. Instead, she now marvels at the wonderful side of the world that shows the awesome workmanship of My Creator.

Those are nice words, Rica! We here at Trip Magazine are grateful for your kindness and generosity. :) Rica at Pico De Loro

What’s your message to Trip readers?

Get out of your house and see what’s outside. Subject yourself to things that will force you out of your comfort zone. This is the best kind of rut in the world, and we need adventurous ruts every once in a while, because our same old boring city life routine will only make machines out of us- efficient but utterly predictable. But adventures bring forth new knowledge about the world and, more importantly, about yourself. Isn’t it when we discover other things, explore other worlds, we also end up learning more about ourselves?

09 13 11

INTO THE

Wild

to be part of Trip Magazine, I got excited, and so here I am writing this piece. Now, I still have a job related to my course (I can be as casual as I want to, too), I can be the dutiful son that I aspire to be, and, best of all, I get to travel! Never mind that I will not be a nomad as I truly intended to be, for I still have to go home after every journey. But hey! What’s the sense of having fun if I’m the only one who feels it, right? Supertramp, before fully succumbing to poison, scribbled this on his journal: “Happiness (is) real only when shared.” I can’t wait to share my happy moments with everyone through this magazine. :)

(or something like it)

by KARLO CUSI

E

rica Goldson of New York graduated at the top of her high school class in 2010. She shocked everyone when she spoke against the US educational system in her valedictory address. Later, instead of attending college, she decided to travel across her country, and she chronicled this through her blog, America Via Erica.

Erica reminded me of Christopher “Alexander Supertramp” McCandless, portrayed by Emile Hirsch in Into the Wild, a film directed by Sean Penn based on the non-fiction book of the same name written by Jon Krakauer.

(I’ll be taking about what I saw in the film because I haven’t read the book.)

Supertramp had a great future ahead of him after graduating with honors from Emory University. Instead of pursuing a career related to his degree, however, he decided to embark on a journey as a way to condemn society’s materialism. He rejected a brand new car given to him by his father as a graduation gift and instead chose to drive his old car, which he later 12

left on the road after being caught in a flash flood. He donated a huge amount of his money to a charity, and, later, burned the cash he had left. His journey eventually led him to Alaska, where he marveled at what the wilderness could offer.

I wish I could do what Erica and Alexander Supertramp did—packed their bags, left everything behind, and went wherever their feet would take them. I always dream of going places, and I’m sure everyone does. In a planet with a surface area of more than 500 million square kilometers, who wants to stay in one place all his or her life? Sure, I do get to travel once in a while; I have visited some of the most beautiful places in the country. Still, I want to be as adventurous as Erica and Supertramp. This is when a bitter realization sinks in—it’s not the most practical thing to do.

My family is not a fan of traveling. The

farthest place we go to together is Cavite, when we visit my grandparents’ grave annually. We’ve been to Mindoro once when we had a reunion. That’s it. You see,we can only afford the basic stuff. Spending on family vacations is really not something that we can do. That is perhaps why I had this itch to travel.

When I started working and money started coming in, however, I was able to satisfy this itch. Friends invited me to go on out of town trips, taking advantage of discounted fares that airline companies offer.

The farthest we’ve been to was Bukidnon. For someone who has lived in Sta. Mesa, Manila all his life, that is an achievement.

Even though I now have enough resources to go on an expedition alone like what Supertramp did, I would be doing my family, especially my parents, a great disservice if I just left them on their own.

My parents still work, but what they earn is barely enough for what we need. I can’t just disappear and go on a journey. The least thing I can do is to give back to my parents for raising me well. Thus, I need to have a steady source of income to help pay the bills and put food on the table.

I think my idea of getting away from it all is attractive, but whether it can really be fruitful is an uncertainty.

Erica Goldson decided to go back to New York. After more than a year of traveling, she realized that the world is beautiful regardless of what the system is like. On her latest blog entry written on October 2011, she was contemplating on going to the Middle East, but whether she went there or not is unclear, for she has not updated her blog since. As for Alexander Supertramp, he was found dead inside an abandoned bus in Alaska

in 1992, two years since he left home. The film implies that he died after eating a poisonous plant.

I took what happened to Erica and Alexander Supertramp as a sign that I should stop daydreaming and instead just be practical. Thus, for a long time, I was doing repetitive tasks in a small cubicle somewhere in Ortigas. My job wasn’t that bad, and I got paid well, actually. However, what I was doing (though my job was related to the course) was far from what I dreamt of after graduating from college, when I told myself that I would have a job that would allow me to travel and wear casual clothes.

Apparently, however, dreams do come true, sometimes late though. When Jane, our editorin-chief extraordinaire, asked me 13

e s n e t i m s

m u s

DINO O L R

by CA

It truly is. Rain or shine.

Whether you’re a mountaineer or not, you will love the views of the wild landscape once you’re on top of Mt. Pulag, unless you’re acrophobic. Nothing beats being elevated and seeing everything up there.

Being the highest in Luzon and third highest in the country, Mt. Pulag is frequently visited not just because of its summit but also because of the views of the landscape while one goes up (and down) the mountain. Standing 2922 meters above sea level, Mt. Pulag is on the boundary of Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya. The mountain has four major trails: Ambangeg, Akiki, and Tawangan in Benguet, and Ambaguio in Nueva Vizcaya.

It was supposed to be just a “chill” climb to Mt. Pulag, for we had first-time climbers with us. We would just take it easy and enjoy the mountain and each other’s company.

We never planned to climb the mountain twice, let alone do it all under 18 hours. I wonder why we had to “punish” ourselves that way. Are we naturally masochistic? Mountain climbing ain’t easy. Physical and mental preparations are necessary, on top of the knowledge that should be learned beforehand: giving first aid, pitching tents, tying knots, starting a fire, and packing things. Gears and travel expenses also need to be considered. So why bother climbing mountains? Ask anyone who has been to the summit of Mt. Pulag and they’ll give you an overused answer: “It’s beautiful up there!”

My journey to Mt. Pulag started with a 5-hour bus ride from Manila to Baguio and a 3-hour jeepney ride to Ranger Station in Bokod, Benguet, the jump off point to the summit via Ambangeg route.

We hadn’t started the trek yet, but the wind speed and temperature said it all: it’s going to

LIFE

14

be cold, really cold. But hey, this was the point of no return. We came all the way from Manila just to be scared of heavy grey clouds? No. We came for whatever this mountain had for us. Little did we know that our planned “chill” climb would be, well, literally chilly.

Our mountain guide led the way as we started the trek. Even though we had just left the ranger station and the trail was relatively flat, there were already views of the mountain catching our eyes.

The peaks, the ravine, the vegetation, and even the wildlife of sweet sounding birds would tell you that this place is one for the books. I’ve been here maybe five times, but no two climbs were the same.

It always feels like the first time.

trek inside the mossy forest somehow shielded us from the wind. Finally, we arrived at the campsite. It was really cold!

That feeling of freezing ears as the wind howled at our auditory nerves had never been so painful. There were even moments when I felt small icicles hitting me.

Our group arrived on the campsite well ahead of other groups, so we had the luxury of choosing our camp spot to pitch our tent. It was already flooding (yep, you read it right, flooding) on the campsite. We decided to seek shelter under the guide tents and wait for the rain and wind to give us a generous window of time to make our summit push.

However, the high winds and the rain weren’t so generous.

As we went deep in to the trail, the wind speed started to pick up. Hoods were on our heads as sharp and cold droplets hit our skin like little feisty needles. Air dampened and mud puddles became more of a “mudstacle” course. We continued our trek up the edge of a mossy forest.

Being the adventurers that we are, we braved the “category 5” winds and pushed for the summit. Then, we thought of a simple plan: summit the mountain, snap pictures, go to the camp site, pitch tent, eat dinner, sleep, and hope for a better weather the next day for a sunrise summit push. We did only part of the plan though.

As we entered the mossy forest, cold shower greeted us. Also, the “mudstacle” course became a brown slush pool.

The tree fern trunks laid out on the trail proved no help and instead made our trek socks squishy with mud. Hoods were useless as well because rainwater was hitting us from everywhere. We started to feel wet, heavy, and cold.

It was good though that the 2-hour

We spent the next hours battling the cold, flood, cramps, and almost zero visibility. “Miserable” is the word to define that moment. After a few more minutes, we reached the summit! But we saw nothing, except fogs,which we had been seeing a lot of the whole morning! What made us appreciate it is the fact that we had the summit just for our group. We were standing taller than any-

thing else in Luzon.

A little while after, I felt like my blood was turning into tomato sauce. The water was relentless in making our heads hover above our body. Sitting between the only thriving living things on the summit, dwarf bamboos, to shield us from the wind wasn’t helping at all. No point of staying for another minute. Thus, we started our descent back to the camp (after snapping pictures of course), and, again for the next hour, we dealt with the same stuff we encountered going up.

The campsite was now muddier, and more tents were already pitched around.

We decided to just head back down to the ranger station and spend the night there so that we can have a decent roof and dry (but hard) beds: the floor.

On our way back to the ranger house, the lower half of our body was already muddied. We were dragging our feet through the mossy forest. Arriving at the ranger station, all we could think about was food. Thus, the group cooked pasta. Taking a shower was never an option.

Before hitting the sack, my company decided that we would trek the summit again. These words were running through my head: “What for? We’ve been there just a while ago. We’ve been up there quite a number of times! The summit will not change no matter how many times we visit it! We’re tired and hungry!” A teammate snapped me back to reality and pointed upwards. Through 15

I first heard the word

the window, in the middle of the darkness, a light was shining on everything – the light from the full moon.

Before we slept that night, we hoped for the moon to stay with us until the next day. We felt like we needed to see something else at the summit. The moon gave us hope.

At two o’clock in the morning, we we’re up. The chilly early morning wind wasn’t biting at all. Still tired and sleepy, yawning could be heard from us. We started the trek feeling like we’re in a different place. The mountain peaks and the tree canopies were lining up, waving slowly to us. The splashing of mud on the trail was the only noise we heard besides the gentle but cold blow of the wind. As we went up the mossy forest once more, the canopy of trees again gave us cover. The canopy gave me that feeling of protection and claustrophobia at the same time. We continued the summit push now without the cover of the forest. The wind and temperature made their presence felt. Our hands were inside our pockets now, and our feet were very numb.

Looking up, we saw the sky being so magical. It felt like we were going to float anytime. It was still dark, but the moon was there to guide us.

Before five o’clock in the morning, we found ourselves at the summit of Mt. Pulag. Immediately, we took shelter between the dwarf bamboos and started the most gruelling part of the trip – waiting for the sun while we were freezing. I was certain that hypother-

mia was knocking me and my friends out. I actually had to keep a friend from sleeping! I had to shake her shoulders every now and then. I kind of felt scared that moment. I was like, “We don’t have cadaver bags with us! Not now!” It was the coldest I ever felt on this mountain.

We tried to walk around to keep our body warm. Minutes passed and we started to settle down. We planted our feet hard on the ground, laboring to stand straight.

Like everyone else, I was looking afar. I asked myself: What are we looking for?

What are others thinking? What am I doing here? Why all these? Few more minutes passed and the answer came in a form of light, streaks of it. Later, the streaks became rays. The lines were being drowned by a dance of shadows and light. For a moment, I was certain that my feet were off the ground by an inch or so.

The whole time felt like a time lapse. That was what all our sacrifices were for.

The sight of the mountain ranges caressed by the sunlight definitely was not just something for the eyes. The sight was for something deeper in me. I could see as far as the next summit away, the sea of clouds carpeting the whole wilderness. Mountain peaks were mixing with the carpet of clouds. That soft cotton movement burst with colors while the sun greeted us “good morning.” Wild grasses were waving in unison as if they’re dancing. Trees from a distance were shyly waving their branches, maybe an effort to dance too. I have never seen the full moon and the sun facing each other until that moment. They were both in their glorious shape and glow. No adjective can describe my feeling that day.

The cosmic party suddenly made me feel significantly insignificant. “Who is this hu-

16 12

man on top of this giant rock? Who am I to be on top of all of these?” I felt how big the world is. I know humans are designed to be bigger than it, but not in a selfish, self-glorifying way. Many say that this mountain will change a person. For me it’s what is beyond the mountain that does.

