When In Oriental Mindoro

Thinking Global

This year, the students of the Master in National Security Administration visited the MIMAROPA Region as part of their curriculum. MIMAROPA stands for Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblom and Palawan. I had the privilege of joining the 13 senior executives both from the private and public sector to conduct the Sub-National Security and Development Studies (SSDS)  in Mindoro. I was only able to join the visit to Oriental Mindoro for 3 days.

I was particularly tapped to be consulted for Oriental Mindoro because it is my home province. However, the several weeks before the SSDS proved to be frustrating on my part when the coordinators would ask me for places to go and see in the province. I can only answer, Puerto Galera, Mangyan community, Tamaraw and vast, very vast green rice fields. Where in particular? Are they worth the travel? Of course, being my home it is always worth the travel for me.

Then, I realized that our province have not really cultivated and invested on these natural resources and on the people.

We have tagged ourselves as the Rice Granary of the Philippines. But have we institutionalize the science of planting rice? Is there a site we can visit to see how technology is being explored to enhance and improve the produce of the province?

We boast of our indigenous brothers, but is their a world class Mangyan Museum anywhere in the province to showcase the rich culture of the different tribes? Have we extensively documented their culture? Have we gone beyond seeing them as mere beneficiaries of relief goods?

Tamaraw, Crocodylus Mindorensis. These are animals endemic to the province. But is there a protected area which shelters these animals? Maybe, there is one. But are the standards globally competitive?

We boast of Puerto Galera but are the laws properly implemented to protect the shorelines? Are the LGUs responsible enough to use the revenue from tourism to ignite true development in the municipality?

Some of the answers to my questions are in the affirmative. But whether the standards are high consist of another set of questions.

Set aside these questions and allow me take you to a trip to my home province. Tara!

Going There

The 4-hour trip consists of a one and a half to two hour bus ride from Manila and a one hour fast craft ride or sail (?) from Batangas. If you are not in a hurry, you might want to take a two hour roro (short for roll-on, roll-off)  ride for some sight seeing (dolphins are oftentimes sighted). I had to finish my exams before I could join the students and I had to take to roro. I left Manila at 8pm and arrived at the port at around 12 (ish) in the morning.

Calapan Port (at 12ish in the morning)

Itinerary


I was not used to waking up very early in the morning but I had to the following day to plant mangroves. It was funny because my brother was also the president of the organization of mountaineers in Oriental Mindoro which initiated the project and won the UN grant and I had to wake him up.

After planting some mangroves and hearing the briefing of provincial foresters. We headed for Puerto Galera. When asked whether the Tamaraw Falls lookout was beautiful, I only said, "Ahmmm, not much, just water falling from a high mountain." But when I saw it again, I felt like seeing the falls for the first time and falling in love with it all over again.

Tamaraw Falls

The trip to Puerto Galera is a one and a half land travel passing by greeneries, carabaos, rivers, and mountains.

Then we went for a boat ride in one of the most beautiful bays of the world, the Muelle Bay also in Puerto Galera.

Muelle Bay

We also visited a Mangyan community in Talipanan also in Puerto Galera. The Mangyans have built sturdy bridges and houses.

Then we had a quick lunch at the White Beach. The scorching heat completed our seafood lunch!

We headed back to La Filipiniana Hotel to change clothes before heading to the 203rd Infantry Brigade in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro for a briefing on internal security. The camp was so simple and honestly in ruins. Nonetheless, we were received by professional soldiers. The Commander, who attended one of our short courses in the College (which is the Executive Course on National Security) was a graduate of Harvard. Before we left, he asked us to help the AFP recover from being labeled as the most corrupt agency of the government.  He emphasized that a few rotten tomatoes have caused the deterioration of AFP's reputation. Based from our trip, the AFP and the PNP are two most well coordinated and professional organizations at least in the province of Oriental Mindoro.

Then we called it a day!

The next day we went to the provincial and regional offices for lots and lots of briefings. :)

The trip to Occidental Mindoro was a 7-hour land land travel. Period. :D Hi Occi friends!

Security Photo Essay

I was particularly pleased at how organized and coordinated the PNP and the AFP in the province were. We were escorted all through out our trip. As we enter a municipality, there was also turn over of escorts. I took these photos (including the previous ones) using my cellphone.

