8.5.12

Higher than the clouds

I could still remember that feeling when the cold air brushes my cheek and then waking up to the flashing warm light of the morning sun with my eyes half-opened, it opens inch by inch and slowly just like a curtain until it finally reveals the big screen filled with wide and powerful landscapes of the North.

Back then, I was on my way home inside a bus bound for reality and was undesirably leaving that place.

I’m still awed and inspired that I’m lost for words to speak and write about it. Whenever I tried to recall that place, I would always have this chill down my spine. I think this is just me not being able to contain this feeling of admiration. But as you can see, I have already came this far in writing the introduction so I guess I could handle this overflowing feelings of mine and show you the place hidden above the sea of clouds and mountain of forests and which I describe as a Heaven. That place is Sagada.

This was a good break from all the things that transpired. Mostly, it was my life that was slowly going down the drain of depression and then there’s work. But thank God for good timings, good people, good food and good times. I lost track of the time ever since I got here so this was really a “time-off”, it was as if the time had stopped, it was so slow that even after all the things we did, there was still so much time to spare. Anyway guys, here is a preview about the wonders this place has to offer. There are the mountains, the heart and underwear dropping ravines, the work of art rice terraces, the numbers on my watch from the long hours of travel, seeing the view above the clouds, an engagement proposal with a sunrise backdrop (nice), an engagement ring, the waterfalls, seeing myself slip from a slippery climb (oye), the hanging burial caves, the great stone formations and sciences beneath a cave, swimming in the cold waters of the underwater tunnel, the countless breed of dogs, someone drinking coffee made from Civet droppings, buffet in the mountains, a French cook, someone taking on a lot of roast pork, and many other things that will undoubtedly satisfy your stomach and appetite for adventure. There is so much to share, but unfortunately it’s not going to be me who will do all the talking here, the pictures are, else this site would not be a photo blog anymore.

By the way, I tried using the Fujifilm Superia Xtra ISO 400. Not a bad film, but after seeing the results I still prefer the KODAK Ultramax 400 film over it. First ones are taken with Fujifilm.


                                                 the ride and the provincial life feeling.    
                                                 
I met new friends. Adrian, Rozqui and Jeany with Ate yns
 


                         
thrilled that the ride is about to start. Ate yns and Rozqui posing for the camera.
                                              then falling to sleep afterwards. relaxing.

the trek to the sunrise
 
    a few snaps while waiting        
higher than the clouds. 
                         
 still waiting for      
                                      
heaven.
and then the proposal. At this moment, Jeany was engaged to Adrian. Congrats guys, this is perfect.
                         
Mission accomplished.
 A happy man.
 Unstable bridge, sways when we cross it. Scary shit
                         
A new adventure begins, another roll of film is needed. Switching to KODAK set.
                         
                         
Slipped right here. Camera is safe.
                         
gotta make sure the camera is safe at all cost or else
Pit stop
the trail behind
destination still high up
the last climb
finally reached the top, and the waterfall
 
going home.
                                                                 Not this bridge again.
and that was the end, for my shooting spree. I wasn't able to take pictures afterwards but the journey doesn't end here rather it was only the beginning. I just couldn't risk bringing the camera [still my number one priority] in our next destination as this involves going under a cave. 

                           But I still have a few more snaps to show you. All random. Enjoy.
                         
                         
                         

televisions are really the thing these days. So is my shaky hands.
                            
Sagada town proper
the Church in Sagada.
dafuq..

I would really recommend this place for those people who want to relax, unwind, be chilled, crave for adventure, food and sight but most of all, to take a break from the scorching heat of the summer. And I tell you it really feels good waking up early each morning and feel the soothing cold air. The place is truly a heaven. So I want  to offer my many-many thanks to Yna and her special friends for inviting me here, one of whom by the way is now engaged so congratulations should also be in order. Thanks also to the athletic- aggressive-tall friend ryan espinosa who now owns a shark and the camera I borrowed for this trip.

I’m glad I came, this was one of those rides in life where you could just feel a sense of fulfilment that it would seem impossible not to go back and ride on it again. Province life was another meaning for simple life and simple joys. I just found another place that is homely. All I can say is,

Wish you were here