For the longest time, a lot of us have been born and raised in a world of convenience, wherein human instinct runs the game, the strongest call the shots, and the prettiest survive. Sometimes, we forget that we are all from the wilderness. Not that we should go back to the caves, but the wild is where we are truly alive. There, our hearts aren’t mere muscles anymore but an emotion-inducing element. It is a sphere where explanation is overshadowed by experience, plans never work, and expectations are never met. Instead, there, we live the very moment we are in and not the very second after it. The past is where it belongs. Maybe it’s the temperature working its way to my brain, but I really think it’s not because of summit views at Mt. Pulag but the platform the wilderness provided me that made me see beyond all these.

We came to the mountain to see the wild, but we ended up seeing our own souls.

from a flight attendant, in a movie titled Elizabeth Town. She said it when Drew (the male lead) walked his way out of the airport. These words were stuck in my head then: “We are intrepid.” I’m sure being the Google-dependents that we are, we have that immediate impulse of looking it up. Allow me then to define it for everybody. MerriamWebster Online defined it as “resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance,” and “being adventurous, often used for rhetorical or humorous effect.”

I am not exclusively talking about dangerous sports, impossible conquests, or how one can survive them. What I want to share is more of the ripping out of one’s heart from its cage, one’s state of mind breaking out of the box, and one’s soul willing to open its eyes to a new way of seeing the world. In that grasp, let us journey together in learning how others and have become intrepid in our own ways.

CONQUERING THE FEAR OF OPEN WATERS The sense of travel dawned upon me at an early age. My parents worked for a Christian medical organization that required them to go to hard to reach areas in the Philippines. Being their

first born, I tasted how it was to live among tribes. For such time, I didn’t find it unusual, not until we settled in the city, which made me realize those were gems of experiences. Not very long ago, my mother convinced me to join Operation Samaria (OS) in Romblon. I met a Kuya (someone who is treated like an older brother) who bid me to skin dive with him (some other teammates were in a boat nearby keeping watch). And so without hesitation, I dived into the deep blue. That diving experience was in itself not very grandiose, but somehow it was a milestone that grounded my lifelong path of discovering meaning in everything I dare to do. I joined the next OS the following year in Ifugao, the first few steps I dared to take which have brought me revelations upon revelations (until now) of how intrepid and beautifully wild this life is.

But somewhere along the line, I lost it, that deep, wild sense of adventure. I started wanting too much, preoccupying myself with how I could acquire more. I started holding on to things and people too tightly. Fear created a wide gap in my heart. The skies didn’t look blue anymore. The mountains and the seas lost their old shine. It felt like I also lost half of my self, how I grew up, where I grew up–the very essence of who I am. I wasn’t really noticing it, not ‘til I went to Mindoro and saw everything I saw back when I was in Ifugao: the people happy to not be in possession of anything,

my teammates who found their hearts but were ready and willing to give it away, and my God who told me that freedom can only be found in Him. I was on a rock in Tukuran falls–the last few days of our trip–and I was being dared to jump from that rock into the deep water. I did jump, again, trembling, fearing that I might drown, that I might hit a rock, that I might not be able to swim back, that I might get tired of fighting the current. I was able to fight the current though, and was able to swim back.

My original lack of fear of open waters didn’t fully return though.

However, two friends I have deliberately addressed it by teaching me how to unlearn it. This, time we were in Coron, Palawan, in an unnamed lake. They said, “God’s hand is so big that He was able to separate the waters and the lands and make mountains. He is so big that He even hold the galaxies altogether. How can He not hold you? You’re very tiny. He surely will hold you.” Well, apart from giving that inspirational talk, they helped me clean up my swimming skills as well. “It’s just about proper breathing; forget about the form, and aim for endurance.” At that exact point in time, I was able to cross the lake and swim back ashore.

Lesson one: I am intrepid because I co-depend and I coexist.

The memories of the summit will stay maybe for a time, but eventually it will be gone. I think that is why people go back to the mountains. However, my experience will stay in my heart.

Only by going up there will you know if the mountain will change you. I’m certain that the mountain didn’t change me at all. It is the One who is beyond all these who changed me.

" We c ame t o the m but w e ountain ended u t o see p seeing the wild ou r o w , n souls ."

i am

in.tre.pid.

Dare, break through, and soar! Stories about things like that and more.

Precious Bañas 20

13 17

TRAVEL

miccah doctolero

S

o you’ve made your hotel reservations, you’ve written down your itinerary, you’ve succeeded in packing light after much struggle, and you’ve posted that obligatory *insert-place-here*- boundtomorrow-status message on Facebook. Now, the only thing that’s standing between you and your epic adventure is you actually going there. You need to endure that butt-numbing, legcramping, 5-hour road trip. They say that when travelling, the journey is more important than the destination. Well, if you’re a fan of this saying, here are five tips to make that road trip a little more bearable and to keep you from saying, “Are we there yet?” at least seven times in five hours.

Listen to an awesome mixtape.

A few hours (or weeks, if you’re that excited) before your trip, put those playlist-making skills toDoctolero use

By Miccah and collate songs to prep you up for your destination. Make sure that your mixtape is long enough and relatable enough, in case someone in your car demands to hear it as well.

Headed to the beach? Load up your iPod with tracks from Jack Johnson, Donavon Frankenreiter, Belle and Sebastian, Best Coast, Slightly Stoopid, and Kings of Convenience, and you’ll be just inches away from feeling the sun on your face and the sand on your feet. Going somewhere cold?

Play some Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Iron and Wine, and Cat Power to get you all prepped up for cuddle weather.

Catch up on reading.

If you’re living each day writing “breathe” on your to-do list (most probably between 12-1 p.m.), chances are, you haven’t had the luxury of time to sit down and read a single book in months. Now that you’ve finally squeezed this trip in your crazy schedule, why not make the most out of your free time by catching up on reading? We all know the hazards of reading inside a moving vehicle, but if you’re a bookworm like I am, a road trip is the perfect excuse to read, eye health be doomed (hopefully not).

Read Jack Kerouac’s On The Road, Alex Garland’s The Beach or Jon Krakauer’s Into The Wild to fuel your wanderlust and release that inner adventurer in you.

Write. Sketch. Doodle.

Create. Those ideas in your head? Do not let them stay as ideas. Write them. Draw them. Create something out of them. Sometimes, being on the road gives you moments of extreme lucidity that you will not find anywhere else. Take advantage of it. Also, have your camera ready in case you pass by a beautiful spot. Do not hesitate to stop the car for a minute and snap a shot.

Challenge your friends to a game.

Or taboo. Or any game that does not require much props and face-reading. If you’re travelling with acquaintances or with a travel group, this is a good way to break the ice and shake off that I’mtravelling-with-strangers-it’s-awkward air. You will be surprised at how fun this can actually be. Just make sure you are all on the same page, meaning, everyone is not planning to doze off any time soon.

Share stories.

As someone who barely sleeps during road trips, I don’t know how I could have survived those countless five-hour car/bus rides if not for my friends’ surf stories. Best rides, best wipe-outs, favorite surf spots, dream surf trips. It is a great opportunity to get to know your friends a little better, not to mention to pass time and kill everyone’s boredom.

Repeat the process on the way home. Alternatively, you can replay the last 3 days or so in your head.

Or better yet, think of where you’re heading to next long weekend. Realize that, somehow, they are right. The journey is indeed more important than the destination. Sometimes, it’s not about where you go. It’s about the move.

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19

trail virgin no more

Aechelle Aiza Dumuk

I run strictly on the road.

Oh no, there is no special reason at all.

It’s just the most accessible training ground for me. However, I have always wanted to try trail running. I am a huge fan of Kílian Jornet Burgada, the threetime champ of Skyrunner Series from 2007-2009 and the winner of 2011 Western State Endurance Run. Seeing his trail running photos make me wonder how is it different from road races.

Thus, I made a mental note to try it one day.

Alas! Kaye San Vicente of Hanes-Tupperware and SOUL Runners seemed to have heard my wish, for they came up with Eco Trail in Cabanatuan City.

When I first heard about the venue, I wondered which part of Lakewood Golf and Country Club would be the trail. Nonetheless, I was resigned to the idea that I wouldn’t know unless I explored the place.

And on the Race Day...

My friends and I got to the venue at exactly 5:00 a.m. When we got to Lakewood Golf and Country Club, we were greeted by booming music. It was still dark, but thanks to the street lights, I was able to exchange pleasantries with my fellow runners. I found out that some of them were from neighboring towns such as Gapan, San Isidro, and, hey, Team Soleus travelled all the way from Manila.

Later, I heard from the host that the race wouldn’t start until 6:00 a.m. Justifiable, I thought. It was still so dark and most of us didn’t have a headlamp.

While waiting for the gun start, I joined my friends as we shared our pre-race excitement. Yay, trail virgins eh!

Not long after, the host called the attention of the 10K runners. My friend Molin and I squeezed our way through the seemingly excited crowd. He 20

agreed to help me with my pace (and to run according to my pace).

“Don’t push yourself too much,” she said. After all, it would be my first trail experience, so I just wanted to enjoy it.

of the rice stalks. Adorable kids and friendly elderly lined up along the course as they cheered for the runners. Such charming scenery never fails to calm my soul and mind.

At exactly 6:00 a.m., the starting gun fired. Molin and I kept a slow but steady pace. We ran along Lakewood Avenue. I enjoyed looking at the huge and brightly colored houses, which became more beautiful as the early morning sunlight blended with their paint color. What a lovely sight!

As Molin and I neared the finish line, I realized Eco Run may not be as challenging as the ones I saw in Killian’s trail running photos, but it wasn’t bad for a beginner like me. As soon as I crossed the finish line, I was all smiles. I am a trail virgin no more! There would be more trail runs to come ,but Eco Run was a great start. My feet loved the varying surface of the trail, plus there was a greater release of endorphin. And oh, there was no breathing of roadside fumes too! It was indeed an experience to be cherished.

Not long after, I saw Christian (another friend) standing in one corner. He was one of the Marshals telling the runners which way to go. He signaled us to turn left. I wasn’t ready for the next sight though. It was a narrow, bumpy, and dusty road. It hadn’t rained for a week, so the mud had dried up, causing my newlywashed shoes to look very untidy.

In addition, the narrow road was guarded by tall talahib grass on both sides. I tried to avoid it because I wasn’t wearing arm and leg sleeves. However, when other runners ran past me, I had to give way, driving me near the talahib grass. I also got distracted by small and large stones along the way. I had to be extra careful not to trip. I couldn’t help but wonder how long that narrow road was for I was somehow worried of allergies and cuts. Thus, it was a relief when we finally turned left and a broader road welcomed us.

Although still bumpy and dusty, there were no more tall grasses, allowing me to take a closer look at a serene landscape–a long stretch of seemingly glistening rice fields as the early morning sunrays complement the pigment

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LIFESTYLE

10 Commandments for Travelers

CHANGE

TO BE BETTER:

by Irish Cuyos Here, written before thine eyes, is a list of basic travel commandments that ye might find useful during thy quests for adventure:

GOfor

I. THOU SHALL NOT OVERPACK - You’re going on an adventure, not migrating. Besides, you need to make more room for those souvenir shirts that I’m sure you’ll be picking out once you get to your destination.

Healthy

Living

An active lifestyle is an effective way to achieve healthy aging.

mary rose magcamit

A

60-year-old man told me, “Look at me! I feel so strong, I don’t have any illness. I’m healthy simply because I walk every day.” After saying this, he pointed a steep road where he walks at least 30 minutes every day to reach the main road. Also, when he goes to a certain place, he purposely alights from the jeepney not more than 500 meters before his actual destination so that he can still take at least 5-10 minutes of walking.

Walking every day is his exercise, and he now enjoys the benefits of this “sacrifice.” He started this hobby since he was a young college boy, and now he is old living without any worries about serious illnesses. He remains healthy and secure.

Instead of being trapped in front of the computer, where playing online games has become a popular “sports,” why not give yourself a pleasurable reward that will surely benefit you after living throughout your youthful days.

your unhealthy and tiring lifestyle. Anyway, it only takes a little time in a day.