Calapan City

Municipality of Baco

Municipality of San Teodoro

Municipality of Puerto Galera

Municipality of Naujan

 The province of Oriental Mindoro is rich in terms of natural resources and people but these resources must be properly harnessed and at the same time preserved so that the province will continue developing.

One thing is certain, a visit to Oriental Mindoro is worth the time and effort. :)

The White Man

His fascination for white things was once again satisfied. 


He adored white unlike any other color there was. 
A few years ago, he bought a cute little dog covered with curly white fur. He loved the dog dearly that at some point of their relationship, it became the master and he became the dog. Being a beast, however, the dog was wild and was always longing to be free; free from the loving and caring arms of its master; free from his possession. One day, the dog ran away. His neighbors would tell him that they sometimes see the white dog running around the place but running even faster when it sees someone looking at him.


He became very lonely because of this. He cried for the lost of the white dog that was very dear to him.
 
One day, while he watching people pass by from inside his room, a white owl nestled on his window. The white owl quickly caught his attention. It seemed to him that it came from places he wanted to go and places he has never been to. The white owl fascinated him. The owl had feathers that shone like pearl. He loved the owl dearly. In the mornings, he would carefully stroke the owl's feather, feed it with his own food and bring it wherever he would go. The owl felt loved. In return, it showed him different places and taught him new things. They would look at each other's eye as if speaking with each other.
 
One day, it occured to him that he wanted to go to the White Place everybody was talking about to see more white things. The owl wanted to go with him and showed how it can fly to the White Place. But it was too late. He already had a new fascination. His mind and heart was already fixed to the white place and nothing not even the owl can ever stop him.

And so it was, he went to the that place leaving behind the white owl. The white owl was very sad. It wanted to fly and follow him to the white place but its wings will not have survived in the long distance.

The man grew very fond of the White Place. One day, he noticed white spots on his skin. And alas he jumped with joy because at last, he himself will become white. His greatest dream on earth was finally coming true. Slowly, the white spots will spread and in no time cover his entire body.

And so it went, that the man who dearly loved white was united with white. And he lived happily ever after.

The End.


(Written during a train ride from Araneta to Legarda Station)

Online Shop Made By A Pro

I would like to congratulate my kikay Friend, Dra. Ellen Zarah Gonzaga and her fiancé, Randy Reyes for having launched their online shop today in Facebook called the BeckyVintage Dress! 


As a backgrounder, I give you the shop description as cited from their page. 


"Becky Vintage is an online shop owned by two fashion savvy ladies who delight finding and capturing whimsical pieces in thrift shops and vintage stores.

Born in late 2010, Becky Vintage has started to store beautiful and timeless pieces in its treasure trunk ready to be discovered by fashionistas and vintage lovers as well. Being a pioneer in vintage clothing shop that caters to a larger market, Becky Vintage offers a wide variety of sizes ranging from petite, slim up to plus sizes."

Becky Vintage unites talent and passion to hunt for unique vintage finds, every item is carefully selected with meticulous consideration into its design and quality. As Becky Vintage rummages through the endless racks of thrifting adventures, it will continue to strive to bring pleasure to those who want to integrate vintage pieces into their outfit."


Dra. Ellen has a gift for shopping. Back then, whenever we go to Ukay-ukay stalls, she would spend so much time patiently unveiling clothes,  looking closely at their colors, delicately investigating the the fabrics, and  intimately appreciating the designs before buying and making tawad. Me? I just waited. Haha!


Randy, on the other hand has a passion for photography and taste for elegance. He has an eye  for detail and a talent for arts and aesthetics.


Put them together, the result was a webpage made by a pro! 


I was so entertained watching the girls especially my Friend showcase the clothes. The debut collection is a family-and friends-inspired one. They even named this dress, "Charisse."

More than the commercial value, this webpage is a celebration of passion, of life, of love, of dreams, and, how they interplay and create beautiful things. 


I am so proud of them. :)


I fully support them on this undertaking (as if it matters, haha)! At any rate, goodluck my Friends!


Please visit their shop by following this link:
 http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002074603153

May an illegitimate child use the father's surname?

Rules and Regulations Governing the Implementation of Republic Act No. 9255 (An Act Allowing Illegitimate Children to Use the Surname of their Father, Amending for the Purpose, Article 176 of Executive Order No. 209, Otherwise Known as the "Family Code of the Philippines")

Frequently Asked Questions


As mandated by Commonwealth Act No. 591, the Office of the Civil Registrar General hereby promulgates the following Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9255 signed by President Arroyo on February 24, 2004 and took effect on March 19, 2004, 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Who are covered by these rules?

