Banaue 2006

As early as February, I filed for a vacation leave for April 26 to 29. My target is a Manila - Banaue - Bontoc - Sagada - Baguio - Manila route, same thing I have taken eleven years ago. This time however, I already know (due to other previous visits) that I can compress the trip to four days, unlike the seven-day itinerary back in 1995.

Who will go with me? I posted the invitation to the UPMBA class. Many responded yet backed out later. In the end, only four of us pushed through with the plan. (My alternative plan then was, if I'm leaving for the Cordilleras alone, I will bring my bike and explore MTB trails.)

We left for Banaue on the evening of April 26 and was in Batad before lunchtime the next day. Back in 2001, the road from junction to saddle was still under construction. Today, it is now used by jeepneys to ferry tourists back and forth. After lunch, we rested for an hour, then started our trek to Tappia: one of the most beautiful falls in the Philippines. Though this is the second time I visited the place, I was still amazed by its beauty and cool water. We stayed for about an hour, then started the trek back to Batad. As expected, the trip back to was more difficult considering we have to climb back using the steep concrete and stone stairs. (Good thing it didn't rain, or my trek-mates would have killed me.) We arrived at Hillside Inn at around 5:00 in the afternoon, and helped ourselves to a generous serving of chicken 'pinikpikan', vegetables and rice.

We all sleep soundly (as in with sound effects!!!). Friday morning, we trek to saddle point after breakfast, and ride the jeepney back to the Banaue town proper, where we waited for the bus to Sagada.