I meet people who don’t usually exercise, and they are battling with their exhausted routine. How you spend your time directly affects your mind and body. Actually, you can start today to choose a better life and age healthily.

Different activities will develop your inner and outer strength. For example, walking, jogging, running, swimming, or boxing can test your endurance and power.

Being healthy is not just about the absence of any sickness and diseases, but it is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. That is why it is still recommended to be socially active.

Why not invest time for a better future or – must I say – a healthy future?

There are lots of ways to improve your social life. You can join any sports group or active organizations that can actually educate you.

Join a mountaineering group, which can make you aware of the importance of saving mountains, or join a bicycling group, which can open your mind to fight for clean air.

Instead of spending so much time lying on the sofa doing your daily devotion to television, try to convince yourself and say, “It’s about time to exercise!”

You can also enroll in an aerobic class or simply go to the gym where you can meet a bunch of individuals that can motivate you to stay fit and active.

Come on! Give yourself a break. Eliminate

If you are aggressive and very competitive,

22

join any sports-related competition such as marathon, basketball, volleyball, and football.

“Being healthy is not just about the absence of any sickness and diseases, but it is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. That

II. THOU SHALL MAKE THY SAFETY A PRIORITY Research about the place that you plan to go to. Read reviews and feedbacks from tourists about their own experiences.

III. THOU SHALL KEEP THY MONEY IN DIFFERENT PLACES - Try to think of other places to keep your money other than your wallet so that if ever you get to lose it, you won’t totally be penniless.

IV. THOU SHALL DRESS & APPEAR SIMPLE - This depends on the situation/occasion, but since you will be in unfamiliar grounds, better try not to attract any attention with all those bling-blings that you own. Like they say: better safe than sorry.

V. THOU SHALL BE ONE WITH THE PLACE THAT YE WILL BE AT - Get to know the place with no judgments. Get to know the rules, what makes people in that area tick, and what makes them click. Respect the culture and be polite to everyone that you come across.

VI. THOU SHALL KEEP THY GADGETS FULLY CHARGED AT ALL TIMES Who would want to capture an awesome

moment with a dead camera?!? How about in an emergency situation? Ever tried calling with a dead phone? It’s ALWAYS great to be prepared.

VII. THOU SHALL BE SPONTANEOUS - Try not to get a tour guide for a day & explore on your own. Let your map lead the way. Eat street food. Visit all the bars that you find in the area. Get to know the locals more. Go hiking mountains. Dive into those awesome coral reefs.

You get the idea.

VIII. WHEN THOU IS EXPLORING, YE MUST WALK THE WALK - Enjoy your environment/surroundings and savor each moment at the right pace. This gives you the chance to literally stop and smell the flowers on the side-road and serves as a great exercise to burn off last-nights’ pig-out session.

IX. THOU SHALL MAKE THY SNEAKERS/RUBBER SHOES THY BESTFRIEND - Ever tried walking in executive leathered-type shoes and/or stilettos for hours on end? Not a blissful experience I tell you, most especially for your ankles and feet.

X. THOU SHALL NOT BRING THY WORK DURING THY TRIP - Work belongs and stays in the work place. Would you want to be disturbed with constant calls or emails during your sun-tanning session? I think not!

is why it is still recom-

If you don’t mended to be socially have time for these active.” outdoor activities, you can simply exercise in your own home by doing basic stretching, dancing, or simply cleaning the house.

Sometimes, all you need to do is to focus.

Also, be consistent. It is really possible that you can achieve a total healthy lifestyle. Embrace it because it is for a lifetime.

Once you start to be active and choose to live a healthy lifestyle, you cannot escape from this healthy addiction because it gives you the pleasure to extend your human existence in a positive and inspiring manner.

design: russ elloso

10

10

COMMANDMENTS

COMMANDMENTS

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TRAVEL

CORDILLERA The Trip Magazine team decided to go on a week-long road trip to three of the six provinces of Cordillera Administrative Region: Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Benguet. Here’s a quick look of how our journey went.

MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

IFUGAO

HOW WE GOT THERE: HOW WE GOT THERE: From Manila, we traveled for more than 14 hours. You shouldn’t really ask us how to get there because we ourselves got lost. Get a GPS instead. If you want to commute, you can board a bus to Baguio from Manila. Once at Baguio, hail a cab that will drop you off at the Sagadabound buses terminal. Total fare is somewhere around P800.

From Sagada, it took us two (2) hours by car. If you’re traveling from Manila, travel time will take approximately nine (9) hours. Taking a bus bound to Banaue will cost you around P500.

WHERE WE WENT: Banaue Ifugao Rice Terraces Tappiya Waterfall

WHERE WE WENT:

WHAT WE DID:

Sagada Cave Connection Bomod-ok Falls Hanging Coffins Lake Danum

Hiking Sightseeing

WHAT WE DID: Sightseeing Hiking Spelunking

WHAT WE SAW: Rice terraces, rice terraces, and even more rice terraces Indigenous people Woodcraft products

BENGUET

HOW WE GOT THERE: It took us more than four (4) hours to get to Baguio from Ifugao. From Manila, it will take you around six (6) hours. Bus fare is around P500.

WHERE WE WENT: Baguio City BenCab Museum La Trinidad farms WHAT WE DID: Sightseeing Strawberry picking WHAT WE SAW: Famous tourist spots Flowers Mountains

WHAT WE SAW: Local products (pots, woven products) Tribal houses

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SAGADA

The indigenous people of Sagada, commonly called

“Igorots,” are Malays and speak a language called Kankanaey.

Sagada, one of the 10 municipalities of Mountain Province, has a total land area of 8,600 hectares.

Sagada is bounded on the North by Abra Province, on the South by Sabangan, on the East

by Bontoc,and on the West by Bauko and Besao.

Located 275 km. north of Manila, it takes at least 12-15 hours to reach Sagada by bus.

Sagada is 5,000 feet above sea level.

About Sagada: • Biag is an Igorot hero who founded Sagada during the Spanish colonization.

• The municipality has two kinds of climate, the dry season and the wet season.

• It is 145 kilometers away from Baguio City, where it takes about six to seven hours from the main gateway to get to the rugged Halsema Highway, the region’s main access road and the highest point in the country’s highway system.

• Sagada is popular for its cool climate, challenging underground caves, breathtaking rice terraces, and wonderful falls.

• Sagada is famous for its “hanging coffins.”

• Brgy. Ankileng is the warmest place in Sagada, and it’s the only place in Sagada where you will find coconut trees growing. One of the famous activities in Sagada is spelunking or caving.

• Sumaguing Cave is the biggest and most popular cave in Sagada. It was once used as a hiding place during World War II.

• The Sagada Cave Connection is the highlight of Sagada’s tourism offering.

Two interconnected limestone caves, Sumaguing and Lumiang, compose the connections.

• Bomod-ok Falls at Pide, Sagada is a 200-foot tall column of water. It takes two hours of trekking along the Bangaan Rice Terraces to reach the falls.

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PHOTOS by : ButterflyNyles

27

ADVENTURE

SAGADA CAVE CONNECTION W

e thought it’s just a normal caving, but it turned out to be more than that.

S

agada boasts of serious rock formations that will give you your much needed adrenaline kick. This adventure is not for the faint of heart. It is for the brave and thirsty adventurers that are looking for real danger and pain.

Okay, don’t panic. I’m just kidding. Before you back out and

change your mind, let me tell you one thing. Everything that we do for Trip Magazine is safe, and if we have done and survived it, definitely, you can too!

We are not the fittest individuals, but we’re working on it (haha).

We will share experiences and things (epic fail and bloopers) that you can learn from. We’re all in this together!

Words by Jane Odulio Photos by John Fundano

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27 29

LUMIANG CAVE First things first.

When you get to Sagada, be sure that you are settled already before exploring. Find a place where you can leave all your things and stay for the night when you get back from the caves. Cave connection adventure lasts for four to five hours depending on your pace. If you’re planning to visit other attractions, better do cave connection in the morning so you have all the energy. Don’t do trekking and spelunking in one day.

Though it’s possible, the tendency is that you will be too tired to enjoy the experience. Relaks relaks lang. Huwag adik!

Second, you need to have a guide. Guides from Sagada Genuine Guides Association (Saggas) charge 200 pesos per person.

This is relatively cheap. Their guides will take care of you and will lend you a helping hand, foot, shoulder, and back when you need them. This happens when you’re not sure which rock to land your feet on.

They will definitely come to your rescue!

WHAT TO WEAR/BRING • Waterproofing – Ziploc your gadgets. It’s important to keep them dry unless they are waterproof.

• Light clothing – Bring extra clothes in case you accidentally slip on the water and get wet.

• Headlamp – Though the guide brings along a Petromax lamp, it’s best to have your own light source.

SUMAGUING CAVE Entry at Lumiang Cave. Coffins (without walking zombies) will meet you at the mouth of the cave. It was one way of burying the dead 500 years back. You will see piled up coffins hanging on the walls of the cave’s entry. For more information about this tradition, please see page 36.

Three more hours of crawling, rappelling, squirming, climbing, and slipping in between rocks and you’re in Sumaguing Cave already. It’s good that it’s dark inside the cave and you cannot see how steep the rocks are or how deep the water below is. If it’s not like that, I’m not sure if I’d be back in Manila in one piece. Lol.

The guide will explain to you the techniques that you will use for the cave adventure. The most important technique is the butt technique, where you will use your butt as a stopper.

Be cautious of white rocks because they get very slippery when wet.

Also, there are small holes that you need to fit into to get to another side. If you are claustrophobic, you have to tell your guide and ask for other routes. It gives you extra confidence when your guide knows the cave very well. In our case, they can go without light and still manage to roam around the cave. They even have an mp3 player that gave us a groovy feel while spelunking.

And the best part?

I have a new term that I will add on my Life Event on Facebook.

spe•lunk•ing noun \-ki-\

Definition: The hobby of exploring caves.

There you go! I just can’t believe we had seen such beauty and at the same time had satisfied our thirsty and hungry adventurer souls.

• Trekking sandals – There’s a point when you will go barefoot, but along the way are rock formations that will require you to have sturdy footwear.

• Backpack – This is where you put your water and quick bites. In our case, our guides were so kind; they took care of our belongings and water bottles.

28 30

29 31

“Try a thing you haven’t done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not.” - Virgil Thomson

WHERE TO STAY IN

SAGADA LOCATION: 275 km. north of Manila and 140 km. away from Baguio TRAVEL TIME: Manila to Baguio = 7 hours; Baguio to Sagada = 6 hours

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER:

Sagada Genuine Guides

Association (SAGGAS) Brgy. Dagdag, Sagada, Mountain Province Email: sagadagenuineguides@gmail.com

About Cave Connection: • “Cave Connection” pertains to the two interconnected limestone of Sagada’s major caves – the Lumiang and Sumaguing caves.

• Passing through a particular part of Sumaguing known as “The Tunnel” is a challenging part of the adventure. You need to exert extra effort to pass through this “microscopic” passage.

• Cave Connection is the deepest and fifth longest cave in the country, with the Sumaguing Cave commonly referred to as “Big Cave.”

• The caves used to be the hiding places of some Filipino soldiers and guerillas during World War II. It eventually became 32

ACTIVITIES: trekking, exploring caves and waterfalls, rappelling, visiting historical sites

WHAT TO BRING/WEAR: : Since Sagada is all about exploration, the most important things are footwear (we suggest comfortable rubber shoes or sturdy sandals) walking shorts, light shirts, and a light jacket. Don’t forget to bring cash.