These Rules shall apply to all illegitimate children born before or after the effectivity of R.A. 9255. This includes:

1. Unregistered births;
2. Registered births where the illegitimate children use the surname of the mother.

Who may file?

Under these rules, the father, mother, child if of age, or the guardian, may file the public document or Affidavit to Use the Surname of the Father (AUSF) in order for the child to use the surname of the father.

Where to file?

1. The public document or AUSF executed within the Philippines shall be filed at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) where the child was born, if the birth occurred within the Philippines.
2. The public document or AUSF executed outside the Philippines shall be filed at the LCRO of Manila, if the birth occurred within the Philippines.
3. The public document or AUSF whether executed within or outside the Philippines shall be filed at the LCRO of Manila, if the birth occurred outside the Philippines.

What to file?

The following shall be filed at the LCRO:

1. Certificate of Live Birth with accomplished Affidavit of Acknowledgement/ Admission of Paternity at the back
2. Public document
3. AUSF, including all supporting documents

When to register?

The public document not made on the record of birth, or the AUSF shall be registered within twenty (20) days from the date of execution at the place where the birth was registered. Otherwise the procedures of late registration shall be applied.

 What are the requirements for the Child to Use the Surname of the Father?

  For Births Not Yet Registered


     1. The illegitimate child shall use the surname of the father if a public document is executed    by the father, either at the back of the Certificate of Live Birth or in a separate document.


     2.  If admission of paternity is made through a private handwritten instrument, the child shall use the surname of the father, provided the registration is supported by the following documents:

•  AUSF
• Consent of the child, if 18 years old and over at the time of the filing of the document
• Any two of the following documents showing clearly the paternity between the father and the child:
• Employment records
•  SSS/GSIS records
•  Insurance
• Certification of membership in any organization
•  Statement of Assets and Liabilities
•  Income Tax Return (ITR)

  For Births Previously Registered under the Surname of the Mother

1. If filiation has been expressly recognized by the father, the child shall use the surname of the father upon the submission of the accomplished AUSF.
2. If filiation has not been expressly recognized by the father, the child shall use the surname of father upon submission of a public document or a private handwritten instrument supported by the documents listed in previous Rule. 

 What are the effects of recognition?

  For Births Not Yet Registered

1.  The surname of the father shall be entered as the last name of the child in the Certificate of Live Birth. The Certificate of Live Birth shall be recorded in the Register of Births.
2. If admission of paternity is done at the back of the Certificate of Live Birth, no annotation is made in the Certificate of Live Birth. However, annotation shall be made in the Register     of Births as follows

"Acknowledged by (name of father) on (date) pursuant to RA 9255."

    3.   If admission of paternity is made in a separate public document, the proper annotation shall be made in the Certificate of Live Birth and the Register of Births. The annotation shall be as follows:


 "Acknowledged by (name of father) on (date) pursuant to RA 9255."

     4.   In case of delayed registration, follow the provisions under 8.1.1 to 8.1.3 and comply with         the requirements under Rule 25 of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 1993. Proper annotation with regard to delayed registration shall be made.

For Births Previously Registered under the Surname of the Mother

    1.   If admission of paternity was made either at the back of the Certificate of Live Birth or in a separate public document or in a private handwritten document, the public document or AUSF shall be recorded in the Register of Legal Instruments. Proper annotation shall be made in the Certificate of Live Birth and the Register of Births as follows:


"The surname of the child is hereby changed from (original surname) to (new surname) pursuant to RA 9255."



The original surname of the child appearing in the Certificate of Live Birth and Register of Births shall not be changed or deleted.
      
      2.   If filiation was not expressly recognized at the time of registration, the public document or AUSF shall be recorded in the Register of Legal Instruments. Proper annotation shall be made in the Certificate of Live Birth and the Register of Births as follows:

"Acknowledged by (name of father) on (date). The surname of the child is hereby changed from (original surname) to (new surname) on (date) pursuant to RA 9255."

Reference:

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 1, Series of 2004, 

OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL

The Philippines and the ASEAN: Theoretical Perspectives on Democracy

In Plattner’s, "Democratic Moment"  he compared Francis Fukuyama and Ken Jowitt’s views on the triumph of democracy. Fukuyama in his, "The End of History" argued that the liberal democratic idea has definitely triumphed among the advanced nations of the world, and thus there will not again arise a major power animated by an antidemocartic ideology. Jowitt, on the other hand can  envisaged the emergence of a new “way of life,” an ideology whose power to move great nations would be comparable to that of Catholicism, liberal democracy, facsism or Leninism . 

