A massive bonfire was hosted and organized by the well-respected Sagada Genuine Guides Association last December 28. Gareth (the rockstar tour guide himself) took many photos and the images could be seen on their Multiply and Blogspot site. The atmosphere is just electric. Night life isn’t a phrase that one would usually relate with Sagada but this bonfire was an absolute party! Nevermind that it ended rather early for most people (they still have trekking to do!) but attending it sure was a blast.

It was a night filled with great food, great music, snippets of Sagada and Mountain Province culture as well dancing around the fire. The great Kiltepan viewpoint was a perfect venue for that fog-riddled event. It was just an amazing experience that was perfect for a once-a-year event. I’m sure the over 200 people who showed up would agree.

And yes, as luck would have it – I was the first one to sign up for the bonfire. hehe.

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I was quite embarrassed to be unaware of the existence of a Sagada hymn. It was sung towards the end of the party and luckily, there’s Globe 3G (I KNOW!) at Kiltepan.

Beyond those travelled hills of the North
Lies my home all laden with pines
Amidst the soft and silken touch
Of morning mist I lay my prayers before thy shrine
My thanks to Thee my love dressed in green
My paradise unforseen
My thanks to Thee who spawned my life
Sagada, Sagada you’ll always be mine

With you I believe
In my life I can live
With you I will share
What I have without care

Isnan ad-adawi ay bilbilig
Isdi nan i-itaw tet-ewa
Kaneg isnan kankanaenda ay Shangrila
Menlowalowak ken sik-a
Madaydayaw ka’y Ili, natalna
Umeyak ay m’id egyat na
Salamat ’snan Diyos ay nanapo
‘Snan Sagada, Sagada kokowak enggana

Ken sik-a mamatiyak
Isnan biag matagowak
Ken sik-a makibingayak
M’id balina isnan kowak
(Repeat first stanza)

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