TIP: To maximize your time, leave Manila late at night. This allows you to avoid the heavy rush hour traffic and ensures that you’ll get the first trip from Baguio to Sagada.

sagada

ALAPO’S INN Location: Ato, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0921-327-9055 ALFREDO’S INN Location: Poblacion, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0918-588-3535, 0919-302-7122 ALIBAMA INN Location: Dagdag, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0920-813-5797 A-7 HOUSE Location: Nangonogan, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0921-287-6093 BILLY’S HOUSE Location: Nangonogan, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0921-603-2745 CANAWAY Location: Dagdag, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0910-709-2631 CHURYA-A Location: Mabbay, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0906-430-0853 GANDUYAN INN Location: Poblacion, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0906-430-0853, 0921-273-8097 GECKO INN Location: Mabbay, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0920-289-5471 GEORGE GUESTHOUSE Location: Dagdag, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0918-548-0406 GREEN HOUSE Location: Poblacion, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0910-565-031, 0918-403-6571 HOMESTAY TRANSIENT Location: Poblacion, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0919-702-8380 IGOROT INN Location: Poblacion, Sagada, Mountain Province

Contact Number: 0928-630-5479 KANIP-AW Location: Kanip-Aw, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0921-647-0037 LIGAYA Location: Kapinitan, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0918-343-8415 MAPIA-AW PENSION Location: Mapia-aw, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0905-216-4055, 0912-316-7941 OLAHBINAN Location: Poblacion, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0928-406-7647 RESIDENTIAL LODGE Location: Dagdag, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0919-672-8744 ROCKY VALLEY INN Location: Nangonogan, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0918-403-6018 ROCK INN Location: Batalao, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0920-909-5899 SAGADA GUEST HOUSE Location: Poblacion, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0919-357-4377 SAINT JOSEPH Location: Poblacion, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0918-559-5934 TRAVELLERS INN Location: Dagdag, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0920-799-2960 YABAMI LODGE Location: Mabbay, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0920-411-9976 YELLOWHOUSE Location: Dagdag, Sagada, Mountain Province Contact Number: 0999-514-8820

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“It will take two hours,” said the guide.

When we heard that, it just flew away and instead we giggled as if we heard nothing. Not that we didn’t care. It just didn’t sink in that time. We just woke up to reality when our legs started to ache and our feet wouldn’t want to take a single step anymore. But every scenic view that we passed by made us want more. We knew that at the end of this trek, a wonderful and glorious masterpiece would welcome us.

The pain and the ache were temporary. Our eyes were on the goal.

It also helped that we had photographers on board. Our adventure wouldn’t have been crazier and more fun if not for these wicked and hilarious shots/poses we made while trekking. But we were very careful. Our golden rule is this: be still when you’re taking pictures. We should not make a single step; freeze if possible. Why? We never know what’s behind us. We might be falling off a cliff.

Bomod-ok Falls, also called Big Falls Sagada organizations informed us that there are two mustsee places in Sagada—Bomod-ok Falls and Cave Connection. We chose to see Bomod-ok Falls on our first day. Good decision! The long trek prepared us for the different stunts we had to do in Cave Connection (see page 28).

It’s also very encouraging to see foreign tourists in their 50s along the way. If they could make it to the falls, we could also do it. The trek was relatively easy, actually; it’s the long walk that’s challenging. Locals here trek this daily with sack of rice or lumber on their back. I, on the other hand, got water bottle and iPod on my back.

After hours of trekking, we were there! We were thrilled as soon as we heard the streams of water. We knew how cold it is and we already learned our lesson when we swam at Gabaldon Falls in Nueva Ecija last time. When here, don’t swim if you don’t have extra clothes. The long walk going back to the car is bloody cold and terrifying! Not to mention the 14 degrees climate of the mountain! Unless you’re a vampire, don’t do that!

bomod-ok 32 34

falls

Bomod-ok’s cold water cascades from the top of a beautiful, naturally-contoured cliff to a pool below, forming a 200ft column of water and wonder. What an amazing and genius God we have! If we could only capture its true beauty with our lenses, we would! But we can only do so much; our gadgets were limited. We can say lots of things about it, but nothing can match the serenity and tranquility it offers when you set your foot on this wonderful creation. It’s like nothing else matters! The whole world can stop, the stock market can close, and you won’t care about social media, politics, or what’s on the news the next day. You can find total peace and calmness here… until your buddy shouted, “Guys, group picture!!! Wooohoooo!!!”

QUICK FACTS:

THE WORLD’S MOST VERSATILE CAMERA

Location: Pide, Sagada Barangay Pide is at the northern part of Sagada, bordered by three barangays: Bangaan, Aguid, and Fidelisan.

Bomod-ok Falls is a 20-minute jeepney ride or a 2-hour walk from Poblacion to the drop off point in Bangaan. From there, you need to cross the Bangaan Rice Terraces for about an hour and a half before reaching the falls.

Note: Rental for private vehicle is P550-600, P25 per head for public jeepney Guide: Northern Sagada Indigenous Guide Association (NOSIGA) Contact: 0908-2027402 Rate: 500 for guide fee (8-10 pax) and conservation fee of P10 at Brgy. Fidelisan

Wear It. Mount It. Love It. gopro.com

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E

cho Valley is one of the few places in the world where shouting is allowed and apparently enjoyable. It is also the site of the most popular tourist spot in the Mountain Province, the Hanging Coffins of Sagada.

According to people I talked to there, the elderly Igorots carve their own coffins using hollowed logs of pine tree before they die. If they are already too weak or ill, their families are the ones who prepare their coffins instead. For more than 2,000 years, the people of Sagada have been following this unique burial ritual. Cadavers of Igorots who occupy certain status in their tribe were smoked throughout a 5-day pre-burial feast to avoid fast decomposition. Burial is done at the break of dawn. Then, the body and coffins are transported separately to the burial site. The coffin is brought to the cliff area first, and then the cadaver is transported from through line of people going to the cliffs. The elders encourage many people to participate because they believe that having fluids like blood spilled to the clothes of those who carry the cadaver to the cliff would bring them good fortune or additional skills.

The dead are placed inside their coffins, sometimes breaking their bones in the process of fitting them in. Some coffins are small because the dead are put inside in fetal position, in line with the Igorots’ belief that the dead should get out of this world the same way they got in. Coffins are hung in high-elevated cliffs; others are hung either inside the caves or on the face of the cliffs, near the hanging coffins of their ancestors. Hanging the coffins in high-elevated cliffs is a century-old belief. Some believe that the higher the body is laid – the closer the person is to heaven. Another reason coffins are hung is to protect the bodies from natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. It also keeps the corpses away from wild animals. Some Sagadians also believe that the body of their dead is sacred, so it should not be buried in the ground; it is better to hang them on a cliff or place them in a cave and wait for their reincarnation.

Another burial site of the people of Sagada is Lumiang Cave. The cave protects the coffins from weather elements. Inside the cave, coffins are stacked neatly. There are also a few coffins in the ground with carvings of geckos or lizards on the lids. The carvings are believed to bring good luck. I was told that some tourists steal them and bring them home as souvenirs. That is sad to know.

Hanging coffins and burial caves are part of the Igorot’s indigenous culture and burial tradition. Some people may not agree with the practice, but this is truly unique. It depicts the richness of the Sagadian culture, more than its mystique charm.

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hanging coffins 35 37

L

ocated in Sitio Patay, Lake Danum is approximately four kilometers away from Sagada Municipal Hall. With its grassy and tree-shaded ground, it is a perfect place for camping or picnic.

Danum is the Kankanaey (Sagada’s local dialect) term for water. The place is quite peaceful, perfect for those who want solitude and time off from the busy city. It is great for lovers too who just want to sit down and watch the sunset together.

ured out that you are just not ready to fall in love again (aww). Fret not! Wait until you see the glorious sunset, and, trust us, you will realize that there is so much more worth having than staying with that freaking loser! In case it doesn’t suffice, okay, this place is best for shouting, “I don’t love (insert name here) anymore!!!” Say that and hear the nature agreeing with you (a.k.a. echo).

lake danum

In our case, we shouted “Ang pangit mo!!!” Guess what we heard back—“Mas pangit ka!” Lol. True story. Maybe, there’s someone down the hill that heard us. Oh well, that’s life! No matter what life throws at you, good or bad, accept it with courage. Don’t ever give up on yourself. Smile. You deserve something beautiful, like Lake Danum.

This is a perfect place for meditating, realigning goals, dreaming, and breathing promises of hope and joy from above.

I guess that’s what nature does to us. It makes us closer to our Maker.

And the best part? Unlike other places that you need to trek before you reach the actual site, Lake Danum is close to the main road. Just walk a few minutes and you’re there—you can already witness a masterpiece! The place is very subtle and serene.

Its quietness and laid-back beauty never fade. You can go back here over and over again and I bet you will never get tired of the tranquility it offers. I guess what we’re trying to say is that it’s best for “emo” moments.

Okay, let’s say you’ve already done your much-needed soul searching and you fig-

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weaving

“It takes patience to mold, to secure, and to nurture a being.”

sagada

pottery Mary Rose Magcamit

About Pottery in Sagada: • Modern pottery making came to Sagada in the 1950s.

It was also then when it became a booming industry and became open for public viewing. However, the true and ancient Sagadian pottery is not for the public. Sagadians’ ancestors consider gosi (or jar) as a sacred Kankanaey item that cannot be photographed or be seen by others.

• Sagada Pottery House was established in 2004 and is funded by an international organization.

• In 2009, the Australian Embassy supported and funded the preservation of Sagada’s pottery tradition, which is known for its unique technique and style.

P

ottery is a historical and traditional industry of Sagada.

Although the introduction of plastic and metal wares has lessened the popularity of pottery in the Mountain Province, locals from Sagada are giving their best effort to continue this ancient craft. Modern potters are doing their best to preserve the wisdom they learned from their ancestors.

T

he weaving industry of Sagada is one of the major trademarks the locals are proud of. The products are from every weaver’s diligent hands and a reflection of their distinctive culture.

Most products are purses, wallets, bags, slippers, baskets, traditional clothes, tablecloths and blankets. They can compete with other brands and can give the assurance of durability without being too pricey.

Sagada’s woven products are made of strong and thick hand-woven fabric, representing the heritage of the beautiful province. The design, on the other hand, reflects their natural gifts; the zigzag lines represent rivers and the triangles represent mountains and rice paddies.

These hand-woven products reflect true Sagadian beauty.

Mary Rose Magcamit

Sagada is a good source of clay. The Sagada Pottery House is the only pottery producer in Mountain Province. Potters produce high-fired jars, mugs, kettles, plates, bottles, and bowls of all sizes and fashion accessories that are often brought for exhibition in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Pottery is an art that tests one’s diligence.

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41

THE RICE TERRACES OF

IFUGAO

"The Ifugao Rice Terraces epitomize the absolute blending of the physical, sociocultural, economic, religious, and political environment. Indeed, it is a living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty.” - UNESCO WORDS BY MARY ROSE MAGCAMIT PHOTOS BY JOHN FUNDANO

T

he Ifugao Rice Terraces are one of

the landmarks Filipinos should be proud of, for they were built by “ancient engineers” using only bare hands and simple tools. It was built not just to be looked at and explored by tourists but mostly as a source of living of the people in the area.

Contrary to common belief, the Ifugao Rice Terraces are found not only in Banaue. Some terraces are in eight of the eleven municipalities of Ifugao: Aguinaldo, Asipulo, Hingyon, Hungduan, Kiangan, Lagawe, Mayoyao, and Tinoc. In 1996, UNESCO declared the Ifugao Rice Terraces as a World Heritage Site.

Banaue Rice Terraces refer to the group of rice terraces that

includes Batad, Bangaan, Mayoyao, Hapao, and Nagacadan terraces, which are close to Banaue Poblacion.

Though Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces are under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Banaue, they are not referred to as the Banaue Rice Terraces.

The Banaue Rice Terraces (cluster of terraces) are the country’s only remaining highland mountain ecosystem with remarkable agricultural farming system. Locals also call them “stairways to heaven.” They are older than the pyramids in Egypt.

toric Civil Engineering Landmark Award" on the Banaue Rice Terraces—the 19th structure in the world to receive the honor.

The Batad Rice Terraces, on the other hand, are at 1,525 meters above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometers of the mountainside. They were hailed as the “Eight Wonder of the World” by UNESCO World Heritage Centre in 1995.

The Batad Rice Terraces’ walls are two to three meters high and, from end to end, stretch 22,400 kilometers—equivalent to the length of 12 Great Walls of China.

In the 90s, the American Civil Engineers (ASCE) conferred the "International His-

Photo by : John Fundano 42

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banaue B

anaue, a town in Ifugao Province,is best known for its fascinating mountainous terrain and for being the home of the “Eight Wonder of the World.”

