January 2014
Mystical stories of folklore and enchanting scenery led us to discover Sagada. Hanging coffins, uphill winding roads and hidden waterfalls in a province of more than 2000 meters above sea levels excited us. Coming from sunny Cebu, Sagada was a place that gave us an unequal interest. Cool weather, slow-paced lifestyle and heavily laden Igorot culture.
After reading forums and blogs. We decided to book a tour from an agency named "A Whole New World Travel and Tours." As the name suggested, we knew we were expecting one. :) I remember that we were so excited waiting for our departure time! Manila wasn't one of our most favorite places but coming from a province outside Luzon, usually, we stop by NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport.) And it's always a finger-crossing experience that Manila will not rip us off!
We arrived early morning and went straight to Tondo, Manila and had a noodle breakfast at renowned noodle house, Makong. We thought it would taste like "Quick Chow" instant noodle, but it was more than what we bargained for! Real noodles, shall I say! We went to Binondo area, which is just a 10- minute jeepney ride and visited bargain places. It was like China trade store on steroids. "Cheap" was the word of the day. After a few hours, we took the LRT and headed straight to our pick up point in Quezon City. We filled our stomachs and had legit (as we consider it to be) coffee knowing that we had to take a 13-hour ride. At around 9 p.m, we started to head off. Spirits we high for a magical place to come.
