SAGADA Tour 97...Backpacking the Central Mountains

Several members of the PLDT Mountaineering Club (PLDTMC) backpacked the Central Mountains Region of Luzon from January 25 to 28, 1997. Playing hosts to PLDT non-mountaineers, the grouped traversed this region via Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province and Benguet. The expedition leaders of this trip were Noel Farrales (Mkti PABX) and Erlites Ramos (GMMN-IOSD).

Banaue, situated 1,000 meters above sea level (ASL) amidst the Cordillera mountain ranges, is the first stop of the PLDTMC contingent. After checking-in at the Las Vegas Restaurant and Inn, the PLDTMC backpackers took a 15 kilometer ride going to the jump-off leading to Baranggay Batad. With adventurous spirits, the trail to the isolated baranggay was trekked for two hours. The hike proved to be a challenge to the willingness of the flesh of PLDTMC guests, who are non-mountaineers. Batad rests snugly at the bottom of the Batad Rice Terraces, which resemble an amphitheater. Lunch was taken at a restaurant at the Batad View Point. Batad impresses as an authentic Ifugao village with little encroachment of civilization.

The vista of the famed Banaue Rice Terraces and surrounding villages were viewed on one of the latest look-out points, named by the locals as "Dayanara" View Point. The Banaue Rice terraces, the oldest of which dates back from 1,000 to 2,000 years ago, are examples of the time-honored method of cultivating in mountainous areas. The terraces reach up to heights of 1,500 m. ASL, and if stretched end-to-end, may extend over 20,000 kilometers.

After a night’s rest, the PLDTMC contingent are on their way to Sagada. Prior to Sagada, other places of interests were also visited in Banaue, namely the "Mummified Couple" and the Banaue View Point. There was a stop-over at Bontoc to eat lunch and visit the local museum. The trip going to Sagada lasted for four hours along rough road. Two hours unto the trip, the highest point of a Philippine highway system, at 2,000 m.ASL, was reached. Also at this site is the DOTC Relay, guarded by the PNP.

Upon arriving at Sagada, the group checked-in at the Olahbinan Inn. After hiring local guides and renting kerosene lanterns, the PLDTMC group walked the road going to Sumaging Cave (a.k.a. Big Cave). The formation of the limestones, several of which have hanging coffins, awed everyone. It was learned that more than 200 years ago, the natives of Sagada had a ceremonial burial ritual which involved placing their dead into hollowed-out logs and placing the coffins in caves. Each individual of PLDTMC had their own theories on how the coffins were placed on seemingly impossible locations and suspended on the cliff’s face.

Spelunking (cave exploring) the Sumaging Cave exhilirated the participants. Two foreigners who had been to the cave forewarned of the dangers. The barefoot PLDT spelunkers moved cautiously on slippery rocks. The kerosene lanterns and flashlights lit the path going down the cave. As the descent got steeper, ropes were used to rappel/abseil down the rocks. The formations inside this undeveloped cave was truly spectacular. The walls seemed to glisten with diamonds. Several of the stalactites and stalagmites resembled shapes of a crocodile mouth, an elephant body and a pregnant woman. A pool bounded by cave rocks was reached at the lowest point of the exploration. Going up to the mouth of the cave proved to be equally exciting. Under the sparkle of the stars, the exhausted PLDT cave explorers trekked back to Olahbinan Inn. After washing-up and dinner, stories were told in front of the inn’s fireplace. It was noted that the Sagada Municipal Government imposes a liquor ban at 9:00 PM and total curfew at 9:30 PM.

The following morning the PLDT contingent were divided into two groups. The first group left the inn early to go to Fidelisan Falls, also known as "Bomod-Ok" Falls. The second group decided to not to visit this particular waterfalls, and instead proceed to the other sights of Sagada. Along the trail to Echo Valley, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the eerie cemetery and the Calvary, were passed. Echo Valley, where several hanging coffins were seen, true to its name, clearly resounded the shouts of its visitors. Shopping for ethnic material and watching how cloths are weaved, were done at ‘Sagada Weaving’. Another cave known for its coffins, Matangkib Cave, was explored. But since the PLDTMC group were warned that the cave claimed another life, that of an Irishman, the group did not proceed further down the throat of the cave. A different route was taken going to the Underground River at the bottom of the Matangkib Cave.

Backpacking the Mountain Province has educated the PLDTMC on its various cultures, and its distinction from others. To observe and experience how life is lived in this part of the Philippines, has given PLDTMC members different perceptions on the ways of life of other Filipinos.

Playing host to non-PLDTMC members in this activity include Lorie Ramiro (GMMS-IOSD), Adelle Comia (FinAcctg), Che Wamelda (CustCare), Lenie Yumang (Budget) and Mike Salalila (QCID).

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