• The land area of Banaue is approximately 22,468 hectares and is divided into 18 barangays: Amganad, Anaba, Bangaan, Batad, Bocos, Banao, Cambulo, Ducligan, Gohang, Kinakin, Poblacion, Poitan, San Fernando, Balawis, Uhaj, Tam-an, View Point and Pula.

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• “Banaue” derives from the word “Bannawol,” which refers to an endangered bird that looks like a crow. The pronunciation evolved into “Banaue” during the Spanish occupation.

is a three-day cultural festival highlighting the native sports, arts and crafts of Ifugao. It is only celebrated every three years, and the most recent one was held in 2011.

• The local people of Banaue belongs to the “Tuwali” ethno-linguistic group. Their ancestors are knowledgeable about rice farming culture.

• There is a 9 p.m. curfew in Banaue. Though it is not strictly enforced, just about every shop closes by then.

• Banaue was designated a municipality in 1963, and since then has become one of Luzon’s prime destinations.

• Imbayah Festival is a prestigious rite performed by the elites of Banaue. Today, it

• In 1975, National Artist Gerry de Leon filmed a movie titled “Banaue,” which tells about the Ifugao tribe’s quest, culture and tradition.

The romantic film, starring Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon, is about the rice terraces. Photos by Maxie Geranta

Words by Devi Kiaki Arahan

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The ART Crafts Banaue's local people are very artistic. They create distinctive crafts from wood and other natural materials. The furniture industry is also a growing business in the province.

Their furniture is from raw materials like pinewood and native hardwood trees, and the designs are always based on their traditional beliefs Woodcarving is one of the skills they learned from their ancestors.

One of their trademarks is “Bul-ol,” a traditional image of the granary deity of the mountain tribes of Cordillera. The presence of a Bul-ol image in rituals guarantees abundant harvest for the Ifugaos.

Another popular Banaue craft is the wooden scooters, which make it easier for locals get down the hills. The scooters also attract tourists.

viewpoints If you want a picture-perfect view of the rice terraces, Banaue offers you different sites for your photoquest adventure. Every viewpoint reveals distinctive angles of the terraces and provides awe-inspiring scenery. The best viewing period is from June to July, the season before harvest.

Main View Deck – This is the highest in terms of elevation and gives you a birds’ eye view of the rice terraces. It is also the place where lots of souvenir stores are located.

NFA-Aguian Viewpoint - The image of the terraces at the back of our one thousand-peso bill (not the new one) was from a photo shot from this site.

The place was named after Maximo Aguian, a geodetic engineer who re-

tired in the ‘80s after working in Manila and went back to his homeland to farm his two-hectare rice paddies.

Dayanara Viewpoint - Named after 1993 Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, who had a photo shoot here for the Miss Universe pageant held in Manila in 1994, this viewpoint provides stunning views of the terraces.

QUICK FACTS BANAUE, IFUGAO LOCATION: 350 KM. NORTH OF MANILA TRAVEL TIME: 9 HOURS. BANAUE CAN BE REACHED BY JEEPNEY, BUS, OR PRIVATE CAR FROM BAGUIO. FOR BUS TRANSPORTATION, OHAYAMI TRANS HAS A 9 P.M. DAILY TRIP FROM BAGUIO CITY. TOURIST INFORMATION: BANAUE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER (POBLACION, BANAUE, IFUGAO) TEL. NOS. (074) 386-40-10 OR (074) 386-40-11 ACTIVITIES: HIKING, TREKKING, SIGHTSEEING WHAT TO BRING/WEAR: COMFORTABLE CLOTHES, PROPER TREKKING SHOES, CAMERA FOR PANORAMIC SHOTS OF THE TERRACES TIP: GO TO THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE NEAR THE MARKET. THEY OFFER MAPS AND CAN HELP YOU FIND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO THE PLACES YOU WANT TO VISIT. 46

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O

ne slip and you will be on the next terrace ten feet below.” I don’t know how many times I needed to tell that to myself while on my way to Tappiya Falls. Focus—that’s what you need when you go out for this trek. Sometimes, when the view is so lovely, the tendency is you will think of happy thoughts, memories, and wishes. And the moment you realize that you are daydreaming, you are already lost! So keep this in mind: focus and watch each step.

Though (mis)adventures are common, you don’t want an accident to ruin your trip, do you?

To get to Tappiya Falls, first, you need to go to Batad. It’s a small village at the heart of the mountain. There are restaurants and inns where you can leave your things and stay for the night. The trek to Tappiya Falls will take 30 minutes or more depending on your speed. When we went there, it’s already 4:00 p.m., so we decided to buy dinner and have it cooked for us before leaving. We were trekking for almost a week, so if there’s one thing we were very certain of, it’s that our body needs carbo-loading every four hours! Eat (a lot) and burn baby burn!

That’s the no-guilt way to fitness!

When we finally reached the waterfalls, our jaws dropped in awestruck wonder! We actually didn’t want to go there initially (because it’s late and we thought we covered Batad’s nicest spots already). Little did we know, a treasure was waiting for us at the end of this trek. The 70-meter high waterfall was worth it! Seeing rushing waters fall majestically from the top down to the brink is unforgettable!

It’s a place you should not miss when you go visit this area.

One thing that surprised us during this trip is the number of foreigners (mostly Europeans) that were visiting the place. We never heard of Batad or Tappiya Falls before, and we are from this country! The foreigners, on the other hand, were very excited to answer our questions as if they knew the place very well.

Maybe it’s time for us Filipinos to discover our own. As the saying goes, “Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bansa.” We hope that in one way or another, Trip Magazine can show you the true beauty of our own homeland and encourage you to take your own trip. Be fascinated. Wander and wonder about our glorious islands!

tappiya waterfall

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53 49

baguio

I LOVE BAGUIO!

About the City of Pines:

• Baguio’s original name was Kafagway.

and Vice Admiral Okochi surrendered and gave up the entire Imperial Japanese Armed Forces to American authorities, marking the end of World War II. They were at the High Commissioner's Residence in Camp John Hay on September 3, 1945.

• It was the Americans that proclaimed Baguio as “the summer capital of the Philippines.”

• It is only in Baguio where a military academy is situated.

• Kennon road was named after Major L. Kennon, who supervised the construction of what was then called the Bued Canyon route, which took three years to complete.

• The most popular mountain resort in the Philippines, Camp John Hay, is in Baguio.

• Baguio City, approximately 250 kilometers north of Manila, is situated in the Province of Benguet.

• There are two famous valleys found in the north and the south of the city. The more famous is GuisadLucban Valley.

• The July 16, 1990 earthquake devastated entire city’ infrastructures, buildings, and populace.

7. Four years after the great earthquake, Baguio City recovered, and it is now standing firm and proud of its restored heritage.

• It is in Baguio where General Tomoyuki Yamashita

58 50

• The area presently known as Mines View Park was originally called Binanga, from the local term “banga,” meaning “cooking pot.”

• Barangay Pucsusan derived its name from the Ibaloi term “pucsu nan shanum,” meaning flow or path of spring water. The barangay has a brook that separates its area from Mines View barangay.

The City of Baguio is a highly urbanized city located in the province of Benguet in Northern Luzon.

Area: 57.5 km2 Weather: 20°C Wind NE at 3 km/h 81% humidity

• Barangay Hillside was originally called sipsipnget– meaning “dark area.” Its name was changed to adapt to the stature of its neighboring area, Camp John Hay. 14. In April 1908, Teachers Camp officially opened to admit American school teachers from all over the country.

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bencab museum

not just an ordinary museum

B

aguio is the home of some Filipino artists who contribute to the promotion of culture of the Cordillera Region.

These artists preserve what is left of the past and make the new generation aware of it. They are the bearers of wisdom and are the representative of historically colorful region. *The iconic artwork of BenCab was based on a real-life “model.”

In the 1960s, when he observed and sketched a woman scavenger named Sabel.

One of these artists is National Artist Benedicto R. Cabrera, also known as BenCab, who founded the famous BenCab Museum.

*Fall in love with the environment at BenCab’s Farm and Garden. See varieties of organic farm products, livestock animals, indigenous architectures, and the natural landscapes of Benguet.

*Take a break at the homey Café Sabel, which offers refreshing meals. It has an overlooking view of the garden.

seum are a garden and a farm.

The BenCab Museum is a four-level establishment divided into various galleries. It is also the permanent home of Cabrera, who has settled in Baguio since 1986. The museum is committed to promoting the arts and protecting the environment. It also preserves the culture and traditions of the Cordilleras as it showcases the authentic Old Baguio.

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Each level of the museum offers a perfect view of the natural beauty of Baguio. Also connected to the mu-

The museum also offers fresh and natural food. You can dine at Café Sabel, which is famous for its signature coffee blend – BenCab’s Brew.

The Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except on Mondays. General entrance fee is P100 but only P80 for students and senior citizens.

Contact: BenCab Museum

*Inside the museum are various kinds of art pieces.

words: Mary Rose Magcamit photos: ButterflyNyles

*Pleasant faces greet you at the reception area.

*The main attraction inside the Cordillera Gallery is the images of Bul-ol, Cordillera’s granary god.

Km. 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan, Email: bencabartfoundation@gmail.com Tuba, Benguet, Philippines Tel /Fax: (+63 74) 442 7165 Website: www.bencabmuseum.org 53

baguio directory BAGUIO TOURISM COUNCIL

RECREATION & SPORTS

Tourist Information Center Burnham Park, Baguio City Tel. No. (074) 446-34-34

Baguio Country Club - Nanoy Ilusorio Dr - 63 (74) 442 5060 Green Valley Baguio - Sto Tomas Rd - 63 (74) 444 5140 Olympian Bowling Alley - A Mabini St - 63 (74) 442 2165

HOTELS & LODGING

Ambassador Hotel - Abanao Street - 63 (74) 442-2746 Baden Powell Inn - Gov. Pack Road - 63 (74) 442-5836 Baguio Country Club - Nanoy Ilusorio Drive - 63 (74) 619-2050 Baguio Palace Hotel - Legarda Road - 63 (74) 442-7734 Baguio Summer Inn - Quezon Hill - 63 (74) 444-3105 Baguio Village Inn - Magsaysay - 63 (74) 442-3091 Belfrant Hotel - Gen. Luna Road - 63 (74) 442-5012 Benguet Pine Tourist Inn - Chanum Street - 63 (74) 4427325 Benguet Prime Hotel - Calderon Street - 63 (74) 4427066 Burnham Hotel - Calderon Street - 63 (74) 442-2331 Citylight Hotel - Gen. Luna - 63 (74) 444-7544 Concorde Hotel - Legarda Road - 63 (74) 443-2058 El Cielito Inn - North Drive - 63 (74) 442-8743 Forest Inn - Legarda Road - 63 (74) 443-8436 Forest Lodge - Camp John Hay - 63 (74) 442-0931 Golden Pine - Legarda Road Hotel Salome - Loakan Road - 63 (74) 442-4784 Hotel Tepayac - Leonard Wood Road - 63 (74) 4423956 Inn Rocio - Kisad Road - 63 (74) 442-4028 Le Monet - 63 (74) 661-0201 Le Obillo Apartelle - 140 Upper Dominican Hill - 63 (917) 506-0298 Manor Condotel - Camp John Hay - 63 (74) 442-0931 Medrano's Apartelle - 79 Brentwood Village - 63 (74) 446-6778 Mile-Hi Inn - Camp John Hay Miles Home Transients - 88 Gibraltar Road - 63 (74) 424-2014 Mountain Lodge - Leonard Wood Road - 63 (74) 4424544 Mt. Crest Hotel - Legarda Road - 63 (74) 443-9273 Munsayac Inn - Leonard Wood Road - 63 (74) 442-2451 Norlu Pensione - Bokawkan Road - 63 (74) 442-4662 Prince Plaza Hotel - Legarda Road - 63 (74) 442-5082 Princess Apartel - Ferguson Road - 63 (74) 442-7261 Rajah Soliman Hotel - Bokawkan Road - 63 (74) 4427574 Safari Lodge - Leonard Wood Road -63 (74) 442-2491 Sicat Hotel - Marcos Highway - 63 (74) 442-4938 Skyrise Hotel - Dominican Road - 63 (74) 442-8084 Supreme Hotel - Magsaysay Avenue - 63 (74) 443-2011 Tam-Awan Village - 63 (74) 446-2949 Tiptop Vacation Homes - 70-A Ambuklao Road - 63 (74) 444-5604 Triple Tree Apartel - Brentwood Village - 63 (74) 4424388 Venus Park View - Kisad Road - 63 (74) 442-5597 Vistro Pensione House - Engineers Hill - 63 (74) 4422235 Woods Inn - Military Cut-off - 63 (74) 442-4641 Zion Hostel - Palma Street 63 (74) 445-6997

BAGUIO COMMUNITY

Civic Clubs, Organizations, Societies, Religious Groups.