I disagree with Fukuyama’s suggestion that modern liberalism has resolved all the fundamental “contradiction in human life. As pointed out by Jowittt, liberalism will always leave many human beings unsatisfied and hence will generate powerful antiliberal movements.  For Fukuyama’s claim that the end point of mankind’s ideological evolution and the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government  to hold water, democracy as the “universal” form of government should be defined in universal terms.  But upon reading Diamond’s article, we will learn there are tensions between the principles of democracy. 

At this point, let us discuss the problems that democracy has experienced in the developing world that spring from tensions which are inherent in democracy’s very nature. 

There are three paradoxes that Diamond identified. First is the tension between conflict and concensus. the paradox stems out from the need for a democracy to have both  conflict and competition. Without the two, according to the author, democracy will not be possible. 

Second is the paradox between representativeness against governability.The two have different requirements. The former requires that parties speak of and for conflicting interest and the latter requires sufficient autonomy to rise above them. 

The last paradox is between consent and effectiveness. Consent of the people is very important in a democracy but to achieve it affective performance on the part of the government should be seen. Democratic governments will not be valued by the people  unless it deals effectively with social and economic problems and achieves a little of order and justice. These tensions are seen as being faced by developing countries.

Thompson in his article provides evidences of this and argues that even at “high tide,” the worlwide wave of democracy has not reached most of the countries which are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Philippines as a model of democracy in the region has not succeeded in convincing its neighbors that democracy is the means to solve the problems that most southeast Asian countries face given its economic difficulties in the 1980s. Thompson further pointed out reasons why democratization has been limited compared to other world-regions over which the wave of democracy has swept. 

He suggests that democratization has not been achieved in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore because-unlike most authoritarian regimes in the developing world that suffered declining legitimacy in the 1970s and 1980s-they still enjoy a high degree of support primarily because of economic performance. In addition to this, he added that by adopting the forms but not the substance of democracy, by pointing to multi-ethnic character of their societies, and by criticizing Western hypocrisy some southeast asian countries have eased the pressure for more democracy .

Philippine Democracy and the ASEAN: Framework and Analysis

Why did the Philippines  fail to serve as the appropriate model of democracy in the region? What were the problems that the Philippines face as it democratized? What were these specific problems? What are possible recommendations for the Philippine democracy. In answering these questions, I will be using the framework derived from the above readings on democracy.

I will be using the arguments of Platner in his comparison of Jowitt and Fukuyama, the arguments of Thompson on the wave of democratiztion and the ASEAN experience and the arguments of Diamond on the paradoxes of democracy.

I think that Jowitt’s argument supports indirectly  the assumptions of Thompson in the sense that the member counties of ASEAN are not wholly convinced of the argument that democracy is the “end of history”. Evaluating the reasons given by Thompson, I will use the Philippines as a model to evaluate these reasons.  The first reason would be the Philippines' economic performance. According to Thompson, Philippines has not shown substantial development compared to its neighbors in the region. Philippine model has failed in showing that democracy yields economic development.  It still relies on foreign aid unlike some countries in the region which are less vulnerable to get help from other countries (e.g. Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand). The second reason why ASEAN countries used to ease the pressure for democratizing is that they have adopted the forms but not the substance. Although, most ASEAN countries have used elections for putting people into power, civil liberties are still constrained and polls are still carefully restricted. The same is true in the Philippines especially during the time of Ferdinand Marcos who has used the term “constitutional authoritarianism.” Third is the multi-ethnic character of most of the ASEAN countries. Ethnic stability is seen as a fragile matter in ASEAN countries. Political oppeness is discouraged so as not to touch ethnic fundamental sensibilities.  Finally, several ASEAN nations have not responded to the calls for more democratization while accusing the West of hypocrisy. In the case of the Philippines, some are still doubting democracy primarily because of its Western origins.

As Thompson would summarize, the ASEAN experience is a complicated one. It questions the assumption that democratization should come first before development as seen in the case of Thailand and Singapore. This is also the aspect where the Philippines failed both within and without.  Unlike, Fukuyama’s end of history, the ASEAN as Thompson would argue is increasingly becoming a non-democratic club.