Churches, Museums, etc Baguio Cathedral - Cathedral Loop - 63 (74) 442 4256 Saint Joseph Church - Pacdal Circle - 63 (74) 442 4021 Saint Vincent Church - Naguilian Road - 63 (74) 442 5357 St Louis University Museum of Arts and Culture - 63 (74) 442 3043

Wiseman’s Marketing Strategy Mang Carlito’s attire attracts tourists to his cart store at Burnham Park.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

The City of Lovers - Walk and enjoy the romantic scene at Wright Park.

Holding hands under the Pine trees is a simple way of saying “I love you.”

Exceptional Works of Hands - Wood Carver’s Village in Asin is about 5 km. away from Baguio. It is popular for the natives’ exquisite wood artworks, a symbol of true Ifugao craftsmanship.

PHOTO BY : John L Fundano

Restaurants, Bars, Bakeries, Conference Halls, Night Clubs, etc (alphabetical listings) Bliss Cafe - Gibraltar Road - 63 (74) 442 2451 Brod Pitt - Leonard Wood corner Gen. Luna - 63 (74) 304 1219 Chocolate de Batirol - Scout Hill, Camp John Hay Eve’s Garden - Upper Lamtang - 63 (920) 947 6264 Everything Nice - Mile-Hi Center, Camp John Hay - 63 (74) 446 0662 Kubo Grill - 13 Legarda Road - 63 (74) 304 1028 Le Chef - Camp John Hay - 63 (74) 446 0231 loc 1017 Luisa’s Cafe - Session Road - 63 (74) 442 2412 O Mai Khan - Upper Session Road - 63 (74) 442- 5885 OrangeCafe - B1 Cooyeesan Hotel Plaza - 63 (917) 502- 6548 Picarre - 4th Floor, Porta Vaga, Session Road Pizza Volante - Session Road - 63 (74) 445 0777 Rose Bowl - Harrison Road - 63 (74) 442 9374 Source: www.gobaguio.com

Photos: JohnLFundano

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La Trinidad Flower Farm A few weeks before Valentine’s Day, flower growers start to become busy. Have you ever wondered where, flowers, especially roses, in most Manila flower shops come from? We went to where they come from – Bahong.

Bahong is a small sitio in La Trinidad, where many flower farms are situated. It’s also called the “Rose Capital of the Philippines.” At Bahong, huge cut flower greenhouses, flower nurseries, and rose plantations are everywhere. These farms are the major source of income of local dwellers.

The sitio is also especially busy during February because of Panagbenga Festival. “Panagbenga” is a Kankanaey term for “season of blossoming.” The festival was the brainchild of lawyer Damaso Bangaoet Jr. It was designed to revive Baguio’s tourism after the devastation left by the July 1990 earthquake.

The festival showcases street dancing and floats that are decorated with flowers.

Strawberry Farm To get to Strawberry Farm, hail a cab anywhere in Baguio and tell the driver to bring you to the farm in La Trinidad. The cab ride will cost you around 100 pesos. You can also go on a jeepney ride, which will cost you just 10 pesos.

Strawberry picking in the farm is allowed, but you have to pay around 300 pesos for every kilo of strawberry that you pick. It is more expensive than buying strawberries outside. You might think, “I am the one directly picking them, so they should cost less, right?” However, they say that the high price is because of the “experience” that you get and because you also actually pay for the strawberries that you damage or leave on the ground. Our suggestion is to pick only few strawberries just so that you can try it yourself, and if you wish to buy more for pasalubong, buy outside, where it is 50% cheaper.

LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET al town of the province The municipality of La Trinidad is the capit Philippines due to its of Benguet, known as the Salad Bowl of the for its strawberries. lar abundant vegetable products. It is also popu Location: 256 km. north of Manila and 3 km.

north of Baguio

ao - 09195641644/ Municipal Tourism Action Officer: Dwight Daod (074)422-2546

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design: russ elloso

Meet the Mountains of Benguet

BY MARY ROSE MAGCAMIT

Escape

—is that the right term to use to mean getting away from an ordinary life?

Well, it is! It’s about time to go up for an escape—to the northern part of the Philippines! Get your backpacks ready and bring your friends because it is going to be an adventure of a lifetime! Let’s explore the mountains of Benguet!

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity.” - John Muir Mt. Pulag, Kabayan, Benguet Photo by Eric Elardo Design: Russ Elloso 58

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Mt. Pulag

Mt. Kabunian (Bakun) - Rising 1,700 MASL, this mountain is popularly known as the home of the Kankanaey god, Kabunian.

Most parts of the mountain used to be burial grounds for the locals. The mountain offers excellent 1-day hikes, lovely sceneries, and a commanding view of distant mountain ridges, several hot springs, and six waterfalls. The flat but fairly wide summit has little vegetation.

(Kabayan) - This is one of the favorite destinations of mountaineers and hikers. It holds the record for the highest mountain in Luzon at 2,922 meters above sea level (MASL). At the summit, climbers can see the whole North Luzon and experience the ‘’sea of clouds’’ adventure. Ibalois believe that it is the haven of their gods and goddesses.

Mt. Lobo (Bakun) - Rising 2,156 MASL, Mt. Lobo offers a very good 360-degree view of its surroundings once you are at the summit. It is a 1-day hike through a wooded terrain.

Mt. Timbak (Atok) - Recorded as the ninth highest mountain in the Philippines and the third highest in Luzon, it is 2,717 MASL. At the summit, you can see an across-theboard view of the town of Kabayan.

Mt. Liblibo (Bakun) - Known as the home of the clouds, Mt. Liblibo is more suited for experienced mountain climbers; no foot trails are available here.

Mt. Osdong (Kibungan) - At 2,617 MASL, it is the sixteenth highest mountain in the country. The summit offers a panoramic view of the numerous vegetable terraces and the neighboring municipalities of Buguias, Mankayan, and Kibungan, including portions of the Ilocos region. Frost season is sometimes experienced here during from December to February.

Mt. Kabunian, Phot o by w w w.tramping

hoto Mt. Timbak, P

e

by Nimitz Ben

philippines.com

dicto

w.jovialwander.com

by w w w.trampi Mt. Ugo, Photo

Mt.Tugawi (Bakun) - This rocky mountain hides one side of barangay Kayapa from its neighboring barangays.

ngphilippines.co

Mt. Tenglawan, Ph

Mt. Tugawi, Photo by from benguet.gov.ph

Mt. Cabuyao (Tuba) – Rising above Baguio City at a height of 2025 MASL, it is popular for its relatively easy-to-trek summit. Reaching the summit, you can see two giant radars that are said to be a project of the Americans during their occupations. The radars no longer function today.

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m

Mt. Tenglawan (Bakun) - This rocky mountain stands 1,940 MASL, and its front elevation from its foot provides a challenge to any climber, experienced or amateur. The mountain is visible from the northwest of Bakun and offers one of the best places in western Benguet to get a view of the Ilocos coastal lowlands.

Mt. Gedgedayan (Bakun) - The unique feature of the mountain is its natural multifaced structures and several “sleeping beauty” shapes. Due to its undisturbed nature, Mt. Gedgedayan is home to many wild goats. Locals claim that it is the best place for viewing breathtaking sleeping beauty formations.

Mt. Cabuyao, Photo by Edgar Katungsuyan

Mt. Esbo (Sablan) - Climbing the mountain peak that overlooks the rice fields of Bagong is a feat by itself. On the other side is an interesting view of Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union and other coastal towns.

Mt. Ugo (Tinongdan) – Now gaining its popularity as an alternate destination for mountain trekkers and climbers next to Mt. Pulag, Mt. Ugo stands 2,150 MASL. It has splendid pine forests and impressive views. Also, the traverse connecting Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet is a challenging trail that serves as the southeast entrance to the Cordillera mountain chain. It is also known as the “plane grabber” of the country since some planes had crashed there.

Mt. Santo Tomas (Tuba) – This is the second highest mountain in Benguet at 2,256 MASL. It is generally characterized by irregular, rugged terrain and steep slopes. The mountain also offers a view of Baguio City, La Union, and Lingayen Gulf. It is also a stratovolcano, with numerous volcanic vents and fissures.

ww Mt. Santo Tomas, Photo by

Mt. Dakes/Shekes (Sablan) - It is located along the Naguilian Road. The summit provides a wide-angle view of Lingayen Gulf and the blue waters of South China Sea. In the late afternoons, one can also enjoy the sunset and the cold fog.

Mt. Marikit (Itogon) - This impressive mountain offers endless opportunities for adventurous tourists: trekking, site seeing, camping, and mountain climbing. The winding uphill and downhill foot trail has potable water stop over, hanging footbridges to excite visitors, and captivating waterfalls oozing with charm.

oto by from w w w. lagataw.com

Mt. Kalugong (La Trinidad) - The Mountain provides an ideal view of the La Trinidad Valley floor and the distant forested mountainsides.

Mt. Yangbaw (La Trinidad) – This is known for its stunning rock formations.

Mt. Tayawan (La Trinidad) – Like Mount Yangbaw, it is a rocky promontory for viewing rock formations.

Mt. Yangbaw-Kalugong, Photo by from www.ptgoddessofbeauty.multiply.com

Mt. Peripen Bato (La Trinidad) - The limestone rocks here have different shapes. Its top most part provides a view of the City of Baguio, Pico, and Balili.

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FOOD

pinikpikan Kim Odulio Manuel

make your body temperature rise.

This particular dish is prepared and cooked in a different way: a live chicken, the star of the dish, is beaten repeatedly to have that perfectly coagulated blood color on the chicken’s feathered body.

If you want adventure and want to taste something new, this famous delicacy of Cordillera is definitely the dish that you should not miss. Pinikipikan is the perfect entrée for the cold breeze of the Cordillera province. Its hot flavorful soup will

Pinikipikan is a well-known traditional dish in the province. It is served during rituals and special occasions. The reason for beating the chicken is to let its blood clot to release the savory taste of the native chicken. Maybe this is a shocking way of preparing your lunch, but, for sure, this bowl of goodness will be the favorite of your taste buds. If you are familiar with

the usual chicken tinola that everybody loves, Pinikpikan is as the same, but the richness of the flavor is way better.

To all meat-lovers out there

patupat Sweet tooth? Though

Sagada offers a variety of desserts like blueberry cheesecake, lemon pies and other pastries (which are to die for and definitely musttries), nothing can beat the native

suman patupat that Sagadians are very proud of. Just like native cakes from other provinces, the main ingredient of this special delicacy from the north is glutinous rice. But wait! There is a twist, or should I say a traditional background, to its preparation. Since the place is into tradition and ethnicity, people there prepare this yummy dessert during rituals: they pound the glutinous rice while dancing to rhythms. This symbolizes prosperity in the area.

The sticky rice, freshly pressed coconut milk, and sugar cane juice are cooked together until the mix-

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etag

The combination of flavors of the chicken meat, the color of the veggies, the richness of the soup, and the aroma of the oil makes this food simply the best in town. This is another reason to love Baguio City more; it will not just capture your heart but also your stomach.

looking for a different yet delicious dish, the infamous Etag will definitely be one of your favorites. Etag is a Sagadian delicacy. To make it, a big chunk of salted pork is smoked, cured in clay jars,and then sun-dried for days to weeks. The long process brings out that salty smoked ham taste. Once ready, it has a perfect dark brown color. ture achieves the perfect texture, color, and taste that everyone will go crazy over. Then, it is wrapped in leaves, forming a triangular shape. It tastes like biko, but the sweetness and saltiness are balanced well to emphasize the richness of the coconut. Everything makes your inner food god or goddess ask for more.

For only 5 to 10 pesos per piece, you can enjoy and have a bite of the best rice cake that Bontoc offers.

This pride of Sagada can be compared to Ilocos’ bagnet, but it has strong tangy smell and taste that will surely capture your senses. It can also be served with other delicacies. The simplicity of Etag makes it blend well with other dishes that Sagada offers.

Etag is a part of Sagadian culture, and it is certain that it describes the place and the people. Having salt as the only seasoning mirrors the simplicity of Sagadians. On the other hand, the long process of curing and drying somewhat symbolizes Sagadians’ patience.

Etag’s ethnic taste is so appetizing that you will ask to have one for pasalubong, and having it is like bringing a piece of Sagadian home.

Can you imagine that the only seasoning mainly used for this dish is salt? The salt is perfectly balanced with the pork’s tastiness, which makes it a perfect dish that everyone must try. Eating it will definitely be a fun and an unforgettable experience.

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Sports Tourism in

CORDILLERA MARY ROSE MAGCAMIT

Add some twist to your journey by maximizing your trip: explore more and be sporty.

W

e are living in a country with 7,107 islands that offer different sites and tourist spots where every imaginable activity exists. Travel enthusiasts who seek a different adventure can try an exciting trip – sports tourism.

Sports tourism is an interactive and exceptional activity to get in touch with nature. It is a combination of sports activities and traveling. Tourism is one of the largest industrial sectors in the country. Playing sports, on the other hand, is a popular leisure activity.

Combining these two offers an intense expedition.

more fun to be sporty!

To those people who love sports, the best place to be is the Cordillera region. The mountainous terrain and cool climate are suitable for sponsoring sports events. It is also ideal for cultural explorers and adventurers who want to experience and witness the highly regarded culture of the highlanders.

People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao went to Baguio for his trainings.

Team Azkals also experienced the benefit of the place. One reason why it became a training ground for them is its unique climate.

Sports + Leisure up high

“Sport” comes from the Old French word desport, meaning “leisure” or “anything humans find amusing or entertaining.”

Traveling is not all about sight-seeing and taking pictures. People should appreciate the theme of being active. It is

The Activities The region continuously hosts several sports events in the country.

Baguio is home to the oldest and biggest amateur golf tournament in the world—the Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament, which is a recrea-

tional golf event held annually since 1949 at the famous Baguio Country Club. Over 1,000 players from the Asia Pacific rim and the United States come up to Baguio to play.

The region is also very active in promoting its natural gift. Mountains here are very popular among climbing enthusiasts. Climbing Mt. Pulag, the highest mountain in Luzon, is on the bucket list of every mountain climber.

To stand at its peak and experience adventure above the clouds are gifts from heaven.

Also getting attention is Mt. Ugo in Tinongan, Itogon, Benguet. This mountain, with an altitude of 2,150 meters, offers challenging trails, so it was chosen for the first Philippine International SKYRACE dubbed as “Pilipinas Akyathlon.” This race was participated by running and hiking enthusiasts, including foreigners.

For an unforgettable rock climbing experience, go to Kibungan, Benguet, which is known as the “Home to the Rocky Wall of Beauties.” The town’s rocky walls and cliffs attract professional rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Engage in a mountain bike challenge in Sagada, Mountain Province via Hanselma Highway. With an altitude of 7,400 feet, Hanselma Highway is the highway with the highest altitude in the Philippines.

During the Sagada Etag Festival, which is celebrated every month of February, a bike race is held as part of the celebration. Part also of the event is the promotion of cultural and indigenous games such as sanggol (arm wrestling), tulsi (finger wrestling) and tinnampak si upu (leg spanking). Archers are also invited to join in this event where Aetas show their legendary skill of using their bow and arrow.

Water enthusiasts may come and experience Chico River white river rafting in Kalinga Province. This is popular among extreme athletes looking for water sports. (www.chicoriverquest. com)

So what are you waiting for? Go out and be active!

Photo Credits: Top: Mark Batle Center: ButterflyNyles Bottom: Sagada Rock Climbing by www.outsideslacker.com 64

Sagada: photo by www.outsideslacker.com design: russ elloso

65

LEISURE

M

ost of them are frustrated pilots. They may not have fulfilled their dreams of flying real aircrafts, but flying radio-controlled (RC) aircrafts, the closest they can have to the real ones, gives them the satisfaction and enjoyment that they need.

skills. Mishaps happen, even to the best RC pilots. When it will happen is the question, so safety is the group’s main concern. Thus, the group makes sure that their planes/helicopters are in perfect flying condition not just for the flyers but also for the spectators.

They just have a plea to the spectators: “Please do not mention the “C” word at the field; it’s bad luck.”

B

ulacan RC Flyers is a group of individuals from different walks of life, from businessmen to government employees, from educators to engineers, who share the common spirit for flying and passion to do what they can.

The group has about 12 core members, but it is gaining more than 100 members based on its Facebook page.

Bulacan RC Flyers’ passion is airplanes (or anything that flies), their perfume is engine fumes, their by-laws is their conscience, and the burning heat of the sun makes them alive. For some of them, RC flying is a hobby, but some cannot deny the obvious fact that it is becoming their vice.

Most core members of the group meet each other regularly in a field not only to fly but also to chat. Watching flying airplanes relieves their stress.

This prepares them for another week of work.

Though each individual member’s passions started long before the group was formed, the fusion started way back in 2007, when some of members met each other at a field

66

Bulacan

RC Flyers they thought was a very suitable for flying. The flying field seemed to be destined to be a black hole where all of them were absorbed. Since then, they have been flying regularly and have bonded as if they have known each other

for a long period of time.

The group flies RC planes and helicopters every Sunday, from as early as 6 a.m. until noon or 2 p.m. Most of them repair their own aircrafts, while some build kits

from scratch. They go to some invitational fun flies by other RC flying clubs near Bulacan.

One thing that makes them love this hobby more is the camarade-

rie built among fellow fliers.

There’s never a dull moment when they get together, they share experiences, jokes, and whatever there is to talk about.

Flying

relaxes

them

and

makes them feel free and in control. For the flyers, it’s like actually flying, but without being on the pilot’s seat.

This hobby is not for everyone. One has to have perseverance and passion. It’s

not a spur-of-the-moment thing. One does not just buy a plane, fly it, and give up when it crashes, which most newbies usually do. For dedicated flyers, crashes are challenges that help develop their repairing and building 67

LEISURE

NAME OF THE GROUP

TS118 is short for Toy Soldier 1:18 scale. It is an online community (TS118.blogspot.com) that actively participates in local exhibitions of mostly military-themed dioramas, which feature vehicles, playsets, and figures dominantly in the 1:18 scale (GIJOE, PTE, BBI, etc.).

The group is open to exhibiting subgenres of military concept, from modern to sci-fi, and even super-heroes (Marvel, Transformers, etc.). The main exhibits are held during annual toy conventions, but public venues, such as parks and parking lots, are also used for exhibits.

PEOPLE BEHIND IT The group has no president. Instead, a core group actively administers all activities and yearly events. The system we practice is democratic. Project leaders are assigned to carry out specific activities for the year. Also, a team is assembled for special tasks such as marshaling, staffing, financing, and searching for volunteers.

Members from the forum freely cooperate, increasing the camaraderie among the team.

ESTABLISHMENT Before 2007, the community was part of a website called Toysoldier, owned by an individual. We migrated to another group since the group was becoming increasingly large and the original vision became very far from what most active members were already doing – involving the team in public exhibitions of their collections. By 2009, the transition was complete; http:// ts118.50.forumer.com was born.

The main forum is a staple habitat for 1:18 toy collectors, but our Facebook community is also becoming popular, with a daily stream of photos and posts. The original group community has a permanent and categorized system, while the Facebook group provides a convenient and rapid way of sharing images in a linear scroll fashion.

54 68

TS118 HONEY, WE SHRUNK THE SOLDIERS!

not all members are active, a majority lurk and just view posts, a fraction actually post, and only a small yet very active members, about 50, post and exchange messages.

MAJOR FOCUS The group’s major focus is on a common love, G.I. Joe, a toy line that was very popular during the early ‘80s up until the late ‘90s, made by industry giant Hasbro, manufacturer of other toy lines such as Transformers and Star Wars. Its comeback in 2007, with much better articulated figures and accessories, spurred popularity amongst TS118 members and resulted in frequent postings. The military genre was not exclusively confined to G.I. Joe; there are other toy lines with the same 1:18 scale or 4-inch figures, such as BBI and PTE, which lean toward the more accurate and contemporary military theme.

With diverse members, the subgenres within the 1:18 scale toy figures did not stop at military themes. There are those who prefer science fiction, futuristic themes, and even superhero concepts.

Star Wars, for example, is a sub-category of the military theme. The group indulges

in these 4-inchers originally produced by Kenner during the mid-1970s and are now manufactured by Hasbro. Also, with the popularity of Marvel figures brought by the movie Avengers, the group embraced the 1:18 scale of superhero figures. Apart from these, other toy lines with the same scale or military motif, such as Transformers, are welcomed by the group.

Trends and various genres set a new direction of focus, making TS118 accept all possible 1:18 scale lines that can be blended in dioramas.

Exhibits of dioramas are held during Tagcom, Collecticon, and Toycon, which the group prepares for yearly. Members cooperate by helping man the exhibit, becoming part of the ingress and egress team, or pledging items for the said events.

MEMBERS The members of the online community number to nearly 500. Just like in any community,

Initial members are ‘80s’ toy aficionados, mostly from the working class aged 20 to 35 years old on average. There is a small mix of young and old collectors. The core group itself is a noble mix of doctors, engineers, teachers and trainers, agents, photographers, designers, entrepreneurs and students who have a common love for the toy hobby.

In the community are hobbyists with a wide range of talent, from toy customization, casting, molding and even manufacturing their own toys, toy photography and graphics, toy electronics, and even looking for hard to find items. It is one real hub of toy collectors’ network.

SUPPORT FROM OTHER GROUPS The community is basically nonprofit, and its funds are generated from the active core team. Making it sustainable by incorporation is what the group is aiming for, that is through following a steady stream of events.

Invitation is given by event organizers to help showcase public dioramas.

Last year, Solar Entertainment sponsored the booth exhibition for the 2012 Toy Con, allowing a large, 30-year-old holy grail of G.I. Joe toys, the USS Flagg, to be featured once 67 9

TS118 again in public. The massive 7.5 feet aircraft carrier released in the mid-1980s was the dream item of both kids and collectors alike. Other vintage and present G.I. Joe toys and merchandises were also displayed in glass cabinets.

This year we hope for a much larger collaboration with SOLAR Entertainment, since the live-action movie G.I. Joe: Retaliation starring Bruce Willis and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and directed by Jon Chu will come this March. The opportunity will provide the TS118 team with more exposure since we are looking forward to simultaneous cinema venues for our displays.

is relative to its perceived value; thus, our collections are only as good as our love for them.

The main cost for us is effort and time: effort in terms of creating masterpieces of customized work, diorama photographs and helping out in the exhibits; time in terms of establishing camaraderie and trust, preparing props and materials, and accumulating collections.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER Joining is easy: just register and login to forumer.com.

Then, you can view a rich gallery of photos of toy collections, dioramas, and events. Members can inquire about 1:18 toy series and learn about toy release dates, sale events, and distributions.

However, it is undeniable that the toys cost a significant portion of our disposable income. This is why most of the members are of the young working class, those who can afford to purchase figures that are mostly distributed in North America and manufactured in China. Some of us are married with kids and families, and thus toy collecting becomes a luxury apart from being a hobby. We don’t encourage members to collect everything, just the specific ones that they really like that and that they can afford.

However, just like in any toy forum or community, what is needed for further participation and involvement is trust, which is given not by the quantity but the quality of posts. We are all aware of how fly-by-night traders and sellers prey on unsuspecting members or how obnoxious trolls take pleasure by flaming threads.

This is what we try to avoid in our community, so we rather remain tight and manageable. Facebook in some way lessens the risks, but we screen members first through forumer.com before we allow them to be part of the closed FB group. We want to partner with committed individuals who are trustworthy and can give glory to our exhibitions.