Taking off from the failure of the Philippines to be seen as model of democracy in the region, let us now tackle the problems of the Philippine democracy within using the framework of Diamond.  The first paradox that Diamond mentions is the paradox between conflict and concensus. The long history of the Philippines would show that its democracy has always been a conflict dominated one.   The part of compromise is neglected mainly because democracy is seen as a wide arena for public opinion.

Moving on to the next paradox which is a tension between representativeness and governability. Filipinos wants their interests aired through their representatives in congress. But following the principles of democracy, these politicians should also be able to adhere to the autonomy in order to rise above the rest and be objective in pursuing their plans. In the Philippines, however, both these requirements are not met. Politicians usually comes from a class that does not represent the people. This can be seen from the elite democracy that the country has. From the colonial up to the present time, elites continue to dominate the political arena.   Leaders become absorb to pursue their interests.

The third and last paradox is between consent and effectiveness. There is also a failure on Philippine democracy to strike a balance between the the two. The Filipinos have ousted two presidents because they want to practice their consent over government matters.  But if this consent is not balanced with giving the government a chance to administer, the Philippines would continue being economically stagnant.

Problems and Prospects of Philippine Democracy

From the analysis made above, I will now identify two most improtant problems that the Philippines face in its democratization. These are economic development and political culture. I will begin by discussing the first problem I have identfied which is economic development. As seen by our neighboring countries, Philippines logs in terms of economic development. The attachments of a poor economy are low literacy rate, more people living below poverty line, no access to information (especially if it costs much), more corruption, high crime rate and low participation. The above attachments are only some of the consequences of a poor economy. These causes both international and local dismay on democracy. Furthermore, this inhibits people to become aware and to participate. Economic development, on the other hand produces the opposites of the above but development should be accessed equally by the people.

The second issue or problem that should be addressed is the problem of political culture which is central to a democracy.  From this stems out several other issues of democracy. Examples are issues of accountability, issues of representation, issues of consolidation, issues of corruption, issues of weak institutions, and issues of responsiveness of the government. In terms of accountability, the Philippines faces a problem both on the culture of the candidates and the voters. The popularity mindset should be eliminated from the people and the candidate. Issues of weak institutions is also connected with the culture. The agents of these institution are also the people and the actions and decisions they make affects how institutions would perform.

In my point of view, these two challenges are interconnected. The Philippine democracy needs to experience economic development to fuel its transformation of its political culture towards a modern democracy. At this point, right education will play a key role in dismantling the traditional norms of the society. In addressing the economic development, I think that the governemnt should always strike a balance between the paradoxes of democracy and if this balance could not be obtained, at times cling to the one that would generate efficiency which would mean letting go of some basic principles of democracy. 


Professor Quilop made us write individual papers for finals in 5 hours. :)

Sagada: A Whole New World

My friends and I went to Sagada, Mt. Province, Philippines last year. We left Manila around 10pm, Friday. The trip was long and the road was winding. It took us 14 hours with about 6 stop overs to get to Sagada.  The sights were breath taking. 

We were in awe when we reached the Philippine Pali in Atok, Benguet, the highest point of the highway system. The sight was perfect. The mountains were grand covered with cold morning fog. It was so serene and peaceful to look at them. Benguet was really fabulous.


And so our journey continued...


Finally, we arrived at Sagada before lunchtime of Saturday and checked in. The weather was just perfect. The sun was kissing our skin but the temperature was cold. We had lunch at Salt and Pepper. Most of us ordered the rosemary chicken and beef tapa for the win. It was not a tremendous lunch but we definitely enjoyed making okray of the place. A meal in Sagada would cost you roughly P100 to P 200. It is not bad because the servings are huge and of course you have to pay for the ambiance and all.

In the afternoon, we headed to the Lumiang Burial Cave where some of the hanging coffins can be found. The way down was very, very steep. Most of us were not accustomed to too much exercise working in offices. Our efforts were not wasted. Alas! The hanging coffins were awesome!

A burial practice being done by the poeple of Sagada for 2000 years, the ritual involves hanging coffins of the departed so that they will be able to guard those whom they left behind.


Then we went spelunking at the Sumaguing cave! Thus far, this is the most extreme activity I have done in my whole life. Without any safety gears and proper attire, we descended underground to what seemed to me a never ending 100-120 degrees slope of three stages. The first one was relatively easy because light from outside the cave was still shining through our trail. The second stage was the slippery stage. Why was it slippery? Because of the dirt and urine of bats. Not only was it slippery, it was also stinky. Aw! For the final stage, you will have to pass a water tunnel which will take you to the other cave. (We were not brave enough for this one.) 