The team is composed of passionate people who share the same vision for the hobby, part of which is sharing tips and tricks, and another part is sharing skills and assets, yet most of it comes from cooperation and desire to move as a team. We share the same glory and fame, to be distinct from other toy groups.

WHOM THIS HOBBY IS FOR The hobby is not for the rich but for the passionate and committed. You may be rich enough to gather all the collections in a few weeks, yet the value of your collection will be little if you get tired of it and dispose of it the next month. You may have a measly number of figures in your collection, but actively sharing ideas among members and participating in diorama meetups and events make you a perfect member. Wealth

70

TRIP MEETING PLACE Members meet online most of the time! Right now, there are more active members on Facebook than in the forum, since the social networking site is really popular these days. A few years back, the community forum was the main venue for interaction, since a number of members travel often and some are overseas, such as those in Singapore and in the US. Now, we use Forumer to invite people into the community so that they become familiar with the environment. Only then do we allow them to join the Facebook group.

However nothing beats physical meet-ups. We occasionally hold meetings prior to events. We have afternoon chats at Starbucks at Megamall or prepare dioramas in some senior member’s garage. The face-to-face contact is really special since we can finally see a face instead of just a codename or handle, chat for hours, and give affirming handshakes.

IF WE GIVE YOU A MILLION PESOS, HOW WILL YOU SPEND IT? If the group had a million pesos for its disposal, part of it will go to a museum where members can display their 1:18 scale diorama collections. You can call it some sort of a clubhouse, a physical setup where

members can lounge and share everything and anything about 1:18 scale toys. Imagine a setup showing all the holy grails of the collection shared by the group, with invested glass cabinets for member appreciation or even visitor tours. A portion can be allocated to spice up public exhibits and sustain the group through commercial sponsorships apart from sponsorships from current retailers and event organizations that comprise the local toy conventions. This will make the public aware that TS118 is founded upon the toy collector lifestyle and that it actively shares and promotes the hobby.

THE BEST THING ABOUT TS118 We love the hobby, build the hobby, live the hobby, and share the hobby. We avoid dramas and toy politics that go with it.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU GIVE UP THIS HOBBY It occurred to us that even if we stopped collecting and instead sold all our collections due to financial reasons or to other priorities, we would still have the community to come back to. So even if we don’t have 1:18 figures, we have the eyes and hands of artists to do toy photography, paint figures, customize, or just simply appreciate toys or lend a fellow toy collector a hand. There is simply no stopping or giving up as long we have the heart for it.

WORDS FOR TRIP BARKADA OUT THERE It’s one thing to collect toys to the point that most people think you are crazy. It’s another thing to reach out and share your vision with people to make them understand your passion.

QUICK FACTS The Group: TS118 (short for Toy Soldier 1:18 scale) Sites: Blog: TS118.blogspot.com Forum: http://ts118.50.forumer.com What they do: Collect toy figures, mostly military-themed, in the 1:18 scale for diorama exhibitions. Expect a lot of G.I. Joes, but they also have Star Wars, Marvel, and Transformers toys Where to find them: Annual toy conventions like Tagcom, Collecticon, and Toy Con How to be a member: Start by joining their Forumer site (passion for the hobby is a prerequisite) Words from the Group: “We love the hobby, build the hobby, live the hobby, and share the hobby. We avoid dramas and toy politics that go with it.”

In essence, this is what TS118 is doing: more than just loving the hobby, we explore new things and share with the public what we can achieve. Instead of bragging, saying, “I got this and you don’t,” we stand apart by showing people why we appreciate toy collecting through our exhibitions and displays.

For us, it’s more than a hobby; it’s a community.

03 71

jasmine

BARKADA

ressie Name: Ressie San Gabriel Palis Birthday: May 19, 1992 Occupation: Model/Singer What’s your current state of mind? Happy but a bit stressed (because of thesis) Describe yourself in three words: simple, sweet, friendly Favorite destination in the Philippines: Baguio Latest trip: Baguio Dream trip: El Nido, Palawan and Paris, France Fave activity: Reading books and magazines What’s on your playlist? Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys, Without You by Charlie Wilson, I Choose you by Mario, Somewhere Down the Road by Nina What’s in your survival kit? Fire starter, fully charged cell phone, first aid kit, energy bars and a container with foods and drinks If you found yourself in a deserted island, what one thing would you wish that you brought? Doraemon’s pocket Cheap thrills: Window shopping with friends Guilty pleasures: Chocolates!

Tricia Grace

Ramirez Name: Tricia Grace G. Ramirez Birthday: October 10, 1991 Occupation: Nurse

If you were not a nurse today, what would you be?

- fashion blogger/stylist.

What’s your current state of mind?

- At ease and comfortable Describe yourself in three words: - Optimistic, Clever, Obsessive-Compulsive Favorite destination in the Philippines: - Baguio City, Philippines. I really love the town’s cold weather.

Latest trip: - Lakeview Resort in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija (Central Luzon) Dream trip: - Eiffel Tower, Paris, France Fave activities: - Reading e-books. I love to enjoy nature, traveling, and eating. Dressing up and photo shoots. Nursing sick people.

02 72

Name: Jasmine Plaza Birthday: July 22, 1995 Occupation: Student leader, part-time host and model What’s your current state of mind? I have good thoughts running in my mind to lift myself up.

Describe yourself in three words: simple but extraordinary Favorite destination in the Philippines: Nasugbu, Batangas (very memorable) Latest trip: Vigan (very classic and magnificent) Dream trip: Palawan (I heard that the place is heavenly.)

Favorite activities: Reading, practicing my speaking skills, taking photographs, getting into rational conversations, visiting places What’s on your playlist? Songs with lyrics that can be heard and felt in the depth of its rhythm.

What’s in your survival kit? First aid, food, water (of course), and clothes If you found yourself in a deserted island, what one thing would you wish that you brought? Fresh water Cheap thrills: Going outside having not enough budget to eat street food, meet people, and find myself Guilty pleasure: Wasting my money on things that don’t really makes sense but I really enjoy

gladys Name: Gladys Cunanan Juatchon Birthday: December 16, 1991 Occupation: Model If you were not a model today, what would you be? Actress/Chef What’s your current state of mind? Happy and inspired Describe yourself in three words: inspired, mysterious, simple Favorite destination in the Philippines: Bonifacio Global City Latest trip: Baguio Dream trip: Barcelona, Spain Fave activity: Traveling What’s on your playlist? Complicated, Will You Ever Learn, 21 Guns What’s in your survival kit? Cell phone, water food, fire starter, flashlight, and knife If you found yourself in a deserted island, what one thing would you wish that you brought? My survival kit/a boat!

Cheap thrills: Window shopping with friends Guilty pleasures: Gadgets

What’s on your playlist?

- Everything at once (Lenka), Knock You Down (Keri Hilson ft. Kanye West), One More Night (Maroon 5), First Love (Utada Hikaru), Dance Again (J.Lo) What’s in your survival kit?

- My iPhone, first aid kit, food/water, flashlight, watch/ compass, blanket, iodine tabs, Ziploc bags, dust masks, mirror, whistle If you find yourself deserted in an island and you can only bring one thing, what will it be?

- My survival kit or stilettos. I could spear fish, chop trees, dig holes, peel coconuts, spark a fire, and still look good all the while. Haha Cheap thrills: - Food, make-up, shoes, dresses, watch, bags, beach!

Guilty pleasures: - Reading e-books, blogs, and magazines. Late night snacks, chocolate ice cream, and milk tea. Watching horror/romantic movies and cartoons. Fashion. Listening on my music playlist. Long hours phone call and sweet talks.

69 73

Q&A

Boracay is my favorite vacation spot.

I’ve been there several times already, but I keep coming back because I really love the place. It’s so peaceful! I enjoy the water activities there, too.

Lea Ann Garcia Bicomong

My stay at Antipolo, where we had our prenup photo shoot, wa s so much fun. I was so nervous be fore getting there, but when we starte d the shoot, I became so rela xed. The we ather was perfect, the place was perfe ct, and the shoot was (almost) perfect.

Of course, being there with the person I love made it memorable.

Marie Joy Leabres

Where did you spend your most memorable vacation and what made it memorable?

n within the My most memorable vacatio lawan. I exPhilippines was in Coron, Pa owing what perienced a lot of firsts: kn shipwreck, a coral garden is, seeing a nt plank tons and watching bioluminesce left Palawan glow in the dark waters. I as to how a having ver y high standards vacation should be like.

Sherlock Ochoa

My most memorable vacation was spent at Nawawalang Paraiso Resort and Hotel in Tayabas, Quezon. We were a group of graduate students and budding professionals who loved following our feet. We got lost in Tayabas and found this resort to spend the night.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough money to pay the hotel accommodation, so we just slept on a long picnic table, all eight of us.

Mel Tormes Quinones

I spent my most memorable vacation in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.

I visited Dapitan to presen t a research paper hosted by a universit y in Zam Norte. The place and the pe ople there made my vacation worthwh ile. I visited Rizal Shrine, which deepen ed my love for the country. The things I learned from the tour greatly he lped me in teaching the life and works of Rizal. I also visited Dakak Beach.

Its natural attraction comp leted my experience. The charm of the people and the place ma de me decide to visit the provin ce again. I not only learned new things but also had an excelle nt and magnificent experienc e.

Vaberlie Mandane

forrm Davao is un Fa rl ea P at ay My st the ispeace being in gettable. I felt at e ambifrom the city. Th our land and away The beach and t. ec rf pe as w ence ep while great. I fell asle room were also . Also, I ge in my room having a massa because getting robbed of id ra af t n’ as w in the place.

I felt so secured

I had an above average income and earn extra by doing a part-time job.

However, I did not get the feeling of contentment. I used to think that what I earn is not enough for my lifestyle. This perspective, however, changed when I had my trip to the island of Malapascua in Cebu back in 2010.

Malapascua is located at the northern tip of the island province of Cebu.

As a fishing village and a tourist destination, the locals of Malapascua make a living out of the luck of nature and the traffic of tourists entering the island.

One morning while walking on the beautiful white sand shore, we spotted some fishermen selling their morning catch other locals. My friend and I decided to buy some fish and crabs for our breakfast for a low price of P200. The fisherman’s wife cooked the fish and the crabs for us for a less than P200.

Looking at the surroundings while waiting for our food to cook, I came to the realization that the locals of Malapascua are living on meager earnings, but they remain happy nonetheless. I am not sure if they are contented, but they do sure look happy, especially the young innocent ones running and playing around.

Because of my experience in Malapascua and its locals, I realized that I should be happy and contented with what I have and be thankful for the things that I am blessed with. It was such an eye-opening experience.

Ron Decina

design: russ elloso

The first time that I visited the white powdery sand beaches of Boracay, I got really drunk and fell asleep on the beach. My friend was worried sick until I showed up at her door the next morning.

Iligan City, 2010. I was a mystery passenger for a shipping company. I got to see Maria Christina Falls, ate exotic dishes, and freely roamed the streets where there’s a tommy-gun-carrying policeman in every corner. The city was surprisingly safe, lively, and worth exploring.

74

Kevin Toralde

Jamie Taniog

ntara-Rey Jennylyn Alca

When I was a kid, I would always look for ward to summer because my family would spend it in Tac loban, my mother’s hometown. My late grandmother would always prepa re the best food for his Bicolano apos.

My uncles, on the other hand, would be busy lining up dif ferent activities for the family.

One thing though that made those visits to Tacloban memorable was lechon, which we usually ate with ga way (gabi).

The best! Nothing beats tho se memories of my childhoo d summers.

Alan Emmanuel Latorre

My Cebu trip, an invitation that I got from my best friend and her family, is definitely worth remembering. Though I have to endure an 18-hour trip via ferry, it was nothing compared to the sights and gastronomical delights that I enjoyed during my almost-a-month stay. Aside from visiting Cebu’s famous tourist destinations, I also conquered the then untouched Bantayan and Malapascua islands, explored the Ogtong Cave, trekked to the cascading Kawasan Falls, and dipped in the waters of Alegria. Since the vacation covered the Holy Week, I also got a chance to experience Cebuanos’ religiosity. To top it off, the whole trip was free of charge. What more could I ask for?

Leelai Dorado 75

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