There was also a difficult portion where you had to climb up on a rock which was standing proud at 90 degrees. You have to make bwelo and then ran a bit faster so that you can grab a rock ( and to your own dear life) and then quickly climb up. One wrong move and you are definitely dead meat. I thought I was going to die.

The Kuya tour guide showed us seashells inside the cave which meant that in the past, the place was below seawater. Amazing!


In the evening, we had Java Chicken and the unforgettable yoghurt! Where else but at the Yoghurt House! Just a reminder, if you are aiming for quality dinner, make early reservations and come to the restaurant around 6-7pm. That way, you will be able to enjoy all the dishes of the resto. To top it all, we had a Sagada local kid serving us with her high pitched voice and rosy cheeks. Until now, we cannot get over her English accent. :)

The following morning we went to Kiltepan Rice Terraces to view the sunrise and do some jump shots! Immediately after, we went back to our inn. Some played pusoy while some went to the yoghurt house to get yoghurt! What else?

Just when we thought that we were done with extreme activities and near death experiences, we again descended towards the BIG Falls. Did you hear my BIG voice? It was trekking at its finest with wild grass, newly created path, and a downhill trail to the BIG Falls. And you already know what we saw down there. Pure awesomeness!

We dropped by the Sagada weaving to take a quick look at the Sagada weaved products? Oh my, am I redundant? The woman who was weaving while we were there was not very showbiz. She did not want us to take any pictures with her. Just the same, we were fascinated at how she puts detail, patience, and hard work in her craft. 

Then it was lunchtime again. We went to the well reviewed Masferre Restaurant.  The owner was the late Eduardo Masferre, father of Philippine photography, self-motivated documenter of this people's life ways. Imagine that. We were wide-eyed while we viewed his photo gallery in his restaurant. The menu in this restaurant is more of American food.

In the afternoon, we went to St. Mary's Episcopal Church and the Echo Valley where we saw another site of hanging coffins.  We shouted at the top of our lungs (What's going on?!) like what Tarzan does in the movies. I may not be able to justify by my words alone how spellbinding the place was. The museum in Sagada is also a must see! An old lady who was also a cancer patient survivor told us tales of the people of Sagada.

And then we went to the Sagada Pottery, an old ruined nipa house where we expressed how we missed of our friends who were not able to come with us!

When we got back to our inn, I had a bit of a movie marathon while others played you know what by now.  They have cable there you know. 


For dinner, we went to the Log Cabin. The place was  simply charmed. With a great facade and most especially a bewitched ambiance. Haaay...it was like being in a dreamlike dinner where all your  friends have been invited.

Before we finally got into bed, we went out to buy something for breakfast and pasalubong. At that moment we understood why most of the shirts read, "I survived Sagada." We definitely did. And of course, you already know what happened that night, pusoy dos battle continued.


We decided to leave Sagada earlier than planned. Instead of 7am departure, we got up at 430am. Now, that was not me. When going to Sagada, make sure that you bring an alarm clock friend to help you keep the time even when you played all night.


And so we left for Manila that morning, with heavy eyes, got fascinated by the cliffs and the mountains, etc, etc. We went picking strawberries in La Trinidad. Wait, did we? We bought all the jams and veggies we could buy because they were so cheap but definitely fresh!!! For 200 pesos only, you will be bringing home a sack of vegetables. Do not forget to buy your broccoli guys!

Then we had lunch at the Gerry's Grill at SM Baguio which zapped us back to Metro life! From Baguio to Manila, we enjoyed the scenery again and again. We dropped by a gasoline station and ate fishballs and kikiam just like when we were in high school.


There were many other great pictures and better words to describe Sagada. I tried giving you a good glimpse of it but I suggest you don't take my words for it and discover the place for yourself. 


My only prayer is that Sagada will be properly preserved and developed.


Sagada is really an exciting place to go. It takes any willing heart to a whole new world of culture, people and places. I very much enjoyed our foodtrips and sightseeing not to mention the extreme activities we did. If you are planning to go to Sagada, come with the best of your lots to make your visit a truly memorable one!


Note: Transportation (a private van), lodging, and tour would cost P3500 - P 4000 excluding food each for 10-12 persons.